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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 12 y ago
Responses: 336
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What got me through basic was this thought, "I am here to do a job and so are the RDCs (your DIs)."
Dont take everything your DIs tell you personally. Their job is to break down dozens of individuals in order to build up a team.
Do your part, complete your tasks as best you can, help others when you can, and, at the end of the day remember, this is just my job for right now. Do not carry any anger over from one day to the next. Try to have fun while you are there.
At the end, thank your DIs and the rest of your class for their support and teachings.
Dont take everything your DIs tell you personally. Their job is to break down dozens of individuals in order to build up a team.
Do your part, complete your tasks as best you can, help others when you can, and, at the end of the day remember, this is just my job for right now. Do not carry any anger over from one day to the next. Try to have fun while you are there.
At the end, thank your DIs and the rest of your class for their support and teachings.
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First and foremost.
Your decision to make this post sets you apart. Do you see RallyPoint riddled with thousands of requests for guidance about what to expect from Basic Training? No. Recognize that.
Confidence. There is nothing lowly about you when you choose the path of a Soldier. Congratulations, you're a 1 percenter, and your family has become 5 percenters. Your motivations for joining can be varied, but your decision to join is what is important, and you made it. If you make a decision at Basic or ANYWHERE IN YOUR CAREER. Keep to it until it succeeds or fails, ESPECIALLY in training. That is how you will learn the fastest.
Humility. Keep your mouth shut and learn. You will be entry level, my friend. Learn from your Drill Sergeants. Learn from the mistakes of your Squad and the mistakes of other Squads. You are making the first steps into a disciplined world where the advice family, friends, strangers in the military can only guide you. Guide. Not direct. Guide. You know nothing, be humble about it. With my 7 years in the military, one CONUS deployment and one OCONUS deployment later, I still know very little considering what's out there available to learn. (Not a pissing contest, just giving you a little perspective)
Attention to Detail. Attention to Detail. Attention to Detail. Overlooking small things can get you hemmed up in big way.
Keep your loyalty to your Battle Buddy. If he goes drops, drop with him. If he needs help, help him. If he makes a dumb mistake, share in his punishment. Even when you aren't instructed to. He will notice and he'll have your back forever. Work together for eachother's improvement. CAVEAT: if he breaks a laws, commits immoral acts, or other acts that will get him canned... ...make your call.
Perform. Your. Damn. Best. Don't let underperformers jade you man. If you have 100% to give. Give it and put them to shame. This is your career. Earn everything you deserve.
DO NOT QUIT.
Good luck.
Your decision to make this post sets you apart. Do you see RallyPoint riddled with thousands of requests for guidance about what to expect from Basic Training? No. Recognize that.
Confidence. There is nothing lowly about you when you choose the path of a Soldier. Congratulations, you're a 1 percenter, and your family has become 5 percenters. Your motivations for joining can be varied, but your decision to join is what is important, and you made it. If you make a decision at Basic or ANYWHERE IN YOUR CAREER. Keep to it until it succeeds or fails, ESPECIALLY in training. That is how you will learn the fastest.
Humility. Keep your mouth shut and learn. You will be entry level, my friend. Learn from your Drill Sergeants. Learn from the mistakes of your Squad and the mistakes of other Squads. You are making the first steps into a disciplined world where the advice family, friends, strangers in the military can only guide you. Guide. Not direct. Guide. You know nothing, be humble about it. With my 7 years in the military, one CONUS deployment and one OCONUS deployment later, I still know very little considering what's out there available to learn. (Not a pissing contest, just giving you a little perspective)
Attention to Detail. Attention to Detail. Attention to Detail. Overlooking small things can get you hemmed up in big way.
Keep your loyalty to your Battle Buddy. If he goes drops, drop with him. If he needs help, help him. If he makes a dumb mistake, share in his punishment. Even when you aren't instructed to. He will notice and he'll have your back forever. Work together for eachother's improvement. CAVEAT: if he breaks a laws, commits immoral acts, or other acts that will get him canned... ...make your call.
Perform. Your. Damn. Best. Don't let underperformers jade you man. If you have 100% to give. Give it and put them to shame. This is your career. Earn everything you deserve.
DO NOT QUIT.
Good luck.
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PVT (Join to see) You have received a load of great answers to your question. Pay attention, always perform to your utmost ability, and enjoy the fact that you are joining the greatest Army in the world. You will do well and thanks for your future service.
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As we say in the Air Force: Stay High Speed, & Low Drag.
The service will be what you make of it. You seem highly motivated & aware of what you want & how to go about it. Take the advice of those here. We've been there. We can be a good crutch when needed if you're stuck.
I know that I was highly motivated for Security Forces (Air Force's version of military police & ground defense force all rolled into one). My motivation took a hit when I found I was assigned to Minot AFB, ND. That is, until I decided to make the most of it. There must be a reason the motto is "Only the Best Come North". No one wants that station - it does suck. However, when they see it on your file, they see dedication. Especially if you are an outstanding member while there - trust me, the temptations are numerous to get in trouble up there.
You are well on your way PVT (Join to see). Stick to your guns & NEVER lose sight of your goals. Stay High Speed & Low Drag!
