Heading off to Army basic training next week and wanted to see if there was anything I should take note of.
Surprisingly, a lot seems to have changed on the front end of things since my brother went through. I was told not to bring any “packing list” items, simply two changes of civilian clothes and toiletries, as well as a cell phone (???). Everything I need will be purchased when I arrive after processing. I found that odd, since many of my friends before me had comprehensive packing lists, but I’m not going there to think, simply to do as I’m told, so whatever.
So yeah… if you’ve got any tips or advice you think might help, post 'em here or PM me - I’d be most grateful.
Boot is not going to be fun. But you’re stuck there, so you may as well suck it up and bust your ass. Plus everything they make you do and teach you, is for a reason.
Seriously bud good luck. I wish the best for you. I did my basic @ Benning in '01 so the rules I am sure have been tweaked. As far as the packing list goes I would bring some good wool socks and foot powder. When you get to your company area (or they may do it @ reception) if they don’t like either one of those things then they’ll seperate it along with everything else and lock it up until you graduate. If its ok to keep well then your a leg up as far as those two items go. Notepads, extra toothbrushes & q-tips (if they let you keep them are a god send for the army’s anal rifle cleaning).
-Stay AS FAR AWAY as you can from the stupid people. Everyone in your company will get smoked for his stupid mistake but it’s still best to keep away from him.
-DO NOT fall asleep during fireguard or during a classroom session.
-DO NOT fall asleep during an FTX in a patrol base with DS trying to infiltrate your perimeter. Put hot sauce in your eye or dip coffee to stay awake.
-Tape your KAC panels, if you can, onto the URX rail. I lost one…wasn’t pretty.
-Wake up 30 minutes earlier than everybody else. That way most mornings you won’t be scrambling around like a headless chicken (like most others) trying to get ready for morning PT formation.
-Through it all good or bad keep a calm head and think your way through things. Best of luck and hope this helps. There’s about 300 other things scrambling through my head to say but for now that’s all I can think of.
Grab as much sleep as you can when you can. While the guys were running around in the barracks, I got my locker and clothes squared away pronto, got into my rack and started sleeping lights on and all.
Yep, one thing you’ll discover is how easy it is to fall asleep no matter where you are or whats going on around you. I’ll never forget the first time I nodded off while walking a 12 mile road march.
Probably a bit different back when I was in bootcamp but best advice I can give as one who graduated as Platoon Honorman;
1). Don’t take a DI screaming in your face personal. In one ear and out the other. That’s they’re job to break you down. Always remember that. If you remember one thing that will allow you to do well it is this! Keep reminding yourself this. Don’t take it personally. Best advice anyone can give you right there!
2). Don’t eyeball fuck a DI. Never look them in the eye. From the second you get off that bus, never ever look a DI in the eye.
3). Separate yourself from the assholes. Avoid them. Be polite to all just don’t be asshole buddies with the idiots.
4). Take it seriously. Immerse yourself into it and get totally into it. This is your new life. Whether it’s a military history class, small unit tactics or first aid, 100% effort. You’re being prepared for war. Want to stay alive? Take it all very seriously like your life depends on it. You may never see action. But then again you may.
5). Eat honey at morning chow on toast before PT. Good energy booster.
6). Always scream loudly “Sir, yes Sir”. Don’t let them get in your face to have to tell you they can’t hear you.
ETA: And keeping your mouth shut as someone already suggested is the 2nd best piece of advice you’re can get. Don’t even be tempted to talk or whisper to anyone EVER unless you’re been giving free time. You will be so fucked and crying for your momma if you ever make that mistake.
My Dad (a Drill Sergeant back in the day) gave me a bit of advice. I went with the USMC, but the same advice held true. He told me to enjoy the show. This is what these guys do, and they get off on this shit. He was right.
Keep your shit squared away, pay attention, don’t be a douche, drink alot, sound off like a man (not like pvt. Snowball in FMJ, that shits anoying), take care of your feet and you should be fine.
