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Anything I could use to be able to go above and beyond?
Posted in these groups: 
Basic Training
Advice
Basic Training Advice
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 341
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No such thing as a "lowly" future Soldier-welcome to the Profession of Arms, brother.
DON'T keep your head down, DON'T second guess your decision to join, and DON'T just be part of the crowd. Keep your wits about you, follow orders as they're given, and trust in your fellow Soldiers and your leadership.
DON'T keep your head down, DON'T second guess your decision to join, and DON'T just be part of the crowd. Keep your wits about you, follow orders as they're given, and trust in your fellow Soldiers and your leadership.
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SFC Richard Martin
As a retired SFC I have to agree with the CSM......There is no such thing as "lowly" when it comes to Soldiers. Young and inexperienced yes, but never lowly. I will tell you like I told my daughter when she left for Basic Training. Lean forward in to leadership positions. Yes you may get the short end of the stick on something's BUT the only way to develop your leadership skills is to do it. If you make a mistake learn from it. Pay attention to the leadership styles around you and immolate the ones that you feel are most effective. Equally pay attention to the ones that you feel a least effective and file those things away as things to avoid. Mostly absorb as much information as possible from those who are appointed above you. This will help you to become a well rounded leader and mentor when it is your time to be a squad leader/team leader/platoon SGT/etc.
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2LT Paul Denhup
As you can see already on this thread the NCO is your key to success. Listen to them, ask them questions and learn from them. Additionally I would take a look at this link attached as it gives you an overview of the adventure you will embark upon: http://www.goarmy.com/soldier-life/becoming-a-soldier/basic-combat-training.html
Best of luck! Hooah!
Best of luck! Hooah!
Basic Combat Training will be demanding, but well worth it. During these ten weeks, you'll become physically and mentally stronger and you'll gain the necessary framework of an Army Soldier.
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MSG O'Connor Pat
Congratulations on selecting Infantry! The Army is one big opportunity where you will get out what you put into it. My advice is don't feel sorry for yourself when things are tough; if things weren't tough, you would be disappointed in the end. Embrace the suck and you will come out the end of it a better man. Stay motivated future 11B, you are about to begin the best years of your life.
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Just came from BCT in AIT a few months ago
Advice
1.stay away from the trouble makers ,don't fall into the so called "clique".
2.Take a leadership position you will learn a lot ,treat everyone beside you equally and respect everyone
3.Drink water...
It's a lot more but honestly you really can't prepare for something's you just have to take it how it comes and make the best out of it.
Advice
1.stay away from the trouble makers ,don't fall into the so called "clique".
2.Take a leadership position you will learn a lot ,treat everyone beside you equally and respect everyone
3.Drink water...
It's a lot more but honestly you really can't prepare for something's you just have to take it how it comes and make the best out of it.
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CPL Lloyd Roberts
Cpl. Lloyd Roberts .
Hey, my Jody turned out to be a Coast Guard guy. Bummer then but best thing in the long run. She was gone. It will all work out, Brother. Listen to every word from your instructors, do what they tell you with gusto. Be a get-er-done kind of guy. If you have to do it over, do it with enthusiasm. Keep a sense of humor. That said, it doesn't hurt if you know your congressman.
Hey, my Jody turned out to be a Coast Guard guy. Bummer then but best thing in the long run. She was gone. It will all work out, Brother. Listen to every word from your instructors, do what they tell you with gusto. Be a get-er-done kind of guy. If you have to do it over, do it with enthusiasm. Keep a sense of humor. That said, it doesn't hurt if you know your congressman.
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I hope you enjoy your stay at the Fort Benning School for Wayward Boys, as it is lovingly referred to. I went to basic back in 2000 there. I have been there more than I can recall. As times goes on being Infantry stays the same.
1. Avoid the wanna-bes. If you see some kid that thinks he knows how the Army works you best be going the other way. You will see some that were some badass in JROTC or something to that effect. Or the guy that think he is going to be Delta Force. Avoid those guys. If you want to do anything great you got to put your time in. The infantry isn't a stepping stone for SF. Those that view it as such will never make it.
