OK, Name ONE "survival" skill you learned during Basic Training which helped you. The most amusing the better!

SPC Mara Manzer (Spurgin) — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 09:17:34 -0400

Mine was that EVERY item of solid food can be made into a sandwich. If it is your squad's turn to be last into the mess hall you only have a short time to eat and you better damn well eat everything you took. So... two plain slices of bread and whichever food I thought I could eat the fastest with the most amount of nutrition and calories... Now... GO!

Response by TSgt David L. made Oct 12 at 2015 9:33 AM

TSgt David L. — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 09:33:00 -0400

Folding and ironing underwear into a square. Hands down, it has saved my life, and defended me against the scourge of IEDs for nearly 23 years! LMAO!

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Oct 12 at 2015 9:37 AM

SSG Warren Swan — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 09:37:05 -0400

The importance of Cover and Concealment. If DS can't see you from above, can't see you from the ground, then you can bank on the fact that you won't be getting any crappy details. Move this into regular life in the Army, and it still applies. If 1SG can't see you from his level above, then the PSG won't see you from his level on the ground. What sucked is that I was one of the taller and bigger folks, so hiding and blending in wasn't always an option.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2015 9:38 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 09:38:04 -0400

How to hide the cottage cheese they gave when I asked for lettuce NO cottage cheese. I got only cottage cheese. Of course the "take all you want but eat all you take" was always enforced by the DI as we exited the chow hall.

I ate my meal except for the cottage cheese. I then put that in the ice cream carton and walked out without getting caught.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2015 9:39 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 09:39:54 -0400

Don't piss off the Drill Sergeants. Took a few weeks for me to learn this "skill."

Response by SGT William Howell made Oct 12 at 2015 9:57 AM

SGT William Howell — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 09:57:37 -0400

The ability to not volunteer for things, especially when you have no clue as to what it is you will be doing. It always seemed to have to do with trucks and boxes.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2015 10:54 AM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 10:54:49 -0400

To STFU and to stop laughing at all the Drill Sergeants' little sayings.
--"This ain' mutha f-n Burger King... Ca'in have it yer wayyyy, Private!!!"...
--"Oh d@mn, 'bout to open up the BIG can of whoop a$$ this mawnin'!"

Ahhh, good times.
:')

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Oct 12 at 2015 11:06 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 11:06:17 -0400

Breaking myself from calling them SIR!

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2015 11:08 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 11:08:51 -0400

Networking! Make friends and be dependable so when you suck at something you can have them help you out and you can do the same. Really helped with all the clothing stuff in BMT.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2015 11:10 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 11:10:30 -0400

Every situation comes wrapped with a sense of humor. You just have to look for it, and chances are the batteries aren't included.

But just about everything about Basic Training becomes hilarious when you look back at it, safely, years later. If I had to choose any one thing, I'd have to say the ability of the Drill Sergeants to maintain that over-the-top hard-core clown act for months on end without breaking character. It terrified us as recruits, but later... how was there not a "laugh track" playing?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2015 11:12 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 11:12:58 -0400

i dont think i can lol, it has been 18yrs so...sorry cant amuse you there .

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Oct 12 at 2015 11:20 AM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 11:20:24 -0400

That anything can be made to sound bad ass when the details aren't known.

MY Senior DS would always go on about how he had a kevlar hip and a stainless steel femur and we couldn't keep up with him. The assumption was that he'd been wounded in Desert Storm. At the end of the cycle, one of my platoon-mates finally had the balls to ask him "Did you get shot in Iraq?" His response? "Nah, I wrapped my car around a telephone pole going to buy milk in the rain."

Response by SGT William Howell made Oct 12 at 2015 1:16 PM

SGT William Howell — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 13:16:41 -0400

Oh one more. Always carry a spoon. You never know when you are going to need to eat something.

