Best advice for basic training?

Your whole life is going to change.

Prepare your body and mind ahead of time

Get in the best shape you can, at least enough to pass pt test with 60 in each category when you get to bct. Everything there is as a group so it will be as hard as can be on the weakest without breaking them so being above that makes life easier. Don't assume you know fuck all when you get there. Be like a sponge and absorb all instructions from cadre. You can add and enhance later in your career. But most of all don't ever tell yourself you can't do any challenge given. Self doubt weakens ability worse than anything. And never leave your battle buddy.

Welcome to the family! It has been more than 40 years since I went to basic training, and I can still recall almost all of it. Two things that you can do: first, read as much as you can about the history of the Infantry. Try to understand the relationship between the various combat arms, the Infantry and all of the support soldiers. Secondly, get yourself in the best physical shape that you can. Running and strength training are important and will help you to do your best. More than anything else, though, pay attention and learn as much as you can. Your life, and your buddies' lives, may depend on it.

Enjoy your time!

1. Remember EVERY Soldier and NCO you meet has been where you are. They are your beacon in the fog letting you know that you can make it too.
2. You are not lowly. You are a volunteer serving the greatest nation in the known universe. Be as proud of that fact and your country as you are humble in listening to those with more experience than you.
3. Learn to listen.
4. Execute everything with enthusiasm.

First, welcome to the family. What you are about to go through will change you physically and mentally. As such, I have two things I would recommend - first, be in the best physical shape that you can be. Running (distance and interval) and strength training (muscular endurance) will serve you well. Secondly, prepare yourself as best you can mentally. There will be days that you will want to quit, and days that you will feel like you can conquer the world. In other words, there will be extremes. Most days will be exhausting, so get as much sleep as you can. It is essential for your mental acuity.

Oh, and one last thing - don't volunteer for anything. (Wise words passed on to me over 40 years ago before I headed off to basic training)

Well all I can say is you need to get tough inside and out now! Remember never say the word ''CAN'T"!!! Never volunteer for anything unless you are picked by the Drill or Platoon Guide! PT is very important for being an Infantry soldier so run as much as you can along with the push-ups and sit-ups, all the other stuff like the mountain climber and all will come during the first half hour or so before the run. Never borrow anything from anyone! Always say yes or no Drill Sergeant at all times! When you get a weekend off and go downtown stay out of trouble for you do not want to get on the blotter report for you will become very popular in a bad way the next morning and it could cost you your Army career and do not let others influence you no mater what it may be! Remember when you graduate basic training you main goal in life is not only training on how to kill the enemy but also your outlook goal is to reach the grade of Sergeant Major! Always set the example in every thing you say and or do! Remember there will be times when you are very hungry and or wet and tired, always remember it is mind over matter- if you don't mind it won't matter and stay highly motivated and dedicated at all times! Your appearance at the work formation is very important as well, spit shine boots/highly shined and a very good pressed uniform! Personal hygiene is very important on a daily basis so shower and brush your snags everyday! High and tight hair cut or bald is good at all times! They will watch what you eat in the mess hall, stay away from the deserts and just eat the main meal and never go back for seconds! Team work is very important at all times but there is some things that is done on an individual basis as well! Sign up for Airborne School for after basis and then try out for the Ranger Course, for then when you get to the rank of SSG go to the Bradley Master Gunner Course at Harmony Church and Graduate from there and you will be promoted light lightning! Ranger Tab and Master Gunner is the ticket!!! Go out for the EIB when ever it is given for that is very important as an infantryman! Upper body strength is a must for always work out when you get the chance! Along with running! As CPL Reed said do not take anything personal for the Drills are there to convert you from being a civilian to a lean mean fighting killing machine soldier which will remain with you for the rest of your life and that will enable you to make good decisions in life and being a gentleman! In basic the Drills frown upon going on sick call, only go if you are in very bad pain and if you get a P2 Profile or better you are now useless to your platoon as well as to you battalion as a whole then you could be recycled to the next batch of trainees! You will always hear the saying - Hurry Up And Wait, but that is what you want to do is to be early to any and all events or missions you are about to par take in! Do not try to hide from saluting the flag, for it is a honor and a privilege to salute our precious flag for many of us have died in order to keep it flying! Make sure your geg line always match up, for it is your belt on the trousers and your shirt! Speak loud when having to answer something! Do not say you from Texas ok!!LOL.
Good luck and have a very good graduation! Also while on leave, you are always representing the Army in every way so your dress and conduct must be of high standards at all times just like when you are at your company working! Any drugs that is not prescribed by a Army Doctor is not to be taken or smoking weed or anything they do give piss test at random a lot and if you come up hot you could get booted out of the mighty Army on a bad note and then be lucky to flip burgers at McDonalds! Good Luck and hope you make it the whole 20 years and plus some!!!

SFC
U.S. Army Infantry (RET)

Find your inspiration and stay motivated. You are a valuable piece of this great team. Take advantage of any schooling that you can get into while you are active. It will boost your promotabity and will make you that much further ahead when you ETS. Enjoy your time be proud that you are a US Army Soldier!!!

Do pt on your own. Lots and lots of pt. Get on AKO and go to alms and start doing correspondence courses. Learn army history. It might get you a spot in the front of the line at chow. Research Medal of Honor recipients. Learn the army song. If you have a lumpy head, cut your hair before you go so they can see it

I can't believe no one has said this yet, but more PT never hurt anyone. You are going to get run ragged during basic and for at least the first phase of AIT. The better shape you're in when you report, the easier it's going to be on you.