2. Do some reading. The Ranger handbook is great but that is not the only thing you should be reading. A lot of the basic FMs that touch on Drill and Ceremony, History, and other basics of the military will build you a good base. RallyPoint is also a good place.
3. Stay Hungry. The moment you think you know enough is the moment you are failing yourself. You should always strive to be your best as all you do. If it is cleaning your M4 or mopping the floor, don't half ass it.
4. DON'T CHASE SCHOOLS OR BADGES! Those are among the most worthless soldiers in the military. You should want to be a paratrooper instead just wanting wings. You should want to be a Ranger instead of being getting the Tab. I think you get the point. You will see some that want all the badges and shinny things that have no ambition of actually doing that.
My first duty station was Fort Bragg. I really enjoyed it. I was a scout there as an Airborne Infantryman. I learned a lot. I went on to do a lot more and then commission. If you don't end up in the unit you want off the bat you may get it next time. Everyone wants 82nd or 101st. There is nothing wrong with the 3rd ID or 1st ID. It is all what you make of it. I hope this helps you some. I have been 14 years now. Both in the Regular Army and National Guard. I greatly enjoy the infantry and find it very rewarding.
1. Avoid the wanna-bes. If you see some kid that thinks he knows how the Army works you best be going the other way. You will see some that were some badass in JROTC or something to that effect. Or the guy that think he is going to be Delta Force. Avoid those guys. If you want to do anything great you got to put your time in. The infantry isn't a stepping stone for SF. Those that view it as such will never make it.
2. Do some reading. The Ranger handbook is great but that is not the only thing you should be reading. A lot of the basic FMs that touch on Drill and Ceremony, History, and other basics of the military will build you a good base. RallyPoint is also a good place.
3. Stay Hungry. The moment you think you know enough is the moment you are failing yourself. You should always strive to be your best as all you do. If it is cleaning your M4 or mopping the floor, don't half ass it.
4. DON'T CHASE SCHOOLS OR BADGES! Those are among the most worthless soldiers in the military. You should want to be a paratrooper instead just wanting wings. You should want to be a Ranger instead of being getting the Tab. I think you get the point. You will see some that want all the badges and shinny things that have no ambition of actually doing that.
My first duty station was Fort Bragg. I really enjoyed it. I was a scout there as an Airborne Infantryman. I learned a lot. I went on to do a lot more and then commission. If you don't end up in the unit you want off the bat you may get it next time. Everyone wants 82nd or 101st. There is nothing wrong with the 3rd ID or 1st ID. It is all what you make of it. I hope this helps you some. I have been 14 years now. Both in the Regular Army and National Guard. I greatly enjoy the infantry and find it very rewarding.
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SSG Melvin Nulph
Sir, are you running for office? Lol you did a great job for an officer, must be prior unlisted or knew and listened to some outstanding soldiers. Hunter, take the words not only as positive advice but as a warning. "It's the truth".
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CPT (Join to see)
SSG Melvin Nulph I was a SSG before I commissioned. I have about 14 years in right now. I have been around the block a few times. i have always been infantry from being a PFC to being a 1LT.
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SSG Melvin Nulph
You and those like you make the best officers sir, other than the help of my spell check changing words for me, I knew it. Thank you Sir for all you are doing for us. Keep up the good work.
Do you ever find yourself being an NCO instead of an officer? Or do you hold your NCO's to the job they are untrusted to do..
Do you ever find yourself being an NCO instead of an officer? Or do you hold your NCO's to the job they are untrusted to do..
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CPT (Join to see)
SSG Melvin Nulph I had a few issues with that when I first commissioned. I saw some issues with some NCOs that I would have dealt with differently when I was an NCO. I had to pull back and set an environment to allow that NCO to grow instead of doing his job for him. I think I am a bit more refined than I was when I first started out. I will say that I have put a lot of trust in my NCOs but that is only because they have earned it.