Response by SGT William Howell made Oct 12 at 2015 1:24 PM

SGT William Howell — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 13:24:01 -0400

I thought of another one. The chances of getting a detail are are directly proportional to how close you are standing to the guy in charge. So always be as far away from the person with the most stripes as you can.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Oct 12 at 2015 1:32 PM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 13:32:22 -0400

Urinate at every available opportunity, even if you just went two minutes ago. You never know when the next chance will present itself, and you are always being told to drink more water.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 12 at 2015 3:31 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 15:31:53 -0400

Say nothing. Do everything you are told. Try to graduate without them even knowing your name.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Oct 12 at 2015 3:38 PM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 15:38:20 -0400

SPC Mara Manzer (Spurgin) that is a loaded question. I learned that knit watch caps are selfsealing, and will contain quite a bit of liquid in a dire emergency. Unfortunately, I learned this when one of the guys in my division puked into his watch cap at chow. Fortunately, it didn't get all over the place.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2015 6:40 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 18:40:12 -0400

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Oct 12 at 2015 6:53 PM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 18:53:21 -0400

Yea be sure to stay hydrated when you go for a long run or hike especially in warm weather or else you could cramp up or pass out..

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Oct 12 at 2015 7:17 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 19:17:04 -0400

During hand-to-hand combat training.

Q: Does this stuff really work?
A: If you run out of ammunition, go find more...

Response by CPT Griff Tatum made Oct 12 at 2015 9:08 PM

CPT Griff Tatum — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 21:08:41 -0400

Hahaha, I love this post. I have a few.
I was the last class of Cavalry Scouts at Ft. Knox before they moved us to Ft. Benning to consolidate with IN Brigades.
During BCT I would take off my birth control glasses to confuse my DS. He didn't know who I was, let alone give me my mail because I didn't exist. Saved me a lot of trouble. Had another DS come up to me the last week of BCT and say, "are you a member of this troop?" Haha, of course I said yes but definitely using a disguise when possible.
Another, make the most out of fireguard. We used to mess with people (like firemen mess with other firemen) like waking them up and telling them that the DS needed them to find the two by four stretcher, and that their red lense flashlight needed to be taken to the CQ for service. Little things like that that may have been cruel to the individual that ultimately made us a funnier, more cohesive crowd.
We had a good time, however, theres nowhere like agony, misery and heartbreak. I don't think Benning could ever fulfill what Cavalry Scout school was for me, but hey, boot camp is all about the same.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2015 9:10 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 21:10:11 -0400

"If it doesn't move, paint it. If it does move, salute it."

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 12 at 2015 9:15 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 21:15:21 -0400

Yes, everything is a sammich. To this day I have no idea what to do with bread other than make a sammich.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2015 10:03 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 22:03:43 -0400

I honestly can't think of one. It seems so long ago.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2015 10:55 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 22:55:49 -0400

Going to the Head was a problem because sometimes the DIs would forget to take us to the Head for long stretches of time. No one wanted to mention it because the recruit asking for a Head call was usually sorry he asked. At night after lights out, we were not permitted to leave the quonset hut unless we had sentry duty. We would urinate in a bucket and take turns carrying it to the Head to dump it before reveille. We were never caught doing this.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Oct 13 at 2015 1:48 AM

SrA Matthew Knight — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 01:48:13 -0400

Speak only when spoken to, I.E. don't volunteer yourself. It's all well and good if you get recognized for doing good but if you know you aren't an amazing trainee it's better to just fly under the radar. I was like a B2 through basic training to the extent that when it came to the letters that our MTI wrote for our tech school supervision my letter had to be about the most generic letter possible. Nothing great, nothing bad. Simply that I satisfactorily completed training. I am perfectly content with that.

I also learned that when peanut butter and jelly are available, putting them on a bun or bread is a perfectly acceptable and delicious desert. Especially given the noticeably lackluster food we were giving normally. PB&J was love, PB&J was life.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Oct 13 at 2015 3:44 AM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 03:44:53 -0400

"Keep your Bowles open & your mouth Shut".......S/Sgt John Kendall DI Plt 22 6th Recruit Battalion Parris Island SC...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2015 7:15 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 07:15:35 -0400

All the debris has stopped falling.... Loved NBC training and the placebo that pointing your Kevlar towards a nuclear blast will somehow protect you. Don't know if this is even taught at Benning infantry basic anymore.

Response by SFC Richard Haugh made Oct 13 at 2015 8:05 AM

SFC Richard Haugh — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 08:05:35 -0400

"Keeping the FUC% Down!!! and Staying the FUC% out of the line of fire!"

