I just enlisted as a 13B; I ship out to Fort Benning this summer for BCT. What should I expect for training and AIT?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 04:58:31 -0400

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2018 9:22 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 09:22:46 -0400

Expect a challenge, both mentally and physically. I'm sure you've heard 100 times from 100 people that BCT is gonna be rough. Truthfully, its more of a mental challenge than a physical one. Find what drives you and hold on to it. Start getting ready physically now so that you'll be ahead when you arrive at Benning. Most importantly, don't forget why you joined. Whatever your motivation is, hold on to it. It's only a a few weeks of your life. Too easy. Best of luck.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2018 10:11 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 10:11:02 -0400

Fort sill for AIT is after but my main concern is BCT Beforehand.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2018 10:31 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 10:31:33 -0400

Like they told us in SERE School, be the the “Grey man.” If at the end of your BCT, you want the DS to ask you “PVT, are you in my PLT?” Keep you head down, shut your lips, do your work, push yourself. It’s not that hard. I’ve ran into a few of my PVTs years after I left Benning and they turned out fine. It’s 9 weeks and some time at 30th AG. Oh, and summer at Benning is hot at humid. Very.

Response by 2LT Ronald Reimer made Apr 17 at 2018 10:34 AM

2LT Ronald Reimer — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 10:34:05 -0400

Expect lifelong memories and some of the best times of your life! (Also, some not so great times, but still things that I wouldn’t trade for anything). Your experiences will frequently depend on your attitude, motivation and effort. The Army can be great, or it can suck. The fact that you are on here asking for advice makes me think that you are one who is going to make their experience great. Best of luck, and thank you for raising that left hand!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2018 10:57 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 22:57:22 -0400

Blend in. When I was in basic training, I had a DS as me in week 8 who the hell I was. That’s how you do it.

Response by PFC Steven Kleiner made Apr 18 at 2018 2:47 PM

PFC Steven Kleiner — Wed, 18 Apr 2018 14:47:13 -0400

Make sure to run every day, start doing push-ups properly (30-50 a day), do complete sit-ups (30-50 a day), and be ready do pull ups, dips, and I would even practice carrying a 55-65 pound bag on your bag as well.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 1:16 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 May 2018 13:16:54 -0400

Whats your ship date? I ship to Benning July 10th than Sill. I enlisted as a 13J

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Jan 29 at 2020 1:15 PM

SPC Brian Stephens — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 13:15:41 -0500

I was 13N during the last years of the Cold War when we had nuclear missiles. I was definitely THAT GUY from Day 1 that attracted all the attention but that turned out to be a good thing after all and I still wound up loving but graduating Basic even though I got off to an otherwise disastrous start. I hope my drill sergeants remember me because I had a fantastic career in Permanent Party in Germany where due to the extra attention and love from my drill sergeants, I learned to stop thinking when someone is talking to me, listen, and do what was asked effectively and efficiently. I made rank and got decorated. Sometimes you just can't be the gray man, but you can succeed anyway and still have a fantastic career. Keep the faith.

Response by SGT Phillip Tucker made May 22 at 2020 8:27 PM

SGT Phillip Tucker — Fri, 22 May 2020 20:27:32 -0400

Benning is extremely hot in the summer, drink a lot of water. You do not repeat not want to be a heat casualty. When I was there, during summer months, all physical activities were done at 0330, before the heat really set in. Drills didn't smoke recruits as much during the day due to the heat and humidity, but at night they had fun. Embrace the suck and stay motivated. Best advice i have is this: be a fly on the wall. Don't draw attention to yourself, but do your best. Also, there is no room for racism, talk to everyone and try to help others in areas they are not excelling at.

Response by PVT Rocky Susshine made Dec 15 at 2020 4:27 PM

PVT Rocky Susshine — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 16:27:51 -0500

Personally I enjoyed AIT. We had a break with reasonably fair weather. AIT learning how to handle weapons. Mortars. Calling in Air support. APC. Map reading . All and all it was hard work. The experience was overall outstanding. Good luck.