What are some main tips for women during basic training?

Ashley Nicole — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 20:27:46 -0500

I’ll be 25 going into basic training and AIT. I’ve read a lot of things on threads about basic training tips (all which are amazing) and pointers and advice and what not, but I’m looking for more female based opinions. For example, advice on the perfect bun to keep in regulation, using the most of your shower time (do you wash your hair, shave, hit the hot spots)? Tips and advice that other females have learned after their experience.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2020 9:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 21:28:29 -0500

Basic Training is not that difficult, man or woman. Just remember that it's all a game and you'll be OK. You'll always be given unreasonable time hacks, which you will fail. Don't take it personal, it's just designed to make you become a part of a team and less oriented towards being a self centered individual. It's designed for you to pass. It's designed for you to suffer - self development is in the suffering. It's designed to teach you that your limits are inside your head.

There's nothing to really do or any way to game it. Just remember these three guidelines:
Do what you're told to do and when you're told to do it.
Your peers will screw it up and you will suffer for it.
It's not personal.

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Jan 25 at 2020 9:45 PM

SPC Stewart Smith — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 21:45:24 -0500

Perfect Bun: Cut the end off a tube sock. Roll it into a donut. Put pony tail through hole and wrap around the donut sock. Perfect bun.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Jan 25 at 2020 10:46 PM

SSG Brian G. — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 22:46:31 -0500

A SFC Private RallyPoint Member said and all good points.
I would add this: Basic is about tearing down the SM and building them back up to be soldiers. Becoming that basic solid foundation upon which all other training is built. It's hard but it is meant to be, but meant so that if you apply yourself and want it... you can and will pass.

Accept that no matter what you do, right or wrong, you are going to get smoked. Go at it hard. Do the best you can. Learn all you can. Help others.

IN BCT you want to be middle of the road in the pack. You don't want to fall behind, fall out, or cause negative attention because you will get smoked and cause your company to get smoked. Similarly you don't want to be that shining star because then the rest are compared to you and THEY get smoked and then they take it out on you. Basically the drills use you as an excuse to smoke the rest.

It's all a game. Nothing personal. Do not make it personal.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2020 2:40 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 02:40:53 -0500

I would practice getting your bun down faster bc there will be time where you only have like 5-10 minutes to get ready for the day. I was 24 in basic and ait. It was different bc I was mature but my company that I was apart of was all adults around my age.