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2015 9:57 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 09:57:18 -0400

While I did not technically attend Basic Training (only pre-commissioning training) I learned two things of sincere importance: 1) Cooperate and Graduate and 2) Sleep whenever and wherever you can!

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Oct 13 at 2015 10:11 AM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 10:11:17 -0400

I agree with Sergeant Sergent ..calling NCOs sir took a few weeks to break..

Response by SN Greg Wright made Oct 13 at 2015 11:46 AM

SN Greg Wright — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 11:46:44 -0400

SPC Mara Manzer (Spurgin) Chanting 'This, too, shall pass. This, too, shall pass!"

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Oct 13 at 2015 12:14 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 12:14:48 -0400

If the Drill Sergeant asks for volunteers a third time, volunteer NOW.

I remember being told told to never volunteer, and those who did volunteer early on did pay a price, but I could tell by the tone of his voice it was not going to be good for anyone, so I jumped up. I knew that picking up the mess from chow was not going to be that bad? The other private and I ended up having to drink one of the remaining fruit juices while everyone else did push ups and then clean up the mess while we watched. Everyone knew they were originally looking for volunteers for to clean the meal up. As a side note, in this situation it is not going to gain you any points if you enjoy your beverage while the rest of the company does push-up until you finish.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2015 1:23 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 13:23:26 -0400

SPC Mara Manzer (Spurgin) I still get picked on because I can change from any uniform into civies in less than 5 minutes flat (and vice-versa). An old CO actually timed me once without me knowing it (I had my own office and it was on a slow day none the less! lol) and I came in around 2 minutes and some change. I routinely hear the "superman" and "phone booth" jokes. I still cannot understand how some people take F-O-R-E-V-E-R to get ready. It's a "lazy" day if it takes me longer than 15 mins and that includes putting make-up on.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2015 2:18 PM

MCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 14:18:22 -0400

Volunteer for EVERYTHING... _HOWEVER_, when asked, wait for a slow count of three, then raise your hand and make sure you have a disgusted look on your face as if you don't want to do it. Sure, I peeled tons of potatoes and scrubbed lots of floors/decks, but I also ended up getting some sweet assignments like VIP briefer in Korea and driving dignitaries around and going to awards banquets...

Oh, and the bigger ones:
1. If you have half a chance - change your socks.
2. If you have a quarter of a chance - sleep!!
3. Always drink your water - even when you can't possibly get another mouthful down.
4. Always exploit a chance to pee.
5. Get outside advice - particularly from someone that knows nothing about what you are doing/planning/writing. If you can get THEM to understand, then you may be on the right track.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Oct 13 at 2015 2:51 PM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 14:51:30 -0400

One survival skill the most amusing the better.....OK stay the hell out of Parris Island SC & enlist west of the Mississippi & go to Dan Diego MCRD...no sand flies, better weather, better terrain and better Navy Hospitals in case you end up in one after hand to hand combat training..

Response by SPC Peter Wolf made Oct 13 at 2015 4:32 PM

SPC Peter Wolf — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 16:32:18 -0400

Don't piss off the Drill Sergeant! When he stops yelling, that's when you should get scared.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Oct 13 at 2015 5:00 PM

1LT William Clardy — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 17:00:26 -0400

Probably my neatest "skill" was learning to sleep motionlessly.

At "Lights Out", I could flip up my dust cover and slide down into my bunk without unmaking it. In the morning, I'd slide back out and have my bunk made with a couple of quick snugs on the blanket and then just tucking in the dust cover. My bunk would be the only one made before we raced out for PT formation, which got me at least one intense look from the senior drill as he came through "motivating" us to get to PT formation in the very limited time (10 minutes?) we had between first call and formation.

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Oct 13 at 2015 6:58 PM

Maj Kim Patterson — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 18:58:03 -0400

Boiled prickly pear doesn't tear up your mouth. Minnows go down faster without chewing, although you miss the crunch. A dollar is six inches. If you want me to know how big your ego is, I'm using the dollar.