The service will be what you make of it. You seem highly motivated & aware of what you want & how to go about it. Take the advice of those here. We've been there. We can be a good crutch when needed if you're stuck.
I know that I was highly motivated for Security Forces (Air Force's version of military police & ground defense force all rolled into one). My motivation took a hit when I found I was assigned to Minot AFB, ND. That is, until I decided to make the most of it. There must be a reason the motto is "Only the Best Come North". No one wants that station - it does suck. However, when they see it on your file, they see dedication. Especially if you are an outstanding member while there - trust me, the temptations are numerous to get in trouble up there.
You are well on your way PVT (Join to see). Stick to your guns & NEVER lose sight of your goals. Stay High Speed & Low Drag!
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Get a rucksack, a used one is good enough, stash some weights in it, start light at first, and work your way up in distance and speed. You want to be king of rucking. I went to basic at fort benning to, and Benning is no joke when it comes to the ruck. Get used to it now, build up some endurance and stamina.
Don't worry about long distance running, if you really want to be feeling 'prepared', try working up to running 4 miles, 5 days a week. If you feel inclined to work on your running, include hills and inclines now, because you'll be running on inclines.
Also, if you aren't strong on your pull-ups, work at it now. Having good upper body strength never hurts. Really work on pull-up style upper body strength while you can, because it'll help tide you over.
Rifle marksmanship will be taught to you while you are there, so don't consider it something you need to worry over now. But if you really want to work on it, just stick to iron-sights and abstain from practice shoots with any sort of optics.
And as 1lt Eric Rosa said, watch out for some of the 'types' you will meet there. You'll definitely have a core clique of people who seem to think they are cut-out for Delta Force, but they can't pass runs and are laughably bad at basic knowledge issues. Anyone that strikes you as a wanna-be is bad news, so watch out. Its better to excel at some of the basic tasks you are given than to grand stand. Also, get used to being 'voluntold' often. Your drill sgts will have equal destain for you and many other guys there but they may warm up over time if they see you aren't the typical idiot they've seen over the years. With that being said, watch out if a drill sgt, officer, or any one other than those in your platoon seem to be getting too friendly. Half the time its a game and you will be tricked. Keep it locked up and keep an eye out for people who are too friendly. Don't lend people your gear, and try to keep arms length from people that talk too much in formation. Formation time is not about looking around and chit chatting, don't do it.
Don't worry about long distance running, if you really want to be feeling 'prepared', try working up to running 4 miles, 5 days a week. If you feel inclined to work on your running, include hills and inclines now, because you'll be running on inclines.
Also, if you aren't strong on your pull-ups, work at it now. Having good upper body strength never hurts. Really work on pull-up style upper body strength while you can, because it'll help tide you over.
Rifle marksmanship will be taught to you while you are there, so don't consider it something you need to worry over now. But if you really want to work on it, just stick to iron-sights and abstain from practice shoots with any sort of optics.
And as 1lt Eric Rosa said, watch out for some of the 'types' you will meet there. You'll definitely have a core clique of people who seem to think they are cut-out for Delta Force, but they can't pass runs and are laughably bad at basic knowledge issues. Anyone that strikes you as a wanna-be is bad news, so watch out. Its better to excel at some of the basic tasks you are given than to grand stand. Also, get used to being 'voluntold' often. Your drill sgts will have equal destain for you and many other guys there but they may warm up over time if they see you aren't the typical idiot they've seen over the years. With that being said, watch out if a drill sgt, officer, or any one other than those in your platoon seem to be getting too friendly. Half the time its a game and you will be tricked. Keep it locked up and keep an eye out for people who are too friendly. Don't lend people your gear, and try to keep arms length from people that talk too much in formation. Formation time is not about looking around and chit chatting, don't do it.
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SPC Angel Guma
Boots are preferable, but don't hurt yourself. If you are truly new, try getting a feel for long marches in running shoes first, before switching to boots. But if you know you can hack it, get use to boots while you can.
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1SG David Lopez
speaking of boots, make sure that when you are issued your boots, that they fit properly. Nothing worse than going through basic training and foot marching with a pair of boots that does not fit properly. Make them give you the correct size, even if it means an ass chewing and/or extra push ups. Believe me, this is the best advice, BOOTS MUST FIT PROPERLY!
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Don't try to go above and beyond... that is the first advice (no sucking up, don't volunteer for everything...). Keep your head low, and keep pushing forward. Give your all, don't complain, and remember that the entire point of the training is to break you down in order to build you back up. As others have said, focus on following... the best leaders are followers first.
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Buy wverything on the to biy list no matter how dumb it might sound. Mark your bags with your nametapes. And learn how to do a 90degree bed corner. As far from that just get in good shape and you should be fine
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Try to focus on the 'team'. Being successful in the military takes a team mentality. So HELP your battle buddies.
Be at the right place at the right time in the right uniform with the right gear/equipment ready to train with open ears and eyes and a shut mouth.
If you do those two things, you will do great! Good luck.
Be at the right place at the right time in the right uniform with the right gear/equipment ready to train with open ears and eyes and a shut mouth.
If you do those two things, you will do great! Good luck.
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