Best advice for basic training?

what u put into the military u will get out. in other words u go in expecting to learn all u can and they will teach u all that they can for your success, if u go in expecting them to do it for you, then you will not go very far.

Basic and AIT/ Drill Sergeants are doing their job, so keep your head up and mouth shut. They're people just like us. They do what they do to prepare you for what you gotta do. Military in general: Pay attention. Keep a positive attitutude. If you're dealing with it, so are others. Find someone you can vent to. It helps. I had 3 females and 2 males in basic that I went to for everything. (Don't talk to the opposite sex alone). Don't listen to rumors and don't start any. You'll be fine! Just do your best!!

It's quite simple. Do what you're told, when you're told and how you're told. And keep a positive mental attitude. Remember it's training and a gut check.

There is a difference between lowly and humble. Less than 1% of Americans make the choice to join the military so that make you elite, not lowly. Humility however is helpful because our role is always subservient to civilian authority. The problem with privates is how many people forget they are the future leaders of the Army. Several years ago as a senior section chief I had the honor of representing my battery at a battle hand off to receive several new soldiers. Of the four I picked up that day, three remain in active service and currently are leading troops overseas, two as section chiefs themselves, and one as artillery gunner.

There are plenty of good responses about preparing for basic. Be the best Soldier you can be everyday. Be better today than you were yesterday. Have fun with it; trust me when I tell you in 30 years it will all be funny.

Put in your best efforts, but be smart about how you push your self physically. Motivated effort is placed higher than making bad decisions that will affect you in the future. In my case messed my shoulder up during an exercise that should have not attempted. Then ignored the issue thinking it was just me and ended up with a permanent injury. I will suggest even though it is highly discouraged for some reason. That is to tend to any injuries that may happen especially ones that can lead to permanent issues. Other than that listen, learn, and keep your battle buddies inline. Any mistake they make is your mistake as well. I ran into far to many soldiers who failed at even known the Army values (LOYALTY), the Soldiers Creed, and respecting the rules and ranks. Have some cash in the bank as you will go to the shop a few times and have to buy items and also the starting gear during the inception before basic training.

I had a retired Col tell me how to get by. He said keep your boots shined, your hair cut and your mouth shut. That advice served me well. Give it your best shot and go for the gusto
Retired Army SFC/Cpt

they may have changed basic training a little bit since I was in,but hopefully you still applies. my favorite piece of advice is, don't be the FIRST one to cry, note I did not say don't cry,. because of the Drill Sergeants are doing their job, you WILL cry. Lol just don't be the first guy

Go to college either before, during or after.

Basic is easy! it is a challenge of Mental and Physical toughness. Keep your head held high if when you are exhausted, follow the orders given to you by your Drill Sergeants Senior Drills and officers. Clean cut professional is the order of the business every morning, the rest of the day is listening and learning. Mental and physical toughness is what you will need all day everyday. Basic seems like it takes forever but once it is over it is over, remember this " THEY CAN'T KILL YOU OR EAT YOU" everything else is gravy when you see it like that. Take advantage of everything the military offers you while in the military. Go to school in your off time, take advantage of every school they want to send you to. If stationed overseas learn the language of the host country. Be proud that you have joined the elite of the United States of America, less than 2% of your generation will serve in the Armed Forces and there is nothing lowly about that! You will be told to sit and wait, these rules those rules and as a young soldier they may seem childish or that they are outdated. Listen and learn is the best action. Be a leader not a follower, do what your gut tells you to do. Use tact and be professional but always tell the truth. These things will take you further than you have ever thought you could go.

Best wishes and enjoy the journey. Welcome to the brotherhood!

This might not be the right answer, but when I was in Basic, when the DS told us to do something, I just smiled and did it. No DS picked on me, however, it might backfire if you have a DS that wants to "break you".