I am a delayed enlistment. Is it weird for me to be really excited for Basic Training to start?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 23:48:54 -0500

Response by SGT Jamarl Jones made Mar 4 at 2018 12:05 AM

SGT Jamarl Jones — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 00:05:41 -0500

Not weird at all. Basic Training is loads of fun.

Response by CW3 Jeff Held made Mar 4 at 2018 12:10 AM

CW3 Jeff Held — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 00:10:50 -0500

Not at all! Man I could not wait to get there and get started! It’s the beginning of something really special, something few have the courage to do, something that has little to no recognition, but something that is so fulfilling that I could not begin to describe how.

Keep your head on straight, don’t get rattled, do what your told, ask questions, and work longer and harder than anyone else to improve in every aspect.

Welcome Soldier.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2018 12:11 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 00:11:06 -0500

No. It's called motivation. And it will evolve into discipline. Keep that alive during entire military career and you will go on to do great things. It's what separates the wheat from the chaff.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2018 12:23 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 00:23:27 -0500

What kind of dumb ass question is this

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2018 1:00 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 01:00:47 -0500

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member It is not weird to look forward to upcoming challenges and adventures. As with a job in the civilian world, put forth your best effort always.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Mar 4 at 2018 3:37 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 03:37:49 -0500

There isn't anything weird about being excited, its the first step on starting Your military service., why wouldn't You be excited ? There are things to learn and it will be over before You know it anyway and then as each step progresses You will feel more and more of the achievement.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Mar 4 at 2018 7:00 AM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 07:00:12 -0500

Not at all. I was in DEP for like 10 months as a 17 year old Senior in high school, and couldn't wait to leave for Benning. I was more than ready to "grow up" and do something exciting for a change.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Mar 4 at 2018 7:23 AM

SFC Stephen King — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 07:23:16 -0500

Congratulations PV2 Private RallyPoint Member a welcomed outlook will serve you well. Listen to your Drill Sergeant and enjoy the training you choose to do.

Response by SGT Charles H. Hawes made Mar 4 at 2018 8:34 AM

SGT Charles H. Hawes — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 08:34:16 -0500

Keep that go to attitude and work hard and you will have amazing opportunities. You will also build bonds that can never be broken. Good luck young man.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Mar 4 at 2018 9:06 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 09:06:45 -0500

Good luck to you, keep up the positive attitude

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2018 9:46 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 09:46:05 -0500

It'd be weird if you weren't.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Mar 4 at 2018 9:51 AM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 09:51:25 -0500

Nope... it’s the excitement before the big game. Normal response...

Response by A1C Ian Williams made Mar 4 at 2018 10:11 AM

A1C Ian Williams — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 10:11:57 -0500

You are finally walking into your destiny PV2 Private RallyPoint Member Excitement awaits! Stay motivated!

Response by SGT John " Mac " McConnell made Mar 4 at 2018 10:53 AM

SGT John " Mac " McConnell — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 10:53:47 -0500

I entered the delayed entry program as a senior in high school. I couldn't wait to go !

Response by TSgt Joe C. made Mar 4 at 2018 11:51 AM

TSgt Joe C. — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 11:51:07 -0500

Nope! Great things await PV2 Private RallyPoint Member!

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Mar 4 at 2018 12:03 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 12:03:24 -0500

It’s great that you are excited. I was on DEP for 9 months, it was an exciting time. Congratulations

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Mar 4 at 2018 2:04 PM

Cpl Mark A. Morris — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 14:04:54 -0500

Keep us posted please and fair winds to you.

Response by Sgt William Pilgrim Jr. made Mar 4 at 2018 2:06 PM

Sgt William Pilgrim Jr. — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 14:06:37 -0500

No , but wait till your into boot camp to see how you feel then...

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2018 3:18 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 15:18:42 -0500

It’s admirable. Just keep that attitude when you get to reception and then on to basic and anything else you do. Don’t let other people’s negativity seap in.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2018 3:49 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 15:49:21 -0500

Absolutely not! However, I would make sure to convert that excitement into working out, learning and exemplifying the Army Values, and preparing yourself mentally for the challenge of basic training.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2018 5:01 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 17:01:18 -0500

No way. Have fun with it. You only get to do it once. I went through in 2006 and it sucked while I was there, but looking back it was a lot of fun. If you can't stand out for good things, don't stand out at all. Also make sure to start working out before you go. It will definitely make it better.

Response by PVT Justin Santiano made Mar 4 at 2018 5:14 PM

PVT Justin Santiano — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 17:14:01 -0500

No it’s not weird. In 1997 I was a holdover at Ft. Jackson because after the shots I had a 104.1 fever for 4 days and missed my cycle. I had to wait 2 weeks. They had me giving the dna class, mowing the lawn, staying up for more than 24 hours answering phones etc. I couldn’t wait for the next cycle.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 4 at 2018 6:09 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 18:09:53 -0500

I too was excited and could not wait. That just means that you are joining for the right reasons. Thank you for your future service.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2018 8:18 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 20:18:25 -0500

No, I was extremely excited to ship to BCT. While you're there just remember how motivated you are now and the reasons you joined, and you'll have a great experience. If you have any other questions I'd be happy to help!