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First of all, thank you for your choice to serve your country in one of the most noblest professions, you have chosen to join a brotherhood that many will never know. Remember to always be humble but confident, prideful without being boastful, be the best without saying look at me, let your actions speak louder than your words. Be a silent professional, be a Team player, be a good follower; but learn to lead the Team. Don't worry so much about what is to come, just soak up what you are about to be taught, because the Army has some outstanding leaders who will guide you to be all that you can be and make you Army strong!
P.S. Do go to Airborne school and Ranger school if you have the opportunity, but remember don't be a badge wearer, rather be a badge bearer, you will come to see the difference. Good luck to you Brother and once again thank you for answering the call for freedom.
P.S. Do go to Airborne school and Ranger school if you have the opportunity, but remember don't be a badge wearer, rather be a badge bearer, you will come to see the difference. Good luck to you Brother and once again thank you for answering the call for freedom.
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Suspended Profile
PVT (Join to see). There is no such thing as a lowly soldier . . . anyone who signs up to make a real difference in the world . . . all too often at risk of their own lives . . . most particularly in today's world . . . is a true hero in my book. My advice? Savor the moment . . . working as a part of the team . . . whether it is the suck of the infantry . . . pulling patients out of the line of fire . . . or saving lives blown apart by the hard instruments of war . . . these may be some of the richest and most important lifelong memories. Stay in touch with me, let me know how it is going, and what I may be able to do to help.
Warmest Regards, Sandy ( [login to see] ; https://www.linkedin.com/in/armynurse )
SSG Kenneth Lanning LTC Stephen C. CMDCM Gene Treants CPT Jack Durish
Warmest Regards, Sandy ( [login to see] ; https://www.linkedin.com/in/armynurse )
SSG Kenneth Lanning LTC Stephen C. CMDCM Gene Treants CPT Jack Durish
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Focus on being a great follower. Be at the right place at the right time in the right uniform with the right attitude.<div><br></div><div>Help your battle buddies. They are the ones that you will lay your life on the line for. Help them be successful and do what they are supposed to do.</div><div><br></div><div>Most of the time we focus so much on leadership that we forget it's harder and more beneficial to learn to be a good follower first.</div>
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SPC Christopher Seitler
I couldn't have said that better.
Too many people want to be the leader, but too often I witnessed soldiers put in leadership positions and fail miserably for failure to understand how to follow simple directions.
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CSM (Join to see)
very good advice for many and any young troops that will be going through any kind of training.
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SSgt Gary Hendershot
99% of the time, you should be listening, and in that 1% of speaking you should do, be clear, concise and don't forget customs and courtesies. Maintain your bearing at all times, even of you are ordered to do something you think is really silly. Do your best and help everyone.
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PVT (Join to see) first of all let me welcome you to the military family. The best piece of advice I can give you is to listen to what is being said and not how it is being said, hear the words behind the yelling. It is usually something you should be focused on.
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SGT Ray Davies
Don't be first, don't be last and for God's sake, Don't volunteer. After you finish Basic, go Airbourn and then Ranger. Get all the training you can.
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You are going to experience something completely new. It is purposely meant to put you into physical and mental overload. Focus on doing it a day at a time and soon enough you will be something different. Stronger, more capable, and part of a team. When you finally do go home, your family and friends will see a lot of changes in you.
There will be many things you might think are unfair. You're headed to the major league where purposely injuring you is unfair but messing with your wheelhouse is part of the process. Pay particular attention to what the instructors are telling you on how, what, when, and where. Don't ask the "why". You're not a reporter, you're a recruit in training. Many things will reveal themselves in due course. Be patient.
There will be many things you might think are unfair. You're headed to the major league where purposely injuring you is unfair but messing with your wheelhouse is part of the process. Pay particular attention to what the instructors are telling you on how, what, when, and where. Don't ask the "why". You're not a reporter, you're a recruit in training. Many things will reveal themselves in due course. Be patient.
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Some truths/tips about basic
1. The "Oh, shit! What did I sign up for?" feeling goes away by about the 2 day
2. You will be smoked, just accept that. No matter how much you try to hit time hacks.
3. By the end of it you will find yourself being smoked and smiling at the same time.
4. Hoard TP, seriously, even hoard the MRE crap you will need it for your FTXs
5. Have a good sturdy watch, and for the love of God do not get that stupid ACU cloth band, it stinks by week 4
6. The PXs sell what looks like mini deodorants... it's anti-chafe stick, it will save your life when it comes to rucking.
