What can you tell me about basic training at Fort Benning?

PVT Angelo Velez — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 18:12:24 -0400

I am one month away from Infantry OSUT at fort benning. I ship out August 11th. I would like any information about basic training or advice about basic training or even reception which I will be at reception for 10 days. Maybe even some things I should do to prepare physically or any information I should study beforehand. I am NG so I've been to 3 drills so far and this weekend is my 4th and last so I'll be blue phase for those of you that went thru rsp. I also have the soldier's blue book so I'm looking thru that. My apft score is 288, my only problem being the run but maxing everything else. I would also like some tips to increase my apft score.

Response by SPC Daniel Bowen made Jul 10 at 2015 6:25 PM

SPC Daniel Bowen — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 18:25:04 -0400

Basic will be filled with a lot of team and individual challenges. Just keep your head up, even when you fail. There will be times that you will be set up to fail so make sure you pay attention. Listen to your drill instructors, they are not new at this and they will always have something to teach you. PT scores are the least of your worries.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 6:26 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 18:26:14 -0400

Hurting on your run? Do sprints or interval running. You will work on running a lot during your training. Accept that you won't get everything right in OSUT and you will have to "toe the line" often.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 6:29 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 18:29:34 -0400

It is going to suck. I did basic way back in 2000. I am sure things have changed but the suck will never. I would learn some history, ARDP 1-0. It is good to know about your profession. On top of of that I would really focus on some Drill & Ceremony, TC 3-21.5. To finish it of I would also look at some infantry based information with FM 3-21.8. I am sure this is a lot to look at in a few days. But as long as you glace as it you should be good. Really all you need is to be familiar with it.

http://armypubs.army.mil/doctrine/DR_pubs/dr_a/pdf/adrp1.pdf
https://armypubs.us.army.mil/doctrine/DR_pubs/dr_aa/pdf/tc3_21x5.pdf
http://armypubs.army.mil/doctrine/DR_pubs/dr_a/pdf/fm3_21x8.pdf

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 6:34 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 18:34:55 -0400

From what I understand about Infantry School, besides your APFT scores and warrior tasks, learn learn learn the Creed of the Infantry.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 6:41 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 18:41:45 -0400

Push-ups, sit-ups, and running....lots of it. They'll try to break you down but show determination and some motivation and you'll be fine. I went 08/12 it was hell on earth but I'd do it again if I could

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 6:51 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 18:51:37 -0400

Sprints, and controlled breathing always helped my run time, but as for reception and osut it really isn't bad, and you can literally go in knowing nothing about the military. You should have no problem at all and all your peers will prob look up to you there if your going in scoring a 288 on you apft. Get a ranger handbook if one is available and bring that with you, you'd drill sergeants should def let you keep it with you throughout.

Response by SFC(P) Jonathan P. made Jul 10 at 2015 7:05 PM

SFC(P) Jonathan P. — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 19:05:48 -0400

All I can tell you is don't be that individual that's thinks for him self be a team player and always look out for your battle buddies, but make sure your squared away first. Also be at the right place right time right attitude and right uniform and you will be g2g.

Don't leave things for last minute of you have to take charge at time do so don't be scared to be a leader of you know what you are about to is is the right thing.

Don't half ass nothing you do always put your best and stay motivated.

VERY IMPORTANT

YOU SHOULD LEARN

SOLDIERS CREED
INFANTRYMAN CREED
WARRIOR ETHOS
ARMY SONG
LEARN THE RANKS AND HOW THE CHAIN OF COMMAND WORKS.

Besides that if anyone else has anything to add by all means let's help this soldier in transition to become a great one !!

Queen of battle

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 7:20 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 19:20:50 -0400

I graduated last August and my advice to you is just to accept that it will suck. There will be moments where you question yourself but just make sure you sorround yourself with solid guys. You don't want to be that guy that hangs out with the guy always getting smoked.

Before I shipped I used to read stuff like "never volunteer for anything" but if you're a natural leader you'll know when to take charge when others mess up . Yes being in a leadership position won't mean anything once you're at your unit but it gets you going in the right direction mentally.

Also, you're going to deal with a lot of guys with different backgrounds and different values so getting a long with everyone and avoiding drama was one thing a lot of people struggled with at basic for some reason. I'm from NYC so I guess I was used to the diversity.

