I leave for my Basic Training tomorrow. What will be the best or worst experiences?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 May 2017 23:48:23 -0400

Very excited, and nervous, but overall ready to leave. I've heard there is no such thing as being fully prepared, but would like some input on others experience.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2017 12:02 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 May 2017 00:02:41 -0400

Just initial training so basically reception and your first week at basic will be the worst other than that just be in the right place right uniform and mind your own and its a breeze to get through. Overthinking it and being nervous is to be expected but its not as bad as everyone makes it out to be especially now a days.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 31 at 2017 12:07 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Wed, 31 May 2017 00:07:44 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Do You Really Want to Know? I'm Sure SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell CSM Charles Hayden SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" Would be Happy to Enlighten You! Don't Scare Him Off folks, We Want to Keep Him. LOL!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2017 12:11 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 May 2017 00:11:21 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Listen closely, be observant, and be squared away. Have a good attitude and be prepared for new challenges. Please provide us an update when you complete Basic Training. Good luck!

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made May 31 at 2017 12:19 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Wed, 31 May 2017 00:19:40 -0400

Take everything with a grain of salt and realize that these people are trying to break you because it's their job. If you're tall, you're too tall. If you're fat, you're too fat. If you're old, you're too old. Think Fight Club. If there's something to single out about you, be prepared because they will.

Don't stress it though. Have fun.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made May 31 at 2017 12:53 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Wed, 31 May 2017 00:53:35 -0400

Remember the Drill Sergeants do not want to be there! They all wanted to be Recruiters. There is no reason for them to 'like' you! Just hope they don't learn to really dislike you! When you graduate; they'll be glad and so will you!

Response by PFC Jonathan Albano made May 31 at 2017 1:47 AM

PFC Jonathan Albano — Wed, 31 May 2017 01:47:10 -0400

The basic gist is that, at first, you will ask yourself what the crap did I get myself into. At this point, you will need to force yourself to keep your chin up. As time goes on, you will begin to adjust and it'll start to feel fun. Drill SGTs are there with one goal; break you and rebuild you into the spitting image of a soldier. As such, anything they say/do should not be taken personally. Just do your best and you will find yourself in their good graces. Likewise, you will come to respect them for what they did in time. Finally, there will, no doubt, be at least one person who either has a hard time with or refuses to adapt to the lifestyle. They will screw up a lot and, when one screws up, the whole platoon (sometimes company) gets punished. See to it that you aren't that guy and you will be fine. Best of luck to you.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2017 2:26 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 May 2017 02:26:22 -0400

You are always wrong even when you are right. Just accept it and roll with it. Don't get bogged down by the little things. Study from your Blue Book, study your Warrior Tasks, become proficient. Work towards being Soldier of the Cycle. Do PT in your "off time". Take note in your classes. DON'T forget to check your pockets before you wash your clothes... Re-writing notes sucks...

In Reception you'll be issued your uniforms, make sure you put your name in the interior of your uniforms, PT clothes, Boots. Keep an eye on your gear. There's only one thief in the Army, everyone else is just trying to get their shit back.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 31 at 2017 2:31 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Wed, 31 May 2017 02:31:12 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member When You Complete it, These Old Salty Dogs will want to Hear Your War Stories, Excuse Us if We Laugh because, We've All Been There, Done That! Welcome Aboard Lad and You Will Have to Excuse Our Jealousy that We Can't Do It Again!

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 31 at 2017 8:22 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Wed, 31 May 2017 08:22:53 -0400

IF you are leaving, there is not much you can do today...might have been a good idea to ask a couple months ago?
The best advice I can give you, Don't quit. If you do not quit, you will make it through, barring injury or committing a felony level offense...or quitting and pretending it is something else?

Response by SGT John " Mac " McConnell made May 31 at 2017 9:04 AM

SGT John " Mac " McConnell — Wed, 31 May 2017 09:04:13 -0400

Take it all in. You will never experience anything like it .

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made May 31 at 2017 10:08 AM

SSG Carlos Madden — Wed, 31 May 2017 10:08:38 -0400

A couple of soldiers on RP came here with similar questions and they might be able to help a little since the experience is fresh. I went through basic forever ago so I don't know how much help my perspective will be but the hardest part is just the stress of not being able to think about anything. You'll always be on the move and being told what to do, where to be, what to bring, etc and you can't ever just take a minute to reset. In the end it's not hard, you're just not used to living your life that way but thats the whole point of Basic. It is designed this way so just remember if you get stressed that it isn't you, it's the training. Millions of people just like you have been though it and millions more will after. Also, don't take anything the DS's say or do personally. They're yelling and singling you out to create stress and make sure the platoon learns to function as a team.

The best experience for me was the end. Not because it was over, but because I completed it. I was 17 at the time and it was pretty cool to tell myself "I did that and none of my friends have."

