Surviving ARMY BCT

Run....run.....then run some more. Do pushups and situps when you aren't running.

Seriously, the better shape you're in when you get there the easier things will be for you. The more military knowledge you can learn, i.e. ranks, history, etc. the better off you will be. However, when you do show up don't try to impress anyone with that knowledge. Keep your mouth shut, your eyes and ears open, listen to what you're told and do it to the best of your ability.

They will try to play mind games with you and you can't let it get to you. When it starts to just remember that they're trying to push you to do something stupid and if you don't let them then you win.

Remember, millions of people have went through the same thing before so if they did it you can as well. Good luck.


Idaho Jarhead said:
Since you don't ship until April its not too late...go see the Marine recruiter next door. :thumbup: Forget "An Army of One." and be "The One, The Only..."

But no matter what branch you choose, thanks for volunteering!

Jarhead
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+1 :thumbup: Semper Fi

Jenner 515 said:
...god the one thing that stands out.

Never put your hands in your pockets.
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We called those "Army gloves", as in "Get those Army gloves off Marine!"
 
Stay alert, stay alive ... hooah

Try to learn some basic skills with your "travel agent" and get your ass promoted. Memorize your general orders, learn some basic land nav, chain of command, and pass a PT test. I'll always remember the hell that was 30th AG. Likewise sand hill and 1-50 was one of the coolest parts of my life. The best part is when the drills realize that you don't care how much they smoke you.
 
it's still not too to be one of the few, I mean you did say you wanted to be the best right?

United States Marine Corps 03 Infantry
 
Just remember three simple phrases:
1) Yes, Drill Sargent.
2) No, Drill Sargent
3) No excuse, Drill Sargent

Do what they tell you, when they tell you, the way they tell you....and remeber thousands of men before you have put up with all the same shit you`ll be going through and they made it fine. You will too. Don`t kick yourself if you`re not the best. You don`t have to be the best, just one of the best.
 
Been awhile for me too. Former 12B (Combat Engineer) assigned to the 101st.

Might wanna join http://forums.military.com/1/OpenTopic?a=cfrm&s=78919038&f=6801982206 too. There is a ton of info there. Many folks who recently got thru BCT have blogs, tips, etc. Many of the mods are current recruiters, former DSs, retired AD, etc.
A lot of posers in there too, but still good stuff.

Random thoughts at 4am...
-Get a current list of items to bring to BCT from your recruiter.
-The better shape you are in, the better but don't overdo it. An important part of exercise is recovery time too.
-Learn the enlisted/officer ranks, 3 general orders, and chain of command.
-Understand that many exercises are designed to fail. The DS want to see your effort and ability to follow orders.
-Mouth shut, eyes and ears open.
-Go to Sunday mass even if you aren't religious. Take advantage of the "downtime". Just don't fall asleep.
-Don't take anything personally. They will call you names and insult your mother. Eyes forward (don't eyeball them thou) and just remember "Yes, DS" or "No, DS"
-Gas chamber. Thousands have survived, you will too. Just remember everyone else has tears and snot hanging from their face too.
-Never ask "why?". Do what you are told, when you are told to do it.
- It's a rifle, not a gun.
-Lock your locker!
-Kick any bad habits. No smoking is allowed. Pop or soda wasn't allowed either IIRC.
 
Thank you for choosing to serve our country:thumbup:. Watch the beginning of Full Metal Jacket a few times. At basic you'll be relived because FMJ is old school, it isn't like that in the Marines anymore same goes for the Army. The Drill Instructors or in your case Drill Sargent's don't even cuss anymore and they can't hit you, at least they are not supposed to. I am sure the Recruiter can bring down a Drill Sargent to give you and the other recruits a taste of what to expect. The main thing I could suggest as well as others already have is to run. If you can do 3 miles without feeling like your gonna die when your done then your set. You will definitely run more than 3 miles by the time you graduate, but you will be built up to it. The Drill Sargent's don't expect you to run 3 miles in 16 minutes the first day. Work in some calisthenics and things like pull ups, push ups, and crunches to build your strength and stamina. This way when you hear "column half left"..."march" and you go right, you'll be ready;).

I am not gonna give you any crap about not choosing to join the Marine Corps. I am tired of hearing peoples excuses/stories as to why the didn't go Marines. It's as if they had something to prove to me or possibly to themselves:confused:.

Hold your head up proud for soon you will be a member of the United States Armed Forces, a Army Soldier. Who knows you may even end up at Robin Sage.

Semper Fi
 
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