Response by SPC Luis Mendez made Oct 13 at 2015 7:59 PM

SPC Luis Mendez — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 19:59:58 -0400

Stay low, don't stand out.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2015 8:38 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 20:38:19 -0400

ok Mine would be interlacing my fingers under the bottom bunk to catch a couple of extra winks in the morning. It always looked like I was tightening up the covers.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2015 8:51 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 20:51:46 -0400

Rolling my clothes, saves a ton of space and keeps me from checking bags.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Oct 13 at 2015 10:42 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 22:42:30 -0400

How to eat an entire meal in one spoonful. LOL

How to wake wide the F up at the slightest click of a shoe, but not move a muscle, and be able to spring directly into full on combat mode.

That what does not kill me, does in fact make me stronger.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Oct 13 at 2015 11:47 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 23:47:06 -0400

How to dry shave in the field, like a BOSS!!!

Response by COL Charles Williams made Oct 14 at 2015 12:38 AM

COL Charles Williams — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 00:38:44 -0400

How to use a P38

Response by CPT Andrew Wright made Oct 14 at 2015 3:57 AM

CPT Andrew Wright — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 03:57:57 -0400

Using the P38 can opener. (This was back in the 70s.)

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Oct 14 at 2015 6:47 AM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 06:47:13 -0400

Never accept going one on one with your DIs in the hand to hand combat demonstrations....I learned the hard way and checkout my right eye and lip..in this Parris Island Boot Camp photo Not only that several guys told me I should have ducked his punches and avoided his kicks... And I asked why they didn't go one on one with him?? They all said they heard he had a black belt & wish I had known that..

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Oct 14 at 2015 8:24 AM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 08:24:16 -0400

Does two soup bowl cups of coffee and one plain omelette-wolfed down-count?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2015 10:48 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 10:48:39 -0400

I also learned to stay away from the Frankfurter MRE.

Response by PO1 John Y. made Oct 14 at 2015 12:10 PM

PO1 John Y. — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 12:10:34 -0400

Pay attention to detail

Response by SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres made Oct 14 at 2015 5:01 PM

SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 17:01:52 -0400

Smile and wink at the Drill Sergeants, they are flattered by attention......lol

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2015 5:43 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 17:43:56 -0400

Always ask how many creams and sugars they want...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2015 6:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 18:25:46 -0400

sleeping under the bed that was perfectly made gets you 15 more minutes
how to -
beat my face
suck up my middle meat sack
electric chair can always be made worse
sweep away the sunshine (That took me all day)
your only as strong as your weakest team member
MRE bombs
Chicken wings are not food
Toe the line
Inside hurricanes happen quite often
you never want to cause yourself a permeant battle buddy
Always have two plus pens and a sharpie
and the last thing was the best cleaning product available is a E1 - E4

Response by LTC Donell Kelly made Oct 14 at 2015 8:03 PM

LTC Donell Kelly — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 20:03:38 -0400

Crycothyrotomy. Not amusing, just necessary.

Response by SPC Christopher Perrien made Oct 14 at 2015 8:26 PM

SPC Christopher Perrien — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 20:26:06 -0400

1st live M67 hand grenade throw. 19 years of watching where you threw something was quickly erased.. The Safety knocked me down after I threw it, because I watched it go. You never watch a Hand grenade, as it is going to blow up no matter how it is thrown or where it hits, and when, is up to the fuze.

Response by SPC Christopher Perrien made Oct 14 at 2015 8:56 PM

SPC Christopher Perrien — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 20:56:10 -0400

Cigarettes are multi-purpose. They get you out of immediate"hey you" details". They are a social tool for intro's/meetings.They repel all kinds of bugs. They are "warm" . They can burn threads off uniforms. They are a light at night, as you can see a little with one, they prevent you from getting run over , and they can be used to ground guide vehicles. Also they are a unit of money and trade, readily acceptable , and worth more than money in the field. Also they can be field expedient, ear-plugs and also the filter can be used as a "filter", a little cleaning pad, spacer, and a shem, as can the box.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2015 10:23 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 22:23:20 -0400

stay low to the ground

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2015 10:39 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 22:39:20 -0400

I tried to keep my mouth shot but didn't work, goofy accent goofy last name and the worst part when I was getting smoked and was frustrated and in pain I would start laughing, the survival skill that I learned was after head budding you learned to get along

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 12:11 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 00:11:35 -0400

Keep your mouth shut, don't raise your hand, stand in the middle.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 9:57 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 09:57:07 -0400

Catnaps in formation.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 3:10 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 15:10:32 -0400

At 6'5", I learned two things. 1) Don't pick a buddy is who half your height. Either he won't be able to see out of the fighting position or you'll be kneeling in it. 2) Shelter-halves are really shelter-quarters when you're over 6'2".

