What are some ways to start preparing myself for the Army?

Cameron Smith — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 01:55:33 -0400

I’m a HS Jr turning Sr, and about this time next year I expect to be starting to ship out for BCT. The current plan is to enter as a 35P Cryptologic Linguist (I don’t have any contracts signed or anything yet so it’s speculation but it should be ironed out soon). I participate immensely in JROTC (I’m our program’s Bn CDR), so I’m more looking for ways to physically push myself into a better preparedness. Are there any suggestions that could help me get ready?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2018 2:23 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 02:23:17 -0400

Join your high school cross-country team. That will help you with the 2-mile Run since you're high school probably runs 3 miles competitively. It helped when I was 31 years old in basic training I was running 2 miles in 12 minutes and I was the second fastest person in my Battalion even though I was 31 years old. Work yourself up to 50 or 60-80 push-ups in 2 minutes. Give yourself a 10-minute rest and try to work yourself up to 60 or more sit-ups in 2 minutes. This will guarantee you will score highly on the Army physical fitness test. There may be some changes to the test in the very near future but those three events will get you prepared for the most part.

Response by Cameron Smith made Jun 12 at 2018 2:25 AM

Cameron Smith — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 02:25:19 -0400

Thank you for the response, sir, but I’m not sure that joining the competitive team will be good for me, we have a pretty toxic sports program so while I can and will still do the running I will probably not join the actual team. I will do the other things though for sure, thank you

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2018 2:51 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 02:51:41 -0400

I just joined about a year ago and graduated AIT about 4 months ago (feels like longer). I did 4 years of JROTC and finished as a C/LTC and the BN XO.

JROTC helped me a lot in basic. And it will help you too, just don't flaunt it. There was a guy in my BCT PLT who was the typical, "well in JROTC..." Don't be that guy. Because it'll go straight to your head and you'll loose sight of what you're there to do. This guy, we'll call him Private Snuffy, always tried to be number one. And 9/10 times he sucked. Know your limits. I knew I was good at marching and at orienteering. So when it came to that, I stepped up. I was part of my Company's D&C team and we won. When I did orienteering with our 4 man teams, we did well because I would work out the problem and then help my teammates and teach them what to do, so when it came to the final course, we ended up with one of the top scores. (Fourth. Doesn't matter though, orienteering is one thing you only compete against yourself.) I helped some of my battles learn how to read the map. One had no idea what was going on at the beginning, but by the end of the cycle, she was able to do everything on her own. Meanwhile, Snuffy was always trying to kiss ass and just looked like a turd. Stay under the radar unless you know you can excel, volunteer for anything you can, eyes and ears open always, use common sense. Remember, you're there to learn. Let me know if you have any questions, and feel free to message me if you need.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2018 2:57 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 02:57:57 -0400

Have you taken a DLAB yet? Why do you want to be a P?
Physically, running is good. Rucking is great. The pushups are never going away.
Start memorizing easy stuff, like your general orders, soldiers creed, rank insignias, etc. it’ll save you from having to memorize it in week one of BCT when your exhausted, scared and hungry.

If you have DLI questions, don’t hesitate.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Jun 12 at 2018 8:00 AM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 08:00:01 -0400

Ask your local Congresswoman or Congressman for an appointment to West Point.

Response by PO1 Don Gulizia made Jun 12 at 2018 10:29 AM

PO1 Don Gulizia — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 10:29:05 -0400

Go back to the recruiters...then head into the Navy office! Just kidding (kind of)...just stay in shape (lots of running, push-ups, pull-ups) and out of trouble. Good luck.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2018 12:21 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 12:21:28 -0400

To prepare physically there are dozens of exercise programs. The best one is the one you actually do and can stick with. The second best ones are measurable so you can track your progress (weight, number of reps or speed). So just find something you enjoy: running, rucking (hiking with 30 lb weight), biking, swimming, yoga weight lifting, body weight exercises- and stick with it.

