I am looking to join the Army and go into 11b. Any tips out there for what I need to be prepared for at Fort Benning?

2018-01-18T23:22:57-05:00

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2018 11:28 PM

2018-01-18T23:28:08-05:00

Lots of walking....carrying heavy packs.....digging holes......

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Jan 19 at 2018 12:08 AM

2018-01-19T00:08:57-05:00

Start running now as much as you can. And just realize that it's going to be a culture shock at first, but you're being indoctrinated in a brotherhood that is like no other. Plus the usual advice of just keep your mouth shut, but your eyes and ears open. Your Drill Sergeants are going to teach the right way and listening to them is vital to your success.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2018 12:30 AM

2018-01-19T00:30:28-05:00

Ryan Welch Be in the best shape of your life. Listen, observe, and at all times be squared away. Do what you are told when you are told to do it. Continue your education while you serve, because there will be life after the military.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jan 19 at 2018 6:46 PM

2018-01-19T18:46:00-05:00

I cannot comment directly on what infantrymen do doing their OSUT because I was a Cavalry Scout. I can tell you that you can start by preparing yourself for the stuff that we all go through. Get into good physical shape, work on running, push-ups, and sit-ups; this way you will be relatively prepared to conduct your physical fitness tests. You can go ahead and begin doing some reading. Look up a few ARs. Infantry Platoon Handbook, AR670-1 covers how you should wear your uniform, AR 3-21.5 covers drill and ceremonies (although it isn't very focused on these days, it will set you apart from your peers if you already have this kind of basic knowledge that can be easily demonstrated). Do the little things. Maybe look up a cadence or two; when I went through OSUT at Fort Knox, it was rare that the trainees were asked to call a cadence, but those of us who could get through on proficiently were met with a certain level of approval. Learn your military ranks; don't stop at the army either. It is always a good idea to be somewhat familiar with all ranks across the military. You never know what kind of family may show up for graduation and you may be able to make a good impression. Begin studying things like 9-Line medevac procedures, Combat Lifesaver information (you may be able to find a few powerpoints on this training on the internet), and familiarize yourself with the different kinds of weapon systems that you will be training on - for you these will probably be the M4/M16, M249, M240B/M240C, M320/M203, and M2 .50 Cal. Mentally prepare yourself as well. Know that you will be tired, you will be sore, you will be pushed, begin wrapping your head around how bad - and it will get bad - it will get so that you can prepare yourself.
Lastly, go ahead and begin telling yourself that you no longer matter, you are no longer numero uno. Not that you aren't important, of course you are. But you must be prepared to put others before you. You must be prepared to put the missions that you will be tasked with before you. If that means being prepared to not finish a ruck first so that you can be there for a buddy to lean on at the end or maybe sacrificing a little sleep at night to ensure that the guy who doesn't understand something that you have mastered gets the hang of it. You need to be prepared to sacrifice your energy, sleep, strength, and time for others. The military is a team sport; none of us win on our own power.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2018 4:38 PM

2018-01-22T16:38:59-05:00

So I just went through osut graduated in June of last year. I'd say the best things you can do is run and ruck. Don't be an idiot An go out an buy a ruck just use a backpack and put some weight in it, work your way up in weight. Learn land nav like the basics, you can learn online like terrain features. Do both long distance running and sprints. And lift weights along with push ups and sit ups. My entire company got worse on PT tests from start to finish because your body gets so warn down, so the better you are getting there you better you are. Also a warning 30thAG reception is hell. It's close to 2 weeks long and it sucks the life out of you but just keep your head down and get to basic. If you want it there is nothing holding you back but you. So just fucking send it! Feel free to ask me anything man!