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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.