Response by LTC Stephen C. made May 31 at 2017 10:38 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Wed, 31 May 2017 10:38:29 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member, just remember that thousands and thousands of women and men have completed BCT over the years. If they did it, you can do it. Just persevere and endure. You'll do fine.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2017 11:18 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 May 2017 11:18:38 -0400

I don't think you can ever be fully prepared, so you're right with that point. What I would offer up is to just go there with an open mind and be flexible...and focus on doing your very best in everything you encounter. It was a VERY long time ago that I went to BCT and I know that much has changed. Many years later, as an officer, I had the opportunity to serve as cadre before actually commanding a BCT company, and I can tell you that your Drills are there for you, although you might not believe it while there (I know I didn't) but in all honestly, they do not want to see you fail and they will bust their asses to make sure you don't, but you need to give 100% in everything. There will be some really difficult times, but when it's all said and done you will have accomplished something pretty amazing and have some great memories as well.

Response by SGT Aric Lier made May 31 at 2017 12:06 PM

SGT Aric Lier — Wed, 31 May 2017 12:06:06 -0400

make sure you get in good with Your DS, if he has blue discs on his lapels, that means he's a frostbite victim and probably has some good stories

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2017 2:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 May 2017 14:27:01 -0400

That depends on you for experiences. Everyone has a different experience.

You might want to find people who have gone in the last few years because it has changed drastically (from what I hear from DS on the trail in the last few years) from when we all went.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made May 31 at 2017 4:22 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Wed, 31 May 2017 16:22:52 -0400

I hope you are reading the comments from the Privates to the Officers on this post,everyone here has been through what you will experience,you will find no better advice anywhere,Welcome to the Brotherhood.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made May 31 at 2017 5:09 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Wed, 31 May 2017 17:09:55 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member - here's my advice to you. First, listen to your DSs. Regardless of whatever you were told before, forget it and do it as your DS instructed. Second, stick with it. Be prepared to fail at least once but remember, the DS wants you to graduate. If you show them the effort they will help ensure you pass. Lastly, be ready for the best, worst, exciting, hardest time of your young life. STICK WITH IT! Don't quit even when ever fiber of your being tells you to. And enjoy it. Your journey starts the moment you walk on the plane. Be proud of your service and do your best.

Response by SP5 Joel O'Brien made May 31 at 2017 7:15 PM

SP5 Joel O'Brien — Wed, 31 May 2017 19:15:36 -0400

Take heart that when it's over and you go to AIT, you WILL be treated more like a human.

Response by SGT Peter Hayes made May 31 at 2017 10:04 PM

SGT Peter Hayes — Wed, 31 May 2017 22:04:12 -0400

just do what the D.I's tell you. say yes drill sgt

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2017 10:28 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 May 2017 22:28:19 -0400

Worst experiences? Give us your unit mailing address, and I'm sure some creatively-worded correspondence sent your way could take care of that part. Seriously though, I didn't realize it at the time, but Basic was an amazing experience. Not in a pleasant way, but in a transformative way.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2017 1:37 AM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 01:37:17 -0400

For me the best was the friendships I made/had, laughing at the ridiculous things, and the training I got. The bad for me was the annoyance from stupid stuff we had to do or people did. You make it what you will.

Response by SGT Patrick Wells made Jun 3 at 2017 3:22 PM

SGT Patrick Wells — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 15:22:08 -0400

He's on his way now. I hope he takes it seriously and listens to his DS'S I can't count the times little things my Ds's taught us came back to be a huge help later on. The personal teachings they gave us over and above the classes.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2017 6:47 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 18:47:39 -0400

I don't leave till july tenth. Where you going??

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2017 7:52 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 19:52:24 -0400

Basic will be what you make of it. Dont be a shit bag and you'll be fine. Looks like youre going to be a Combat Medic? Im almost finished with AIT and keep your head in the books. Make sure you study and prevent getting injured. The NREMT is probably the hardest part of the whole course. Once you get past that, You'll be in the home stretch. Just keep your head up and stay motivated

Response by SPC Daryl Budde made Jun 9 at 2017 7:44 PM

SPC Daryl Budde — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 19:44:06 -0400

NOTHING! They aren't allowed to PHYSICALLY beat you anymore.... Pretty MUNDANE!

Response by PVT Rickey Kaercher made Jun 29 at 2017 6:15 AM

PVT Rickey Kaercher — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 06:15:12 -0400

Ask lots of Questions

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2017 2:31 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 14:31:46 -0400

hahaha good luck man wats ur mos?

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2017 5:04 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Jul 2017 17:04:55 -0400

BRM was great

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jul 9 at 2017 9:40 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sun, 09 Jul 2017 21:40:44 -0400

Don't fret, after the long-term effects of the Saltpeter wears off, you will be able to get it up again! SPC Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SPC Mark Spivey made Jul 13 at 2017 10:06 PM

SPC Mark Spivey — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 22:06:09 -0400

Try not stand out as an individual. Remember you are joining one BIG team. Give respect, and you should get respect. Don't be a hardhead, do what you are told no matter how silly it may seem at the time. Try to enjoy every moment ( even the ones that you will think there is no possible way ). I guarantee you will make lifelong friends and remember the time you spent in basic training for the rest of your life. Good luck troop !

Response by PVT Lorrie Nichols made Aug 23 at 2017 11:04 AM

PVT Lorrie Nichols — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:04:35 -0400

My advice would be this.