Last but not least enjoy your time there. You get to a point in blue phase where you almost enjoy getting smoked . You begIn to catch on to the Drill Seargants games and it's pretty entertaining lol

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 7:21 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 19:21:11 -0400

Don't fall asleep during reception, classroom training, etc

Response by SSgt Charles Edwards made Jul 10 at 2015 7:42 PM

SSgt Charles Edwards — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 19:42:08 -0400

PT your ass off between now and August. Focus on running, sit ups and pushups. Chances are, you'll be doing a lot of each in boot. Know your basic stuff like rank structure, leadership corps and anything else the recruiter recommends. Good luck and God speed.

Response by SSG James Yellis made Jul 10 at 2015 8:18 PM

SSG James Yellis — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 20:18:15 -0400

Don't fall asleep during reception, Don't be last in completing tasks, and Have a good time. I was Infantry OSUT at Ft. Benning in 87, and loved it!

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jul 10 at 2015 8:36 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 20:36:05 -0400

Do what your told, when your told, and how your told, and be in a good physical shape.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 8:53 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 20:53:02 -0400

Ignore people who tell you it is going to suck. That's just not true. Remember that while it might be the hardest thing YOU have ever done the is always something worse. So as you go along just be happy it isn't worse and that you are still there.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Jul 10 at 2015 10:31 PM

SGT Richard H. — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 22:31:19 -0400

If you're an honest 288 now, your PT score may actually go DOWN in basic if you don't work on it on your own. I would suggest keeping it as high as you can. When you get to your unit, they won't know much about you other than scores, so it can't hurt your first impression for scores to look good.

Also, an old guy's advice for you: Consider doing at least one enlistment on active duty. It's an experience you'll remember for your whole life and the only people I ever see regretting it pretty much do that to themselves. Even if you have other life plans, 4 years is a REALLY short time on the scope of a lifetime.

Response by SGT Jesse Velasquez made Jul 10 at 2015 11:40 PM

SGT Jesse Velasquez — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 23:40:39 -0400

Be cardio prepared. Do a lot of running between now and then, cause that's all your going to be doing. I went in April, so I was there during the summer. I was also at reception for a while, but when it comes time to get on those cattle trucks, a word of advice, if the drill sgt.'s start handing out candy or anything like that, put it in your pocket, don't eat it, cause once you cross over that cattle guard they're going to start yelling and demand that candy back, and anyone who ate it, will do push ups, you'll do push up anyway for being a smart ass, but the cohesion between you all starts then. and know your manual. Especially your general orders. That's about all man, stay hydrated...Good Luck man!

Response by SP5 Jason Clements made Jul 10 at 2015 11:51 PM

SP5 Jason Clements — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 23:51:46 -0400

I completed my training in 1999 so things may have changed a bit. My first experience was was an extended stay at reception because they didn't have room to house all of us in the training units...I wasn't a medical hold or put in FTU. If this happens to you don't lose your composure and keep a positive attitude. Once you get to Sand Hill just remember you're there to learn and become a war fighter, so keep your mouth shut and your mind open. Embrace the suck. Find a way to enjoy the experience; it's once in a lifetime. Be a leader by action. And remember that you're becoming part of a family that will be with you forever, act accordingly. You're gonna love it!

Response by SSG Robert Blair made Jul 10 at 2015 11:54 PM

SSG Robert Blair — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 23:54:02 -0400

Embrace the suck and know there is a reason for every single thing you're made to do. This mentality will get you through all of it and later you will realize that other than not going home at night it was fun and everything you did will make sense. Infantry basic was awesome and I loved it. Would do it again without resisting.

Response by SGT Joseph McBride made Jul 11 at 2015 12:09 AM

SGT Joseph McBride — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 00:09:23 -0400

The best thing that I can say to you is give it your best. Never settle for second best. As long as you give it and put forward your best then you will get so much more out of it than what you thought of. I know that many say don't ever volunteer for anything but trust me, it pays off when you least expect it. I do know that basic is nothing like it was when I went through, so to me it should be pretty easy. Now if you want to try and improve your run, start running cross country. It does not have to be far or very extreme, just enough to make you feel it when you are done. When you do that for a bit then move to a track. 2 miles and then work on improving your time. Now if you really want to push your self and you live near a beach then go in the water about half calf deep and run about 2 football fields, slow down and walk, turn around and do it again. Do this for about 30 min to 1 hour. Rest for about a day and go back and do it again. This will build up durance and stamina.

