Best advice for basic training?

Watch the movie Stripes

90% is mental, 10% physical. If you don't think you can do the task at hand, do it anyway. You'll surprise yourself.

Listen to what you're told. Follow directions. Look out for your fellow trainees.

Listen to directions. Do what your told. Support your fellow trainees. Good luck.

1) Memorize your reporting statement

2) Have some confidence: Own what you Know and declare that you do not know what you Don't Know. Straightforwardness is respected.

3) Jump in to help your Platoon Mates however you can: as the song says,

"Lean on me
When you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you to, carry on
For, it won't be long
'till I'm gonna need
somebody to lean on."

Best of luck to you, and remember to thank your Drill Sergeants when they finish making you into a brand new you.

There is no "lowly" soldier. You answered the call of duty, embrace it. Commit to the Ethos and serve with pride and integrity. Not every day will be the one you dreamed of but remember why you and those before you answered the call and were willing to give their lives for it.

Rule #1 Don't piss off your Drills. Rule#2 Don't forget rule #1. Do what you are told, when you told. How you are told. Be in the proper place at the proper time with the proper uniform. Prepare the nigh before for tomorrow's training. Start running now. Do pushups and setups. Sweating now will make it easier. For you are entering a change in lifestyle. Learn how to do your own laundry. Good luck earning the Blue Cord.

First of all, thank you for choosing to serve. Second, the best thing you can take to basic training is a positive attitude. A positive attitude will take you farther & keep you motivated. Remember, basic training is as much mental training as physical. Understand that the drills are there to help you. Best of luck, thank you again.

Right time, right place, proper uniform. Stay under the radar in basic. follow orders and make sure you push yourself 100%. Basic training isn't difficult as long as you do the right thing. I spent 6 years in and loved every minute of it. It isn't hard to progress and its a great opportunity for you and your future family. I'm out now and utilizing my GI benefits to attend college. I hope this helps. As SSG Lanning said, don't second guess your decision and don't down yourself. Good Luck and stay strong.

SPC. Joshua Adams

There is a lot of great advice for you to follow in this thread, always remember that your family at home loves you, there will be a time during basic when you will ask yourself 'why am I here? why did I do this? will I make it out of here?' the answer to those questions will be answered by yourself in time. it is an honor to graduate basic training, and after it is all over, you WILL be a different individual, you will also think to yourself ' I would do basic again in a heart beat'. Also remember to drink lots of water, buy yourself a big bottle of motrin. take some before a PT test, and make sure to take extra socks on your ruck march. and lastly Thank You for writing that blank check!