Best advice for basic training?

Do what they tell you to do. Don't try to over-think it. My youngest son just graduated from Infantry Basic Training and completed Jump school last Friday. Whatever you do, don't quit. You CAN do it.

My first piece of "advice", loose the word lowly. Be a VERY PROUD member of the true 1%ers.

If you go in with a positive attitude, know that you are there to be torn down so you can be rebuilt to the Army's standards of performance.

Do your best. If you get caught doing a short cut, never do it again. Never make the same mistake twice. Demonstrate that you have learned.

If in doubt, ask. Then do your push-ups and drive on.

Most of all, have fun and a positive mental attitude. I had a blast in basic training, PLDC and WOCS.

You are not lowly, be proud of the commitment to the brotherhood that you have made. We are a family that stands strong despite our disfunction (you will learn all about that).

As you prepare for basic remember that you wanted to do this. Don't get through zero day and quit because it's the hardest thing you've ever done. You have no idea what hard looks like yet. It will make you tough, you will want to break, others around you will fall. Continue on, never give up, and pick up those around you, that is your family.

Drill Sergeants will push you, piss you off, and possibly insult your intelligence. It's not personal, there is a point to it all and you will understand that when you get to see your family again. You will see that you have changed and that your civilian friends are weak in body and mind. It is then that you will understand what has happened to you, a transformation.

I will close by saying this, drink water and eat the food. Stay clear of sodas, coffee, and anything else that will further dehydrate you. Food is fuel and you'll need plenty of it. If you're actually hurt, get medical attention. Don't go to sick call because you stubbed your stupid toe. If you are sick, go to sick call. No one else wants the crap that you got, especially your Drill Sergeants!

Be in the right uniform, at the right location, at the right time. Have fun and remember that this too shall passs.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL. Follow instructions as they're given and "embrace the suck". The more positive you are about EVERYTHING the better experience you'll have. From what I hear Benning is on a whole different level. Surrounded by males for ten weeks then going to AIT and possibly seeing females (depending on MOS). Do keep your wits about you and remember where you come from as far as how you're raised and your morals. It's easy to get roped into...things. And please don't lose your bearing. So many young soldiers come in and forget to check they're chest before addressing people. Just enjoy the experience for what it is and know it's only as difficult as you make it out to be.

Congradulations on joining the world's greatest Army!! Do the best you can at all times and on any assigned task. Be Neat, Complete, and on time. Respect and learn from your Drill Sergeants. If you are put in a leadership position lead by example. And most of all NEVER QUIT!!
When you get to your first pemenent party unit you are gonna have alot more freedom than you did in basic training/AIT. Pace yourself, You dont need to spend all your money in a single weekend. Stay level headed and learn from your NCOs. If you have a problem, use your chain of command.

Be positive. There is a reason behind every phase of your training. Be a team player. Remember you will be dependent on each and every member of your team as they will depend on you

PVT (Join to see) first of all thanks and congratulations. As you may have noticed by now, you have joined a huge family, you have made instant brother and sisters that will be there for you and with you always.

Military life is not as bad as the movies and some stories will have you believe, but it is not easy either.

First things first, on your weekends, start waking up early on Saturday, I mean 4 am early, and help around in your house, do the yard, wash your family cars, clean the gutters, sweep your driveway, etc. do it until its dark with only 30 minutes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Go to bed at 10 pm, and do it again on Sunday. Your days will become REALLY long and will start REALLY early so start getting ready for that.

Basic is an individual challenge, no one can do it for you, it is a right of passage of sorts, as you'll find out when you finish your final 12 mile ruck. But at the same time, you can not do it alone. You will have a battle buddy and everyone else will count on you as well. We are a TEAM, made of resolute individuals but a team nonetheless.

Don't listen to what other recruits tell you, do instead whatever your Drill Sergeants tell you.

Do realize that whatever yelling, smokings or special treatment you get, has a purpose. There is a method to the madness. They will try to get the civilian out of you, and build the soldier into you. Trust your Drills. At first it wont seem it, but you will remember them later in your life/career, and fondly, heck, you may even become friends later on at some duty station.

You may not believe it when you are being smoked, but everyone already in, respects your decision to join us, it takes a special person to do it. So do not despair, rather embrace the suck, and you will, believe me.

At first you'll try hard as hell NOT to get smoked, after a week or so, you will volunteer to be smoked alongside a battle buddy even if you are not in trouble, it will come naturally to you, and you will realize right there and then that you are one of us.

So don't worry about it, just expect a drastic change, and again, thanks for joining us, see you downrange!

I had fun in basic training.. At first they will be hard on you but that's a part of the life to live in the ARMY.. Getting deployed isn't fun but you know it's your job. You get used to the country and or the war zone when you get there.. Might take awhile though.. Long as you follow orders and do your best and stand along with the rest of the 11Bravos I think you will be alright.. Just fight hard and do your best.

Welcome to the brotherhood!
I'd say personally going in to Basic the best thing to do is set your expectations correctly.
Know that you are going to get a taste of how hard it can be. It can be demanding at times depending on your situation going in. For example: If you were an athlete in HS you'll find it less "punishing" than other may. As others have said, keep your head up so you can not just do what the DSs tell you, but be ready for those future commands.
There will be some Suck situations, but if you go in with the mindset that no matter what i'm going to come out with something - whether that's physical increase, knowledge, or just the new experience you'll find it to be one of those stepping stones to a better life...with your new brothers.
I highly recommend Airborne school as well.

Hooah!