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Mar 4 at 2018 8:20 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 20:20:01 -0500

Not at all. Slightly different situation, but I was commissioned in May but didn't come on Active duty until November. Couldn't wait for flight school to start! Best of luck to you.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Mar 4 at 2018 10:42 PM

MSG John Duchesneau — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 22:42:26 -0500

While its good to be motivated at BCT you don't want to be too motivated. You will understand what I mean when you've been there about two weeks.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Mar 5 at 2018 12:15 AM

PVT Mark Brown — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 00:15:22 -0500

NO! Thank you for your question. You will do well. Keep that attitude and build upon it and you will go a long way whether a single enlistment or many. Thank you for carrying out the tradition of Honor and Duty.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2018 2:02 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 14:02:45 -0500

Be excited. My cousin just left for BMT, and heck, I was excited for him myself.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2018 9:37 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 09:37:45 -0500

If it makes you feel better I’m in the same position and I am so excited to go that I have the soldiers creed memorized, general orders memorized, and am working on getting promoted already

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Mar 6 at 2018 10:11 AM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 10:11:07 -0500

No, I was intensely ready myself where I was training with some Professional football players from the Houston Oilers. Yes, that team dates me, but I wanted to be in the best shape and ready to perform, keep up that motivation through all the challenges you will be -resented and you will succeed in this Army!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2018 11:21 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 23:21:09 -0500

Nick, of course not! Having/maintaining a positive attitude while you gear up for your next big step in life is definitely a good thing. Being motivated when you get there will help you get through the first few weeks (maybe the worst?).
Congrats on your ship date and good luck!

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 11:12 AM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 11:12:59 -0500

It's fun bro

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2018 2:27 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 02:27:22 -0500

No way I was exited to. The shark attack is nothing as long as you don't quit it's easy

Response by SGT Nathan G. made Mar 13 at 2018 12:25 PM

SGT Nathan G. — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 12:25:43 -0400

I'm pumped for basic training. You aren't alone in the excitement.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2018 1:00 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 13:00:35 -0400

Keep up the motivation and maybe your drill sergeants will put you in platoon leadership positions

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2018 1:07 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 13:07:17 -0400

Keep up the motivation! Motivation is what gets you noticed and put into leadership position. Show it in BCT and your Drill Sergeants may put you in a platoon leader postion

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2018 4:25 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 16:25:48 -0400

No, not really. Granted when you graduate and get to your unit, you're gonna want absolutely nothing to do with the Army, but hey hang in there. Keep up your spirits as best you can.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Mar 20 at 2018 5:15 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 17:15:15 -0400

Not weird at all. You're about to enter a world totally different from the one you have lived in all your life. Definitely a challenge and there are times you will wonder why you did it, but, if you keep your current attitude, really think about what is going on around you and the meaning of it all, you'll find it one of the most rewarding opportunities of your life.

Response by A1C Shawn Gutierrez made Mar 22 at 2018 12:16 PM

A1C Shawn Gutierrez — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 12:16:37 -0400

Not at all. I was in DEP for a year. And the only time I wasn’t excited for BCT was when I got there. But it’s not so bad. Focused on good and make some battle buddies

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2018 9:58 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 21:58:37 -0400

Great attitude man. I just got to my first unit. Fort Lewis is amazing. Anyway like a lot of the old cats on here are saying, keep that motivation going. You will need it. When you get to basic, you will start to understand how the army works. Just remember, basic training and ait is nothing like forcecom. When you graduate ait and move on to your first unit, things get way more chill. Pt will get tougher from basic to ait and ait to forcecom. But you will get faster and stronger through both. Just keep pushing yourself and never give up, and please sound off every time you are talking to a drill sergeant or when getting smoked. It will make your life easier. Also move with a purpose. If you are taking a shit and the drill sergeant says “ get your ass over now!”. You better pinch it off and be standing at parade rest in front of him in less than 5 seconds. The army is easy man. Three simple rules to follow and you will make it far. Be where you need to be, always come 15 minutes early, and always in the right uniform. If you get those three things down. You will do fine in the army. Good luck battle.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2018 3:40 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 15:40:51 -0400

It’s actually a lot of fun once you get used to the drill instructors yelling like an inch from your face

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2018 10:03 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 22:03:02 -0400

Nah, you are getting ready for tge best time of your life! Good luck!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2018 8:35 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Apr 2018 20:35:36 -0400

Basic is the most fun you'll have doing something you never want to do again.

