What is reception gonna be like and will I go throught it alright with the scar on my head?

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 May 2018 11:42:44 -0400

So, I am a couple weeks out from basic training at fort sill, I was wondering how exactly reception will go? because I have heard that it sucks and is the worst part of basic training, I am also nerveous because I have a scar on my head that is not in my paperwork ( I dont think, my recruiter went down to meps with me and said he talked to a head guy there that he is good friends with and got it put in my paperwork). Will there be issues with my head scar or will it not be a problem? I don't really know what to expect at reception. I really want to join, I have wanted to join for years and its what I want to do with my life. If you can give me any information, I would be very grateful, Thank you!

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2018 11:44 AM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 May 2018 11:44:03 -0400

Reception is just a lot of sitting around and processing while being yelled at in a nutshell. You will be placed in a temporary barracks, for about 3-4 days at most. Sometimes it is longer. There will be a lot of waiting in line and standing around. Getting shots, briefs, paperwork and more sitting. The reason it is the worst part is because you are not actively engaged in training. You can't really do a lot of physical exercise or training because Your actual training company will be preparing everything "Down Range". Honestly its not hard its just boring. You will be fine. The moment you will start getting nervous is when those Drill Sergeants come yelling at you to get on the bus and then get off. But that's what comes with the career. Don't worry about it, just embrace the suck and you will be fine.

As far as the scar goes, as long as the scar doesn't have any obvious effects to your daily functions and abilities and it did not impact your health to a degree that you cant perform your military duties you should be fine. They will make a notation of it in your medical record just so you cant attempt to say you didn't have it before joining the army.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2018 12:18 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 May 2018 12:18:19 -0400

It is the worst part because it's hurry up and wait and soooo boring. I couldn't wait to get out of reception and go to basic to have something to do.

Just tell the doctor about the scar when you go through medical. I don't think they will kick you back for not mentioning a scar.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2018 12:24 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 May 2018 12:24:42 -0400

Reception is nothing. Sitting around getting your kit issued, etc.

How did you get the scar? Do you have a plate in your head that you didn't tell your recruiter about? Did you fracture your skull at some point? Those are going to be the deciding factors.

If you just opened your scalp and needed stitches, you'll be fine...

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made May 2 at 2018 12:47 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Wed, 02 May 2018 12:47:30 -0400

A lot of hurry up and wait. Least that's how it was when I went through xx number of years ago.

Response by SFC Stephen Atchley made May 2 at 2018 1:25 PM

SFC Stephen Atchley — Wed, 02 May 2018 13:25:07 -0400

Reception is far from the worst part of BCT. Without a doubt, it is the most boring part of the IET phase, but there will be parts of basic that undeniably suck.

Get off to a good start and remember to listen and do exactly what you're told. You will be yelled at. Everyone is yelled at, but listening and following instructions will minimize the personal attention you receive from the cadre.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2018 3:50 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 May 2018 15:50:00 -0400

Just make sure you get a good nights sleep the night before you go to reception. You'll be fine, its just long and boring.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2018 12:26 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 May 2018 00:26:12 -0400

It’s the easiest thing in the world man lol, get your vaccines , paperwork done etc etc that’s all it is just prep work prior to beginning training.

Response by CPT Don Kemp made May 3 at 2018 12:46 PM

CPT Don Kemp — Thu, 03 May 2018 12:46:48 -0400

If the Reception Station is the worst part of Basic Training for you, I'd ask for a refund or to go through Basic again.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made May 3 at 2018 3:31 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Thu, 03 May 2018 15:31:26 -0400

If there's something to single out about you, then they're going to do it. Get used to it. If you're sensitive about people making fun of your scars, you probably shouldn't join the military. But in all seriousness, I would anticipate a lot of comments about you being dropped on your head every time you make a mistake.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2018 5:21 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 May 2018 17:21:00 -0400

Reception is not difficult. You will be there for a week. It is easy and it is boring. It is common for you to stay up all night if you arrive to Fort Sill at night. Prepare for the first day to be tiring. Surprisingly, some people do not even make it through reception. Be prepared to have a bunch of reception Drill Privates in your ear giving you information that is false. I suggest you pack minimally, as they will give you a card with $250 to buy all of the supplies that you need. As for the scar on your head, we have encountered Soldiers at reception before that had scars on their head. We usually make them get medically evaluated but they're always cleared. If the scar is big or seems like an issue, you will likely be sent to see a doctor. It is nothing to worry about though. Just do what you're told and you will be fine.

Response by SPC Cathy Goessman made May 4 at 2018 5:16 AM

SPC Cathy Goessman — Fri, 04 May 2018 05:16:29 -0400

Your recruiter is endangering your career by telling you to not mention that you had a surgery. That said, lots of people have gotten a slice or two on the head growing up and shaving always exposes quite a few less than perfect scalps.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2018 10:27 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 May 2018 22:27:28 -0400

PVT Private RallyPoint Member I agree with CPT Private RallyPoint Member about getting your medical paperwork which covered a surgery that you had. Do not worry about reception. The military is like the civilian world. Listen, be observant, have a good attitude, and do the best job that you can at all tasks. Enjoy new challenges and adventures. Please provide us with an update after Basic Training. Good luck.