Posted on Apr 18, 2022

What tips and advice do you have for a first-timer in JRTC, particularly with the hot humid environment?

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What tips and advice do you have for a first-timer in JRTC? Particularly with the hot humid environment? I want to make sure I am prepared.

What to pack what to expect etc.

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Posted 2 y ago

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Responses: 8

SSG (Join to see)

Posted 2 y ago

expect hell and prepare for the worst physical training environment you have ever been in. I was just there this past summer and it was horrible. As infantry be prepared to just be in the suck the entire time. Take baby wipes and take personal hygiene very serious. It is going to be hot, you will not escape this... foot and body power are gonna be key. We were constantly moving (we were attached to a Light Infantry unit the entire time) and there was very little down time. Your feet are going to get wet, a lot, extra socks is an understatement. Take bug spray, but be prepared to not be able to use it if it is scented. If you don't have hot weather tops and bottoms and can get some before you go it would help out some. Also, just be prepared to sleep on the ground... we didn't even take our Lite Fighters with us... we rocked a 3 day pack the entire time... ammo and water was all we really carried with the daily MRE. Also, you will be using the woods for a latrine, so baby wipes for that as well.

At the end of it you will realize that although the environment is horrible; you will have gotten some of the best training in your career. To be that uncomfortable and still be able to do your job was the biggest take away for me.

Also, be prepared to have guys legit fall out from heat cats... we have several guys taken out by bird to a local hospital with heat injuries. It is the biggest threat you will face so make sure you are hydrating and eating properly and keep on your guys to do the same.

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SSG (Join to see)

2 y

MSG (Join to see) - People just don't understand how quickly the heat and conditions will catch up to you. We had two soldiers with temps over 103 in the same 2 hour time span. It is crazy how much you have to convince adults to drink water, eat food and rest(when possible)... they were more worried about what day we were leaving the box so they could get back on their phones...

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MSG (Join to see)

2 y

SFC (Join to see) - Soooooo many times I've received heat because someone got bubble guts and their leadership got all pissed....then having to piss them off more after showing them the MFR I wrote about how to prevent bubble guts to said leadership.

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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter

1 y

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney - One other thing believe it or not, Avon, Skin so soft lotion works well to keep mosquitos off You. I learned that while white water rafting on Class 4 and 5 rapids in Maine. Never got a mosquito bite on any of those occasions and believe Me there were plenty of them and the water didn't wash it off either. Not anything I would have thought of but it was done and experience rafters knew that and other tricks to protect Yourself.

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