Gotta love Basic!

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Oct 15 at 2015 3:25 PM

SSG Todd Halverson — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 15:25:08 -0400

How to sneak in an unauthorized cigarette break without getting caught. Had to learn ghost skills so I could disappear and smoke and return with being noticed. I was a master of it in basic and my battles would laugh if the DI almost caught me.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 3:51 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 15:51:30 -0400

How to use the bottom half of your t-shirt and the top half of your socks as toilet paper.

Response by PO1 Paul Hamilton made Oct 15 at 2015 5:53 PM

PO1 Paul Hamilton — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 17:53:37 -0400

How to sleep standing at attention and jello has no hair.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 6:18 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 18:18:02 -0400

The importance of carrying Baby wipes and a towel. You never know if the latrine that you will use that day will have toilet paper and paper towels. That seems to be a common thing in the army, there is never enough paper towels or toilet paper.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Oct 15 at 2015 7:03 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 19:03:19 -0400

Article 15 for leaving my weapon against a tree. Did not happen in Afghanistan and I can tell you where everyone of my weapons are now.

Response by SPC Jeremy Harkleroad made Oct 15 at 2015 8:09 PM

SPC Jeremy Harkleroad — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 20:09:09 -0400

Seamstress before soldier.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 10:10 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 22:10:37 -0400

I was told to shut my mouth private or I would get the drill Sergeant boot up my ass. Well never got the boot up my ass cause I shut my mouth!

Response by SGT David D. made Oct 16 at 2015 4:25 AM

SGT David D. — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 04:25:59 -0400

I learned the fine art of polishing concrete, and buffer handling.........later in West Germany at my first permanent duty assignment, I used those skills shine the floor to a mirror finish, and always made sure open the windows to let the sun shine on the floor and reflect into the eyes of whoever happened to be doing room inspection that morning.....they always did an immediate about face in search of easier prey........ little did they know that the rest of the room was........ah..... shall we say somewhat less shiny.

Response by SCPO David Fish made Oct 16 at 2015 9:54 AM

SCPO David Fish — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 09:54:15 -0400

I learned that when the Chief was talking...I shut up. If the guy next to me didn't, lean away to minimize the splatter, then act like nothing happened.

Response by SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres made Oct 16 at 2015 10:29 AM

SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 10:29:51 -0400

1. , help out your battles, because they will return the friendship
2. Never ask the Drill Sergeant or any Servicemember how many people they killed. Especially an Infantryman - one guy did just this, it wasn't pretty
3. Always shine, use every opportunity to shine, but don't be a brown noser and don't screw anyone over
4. Knowing is half the battle!!!- Stay informed!
5. Hot sauce on everything, sugar on your cornbread for desert.

Response by MAJ Nathan Potter made Oct 16 at 2015 1:47 PM

MAJ Nathan Potter — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 13:47:31 -0400

"The gloves are so we can find your fingers...not to protect your hands"

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Oct 16 at 2015 2:02 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 14:02:37 -0400

Shut up...Listen....Do as your told...

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Oct 16 at 2015 2:08 PM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 14:08:28 -0400

The funny thing for me is that there isn't much I learned in basic training that I did not already learn from my mom and dad and Boy Scouts. My dad taught me to shoot, and all the outdoors skills. My mom taught me to fold my clothes neatly and keep a clean and tidy room, including bouncing quarters off the bed. Boy Scouts taught me everything else. The Drill Sergeants taught me how to do it faster.

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Oct 16 at 2015 3:01 PM

SSG Leo Bell — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 15:01:18 -0400

Land navigation and map reading.

