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

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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. :).

Make sure you lock your locker

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!

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.

BRM was great