Best advice for basic training?

As the Army's old motto goes "Be all you can be", meaning learn as much as you can and get as much as you can out of your enlistment.

Basic is a mind game, not a physical one. They know you can handle the physical aspect of it so don't let the mental beat you. With that being said TRAIN HARD NOW so your in the best shape you can before shipping.

Put in for every training/education opportunity you can. Try to get into an MOS that will help you in the private sector.

Make and keep friends as you go.

Coming here and asking questions was a good start, pay attention and learn everything you can, if your not sure about somthing practice untill you have it down to muscle memory.

Dear future soldier, along te ago I was like you about to enter the as a PVt. Along the way I served in Germany, earned a commission, went to medical school, became a paratrooper and served with the Special forces while in combat. I retired after 30 years of continuous serice. You are about to enter the profession of Armed services, only 1 percent ear arm the privledge to serve. I wish you only the Best , Brother inAs.

From a former drill sergeant. Either be outstanding, or standing out (of the spot light). There are only 2% that are truly outstanding in all things, like humble intelligent collegiate athletes with some ROTC experience. On the flip side, braggarts, morons, unintelligent (unable to learn quickly), couch potatoes are a drill sergeant's dream. Standing out, is doing your best in all things, a steady and reliable soldier. Be helpful to your peers. Listen to others to size up those that can be helpful versus those that would bring you down. If one of your peers say, "Come on, we won't get caught", realize that if you are worrying about getting "caught" you already know it's wrong. If there are some guys that are bullies, stay away from them as they will bring themselves down. Don't be in their blast radius. Read your soldier's manuals. They give those to you for a reason. DO write and call your family. Stay connected as they are your lifeline to the sanity of the world. And remember, the Army is not the "everyone gets a trophy" club. You earn privileges by success and teamwork. It's older, but truly be all that you can be. You are the Spirit of the bayonet. Embrace the fun. And remember, no matter how hard it is, hot hot, how humid, how smelly, how hungry, how thirsty, YOU are still safe as you are in training. The drill sergeants cannot kill you nor eat you. It's just a game to see if you have the sack to hack it. Man up and enjoy the ride. Last comment. Do NOT whine. Men do not whine. Have fun troop! SFC V.

PVT Hunter Hofmann Hitt,
You are starting on a glorious road to most noblest professions that spans the eons of time. The Roman Centurions were the Grunts of their days. Your are joining their Legends. We, you, my son, and I will have trooped some of the same ground. After 24 years I too have been there and Done that and the darn Tee Shirts have all shrunk.
The Army profession is a pathway, which you must take the lead in traveling it. You will need to chart a course which is right for you, at the time you make that decision. Along this pathway you must prepare yourself for either the future Battlefield or Boardroom or both. Your mind is like a parachute, if you need one and don't have one you may never need another one. Keep it about you clean, clear, and sharp.
If you can't be the first, don't be the last. Those in first and last will not be in other venues. We all have strengths and weaknesses, learn to embrace them.

Here are a few of my pointers;

1) Keep your Faith in your Lord and Savior, As you will become a Watchman on the Wall.

2) Fort Benning Parade Field, you will be walking of soil from all the Inf. battles for the last 200 years

3) Become the most Lethal item on the Battlefield, a smart Grunt. Knowledge is power, know others jobs.

4) Strive to know the job two ranks above you. As a PFC know what and how to be an Team Leader. The month before the E-5 Promo Board is not the time to sign up for Correspondence Courses. From weapons employment to Leadership principles. Mission accomplishment, Not Get-R-Dun.

5) Get to know DA-3355 Army Promotion Point Worksheet. This will keep you knowing where you stand.

6) Stay hungry. Seek Knowledge, seek Self Improvement. Embrace the local culture, no mater how long you are going to be there.

7) Save for the future, TSP or other Investments. Plant some walnut trees now and at your 20 year retirement, you will have a forest that you can logout for handsome profit.

Keep you feet and knees together and hold what you you got.
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Sand Hill in August?? Enjoy the suck.

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.