I leave in a few months for basic training at Fort Jackson and I am pretty nervous about it. Any advice or tips?

Everyone who's gone before you had the same fears. Basic Training is designed to push you outside your comfort zone...you will have days when you "feel" like you're not doing your best and days when you "believe" you can't go any further. The key is take it one day, maybe even one evolution at a time...and never, ever quit.

Always remember that everyone around you is facing the same challenge...and whether it looks like it or not at the time, your instructors' true mission is to prepare you, not break you.

Beyond that, here's a few practical "tips":

1. Don't try to "stand out"; this isn't a job interview.
2. Obey right away
3. Don't stab your battle buddies in the back...better to go down with all than stand alone.
4. When given the opportunity to wash-wash, to hydrate-hydrate, to sleep-sleep.
5. Always remember, "This too shall pass"...because it's actually a VERY short period of time.
6. You WILL make mistakes-learn from them and move on.
7. Watch your feet, ankles and knees...stretch, change socks.
8. Yelling is just about volume...it's designed to mess with you, so don't let it.
9. Keep thinking on the goal...it's worth it.
10. Do it for YOU...no one else.

Good luck and best wishes!

This started out with three rules, but there are a whole lot more:
1. Your Drill Sergeant is always right.
2. When in doubt, see rule #1.
3. Never question the authority of anyone over you. If in doubt, see rule #1.
4. Generally speaking, never volunteer for anything. Be voluntold.
5. You will meet a lot of people from all sorts of backgrounds. Learn to work with others, even if you don’t like them.
6. Don’t complain. You signed up for this character building experience.
7. Never lose your weapon.
8. Pay attention to your instructors.
9. When you get to AIT, you are there to learn, not party.
10. Start with rule #1.

Don't sweat it, just follow directions and you'll be fine.