Response by COL David Turk made Jun 12 at 2018 6:33 PM

COL David Turk — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 18:33:40 -0400

If your recruiter is not the best at answering questions, I can forward the name of a very good local one who will give you straight answers. Don’t know how long he will be here as he made the E-8 board and will depart the role/area once he’s promoted.

Response by SGT Eric Davis made Jun 12 at 2018 7:52 PM

SGT Eric Davis — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 19:52:41 -0400

Why haven’t you joined yet? Do you plan on going active, guard or reserve?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2018 8:02 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 20:02:50 -0400

Cameron Smith Be a planner and set achievable goals. Obtain the education that you need for future career goals. You have a limited number of years to work in your lifetime, so treat money as a valuable resource, and spend it wisely. Participate in savings plans and utilize IRAs, Roth IRA's, and everything else at your disposal. Study investing so that you make the right money decisions your entire life. Good luck.

https://www.investor.gov/

Investor.gov

The SEC’s Investor.gov: Tools to check your investment professional, compound interest calculators, and other objective resources for the average investor.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2018 11:16 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 23:16:41 -0400

Your young so I wouldn’t worry much about the physical part. Just start running, doing push ups, and sit ups. If you mind is made up just do it. The earlier in your senior year you do it the better they should have already loaded all the vacancy’s for next years seniors already. And for the love of god don’t blow it on the physical questions. They ask you that stuff to try and disqualify you. You will go from qualified to disqualified real quick.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2018 2:58 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 14:58:48 -0400

As far as life on DLI, it's the hardest thing I've ever done academically speaking. Imagine your high school schedule, but every class is your target language. It's quite easy to get burnt out. Make sure you pay close attention to your study habits now, it will influence how quickly you are able to adapt to the pace and rigor of becoming one of our nation's most talented linguists. Good luck and stay Army Strong!

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2018 11:43 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 23:43:55 -0400

Ruck. Ruck heavy and ruck far. Up whatever hills you have there. I'd start at a 65lb. and work your way to about 110lb.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2018 12:13 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 00:13:03 -0400

I would ask to take the DLAB before investing much time in studying language. Then ask your unit what slots they have to fill. More than likely you don't get a whole lot of languages to chose from. Right now the hot languages are still Arabic and Korean. Once you know your units availability, start studying. DLI is the hardest school I have ever attended. It is super high speed. There are head start programs your unit should send you to beforehand. They are given in GA or DLI itself if you get there about a month early. Do not skip it! You will also need your TS clearance before you can go to DLI. Overall, a linguist is a great MOS. It will transfer well into the civilian world. It is however not easy. As a proficient linguist you will also have to learn the cultural background and learn a lot of the technical vocab which is not used in every day language. Study ahead of time! That way you can focus on refining your language skills when you are at DLI. Monterey is a beautiful place!

Response by COL David Turk made Apr 2 at 2020 8:46 PM

COL David Turk — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 20:46:00 -0400

Talk to recent prior service or active duty in the specialty you’re interested in. Find them on here.
Be a sponge. BCT is real life. Be aware of individuals and/or situations that could sidetrack/derail your career.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Apr 2 at 2020 10:52 PM

LT Brad McInnis — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 22:52:24 -0400

Lot of good advice here... I would throw something a little different at you. Get your family/friends and yourself prepared for being apart. Set up contact methods/times, etc. Most SM's that I have had problems with, it wasn't physical (surprising in the Navy I know), rather it was home life. Make sure you have a bank account set up, and understand budgeting. It is the home life/family stuff that tends to cause a lot of SM and their Chains of Command problems.

That said, since you are interested this early and looking for info, I am sure you will do fine. Enjoy the ride, it is one of the best adventures of your life! Cameron Smith

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2021 1:24 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 13:24:59 -0400

Run a lot. Cardio + strengthening (by calisthenics, many reps of light-medium weight, etc.). Do not bulk up or lose flexibility. Run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run. Also don't forget to sweat a lot, and do everything until you are absolutely miserable. That's the Army way.