Best advice for basic training?

I don't know much about the Army, but my experience in basic taught me that even things that suck don't last forever, and a person can deal with just about anything as long as they refuse to quit. I'd say putting yourself on autopilot - just following orders and not worrying about much else - was a good strategy.
Once you finish and you're a Soldier, you'll ship off pretty quickly for AIT. If I knew anything about it, I'd lay it on you, but I don't, so my best advice is to trust in the system when you get there, and always seek to improve.

KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT, AND YOUR EYES OPEN , DON'T VOLUNTEER FOR ANYTHING LOL AND NEVER GIVE UP TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME BE IN SHAPE BEFORE YOU GO

the best thing in basic is no to be noticed at all just blend in and if you can get through with out the drills sergeant knowing who you are you did a great job . spc florio

Be ready to learn. Be the best you can be at your job. Don't be afraid to be self motivated about learning and expanding your understanding with regards to what ever your job & MOS is. Take your online courses. Do what your told. Work out on your own time to get higher scores on your PT test. Look out for your buddy's. Don't goof off or do things that gets you in the wrong spot light. Get used to "Hurry up and wait". Take really good care of your gear and supply's. Help other sections in your unit if you have free time. If I had to pick one section to help it would be 'Supply', they are your best friends. Dont be afraid to enlist lower enlisted to help you with tasks. Dont take anything personally. Some might tell you not to volunteer. Volunteer. Drink water, you'll be alright.

Welcome aboard!

It was almost 44 years ago that I went to Basic as a very young naive 18 year old! I was told to keep my mouth shut and my eyes and ears open! That was good advise then and probably good advise now. At first you will be a bit uncomfortable, but that will change quickly as you grow.

I so wish I could be right beside you going through it!

You've already made it through the toughest part - you joined!!! Congratulations! Enjoy the ride!

Everyone starts out as a PV1, don't consider yourself lowly. That is the attitude that will break you in Basic instead, call it the first step to a great career. There is really nothing out here so why not join the military, Bravo on a great decision. I attended Basic at Ft. Benning in 1980 in the Harmony Church area(Alpha 4-1)which isn't there any more and will always remember it. In 1985 became a Reserve Drill Sgt. there so, what I can tell you is... Keep your ears OPEN and your mouth shut(I know it sound cliché) but it's been around for a long time and means something. Do everything with all your heart and dig deep. Don't be a complainer(Thousands of young men and woman have done this before you)you can do anything you set your mind too. Don't be afraid to volunteer(just not always)be a person others can look up too, help those that need help but, also make them push themselves. Watch the bad crowd(stay away)learn what you can above and beyond what is asked of you, ask questions. Good advice on the boots, change socks when ever you can, stay hydrated(don't become a heat casualty. And what ever you do, LOOK IN THE FOX HOLES BEFORE YOU JUMP IN. Lots of bad snakes in Georgia. Spent your time preparing for the next day. You will be fine. Just remember when times get tough, the tough keep on going. As far as schools go, take as many as you can, try for the Presidents award for PT, Expert Infantry, Combat Medic, take everything you can. Good luck

Sure. Fort Benning in August. Just in time for Monsoon Season.
Sand Hill / Harmony Church "Armor Center" it matters not.
I'm sure the lucky IE Private's Brigade CSM will requisition GOO
just in case there's a dry spell.

One other thing.
I know you IE iPhone people can't quite grasp is the concept of legible, hand-written letters.
Some better practice. Better yet ... type and print it. Being able to read helps.
Oh gee ... that means buying USPS Stamps too. Mail is important.
I've seen CSM's cry when they didn't get their daily box of Cigars and Retirement magazines.

I went to Ft. Benning in 1999 for Infantry training in August much like you, Ft. Benning is extremely hot and then unbelievably cold considering it's Georgia, so drink water (not that the Drills won't make you chug a canteen of water on the command of HYDRATE randomly through out the day). Basic training is tough, but my experience is that the real Army is more tough but more rewarding.