Response by SGT Juan Soriano made Jul 11 at 2015 1:37 AM

SGT Juan Soriano — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 01:37:02 -0400

Hi, first of all welcome to the military.

I would like to share that you need to listen, stay quiet if it's possible.
Of course not unless you have a questioning pertaining to an assignment or project.
Follow chain of command not unless it's something personal or vital information your superiors need from you.

Work on your running since you stated that's your weak spot for now.
Also, keep in mind push ups, sit ups and always remain vigilant.

Always soldier care and never leave by yourself always take a battle buddy with you. Show acknowledge and leadership, but always with respect and if you don't understand always ask a question. Remember if you mess up its better now than in real live; in the field.
Communication plays a huge roll everywhere you go so make sure you build a strong rapport with your COC.

Be ready to get up early and in P.T. gear. Make sure you go over your 3 days rucksack and have all properly itemized. Just in case they have inspection. Make sure you take your hydration and protection sunburn lotion.

Well.. hope that works and wish you the best buddy...

Good luck..

Response by SGT Jeffrey Sumner made Jul 11 at 2015 2:03 AM

SGT Jeffrey Sumner — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 02:03:16 -0400

I have heard from a couple of my friends who are now Drills that basic has changed a lot since I went through. Reception I imagine would still be the same. Be prepaired to get little sleep and to hurry up and wait in line a lot. As far as your APFT goes, if your at 288 your good by most standards going in, You will be running a lot and a lot of sprints there which should help with your 2 mile time. Running as fast and as hard for as long as you can will build your run time up, I always ran a lot of distance everyday which never helped my 2 mile even though I could run much much farther. I started doing sprints and I saw a lot of improvement in just a month. Don't get me wrong though, You will still need to do distance everyday. I would do 10 miles as fast as you can, then 5 miles as fast as you can on off days. On you five mile days do your sprints. I would time them so that you add your sprint up to total 30 minutes. After a month of that you should be maxing you PT score out. I would also do lunges and squats everyday also.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2015 9:55 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 09:55:11 -0400

Workout your legs too. Making your legs stronger will help with your running, but you need to run too. Listen to what the Drill Sergeants are telling you to do. Attention to detail.

Response by SSG Adam Wyatt made Jul 11 at 2015 11:04 AM

SSG Adam Wyatt — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 11:04:10 -0400

Humbleness. Don't be that guy that thinks just because he had a few drills that he knows the military. Accept the fact that you all will be out of your normal comfort zone and forced to pick up new tasks at a high rate and try to help those who can't.

I'm not sure how much the guard does it but regardless, in the Infantry, you need to be shit hot with land nav. The ranger handbook is a great tool for the things you will need.

Don't be a "tool" or an ass kisser. Your drill's will think you are weird and everyone else will just want to kick your ass.

The things that make leaders great is their ability to master the basics. Pay attention to detail.

As far as running, incorporate sprints into your run. If you don't throw up after a run/ leg workout, you're doing it wrong. Train for a 55lb 12 mile ruck (3 hours or better) and you will be good to go for road marching.

OSUT isn't hard. Anticipation and fear of the unknown will kill you more than the course will. Do as you're told and with a high degree of motivation at all times and you'll do fine. Best of luck little brother.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2015 2:49 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 14:49:28 -0400

I'm actually going to go against the conventional wisdom and tell you to go in as a blank slate. Ready yourself physically, of course, but don't spend time trying to learn D&C, tactics, BRM on your own. They will show you the way they want you to do it, and unless you are personally training properly out of the newest army doctrine, "bad habits" can be hard to break. Get your mind right, and make sure your affairs are in order at home before you leave so that you won't be worried about things while you're gone. It's going to suck, but I think most of us that have been in awhile will tell you that, if given the chance, we would do it again right now. Good luck to you!

