Best advice for basic training?

Like many have posted, there is no such thing as a lowly Soldier. Do you realize you are now part of a group that is less than 1% in this country? Be proud of being a Private. I too went to Basic and AIT at Benning in 1988. When you first get there the Drill Sergeants are going to break you, and everyone else down, and then build you back up as a team. They will do this by making you do push ups, running, various exercises, and awesome Army training. You need to realize, the DS's are making teams out of people just like you who are southern rednecks, California surfers, Midwest farmers, hillbilly's, Urban kids from NYC, Chicago, and Detroit, and whatever you call people from the rocky mountains. Yet the military will be the best team you've ever been on in your life. But here's the secret for success. Do what you're told, and be on time, and if you're doing what you're told, you will be on time. This advice will take you from E-1 to E-3. E-4 will require a bit of leadership traits, but by that time you will have figured out what you need to do to advance. I wish you well, and I applaud you for asking these questions on this site. Remember, no matter what you think during what seams like miserable times, your leadership want's you to succeed.

PVT (Join to see), I don't know that I can provide any more good advice than has already been given...your post already seems pretty saturated.

The one thing I will say...and you will probably touch on in basic, but it won't really hit you until you're in the thick of things, but ALWAYS be there for your fellow warrior and NEVER leave anyone behind. Be there for your brothers and sisters, and they'll be there for you.

Good luck...maybe I'll see you in the field one day.

First of all, Welcome to the best club in the world, the United States Military!! I started in the PA Guard then transferred to the USMC then to the Active Army. I was an instructor at Leonard Wood. My advice is to be yourself. Don't get into any arguments with a drill sergeant or instructor. The "Thats not the way I thought it goes" will work. They have the experience and kknow what they are doing! Pay attention, ask questions if you are not sure or dont know. Don't be afraid to be a leader!! Stand out. Take charge when it is warranted. Don't overstep your authority, as you have none. If there are ones causing trouble or doing something stupid, dime them out. Dont let them drag you and the rest of the good ones down. Basically, do what you are told, learn your MOS, Chain of Command, and do what is right not easy.

Best advice for basic training ever:

Keep your mouth shut, do as you're instructed, and never give up.

You'll get smoked for doing things wrong. You'll get smoked for doing things right.

After you've earned your blue cord, you become part of a brotherhood. Being a grunt is a job that anyone can do but most won't do.

Check back in with us after you've got your blue cord. Thanks for your decision to serve our great country!

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)