Best advice for basic training?

Push yourself really hard and don't take it personally.

Do as you're told, never let your battle buddies down. Keep your head up, it can feel like there is no hope. Just push harder.

Never forget! You decide what kind of person you are going to be. Every choice is your own. Best of Luck

You will be partnered up with a buddy in basic so watch each other's back. Corrective criticism is your best friend so soak it in. Listen to your drill sergeants, even if it doesn't make sense. Their combat boots have more life experience than most that come through Sand Hill so listen and note when you can.
Some words I carry with me every day since my time at Sand Hill: "There is a method behind my madness, so trust the madness".

The best advice I would suggest applies for when you're in transit for Benning. There are two types of people going to basic training. There are the ones who are quiet and somber, thinking about what is coming up and then you have those who are constantly talking and won't shut up. They are the ones that are wearing a hillbilly shirt with cut off sleeves when it is freezing cold, wearing a cowboy hat, cowboy boots, a giant belt buckle and sunglasses on when it is dark outside along with a dip the size of an apple in their mouth. Stay away from these guys at all cost! These guys are the ones who show up to training thinking that they are the best and the brightest of everyone else and they should be singled out for their perceived greatness and ability, despite the fact that there will likely be at least 50 to 100 additional recruits there as well. They are the ones seeking attention and they will get it, but it won't be the attention they want. NCO's (Non Commissioned Officers), Drill Sergeants, Training Cadres and Officers hate these guys and they can spot them a mile away. When they sink their teeth into these clowns, they do it without mercy or compassion and usually anyone who is associated with them gets a bit of the negative attention as well.

In addition, don't listen to anyone else unless the Drill Sergeant or Training NCO directs you too. The only person you should be listening too at Basic Training is the Drill Sergeant. If he/she tells you to do something, then it's a good idea to do it. If another recruit tells you to do it, and they haven't been identified by the Drill Sergeant as the Platoon Guide or Assistant Platoon Guide, then tell them to go to hell. A new term to start adjusting yourself too is "Take all directions from the tower", which basically means that there is one source that will be guiding you through training and that "Tower" is a metaphor for the Drill Sergeant.

Also, start accepting it now, but you will get yelled at and chewed out by one or two Drill Sergeants at least once during your training. It is unavoidable. No matter how good of a recruit you are and how well you perform, you will piss them off at least once (Realistically-well more than once). One thing to consider here with stuff like this, is that everyone in the Army, no matter what rank they are, gets yelled at, everyone. Sergeants get yelled at, Lieutenants especially get yelled at, as well as Captains and Colonels, and yes, even Drill Sergeants get yelled at too. Everyone gets yelled at in the Army.

Next, try not to make to many expectations about what will happen at reception station and when it will happen. The only thing you should expect at reception is a new haircut and a pair of socks. Anything else, your training NCO's will tell you.

I went to basic training in the late 90's and it was done at Benning. You'll be spooked and afraid, but don't worry, it is normal. It is that nervousness and fear, along with your Drill Sergeants and fellow recruits that will get you through it. Just know who the right people are and listen to them. That way, you can' go wrong. Best of luck.

Keep your visibility low. Don't attract attention unless you warranted such action. Do as your told; this will come easy because it's all one unit working as a team. Don't fall in with the trouble makers. Drink water, if you smoke/chew give it up until you are done and out of basic and AIT. Just take each day one day at a time. Don't focus on the upcoming tasks till it's on the agenda for the day. Stay with your battle buddy. Go to church on Sunday, if you don't have a specific denomination just pick one. Doesn't matter where you go just get out of the barracks and enjoy the time away from any and all hassle, especially on God's day. Next you know you'll be a soldier. As you going into the infantry, sign up for all the school you are able to take. Even if you don't think you'll be able to do it now...trust me you'll be able to do it after you are out of basic training. (Airborne/Air Assault/if you think you will be ready have your recruiter sign you up for RIP then you'll be onto Ranger school) Just get all that training out of the way early. You don't want to do it when you are stagnant and you'll have to train your body up again to face the rigors of that type of training. You'll learn about deployments when you get there. I wouldn't worry about it right now.

I learned the hard way and I didn't complete all the things I wanted to do with my time in service. I wish someone would of told me everything I just told you before I joined. When you graduate each and every class/training, stand up straight and tall, be proud of yourself because not many of your peers at your age group will have accomplished and completed 75% of what you are about to embark on. Watch your six lightfighter! Godspeed.

First... Use good judgement! Don't follow the loud mouths! Other then that Jump in with both feet running! They Are going to brainwash you, there's no getting around that lol If ever there will be a time in your life to Cowboy up Now is the time. Ask more questions and do more listening. Never fight your Brother's, You may be spending time in a foxhole with em.

Brotherhood is love. Once you know it you'll never settle for anything less.

My experiences in basic and AIT, both served at Tiger Land, Ft. Polk, LA., would not help you much today. It was a different time and a different Army. However, one thing I would think would hold true and that is the transitioning from a civilian to a soldier, just the methods of doing that have change. Do the best you can in all your training. Give it your all. Be respectful of the institution, the officers and the NCOs that will be training you. Head their advice and your transition will be easier. Good luck.

Always be at the right place, at the right time, in right uniform.
If you don't know, ask.
All the bs is temporary, but your attitude will determine your character and that will last you your lifetime.

Ask yourself why you joined, if your joined for the right reasons, you will do more than fine, you don't go there to show them how much you already know! You are going there for "basic training"...basic....training...and you said it like a real troop! huah! you said: "...I am young and not experienced or know much....(WOW...perfectly said....remember that when you arrive and you will do just fine....I would not waste anymore time listening to a bunch of war stories and how I survived my tour of "Camp Swampy") Your days are going to be what you make of them, your life will be the same, reading through individuals personal stories of what someone has endured, dealt with, happened to them, are always amazing the first time and every time afterwards. at least to me it has, but I might be easily amused. Remember at the end of this endeavor of yours, why it is you joined...follow your heart and pursue your dreams and anything worth doing is hard and anything that is hard is worth doing! HUAH!