Best advice for basic training?

Push harder then the guys around you, keep your sights up, don't overthink things, remember that though it will be painful at first it'll seem like the blink of an eye when it's done, and always remember to be proud of what you're doing!

First off, there's nothing "lowly" about a recruit. We all started in exactly the same spot as you are in now. It requires some degree of testicular fortitude to make the commitment and sign the dotted line.

My advice for basic training is as follows:
a. pay attention
b. think teamwork- what can I do to help my teammates succeed?
c. listen first, seek to understand the meaning, don't say anything unless asked
d. it's a game, designed to stress your mind/body- it's not personal
e. enjoy it- you only go through it once

Best of luck, but luck really shouldn't play much of a part if you really want to succeed. Take the initiative and own your experience.

The best thing I can tell you is to stay out of trouble. You'll probably never see the people you're with again after you graduate. Just take it one day at a time and remember that it's nothing personal. Avoid officers at all costs and remember to salute when approached by one

The simplest answer to that is this: Mouth Shut & Eyes/Ears Open

Everyone has learned this one way or another. There are always people who talk big or mouth off or just in general never know when to keep their mouth shut and causes them to get in trouble with the DS or other soldiers. Like I said, the lesson gets learned somehow. I did way too many times.

Definitely stay alert to everything that is going on. Everything is going to be thrown at you rapid fire so expect that. Take in what you can when it comes at you and be prepared to learn from the mistakes for what you couldn't understand. You're never going to have a perfect experience and you'll never right each time so you will fail. The key is to not let that failure happen again.

Ultimately with keeping your eyes/ears open is not only when the DS is around, but with your brothers/sisters in arms. Learn from them not only as a soldier but as a person. Each of them have a story and come from a multitude of backgrounds. They all have a reason as to why they joined and what drives them. Listen to them. Watch out for them as they will watch out for you.

Be smart and be safe. You'll be a soldier soon. Take pride in that when the day comes that you can pin that "rainbow ribbon" on your Class A's.

Hunter, I've been stationed at Ft Benning, had a lot of Infinity buddies and did 20 years in the military. I'm not at a place right now that I can talk do to a lot of them things you will one day soon call civilians. When I get back to my house or away from them (lmao) ill let you know some of the good, bad, and boring times I had and I like the attitude of not wanting to read any propaganda put out by people that are as fare as we know (fake, never served a day to anyone but them self or fiction writer want-a-be's).

There is nothing to feel lowly about soldier. If you raised your right hand and swore this oath..............

"I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God." (Title 10, US Code; Act of 5 May 1960 replacing the wording first adopted in 1789, with amendment effective 5 October 1962).

You are an important part of a vast minority of Americans estimated at only 7% of the population who have taken it upon themselves to protect the majority of Americans who have elected not to serve their country in the military.

You will join a group of soldiers, sailors and airmen who have gone before you and have taken that same oath........this sets you way above the other kids you attended high school with in my book.

My advice to you is to listen and listen closely to everything your DI or Instructors tell you in Basic. Do the very best you can in everything you do. If you are going to be at Basic or AIT, you will be there for a pre-determined amount of time. Be the best that you can be. It sounds like an old ARMY advertising cliché and it is, but its true. If you do the best you can in everything they ask you to do, you will turn out to be a fine soldier and will be proud of the man you see in the mirror.... Dig deep and you will surprise yourself at what you can accomplish. Be a leader and ask for every opportunity to lead.... the management skills you learn will be invaluable to you for the rest of your life.

In our world with open borders and the constant threat of Radical Muslims, Foreign Dictators and extremists in other 3rd world countries, your job will be so much more important in protecting not only your friends and family but your country as well. Take every skill they teach you and excel at it. Encourage others around you to be the best that they can be too.

Avoid the one's that think they know it all and listen to your DI. Build your own team, squad or company. Help them to be the best that they can be. Share your talents at map reading, land nav, and other basic soldier skills, seek others who are better at some things than you are and learn from them as you share your knowledge with them.

The last thing you want to do is enjoy your time at Basic Training and eventually AIT. It will be the hardest thing you have every done but one of life's most rewarding accomplishments that you will always remember. You will make friends in Basic as you move through this crucible of training that will last a lifetime and others you will meet along the way during your career if you so choose to stay in. What you will find is a new found confidence in yourself that will be unshakable. Good Luck young man!

PVT Hunter Hoffmann Hitt, God bless you brother. Thanks for volunteering during wartime. You need to understand your life will change for ever. The biggest change you will notice right off is your time belongs to the Army. The Army will tell you when it is time to eat, sleep work, exercise, and when you can go home. This is a lot of control over your life. Anyone who has absolute control over your time has a lot of power over your life. You volunteer, but will be held accountable if you fail to comply with your duties and responsibilities.

My first night of basic training in the Air force in 1990 when I went to sleep I decided I was going home after the weekend. I felt like I was at a summer camp that turned out I hated being there and wanted to go home. I really thought for about 30 seconds I was going home after the weekend. Then the fear hit me I ain't going nowhere but to pt in the morning. They got me for the next 4 years.

When I went to Army Basic four years later I was more prepared. I suggest not being afraid to volunteer. Most say do not volunteer. But believe it or not, when you get out of basic and have that type of attitude can get you some negative attention depending on where you work. Good luck.

give it your best, keep positive at all times. It has been 25 years since I went through basic/ait things have changed but a US ARMY Soldier is and always will be one of the best in the world. Listen to your DS and everyone of rank in your platoon/company/battalion. Try to be a leader that is what the Army wants you to do is shine so shine and try to be the best (don't have to kiss someones ass to shine just do it on your own). If you have time before you leave get into the best shape you can by running, push-ups and sit-ups.Pay attention in class do not fall asleep the classes can be quiet boring for sure. Always respect those of higher rank and know your ranking. Silver and Gold demand the utmost respect so give it to them.. Other than these few tips good luck keep a strong will because they will try to break you as soon as the bus pulls up to the intake and do not look forward to sleeping a lot when you first get there.. Do not take anything of great value because you will have it taken from you as soon as you get to your training company. Find a good pair of running shoes before you go. Good Luck..

Enjoy it, You only do it once. Luv the suck!

The best advice is to, do everything that the Drill Sergeants tell you, don't be a smart ass. And volunteer for jobs that they ask the company to do. Remember that it is a mind game from day 1. It is designed to tear you down then build you back up into a model soldier. And most of all if you are religious or not go to Church on Sunday. you will get about 4 hours on Sunday for church and letter writing. then in the afternoon you will have classes.