Heading to Ft. Leonard Wood for 88M AIT. What can I expect and what advice can you give me?

It looks like you’re getting some good, and not so good, advice right now. I’m sure by now you’ve come to understand that the bad days outnumber the good days by quite a lot. Over time this can change for you. I have a very successful career. In the beginning, focus on mastering the basics of your craft. Don’t be concerned with which uniform your NCOs will wear or your fancy new boots. If the regulation confuses you, don’t put those boots on your feet until you ask an NCO about them. Your Platoon Sergeants or Drill Sergeants will treat you with dignity and respect. So don’t expect an NCO to treat you any special kind of way because they do or do not wear that sweet campaign cover. You’re still learning to be a basically trained Soldier. Master the basics, especially the small things.

Continue to have the same composure and act as you did during the last phase of your basic training.

As a 74D, I slept in the same barracks as the 88M. Things may have changed slightly since I graduated November 2017, but most likely you won’t have many privileges until you phase up. During black phase, my battles wore their basic issues gear and were not allowed their phones. You get more freedom in gold phase, such as off-post passes and your phone 24/7. Make sure you pay attention in your classes though! Failing one test could potentially start you over with a new company because your training is only about 6 weeks and there’s so much to learn that they can’t slow down for you. Good Luck!

PV2 (Join to see): Your school at AIT will be demanding; but very exciting. You will learn a Lot; about your MOS in your AIT school.

Not talking about you throwing issued boots away- your life will be centered around the Motor Pool, right- ever seen what brake/hydraulic/grease does to a uniform? If you boots (issue) get torn/mangled and you can show it's from doing your job, they often will let you direct exchange them at no cost to you.

Why in the hell, do you want to start off in AIT in the wrong uniform? If you trash your issued boots, they may replace them- they sure won't replace a personal item. Also if they have DS, you sure are going to be their best bud for a long time, won't you.

That is where I went. It's not bad just do what your told and learn.\

Do what is expected of you from the instructors. Follow all the rules and be safe, I saw one accident when I went through 88M school in'77, no one was killed, but all three people were hurt. Wrecked the vehicle beyond repair.

Prepare for twice the amount of PT. Unless of course the Army has softened it's ways once again. I went to Ft. Leonard Wood after leaving Ft. Knox basic training which was considered in the top three for hardest basic training units. We got to Leonard Wood and our PT was twice as much as it was in basic. I hear though that's how it is anywhere you go. Your own boots? I'm not sure on all that. I would think that as long as they are military standard there shouldn't be an issue but then again you are still in the training phase of your military career so I am going to go ahead and say no. You should probably use the ones that were issued. As far as drill sergeants go. When I went we were the first group to try out the whole cadre thing. I was in Bravo company. Alpha and Charlie company still had drill sergeants. It was nice but don't get it twisted the cadre will still get in your ass if need be. Its just a little more relaxed and more focused on your training instead of all the yelling and screaming and smoke sessions which they make up for in your PT.

When you backing up a trailer remember turn towards trouble. In a 915 you start turning when your tires are at the yellow line.