Best advice for basic training?

We rarely lose lives in basic training, very rarely. Thats' a thing I wish I had kept closer to the top of my mind when I was at Benning. I had a very easy life prior to then with not much experience of real hard physical labor, so reminding myself often of just how unlikely this training is to kill me would have made the whole thing more productive

Well you definitely be shocked in the beginning. But after all your training when you get to your first duty station it will be well worth it. Just follow all orders and keep your head up.

A retired MSG told me two things. #1. Keep your head up and your mouth shut, and do what the Brown Round tells you to do. #2. When you get to your duty station make 3 friends. A cook, they feed you. A supply guy, they get you stuff. And a medic, they fix you up. And because I'm a POG, I realized a 4th. A grunt, cuz when it hits the fan, there is nobody better to have on your side.

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.