Response by CPT Kurk Harris made May 5 at 2018 11:36 PM

CPT Kurk Harris — Sat, 05 May 2018 23:36:34 -0400

Heck no. I did Navy boot camp, Army basic, and Army Officer Basic Course. I was excited every time. Keep that excitement up for every challenge the military offers you and you can go as far as you want to. Welcome to the Brotherhood.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2018 4:42 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 May 2018 16:42:21 -0400

I had a count-down calendar in my room when I enlisted. My Mom hated it! But o couldn't wait!

Response by SPC Andrew K. made May 9 at 2018 9:29 PM

SPC Andrew K. — Wed, 09 May 2018 21:29:24 -0400

It works. I was delayed entry in 82 and it helps you finish out and then concentrate on serving correctly and truly. You’ll make it just remember the DI knows and you are learning to serve. Period.

Good luck

Response by MAJ George Blankinship made May 11 at 2018 6:56 AM

MAJ George Blankinship — Fri, 11 May 2018 06:56:33 -0400

What you have is part pride, patriotism and devotion. Hold on to the feeling and “rally” back to it whenever the going gets tuff.

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made May 17 at 2018 8:51 AM

CPT Larry Hudson — Thu, 17 May 2018 08:51:55 -0400

No, it’s sense of American pride and willingness to contribute in making America great. Be positive, be active, be ready to accept all that is offered as opportunity

Response by Matthew Stout made May 17 at 2018 10:34 AM

Matthew Stout — Thu, 17 May 2018 10:34:28 -0400

Hey, i'm in the same boat as you! I can't wait for basic training!

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made May 19 at 2018 10:11 AM

SSG Shawn Mcfadden — Sat, 19 May 2018 10:11:46 -0400

Not at all. I joined the Army under the delayed entry program, and went to Boot Camp 2 months after I graduated. It will be ruff when you do go, but if you keep a positive attitude and LEARN, you'll go far.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2018 11:03 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 May 2018 11:03:15 -0400

NO! Keep that motivation! It will help you immensely at Basic Training. While you will be highly motivated and excited, there will be those that are not. Try and spread your positive outlook to others. There were more than a few that helped me during my time in Basic.

Response by 1SG Mark Reed made May 23 at 2018 3:30 PM

1SG Mark Reed — Wed, 23 May 2018 15:30:23 -0400

Not at all and if you weren't excited I would say you weren't ready to enlist. Boot camp was one of the best times I had in my 23 yr Army career and if you go into it motivated you will have a great learning experience. Don't get me wrong, there will be moments when you ask yourself, " what the hell have I gotten myself into " that's normal. Just pay attention to detail, do what your told and for God sakes don't be a kiss ass. Congratulations on join an elite club and I hope you have a great experience.

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made May 25 at 2018 8:55 AM

CWO2 Shelby DuBois — Fri, 25 May 2018 08:55:52 -0400

Yes. You have no idea of what awaits you. Imagine your worst nightmare ... it will come to visit you dressed in an impeccable uniform, wearing a Smokey Bear hat. Have your muscles ever hurt? Well, imagine that times 10. And if you think 12 grade algebra was hard,,, ha. You will question why you ever left mommy and daddy and have more than a few 'what the hell was I thinking?' moments. But then again.... no.... What is there not to be excited about? Joining an organization dedicated to protecting our Country, the Constitution, and our way of life...pushing yourself to your limits and beyond...camaraderie, learning military history and traditions, traveling the world, to boldly go where no man has gone befo....okay...got carried away there... No... be excited.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2018 3:47 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 May 2018 03:47:18 -0400

Excitement is always a good quality to have when going into the unknown. However, I would caution you to check you expectations to manage your disappointment. Basic is long hours, yelling, and in some cases, a lot of waiting. This will be when you shine. Ears open, listen to your drill/cadre and allow them to turn.mold that excitement into a well disciplined Soldier. Good Luck.

Response by PVT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2018 1:30 AM

PVT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 01:30:50 -0400

I am in the same boat as you! It's exciting and you get a sense of pride when you are training and working yourself up to where you need to be physically before you leave! I still have a few months but I am certainly excited!

Response by SPC David Roberts made Aug 27 at 2021 4:12 PM

SPC David Roberts — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 16:12:03 -0400

It was hell when I was in Basic at Fort Ord in 1975. Any excitement I had was immediately replaced by fear when the Drill Sergeant got on the bus and started yelling at us. Drill Sergeants couldn't call us anything thing but "trainee" or "young man" but they didn't hesitate to hit us or torture us with painful exercises anytime they though we needed it ("I know a f**king trick, Trainee, I know a f**king trick!") But I'm really glad it I did it. It taught me that I can doing anything and survive anything if I put my mind to it and worked together with my team.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2023 8:20 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 20:20:05 -0400

I just enlisted a month ago. I’m so exited to go but I’m also nervous.