6 answers
connor
Student
Florence, Oregon
10
Questions
Asked
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is there anything i should know before i go into basic ?
i want to be prepared for anything and have as much information as possible before i go in so i know what to expect and to prepare
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6 answers
Ezra Jackson
Security
81
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Ezra’s Answer
Hello,
The prospect of basic training can indeed be stressful, but it's not as daunting as it may seem. It might sound simplistic, but the key is to switch off your overthinking. The most successful recruits are those who follow instructions to the letter. The goal is to shed your civilian habits and learn the discipline and protocols of military life.
The fitness level you should aim for varies depending on the branch of the military you're joining. However, it's essential to have a well-rounded fitness regime. This should include running, push-ups, pull-ups, squats, and core exercises. These activities will help you meet the physical requirements of most military fitness tests.
Apart from physical fitness and understanding the purpose of basic training, there's not much else to prepare for. Approach it with a positive mindset and commit to giving your utmost every day.
I'll conclude by saying that basic training will likely be the simplest part of your military journey. This is because you're guided at every step. After basic training, you'll be expected to have a certain level of knowledge and take on more responsibility as you advance in your military career.
The prospect of basic training can indeed be stressful, but it's not as daunting as it may seem. It might sound simplistic, but the key is to switch off your overthinking. The most successful recruits are those who follow instructions to the letter. The goal is to shed your civilian habits and learn the discipline and protocols of military life.
The fitness level you should aim for varies depending on the branch of the military you're joining. However, it's essential to have a well-rounded fitness regime. This should include running, push-ups, pull-ups, squats, and core exercises. These activities will help you meet the physical requirements of most military fitness tests.
Apart from physical fitness and understanding the purpose of basic training, there's not much else to prepare for. Approach it with a positive mindset and commit to giving your utmost every day.
I'll conclude by saying that basic training will likely be the simplest part of your military journey. This is because you're guided at every step. After basic training, you'll be expected to have a certain level of knowledge and take on more responsibility as you advance in your military career.
Cody Hancock
Consulting
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Cody’s Answer
Hi Connor - a couple tidbits from my experiences in the military training environments:
1. Knowing how to listen is far more important than knowing it all
2. Different people find different situations more difficult/stressful, so be respectful and lift people up, you're in it together
3. Be a team player! Everyone has different skillsets, and the person who is a liability in one event may save your behind in another
4. Strive to be better everyday rather than feeling sorry for yourself and trying to wish things away
6. You're doing something most are afraid to do; be proud of yourself and wear the uniform with honor
Wishing you all the best in your endeavors!
1. Knowing how to listen is far more important than knowing it all
2. Different people find different situations more difficult/stressful, so be respectful and lift people up, you're in it together
3. Be a team player! Everyone has different skillsets, and the person who is a liability in one event may save your behind in another
4. Strive to be better everyday rather than feeling sorry for yourself and trying to wish things away
6. You're doing something most are afraid to do; be proud of yourself and wear the uniform with honor
Wishing you all the best in your endeavors!
Phil Cala
Advisory Consultant
9
Answers
Lake Ridge, Virginia
Updated
Phil’s Answer
Hi Connor,
I retired from the military a couple of years ago. These are the best things I would offer about basic training.
1. Be physically fit.
2. Maintain a positive attitude.
3. Be a good teammate.
4. Be respectful.
5. Don't take anything personally.
As previously mentioned, drill sergeants are there to teach a large number of basic trainees. They are singularly focused on objectives and key results. Their job is to make sure they train you to an established standard and enable you to succeed once you arrive to your unit.
I retired from the military a couple of years ago. These are the best things I would offer about basic training.
1. Be physically fit.
2. Maintain a positive attitude.
3. Be a good teammate.
4. Be respectful.
5. Don't take anything personally.
As previously mentioned, drill sergeants are there to teach a large number of basic trainees. They are singularly focused on objectives and key results. Their job is to make sure they train you to an established standard and enable you to succeed once you arrive to your unit.
Cesar Arroyo
Navy Logistics Analyst
5
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Cesar’s Answer
Mindset is everything. If you are mentally prepared, the rest will fall into place. Make sure everything is ok on the home front before you leave. Control what you can control and compartmentalize the rest. Once you get to basic, be in the right place, in the right time, in the right uniform, with the right attitude.