Response by SPC David S. made Jul 11 at 2015 3:50 PM

SPC David S. — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 15:50:20 -0400

Benning is big. However you will more than likely not get to visit all the schools there as you will be busy with your basic training. Try not to stick out, do what's asked with a sense of purpose all is good. Once you get into your infantry school you'll have a much longer leash. As far as PT you can do push-ups and sit-ups but going for a run on your own will be a no go. I added weights from the weight room we had on our rucks. Might give it a try as you are going infantry.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2015 5:09 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 05:09:46 -0400

Don't quit and you will do okay. You will be wrong no matter what. It doesn't matter if your in shape because you will still be pushed past your limits. Do what your told and you will be fine

Response by SGT Zack Boger made Jul 12 at 2015 10:30 AM

SGT Zack Boger — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 10:30:16 -0400

Show up right time right uniform and make sure you do some pt before you head out

Response by SSG Mark Carey made Jul 12 at 2015 10:37 AM

SSG Mark Carey — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 10:37:56 -0400

I went to basic as an 11b in August 1981. Listen to your DI's, learn, study, be a team player.
Take all the extra schools you can(Airborne/SERE/Sniper/Ranger etc), they will help with promotions in the long run.
Be loyal to your Brother Grunts!!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2015 6:35 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 18:35:27 -0400

10 days isn't a truth it's a guesstimation I was at 30th AG for 21 days because there were too many of us when we got there. Other than that. Make friends and have fun. It's gonna suck so do your best and have fun with it.

Response by SGM Jeff Bullard made Jul 12 at 2015 8:49 PM

SGM Jeff Bullard — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 20:49:23 -0400

Once you show up to reception this is where you enter the Army. You'll get medical, head shaved, uniforms, deer's, etc. Make sure you have a checking account with routing # available. Ensure you can do at least 25 pushups and 25 setups. When you go down range the first fees weeks are to tear everyone down, take away their individualism and make everyone start working as a team. From the day you show up at reception until you graduate from OSUT you will getlittle sleep and will always be tired. Get used to it, fire guard, ca, sdnco runner and takings. You'll learn a word called front loading you'll getall kin dos of tasks that have to becompleted you have to prioritize use your fire guards to work throughoutthenight always be early to formafion. These are thetimes that you learn the most and at Avery fag pace. There will be people thatwill try and buck thesystem try to convi ce them to depart of the solutionand not the problem,if they continuethen they'll beweeded out andget ELS'd your atoonmust work as one unit to suceed. This is the way of the Army, learn, be part of the team, don't be that guy.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2015 12:22 AM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 00:22:34 -0400

Bravo Company, 2Nd Battallion, 47th Infantry Regiment. That's where I did my BCT, and it is also known as Sand Hill. It's hot, humid, ants are everywhere and range in size from the tiny ones to ones big enough to put you in shock if you get stung.

There are no females and if you do see one it's probably either staff, a OCS soldier, or another drill sergeant.

You'll be told what to do and what not to do. Don't you worry one bit about that. The only true advice than can be given before you go to BCT is do what you're told when you're told and only when you're told to do it. You will hear the phrase "do it now" because people are idiots and wanna be high speed and think they know everything and skip ahead. Don't!

Another key thing is teamwork. It's all a team effort so work with your battles. You're in it together you might fight together so help eachother out.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2015 2:09 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 14:09:21 -0400

the best advice I can give you to improve your run when its coming down to those last few seconds like that. do some research on HIIT training. this stands for high intensity interval training. the basic principle is to get your heart rate as high as possible in the shortest time possible. rest breaks are minimal 10-15 seconds between your sets. I like to superset 3-5 exercises at once in a series of 3. perfect example would be 10 jump lunges then 5 side to side high jumps, then 10 squat jumpers, then 25 jumping jacks. you dont rest between those exercises your 10-15 seconds is between starting the whole thing over again.. the end goal is to be able to do exercises like this for 20-40 minutes straight. consider this. If you can do something like that for that amount of time how hard would it be to sprint out your last lap or two of your run for only a few minutes. last summer my run went from a 17.20 (which is obviously unacceptable.) too a 12.58 or a 3 mile in 21.20 half of which was up hill.
The rest of the advice for basic is simple stuff. take it upon yourself to stand up if you are falling asleep and move to the back of the room. Try as hard as you can in everything you are told to do. your Drill sergeants will notice that. despite what people tell you volunteer for everything within a few volunteers they will start telling you to sit down and make others do it. accept that you are going to get smoked for other peoples mistakes you can be squared away but it does not mean others will be. and develop the mentality that you are not finished with a single thing until the last person has made it through. help those people struggling. This army is a one team one fight mentality and they will make that process painful if you guys struggle to learn that. the sooner you guys start helping those who are struggling the easier your life will get.

