This isn’t really a very important question but doesn’t hurt to ask right? Is it normal to not feel nervous for basic training?

Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 02:43:01 -0400

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Jun 18 at 2019 4:34 AM

PO1 Rick Serviss — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 04:34:28 -0400

Sure because you don't know what to expect. In the first stages, the instructors will be hard on you but they have to get your attention, get you to listen and work as a team. As you progress and start to transition into military life, things become easier. Good luck and don't take yelling at you personally.

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Jun 18 at 2019 7:53 AM

LCDR Joshua Gillespie — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 07:53:09 -0400

I wouldn't say it's "common", but if you're confident, prepared, and willing to accept that whatever they throw at you...can be overcome, then rock on.

I was extremely nervous about the physical aspects...which I turned out being well prepared for (still sucked, but it was anticipated) What I didn't see coming was the mental stressors they had waiting. Everyone has a "limit", and the instructors will find it, work it, and use it to make you better. Take one hour, one minute, one second at a time, and just keep moving forward.

Good luck and best wishes!

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Jun 18 at 2019 9:54 AM

SGT Javier Silva — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 09:54:35 -0400

Private RallyPoint Member It is normal to NOT be nervous. Although the majority of people are, everyone's experience is different. I did not find myself to be nervous throughout my entire bootcamp experience. I wish you the best of luck, young man.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jun 18 at 2019 10:48 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 10:48:47 -0400

I don't remember being nervous about going to OSUT until the guy that looked like a bulldog started ordering us off the bus. Yes, he ended up being one of my platoon drills, SSG Leo Carpenter. Good soldier and drill, even if he couldn't complete a sentence without using the F word. Took a bit to come to the conclusion.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jun 18 at 2019 10:59 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 10:59:10 -0400

"Normal"? Experiences will vary.

Response by SGT Mathew Husen made Jun 18 at 2019 5:51 PM

SGT Mathew Husen — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 17:51:06 -0400

Lets say you won't have time to be nervous while in boot camp.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Jun 19 at 2019 8:36 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 08:36:21 -0400

I wouldn't say it is normal. But Iwouldn't say it is ABNORMAL either. There is nothing wrong with heading out to basic confident that you can adapt, improvise, and overcome. Just make sure you know the difference between confident and cocky... and that you stay on the right side of the equation.

Response by SGT Larry Braswell made Jul 26 at 2019 11:46 AM

SGT Larry Braswell — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 11:46:17 -0400

YMMV... If your maturity level is high, then you will have little nervousness. The guys I saw shaking the most were the ones that, through an overabundance of immaturity, had a higher opinion of themselves than warranted. But that all gets worked out if making it through the process.