Once you overcome this hurdle, basic training will be one of the best experiences in your life. The sense of accomplishment is incomparable. I graduated in 2009 and am still in contact with some battle buddies.
Best of luck!
Once you overcome this hurdle, basic training will be one of the best experiences in your life. The sense of accomplishment is incomparable. I graduated in 2009 and am still in contact with some battle buddies.
Best of luck!
Richard Frazier
Cyber Risk Professional
2
Answers
Charleston, West Virginia
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Hello Connor!
I hope I can provide some help for you here as I went to Army Basic Training in 2012! First and foremost, basic training will be a challenge, there is no getting around that. However, the people you will meet and the hurdles you will overcome are some of the most rewarding you may have throughout your entire life. I went to Basic Training in decent physical shape and I thought that it was roughly the same physical demands that a high school sport might require. The only real difference being that it is 24/7 training and the added challenge of mental stress is constant.
Speaking of that, a more important aspect to prepare yourself on is being mentally strong. The role of Basic Training is to push you in that regard and test your limits. So before you leave for training, think about what is important to you, what it means to you to complete the training, as long as you have a strong motivator and something you can always fall back on, you will always succeed in the end.
Your drill sergeants will not be friendly to you, they have no intentions of being kind at any point in your training. Something you have to remember is that they are doing their jobs and you are doing yours. If you do what you are told, be at the right place at the right time in the right uniform, your drill sergeants may still yell but they cant fail you.
I hope some of this helps, try to soak up the experience because there is only one time a person typically goes through Basic Training. You will make life long friends and there wont be many experiences afterword that you will consider very difficult once you finish.
Best Regards
Richard
I hope I can provide some help for you here as I went to Army Basic Training in 2012! First and foremost, basic training will be a challenge, there is no getting around that. However, the people you will meet and the hurdles you will overcome are some of the most rewarding you may have throughout your entire life. I went to Basic Training in decent physical shape and I thought that it was roughly the same physical demands that a high school sport might require. The only real difference being that it is 24/7 training and the added challenge of mental stress is constant.
Speaking of that, a more important aspect to prepare yourself on is being mentally strong. The role of Basic Training is to push you in that regard and test your limits. So before you leave for training, think about what is important to you, what it means to you to complete the training, as long as you have a strong motivator and something you can always fall back on, you will always succeed in the end.
Your drill sergeants will not be friendly to you, they have no intentions of being kind at any point in your training. Something you have to remember is that they are doing their jobs and you are doing yours. If you do what you are told, be at the right place at the right time in the right uniform, your drill sergeants may still yell but they cant fail you.
I hope some of this helps, try to soak up the experience because there is only one time a person typically goes through Basic Training. You will make life long friends and there wont be many experiences afterword that you will consider very difficult once you finish.
Best Regards
Richard
Thank you for the advice.
connor
Henry Mensah
Quality and Compliance Specialist; Government Contracting
5
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Henry’s Answer
Here are some practical steps you can take:
1. Cultivate physical and mental strength. Make it a habit to exercise, rise early, embrace discomfort, and fully immerse yourself in the experience.
2. Maintain a positive outlook throughout the entire journey. Basic training can be tough, and it's even more challenging without the right mindset. Remember, you're no longer just an individual; you're part of a team. In the military, teamwork is paramount.
3. Be gentle with yourself during the learning process. Warriors aren't born overnight; they're crafted over time. You're going to learn a lot and inevitably make some mistakes. Don't be overly critical of yourself; instead, use these mistakes as learning opportunities.
4. Embrace and enjoy the journey. There's a lot to do, new people to meet, and fresh experiences to enjoy. Make the most of every moment.
1. Cultivate physical and mental strength. Make it a habit to exercise, rise early, embrace discomfort, and fully immerse yourself in the experience.
2. Maintain a positive outlook throughout the entire journey. Basic training can be tough, and it's even more challenging without the right mindset. Remember, you're no longer just an individual; you're part of a team. In the military, teamwork is paramount.
3. Be gentle with yourself during the learning process. Warriors aren't born overnight; they're crafted over time. You're going to learn a lot and inevitably make some mistakes. Don't be overly critical of yourself; instead, use these mistakes as learning opportunities.
4. Embrace and enjoy the journey. There's a lot to do, new people to meet, and fresh experiences to enjoy. Make the most of every moment.