Response by SPC Taylor Austin made Jul 13 at 2015 3:49 PM

SPC Taylor Austin — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 15:49:30 -0400

Out of sight out of mind. A ds in the last week asked who I was because he never saw me before.

Response by SGT Glenn E Moody made Jul 13 at 2015 11:52 PM

SGT Glenn E Moody — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 23:52:17 -0400

cant really tell you much alot has change since i was there in 1982 like reception was at FT Jackson SC ware we got our shots uniform's and first hair cuts and told what to call the NCO'S and officers like mam for a female and sir for a male and never call a drill sgt sir you will be on your face pushing the ground to china as far as apft goes i did my run in max time but there was only 3 of us that could run like that and we did it in boot's and BDU'S not gym shorts and sneekers the 1st runner did 11.56 2 mile run 2nd was 12.5 2 mile run i was 3rd i did 13.5 in the 2 mile run i still have my score card p.s. keep all your records they give you in a safe place i lost most of mine in a flood in my basement it took me over 10 years to get them and still never got them all and some of the dates are wrong on my paper work. i left FT Benning the end of Aug but my pay stopped on Aug 11 so that is what is on my records if i had my reporting orders i could get it changed but the military records cant find them the only copy was given to me in my 201 file or even if i had my travel papers and plane tickets i could get my DD214 fixed to a DD215 and on my NGB22 none of my wepons Quilfications are on there your NGB22 is your Nat Guard discharge papers well good luck

Response by 1SG Scott MacGregor made Jul 15 at 2015 2:41 PM

1SG Scott MacGregor — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 14:41:26 -0400

Ears open mouth shut and don't act you know it all because you were drilling before basic. Stand up if you feel like you are going to sleep and pay attention no matter how mundane the training might be.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 6:14 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 18:14:44 -0400

Best advice I can give you:
1. DO NOT FALL ASLEEP.
2. Do not piss off your Drills.
3. NEVER address a senior as common (ie, dont refer to DS Whoever by name alone; always use rank or title first). You never know who's listening.
3. Give 100% and then some to EVERY TASK.
4. Study hard and focus at all times.
5. Pay close attention to every detail that you encounter. The little things will make or break you.
6. Dont be abrasive to your battle buddies. Have their back and be good with them, and you'll get the same in return. There were so many fights in my bay when I went through, and you dont want to be involved in that mess.
7. Sit down, look, listen, and SHUT THE HELL UP.
8. And last, but certainly not least: Listen to EVERYTHING the Drills tell you. You may not realize it, but they may save your life one day.

Response by PFC Jeremy Wetzel made Jul 17 at 2015 10:28 PM

PFC Jeremy Wetzel — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 22:28:36 -0400

Buy yourself an egg timer, during tv commercial breaks...or any other time, set it for two minutes...and crank out pushups or sit ups, go running twice a day & try to meet pt standards...or exceed them.

Response by SPC Paul Vaneizenga made Jul 21 at 2015 8:35 PM

SPC Paul Vaneizenga — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 20:35:05 -0400

Volunteer for everything you can. If the drill instructor asks for a volunteer raise your hand!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 3:31 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 15:31:08 -0400

Just keep a level head. Learn to work together. Make friends. Depend on them. Freaking volunteer for everything! Dont try to be buddy buddy with your drill sergeant. Ask them questions but by no means suck up to them or try to be their friend. Keep that score up. Reception is the worst part. I was there for 14 days. It gets boring and trust me, you'll want to quit. Other than that just be eager to train.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2015 6:09 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 18:09:24 -0400

Don't smuggle things in that you are not supposed to have ie. dip, cigarettes, candy and such. Also don't be a blue falcon, just don't be that guy.

Response by PV2 Dustin Berg made Aug 5 at 2015 6:41 PM

PV2 Dustin Berg — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 18:41:16 -0400

Its hot hard its not as hard as I figured it would be I was on sand hill in 2001 things only got easier I hear

Response by SPC Devin Guindon made Aug 6 at 2015 1:05 PM

SPC Devin Guindon — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 13:05:07 -0400

Be ready to work and push your body harder than you ever thought possible.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 4:55 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 16:55:27 -0400

Take it a day at a time and stay mentally focused. Do that you and you will be fine.

Response by SPC Dan Hart made Mar 31 at 2017 7:00 AM

SPC Dan Hart — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 07:00:12 -0400

Embrace the suck