7. Youtube how to ranger roll socks and t-shirts
8. Instead of making your bunk everyday, just sleep on top of your blankets with your woobie(poncho liner, looks like a nylon quilt), that way you can roll out of your bunk and just tighten your blankets.
9. Sniffing hand sanitizer and drinking water so much you have to pee and don't are great ways to wake you up.
1. The "Oh, shit! What did I sign up for?" feeling goes away by about the 2 day
2. You will be smoked, just accept that. No matter how much you try to hit time hacks.
3. By the end of it you will find yourself being smoked and smiling at the same time.
4. Hoard TP, seriously, even hoard the MRE crap you will need it for your FTXs
5. Have a good sturdy watch, and for the love of God do not get that stupid ACU cloth band, it stinks by week 4
6. The PXs sell what looks like mini deodorants... it's anti-chafe stick, it will save your life when it comes to rucking.
7. Youtube how to ranger roll socks and t-shirts
8. Instead of making your bunk everyday, just sleep on top of your blankets with your woobie(poncho liner, looks like a nylon quilt), that way you can roll out of your bunk and just tighten your blankets.
9. Sniffing hand sanitizer and drinking water so much you have to pee and don't are great ways to wake you up.
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SPC Ronnie Smith
Run, Run and RUN some more... If you can be running 3 to 5 every day. I know that sounds obvious but you can't be too prepared.
You're going in August and this is going to be one hell of a hot summer from the looks of things. When I went in 2007 the temps at Sand Hill topped 100 several times and averaged about 95. With an avg humidity of around 70% it equals actual temps of about 120!! No joke... drink water every chance you get. I drank 13 or more canteens a day and never took a leak except at night.
Get used to being wet and sandy... you will be from the time you get up until the time you go down. The active lifestyle :) will have you sweating your arse off non-stop and well... they don't call it Sand Hill for nothing lol.
Stay away from know it alls, wanna bes and loud mouths, be disciplined and lead. You will learn from it.
Most of all, enjoy it! That might sound crazy but once the "holy crap what have i gotten myself into" feeling subsides and you realize your going to be yelled at constantly and you're going to be smoked constantly it will be fun, if you let it. You are going to get introduced to a WORLD of kewl shit!!
Learn it, love it, LIVE IT!
You're going in August and this is going to be one hell of a hot summer from the looks of things. When I went in 2007 the temps at Sand Hill topped 100 several times and averaged about 95. With an avg humidity of around 70% it equals actual temps of about 120!! No joke... drink water every chance you get. I drank 13 or more canteens a day and never took a leak except at night.
Get used to being wet and sandy... you will be from the time you get up until the time you go down. The active lifestyle :) will have you sweating your arse off non-stop and well... they don't call it Sand Hill for nothing lol.
Stay away from know it alls, wanna bes and loud mouths, be disciplined and lead. You will learn from it.
Most of all, enjoy it! That might sound crazy but once the "holy crap what have i gotten myself into" feeling subsides and you realize your going to be yelled at constantly and you're going to be smoked constantly it will be fun, if you let it. You are going to get introduced to a WORLD of kewl shit!!
Learn it, love it, LIVE IT!
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SSG (Join to see)
Haircuts for trainees are around 6.50 usually every 2 weeks. Its crazy they have to pay since they don't get to choose. But they also have to buy their own shoes and pens and paper and other misc things. They get a card and it gets deducted from their pay.
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SGT Kevin McCourt
If you aren't a runner, start now. This the time to build yourself up. Don't run 5 miles right off the bat. Once you hit basic. They will build you up. But at a faster pace. Push ups and sit ups too. All that should make your physical part, not such a shock.
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SPC (Join to see)
PFC Rich Burwell dude that blows, the only time I unmade my bunk besides laundry day is when I twisted my ankle real bad and I folded up my blanket to elevate it.
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