Give your all, think before you speak, follow orders, be a part of the team, never be a slow poke, and last but not least, always and I mean always call your NCOS drill sgt.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2017 12:43 AM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Aug 2017 00:43:05 -0400

BCT was really easy for me; I went to Ft. Jackson from Nov 09, 2015 til Feb 11, 2016. Time flies by and you'll graduate your training before you know it. Key things are pay attention and do everything you're told, try to work as a team, be your best, and prepare physically.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Aug 27 at 2017 7:55 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Sun, 27 Aug 2017 19:55:35 -0400

As stated in previous post listen to the professionals,CSM Hayden SFC Davis Jr MSG White SFC Farrell and others who have the experience and knowledge from their service as for myself two words..Don't Quit!

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2017 4:37 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 16:37:05 -0400

Have fun guy don't try to stay under the radar they always find those people

Response by SGT Tomas "Huey" Husted made May 8 at 2018 3:32 PM

SGT Tomas "Huey" Husted — Tue, 08 May 2018 15:32:08 -0400

As LTC pointed out be flexible and learn, learn, learn. No matter how insignificant a subject may seem to you learn it and memorize it to perfection. Drill Sgt's do care and they do want you to succeed. But BCT as they call it today is not a 50/50 deal. It's a 110/110. They'll give 110% but you have to be willing to learn and give 110% back. Don't listen to your fellow 'cruits. If they get an attitude about something then let it be their attitude not yours. If the Drills say hurry up and wait then you wait if they say jump then you jump. Facing movements/drill and ceremony seemed senseless to a majority of my Basic Training platoon. But the Drills point of view is if this recruit can't even pay attention long enough to learn a left face from a right face, how can he learn to be a contributing member of a platoon, troop or company. It's that simple. How can that person be trusted with other peoples lives. Because that's what it all boils down to, maybe sooner than later. Basic training is exactly that training. It's no different than any history lesson in school. Learn them dates and places because they will be on a test. Starting from BCT on your whole military career will be a test. Learn it well and it will pay off in many ways.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2019 1:54 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 13:54:21 -0400

Let me start by stating I am still waiting to go to basic as well and I am extremely excited and a little nervous too. I'm glad you're excited and it's 100% normal to be nervous, from the 40 people I've talked to in different branches and in mine. I was told to physically and mentally prepare and to enjoy as much of it as I can. You will be taken care of regarding you living arrangements, food, and paid to workout and build connections with your fellow soldiers. If you know your Soldier's Creed, Army Core Values, and General Orders before you go you will be in a good spot. Also, if you have the chance to surpass the PT standards for your age and gender before you go then the physical part should not be so intimidating when you first get there. If you are going straight to basic and are out of shape and mad at the world you probably won't do very well. However, if you go in with an attitude of giving your all 100% of the time, listening to your instructors and understanding that the Drill Sergeants are just doing their job you have done all you can to prepare for basic. I wish you the best of luck!

Response by SSG Robert Peterson made Mar 20 at 2020 11:30 AM

SSG Robert Peterson — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 11:30:10 -0400

Make sure you lock your locker

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Mar 20 at 2020 5:33 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 17:33:18 -0400

I missed the gas chamber, because as a child I had chronic bronchitis, they asked, I raised my hand and I missed the pleasure. Never would have occurred to me, but after the gas it was a long hump back to quarters, those guys were dying. Just sniffing them made my eyes water. :).

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Mar 20 at 2020 5:35 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 17:35:54 -0400

Let me add it’s not that hard, it’s a mental grind. Millions do it, you will too. Relax don’t sweat it, and realize the next 13 weeks will suck. Get your hair cut, don’t show up in an AC/DC shirt. But in the first 2 weeks nothing you do will be right even if it is, and you’ll do a tons of bends and mother’s. And BEGIN will ring in your ears. About everyone makes it though, they pull up the bottom end, when you hear no man left behind they mean that. Good time though, I did PI in July/August/September, and it was fucking hotter than hell, man I learned how to sweat.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2021 2:54 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 14:54:16 -0400

Know when your getting smoked it’s planned. They found a reason. One day it’ll be your best buds fault maybe yours the next. Don’t let it divide the group. Just accept it was inevitable and get stronger. That was the best advice to keep me level headed. It’s a mind game.

Response by SSG Harry Herres made Apr 3 at 2022 7:08 PM

SSG Harry Herres — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 19:08:07 -0400

My platoon were 85% military brats. Basic for us was like boy scout camp. We lived it as kids. Do as you are told, don't take anything personal. They are breaking your civilian life style down. You are now part of the biggest club of people ever. You will learn to eat, sleep and work together as one. You are part of the whole not just you. That is what happens i f you ever go into harms way, all for 1,1 for all. You can do it. Thank you for giving your time. Stay safe stay strong. Born in the Army 1949. Walked the walk, been there done that. Best life ever!

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Apr 4 at 2022 5:11 AM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 05:11:13 -0400

Just do what your told to do as quickly as you can the best way that you can. That’s all there is to it, not much thinking required your DIs will do most of that for you.