You will first arrive at in processing to get your gear, shots, etc. taken care of before you get assigned to a training battalion. Use your time there wisely, do PT when you can to stay in shape for all the pushups and other fun exercises the Drills will have for you when you arrive at your unit, it's no good to show up weak from eating all the lovely chow at in processing.

Pay attention to detail, listen to what the Drills are saying closely they sometimes like to trick you to see who's not paying attention. Learn your 3 general orders because you will be asked them through out your career in the Infantry. Show the Drills that you are capable of taking responsibility and can be put in charge, it can lead to a promotion at the end of training, just do it in a way so you don't look like a kiss ass, motivate a battle that's sucking, move with a purpose at all times. Try not to go to sick call unless absolutely necessary (everyone gets sick during basic, but the gas chamber will help clear up all the crud in your lungs). The job you are going into is physically tough, you will get boo boos, make sure you get injuries documented in medical records (I know don't go to sick call but get injuries documented seems counter intuitive, there's a difference between hurt and injured) because you will need evidence to bring to the VA when you get out.

Stay focused, get used to lack of sleep, remember that the suck ends eventually and keep pushing. If you don't know something, don't be afraid to ask, that goes for Basic as well as in the real Army, it's better to risk looking dumb than get dead because you didn't ask a question that could save your life. Don't get stagnant with your training, read training manuals and sign up for courses, don't rely on other people to know what to do, know what to do yourself, learn the job of the man above and below you because you might be doing that job in the matter of moments. Good luck, keep your head down (when it matters) and remember the sky is blue because God loves the Infantry!

First off never say lowly future soldier, no matter how bad it is at times being a soldier is an honor and once your in and your military brothers come and go you will understand that more.

Secondly basic is a knock down drag out drain, but if you have ever went to boy scout camp or anything else it really is just the same with attitude. You will get yelled at .. you will pound your face .. do grass drills .. screw up . don't sweat it as everyone will. Even if you don't mess up you will :)

Be ready to make some of the best friends in your life and loose some also. That's the good. The bad basic is a break in time and you never know how people are truly going to be. Some honorable, some not so much, so keep your shit locked up,

What is expected make sure you shaved, make sure your bunk is tight, expect to be tired, expect to have your head shaved. (don't sweat that it grows back and hell in the heat it is better when your out in the dirt) listen to what the instructors have to say they have been where you are and have the shirt to prove it. If someone is getting by with something don't run crying about it sooner or later he will get caught. Stick as a group this is team building if they single some guy out unless he is just jacked the hell up (even if he is jacked up) pull him back in line. If they start dropping him to beat his face get everyone to do the same unity is the key and will make you through impossible tasks.

Well I will get off my soap box .. thank you for stepping up and good luck.. And when all gets bad just remember yoda and smile .. there is do or do not there is no try...:)

Son, having served two tours as a drill sergeant at fort benning, I can tell you this and I am being straight up with you. Go with an open mind. Don't go with a know it all attitude. Don't complain when its hot, you're tired, hungry, sore ,etc. Instead listen to your drill sergeant and concentrate on your training as your first assignment could be Iraq/Afganistan, or who knows. The drill sergeant may bark loud but he wont bite and he cant eat you. He is there to train you to survive. As I used to tell soldiers " step back and think" This could be you in a few years ( being a drill sergeant ) but first I must train you to survive because when you leave me, you may get on a plane to some country to fight. Trust me and learn from me. I will make you lean and mean enough to whoop a bear with a switch.
So, there are a lot of rules and disclipine and some days seem like they will never end. But you will be so proud on graduation day. The three major things you learn are Physical Training, Basic Rifle Marksmanship, & Drill & Ceremonies. Is it tough ?? Yes. Just think how many Millions of soldiers incuding myself went through it and survived.
Last, I want to personally thank you for having the desire to serve this great country of ours.
Feel free to ask me about anything, anytime. Sfc (retired ) grogan [login to see]