Response by SGT Josheua Cooke made Oct 16 at 2015 3:32 PM

SGT Josheua Cooke — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 15:32:04 -0400

A "Prick E-7" is not nomenclature for a radio...

Your MOS is whatever you happen to be doing at that moment.
*Area beautification on a Sunday"
"PFC Cooke, what is your MOS?"
"108X Pinecone extraction specialist Drill Sergeant!"

Do not confuse your 1SG with a "Sarge" which is apparently a fish that eats the shit out of a whales ass... Pushups were bountiful for all that day.

Response by CW2 Ernest Krutzsch made Oct 16 at 2015 7:11 PM

CW2 Ernest Krutzsch — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 19:11:28 -0400

Never volunteer for anything..In Basic Training in Fort Polk, La in 1972, we were asked if anyone had a drivers license, those who did raised their hand. They were then given manual lawn mowers and told to mow the Company grass, of which there was little, but still according to the DI's needed mowing..Never volunteer any information...EVER

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2015 7:19 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 19:19:42 -0400

don't be "that guy."

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 16 at 2015 9:32 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 21:32:03 -0400

Not sitting with the stupid people.

Response by SPC John New made Oct 17 at 2015 11:07 AM

SPC John New — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 11:07:35 -0400

The absolute knowledge that I can do what has to be done.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Oct 17 at 2015 2:37 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 14:37:11 -0400

Mouth shut and out of sight as much as possible...... LOL

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Oct 17 at 2015 6:12 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 18:12:04 -0400

Easy. Check behind you before you bend over.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2015 6:14 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 18:14:00 -0400

A roll of toilet paper!! Being a Supply Sergeant I've learned the importance of keeping toilet paper on deck, especially being out here in the Desert of good ole Fort Irwin!! At every Office I have had, I always had a spare roll somewhere, you just never know!! But along with toilet paper, throughout my Career I've always kept these necessities on deck too:
paper towels, hand sanitizer, lotion, lip chap, a gerber, cups, eating utensils and a plate or some sort of food container. These things always come in handy!!

Response by SP5 Joel McDargh made Oct 17 at 2015 9:49 PM

SP5 Joel McDargh — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 21:49:13 -0400

Easy one...never volunteer.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Oct 18 at 2015 6:16 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 06:16:20 -0400

Sleeping with my eyes open and able to answer simple questions.

Response by SSG Keven Lahde made Oct 18 at 2015 9:58 AM

SSG Keven Lahde — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 09:58:41 -0400

SPC Mara Manzer (Spurgin) Never Again Volunteer Yourself....lol

Response by 1SG Patrick Sims made Oct 19 at 2015 9:40 AM

1SG Patrick Sims — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 09:40:28 -0400

In 1966 I enlisted in the Navy. At age 18 I bought into the line---Join the Navy and See the World----It should have been Join the Navy and Be a Janitor.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2015 12:22 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 12:22:14 -0400

Anonymity is the way to roll though any formal training.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2015 1:23 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 13:23:42 -0400

Well, there is that whole shooting thing.

Response by CW3 David Covey made Oct 19 at 2015 2:12 PM

CW3 David Covey — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 14:12:48 -0400

During Escape and Evasion training @ Ft Leonard Wood 1971.. How to hold, open and eat a can of C rations (Tuna if memory serves) with a P-38 resting on top of my head. While duck walking in a circle with my fellow captives.. Hasn't came in handy yet, but I'm qualified..

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2015 3:52 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 15:52:50 -0400

Mine was, "Shutup and play follow-the-leader."

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2015 6:09 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 06:09:36 -0400

I'm sure it has been said many different ways already: Keep my mouth shut! And the drill sergeant is always right! I survived!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2015 2:52 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 14:52:44 -0400

Instructors smell fear, but mother of god, they are clairvoyant about uncertainty. If you're wrong, and you're in the hole already, you better own that shit to your spittle-and-sweat-covered grave.

Response by MSgt Daniel Attilio made Oct 30 at 2015 2:08 PM

MSgt Daniel Attilio — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 14:08:01 -0400

STOW YOUR GEAR!! I must also add - the way it is supposed to be stowed. It was bad enough if your foot locker, and later wall locker were not secured but God help you (or to incur less pain strike you down) if your rifle was not secured. For 20 years that law never waivered.

