Best advice for basic training?

The 1Lt is correct, went through Benning in '83 ,Harmony Church, a lot has changed...Do not say "Sir" to a Drill Sergeant and run daily starting yesterday, 40 push'em ups 4 times a day won't hurt either. Remember, the first 4-5 weeks are mostly mental.

Just listen to ur nco dont do anything dumb and never listen to other privates focus on what your about to do from RETIRED SGT HERNANDEZ

Work hard.Study hard.Do not take anything for granted.Remember there is no better sense of pride then wearing that uniform. Take full advantage of every experience coming your way.stay strong and good luck Private.

First off, change your attitude! You are not a "lowly future" soldier.
You have become part of United States military, the best in the world!
Stay positive, follow orders and be ready to learn! The only person stopping YOU from being the best in what YOU do, is YOU!!!
I took Basic Training at Fort Ord many years ago, but believe me the Drill Sergeants now are just as good, professional and ready to teach you the best, as then!
Be ready for some very interesting challenges and when other special training and schools are offered, jump at the opportunities, you will be glad you did.
Since there is no draft, you volunteered for this, so make the best of it and who knows, you might just want to make this your career! Good luck, stay positive! Airborne!

There are a lot of good comments already, so I won't repeat the obviously well stated. I did that OSUT back in 1983. Went through my career and then came full circle and commanded a BCT Company. I can tell you this, people who fail in Basic do so through two causes. The one reason is just a drop and lack of motivation. Some days feel like you just wake up and the day is over. Some days feel like it is never going to end. Just keep going. When the training is over, life takes off at a 100 mph. What causes most people the biggest problem is medical injuries, mostly due to running and marching. Start now in learning how to stretch, take care of your feet and your muscles. Don't sweat so much getting in shape for it, you have 90 days, they will get you where you need to be, if you push yourself to get through it. As an Infantry soldier, you will live or die by the state of your feet, calves and knees. Stretching is one way you can reduce the possibilities of injury. In my BCT cycles, I typically lost 15% of the Company to severe stress fractures and lower extremities injuries because people were unaccustomed to the shock to their system. Google how to stretch to prevent shin splints and google how to prepare for long distance running as a new runner. Also look up how to prepare for hiking and road marching. Those tips will help you out. And now, while you have the time, start doing those exercises a bit before your ship date so the shock to our system will be less. Other than that, stay professional, maintain your integrity, no matter what, and do not expect that all other soldiers are doing so. Most will, but there is always going to be "that guy". Don't be "that guy", and don't hang around with "that guy". Learn your profession well, be dedicated to improving and learning, and you will be OK.

Why Infantry? did you take your ASVAB? IF you didn't you need to take it.. and be Serious about it.. have you already sworn in? at MEPS? Untill you swear in your not locked to a job.. I'd highly suggest that you NOT go as Infantry unless you like living like a wild animal and love camping, Juss my 2c. Also know that BASIC TRAINING isn't life in the Regular Duty army.

Like many have posted, there is no such thing as a lowly Soldier. Do you realize you are now part of a group that is less than 1% in this country? Be proud of being a Private. I too went to Basic and AIT at Benning in 1988. When you first get there the Drill Sergeants are going to break you, and everyone else down, and then build you back up as a team. They will do this by making you do push ups, running, various exercises, and awesome Army training. You need to realize, the DS's are making teams out of people just like you who are southern rednecks, California surfers, Midwest farmers, hillbilly's, Urban kids from NYC, Chicago, and Detroit, and whatever you call people from the rocky mountains. Yet the military will be the best team you've ever been on in your life. But here's the secret for success. Do what you're told, and be on time, and if you're doing what you're told, you will be on time. This advice will take you from E-1 to E-3. E-4 will require a bit of leadership traits, but by that time you will have figured out what you need to do to advance. I wish you well, and I applaud you for asking these questions on this site. Remember, no matter what you think during what seams like miserable times, your leadership want's you to succeed.

PVT (Join to see), I don't know that I can provide any more good advice than has already been given...your post already seems pretty saturated.

The one thing I will say...and you will probably touch on in basic, but it won't really hit you until you're in the thick of things, but ALWAYS be there for your fellow warrior and NEVER leave anyone behind. Be there for your brothers and sisters, and they'll be there for you.

Good luck...maybe I'll see you in the field one day.

First of all, Welcome to the best club in the world, the United States Military!! I started in the PA Guard then transferred to the USMC then to the Active Army. I was an instructor at Leonard Wood. My advice is to be yourself. Don't get into any arguments with a drill sergeant or instructor. The "Thats not the way I thought it goes" will work. They have the experience and kknow what they are doing! Pay attention, ask questions if you are not sure or dont know. Don't be afraid to be a leader!! Stand out. Take charge when it is warranted. Don't overstep your authority, as you have none. If there are ones causing trouble or doing something stupid, dime them out. Dont let them drag you and the rest of the good ones down. Basically, do what you are told, learn your MOS, Chain of Command, and do what is right not easy.

Best advice for basic training ever:

Keep your mouth shut, do as you're instructed, and never give up.

You'll get smoked for doing things wrong. You'll get smoked for doing things right.

After you've earned your blue cord, you become part of a brotherhood. Being a grunt is a job that anyone can do but most won't do.

Check back in with us after you've got your blue cord. Thanks for your decision to serve our great country!