Anybody have an tips on basic training at Fort Benning?

Try to stay away from victory drive if you get weekend pass

I grew up in Georgia, yet I never realized how hot it was there until I spent a summer at Fort Benning as an 11B. As you are going in as an E3, you probably have some college or are an Eagle Scout. Good for you either way. You will likely be selected as a leader - even though you may not really not much about Army leadership. Here's the key to Army training - keep your ears open and listen 99% more than you talk. Do what you're told and do it as quickly as you can. Basic Training is all about preparing civilians to be soliders - nothing they ask you to do will be insurmountable. Nothing. Countless men have gone before you and you'll do just fine. You should already be physically prepared - read up on the APRT and make sure you can max a PT test. You will meet morons in Basic - don't do what they do. Also, imho, don't try to save 'em - that's what the Drill Sergeants are for. They'll make it or not on their own merits. You can learn how to work as a team and help make the weakest link stronger once you actually get to your unit. Basic and AIT are all about teaching you - not you teaching somebody else.

How hard can it be? It's the Army

Take it one at a time and don’t quit

Down let anything hold you back. Keep pushing forward and finish strong. I know it’s easier said than done but you can’t let anything back home get in your way because if you do it will be a longer journey than you are hoping for.

When the Airborne troops call you "LEG," it's just an expression. Those very same Airborne Troops are, or have been called, "Cherry."

Okay, I know I'm old. Tomorrow concludes my seventy-fifth trip around the sun, and I'm getting cranky, but not much surprises me anymore except this: A PFC in BCT! How can anyone advance in rank without BCT? Please, it's not my intention to insult you. Nothing personal. No, not at all. A PFC is the lowest level leader in the Infantry and may be expected to lead a fire team. Maybe even step in to lead a squad when no superior is available. Without BCT, would anyone even know what a fire team or a squad is?

I did the 13 weeks there + 3 more weeks immediately after graduation “jump school”

For me . Hard work. The experience was fantastic. I enjoyed what I was thought. Only. Not enough time for sleep.

There will be certain things that happen at various times during your training, and at the time will have you convinced that someone lost their minds, or else it will be everyone "showing" their DI they aren't taking anymore. It may be a DI dropping someone for pushups and the entire squad or platoon will drop with them to show the DI they think the punishment was unfair. Or your barracks being destroyed because someone left their locker unsecure or a mess. You'll be positive your leaders have lost their mind, and you may even be afraid.

Don't worry, these are actually indicators of progress and a marker of moving to the next phase of your training. Things will be different from those days forward.

Expect the unexpected, cover YOUR responsibilities, then help your fellow trainees. Helping them will help you as well although you won't recognize that at the time.