Response by SGT Barry Third made Oct 31 at 2015 6:11 PM

SGT Barry Third — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 18:11:00 -0400

I learned how to live in a tent , in the worst conditions,, really helped me when i was homeless ,i was perhaps to cleanest,most orderly, squared away guy, homeless guy in Las Vegas

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2015 1:51 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 13:51:38 -0500

Mine was how to polish a garbage can so that is shone (and that garbage cans in Basic were NOT to be used for trash, or anything else that matters.... otherwise you mess up that shine!)

Response by LTC Ed Ross made Nov 12 at 2015 2:03 PM

LTC Ed Ross — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 14:03:01 -0500

"If it hurts, it's good."

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 8:29 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 08:29:41 -0500

If you can't eat it, wear it, or shoot it leave it behind.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Dec 11 at 2015 8:58 AM

SSG Audwin Scott — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 08:58:55 -0500

The cheese in the MRE's makes everything taste better lol.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Dec 11 at 2015 4:16 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 16:16:49 -0500

Basic in 1974, retired in 2015, we ran in combat boots back then and my Drill Sgt SFC Edwards would always say "Stay Flexible, stay Flexible" in all my years of service I was flexible now that I am retired my back is not flexible and in pain. Can I get medicinal POT?

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Dec 11 at 2015 4:18 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 16:18:32 -0500

Never walk near a large group of Soldiers. They will purposely themselves spread themselves out and your arm DOES get tired saluting after a while.... ;o)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 4:41 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 16:41:48 -0500

I have been thinking.. and I think it is to remain emotionless, especially when being yelled at.
Receiving praise or an ass-chewing without showing what I am thinking. At all. Ever.
It have served me well.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 11:13 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 23:13:50 -0500

There is always room in your cargo pocket for one more item.

Response by SPC Randall Eichelberger made Dec 13 at 2015 7:29 PM

SPC Randall Eichelberger — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 19:29:08 -0500

It is not against any regulation to shove your hands down the front of your PT shorts when its cold as shit but not 1 Oct yet so no winter PT's.

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Feb 23 at 2016 6:42 AM

TSgt Melissa Post — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 06:42:14 -0500

When you use both hands to eat, you get more food. I will never forget the day I discovered I had two hands and could use them both during chow. It was revolutionary...

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Feb 23 at 2016 6:44 AM

TSgt Melissa Post — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 06:44:53 -0500

A serious one though, if you are in charge of someone or a group make sure they know you are there to support them. When we had drills over our Entry Control duties I was told that I needed to be there for our females, since I was the Entry Control Monitor (basically in charge of our dorm's security). They needed to know that I was supporting them so they wouldn't be as scared in front of the blue ropes. When your troops know you have their back, they tend to have yours as well.

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Feb 23 at 2016 7:06 AM

TSgt Melissa Post — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 07:06:37 -0500

When in doubt, still answer like you know what the hell you are talking about. Oftentimes it is just a test to see if you have the courage to face those intimidating you. I was standing behind the TI while one of our females known for doubting herself was being asked EC questions. She was getting every single one of them wrong. I dug my nails into the palms of my hands bracing myself to be yelled at for her stupidity. After a few questions, maybe she got one right finally. He left her alone and didn't even yell at me. I went up to her and said, "you do realize you got every single one of those wrong, right?" She said "no, why did he not yell at me?" I told her "Because you finally answered with some damn confidence in yourself. Now start copying the right answers so next time you get time right."

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made May 6 at 2016 1:01 AM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Fri, 06 May 2016 01:01:41 -0400

My article 15 for leaving my weapon against a tree. Not a good feeling when you find your DS with your weapon. Never left it anywhere while in Afghanistan, those hours of extra duty and not being able to use the phone to call home was well worth it.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Dec 12 at 2021 5:48 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 17:48:05 -0500

Cooked ferns really don't taste great!

Response by Maj John Bell made Dec 13 at 2021 12:14 AM

Maj John Bell — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 00:14:55 -0500

Tabasco sauce tastes bad. But it is better than anything else in an MRE.