What is some great advice you had going through Basic training and AIT?

2023-12-04T07:25:36-05:00

I ship out on the 12th of February, 2024 any and all help i can get before then is very beneficial.

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2023 9:39 AM

2023-12-04T09:39:08-05:00

PVT Private RallyPoint Member Listen, learn and push yourself past your limits. Welcome!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2023 10:44 AM

2023-12-04T10:44:06-05:00

Be a sponge and adsorb everything and just maybe you will become a leader. Knowledge, experience and the ability to learn can take you far in your career. Good luck with your journey!

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Dec 4 at 2023 10:54 AM

2023-12-04T10:54:44-05:00

PVT Brandon Campbell- First I think it is admirable that you chose Combat Medic,those people are a very special breed who will always have my respect, their devotion to duty is outstanding,as far as advice ,the only tip from this old grunt is “Don’t Ever Quit,Ever”

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Dec 4 at 2023 3:20 PM

2023-12-04T15:20:43-05:00

Never volunteer for anything, but always be ready to do your best with whatever comes your way.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2023 3:35 PM

2023-12-04T15:35:16-05:00

Get through Basic, where are you going for that? When you get to Ft Sam be prepared to drink water from a fire house. You will do NREMT first then go to the Whiskey house. Open your ears and study, remember lives can and will be in your hands. Did I mention study? Flash cards and ask questions.

Response by COL Dan Ruder made Dec 4 at 2023 4:22 PM

2023-12-04T16:22:00-05:00

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2023 5:46 PM

2023-12-04T17:46:59-05:00

PVT Private RallyPoint Member I will second what SGT Philip Roncari said. Quitting is not an option. Always put forth your best effort. Basic Training and AIT are important milestones, but you will have many others to follow. Be a planner and goal setter and be ready to adjust your plan to changing circumstances. In your lifetime, you will earn a lot of money. Be frugal with your money and invest it wisely. Enjoy your new challenges and adventures.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Dec 4 at 2023 11:46 PM

2023-12-04T23:46:06-05:00

Do what you're told, when you're told and how you're told. Be in good physical shape before you get there.

Response by CPL Sheila Lewis made Dec 5 at 2023 12:07 PM

2023-12-05T12:07:59-05:00

volunteer for everything because you want to learn! don't stand around holding up a wall...lead from the front.

Response by CPL Sheila Lewis made Dec 5 at 2023 12:11 PM

2023-12-05T12:11:58-05:00

PVT Campbell, Brandon...get focused, get motivated, and stay focused and motivated.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 5 at 2023 5:06 PM

2023-12-05T17:06:26-05:00

Keep your mouth shut, you ears and eyes open, and move at a run!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2023 8:50 PM

2023-12-05T20:50:22-05:00

I had an AIT 1SG say something that will stick with me forever:

The Military is a slice of society. Society is shit. It is so true. The uniform doesn't make us any better people. Be mindful of that.

Another AIT PSG effectively said be aware of who's ass you have your boot in today lest they have their heel on your neck tomorrow. While in TRADOC you don't know who will end up where relative to your own career.

Response by SPC James Neidig made Dec 6 at 2023 1:45 AM

2023-12-06T01:45:18-05:00

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions !
A Very Smart Drill Instructor Once Told Me.
The Only Dumb Questions Are The Ones You Didn’t Ask.
Always Be Willing To Learn Something New,Even If You Think It Has Nothing To Do With Your MOS Because It May Help You In Your Future Military Career.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Dec 6 at 2023 7:44 AM

2023-12-06T07:44:41-05:00

No matter what they say or how you feel, they can't kill you.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Dec 6 at 2023 11:08 AM

2023-12-06T11:08:28-05:00

At Any Time You're In Basic Training, It's Important To Know:
What They Do, Is THEIR Job... Even Making You Angry And Being Azholes.

Remember : "Remain Cool & In Control" ~~ That's YOUR Job

Response by CPT Jerry Lucas made Dec 7 at 2023 12:28 AM

2023-12-07T00:28:20-05:00

Junior high gym teacher said it best, "Suit up, shut up and do as you're told." Wear your uniforms correctly, keep your mouth shut unless spoken to, and do what the cadre tells you to do.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2023 2:14 PM

2023-12-07T14:14:22-05:00

Always keep in the back of your mind your reason for being there. Use the front part of your mind to concentrate on whatever each individual task is required of you. Move with a sense of urgency and seriousness.

Response by SGT Kenneth Potts made Dec 13 at 2023 7:34 PM

2023-12-13T19:34:45-05:00

I went through basic and AIT over 20 years ago. Just keep your head down, mouth shut, ears open, and follow instructions.

Response by SGT Kenneth Potts made Dec 13 at 2023 10:37 PM

2023-12-13T22:37:53-05:00

If you listen to what we have said, your Drill Sergeants won't know your name. You will still get smoked with your platoon and detail, but that's part of the game.

Response by SSG Georgianne Taylor made Dec 29 at 2023 1:05 AM

2023-12-29T01:05:29-05:00

Boot camp has two reasons: to break you down from Civilian and build you into a Soldier, to give you the basic skills you will need for anything afterward and get you physically fit. Get ready in advance, PT ALL YOU CAN B4 you go.
FT Sam is a great place, with many great instructors. Do your best there, learn and ask questions. Study after hours if you don't understand. You'll have to pass NREMT then you will go to Whisky side (combat trauma). Do everything with your heart and head, give 100%, even when it sucks. Learn to embrace the suck. Good luck.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 29 at 2023 12:00 PM

2023-12-29T12:00:22-05:00

I smiled during the hazing. I did not get picked on much by the Drills.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis made Dec 29 at 2023 6:19 PM

2023-12-29T18:19:54-05:00

Watch Forest Gump, as he goes through basic training.
Do that.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis made Dec 29 at 2023 6:22 PM

2023-12-29T18:22:45-05:00

When the person in charge of your training tells you do something, do it. Do it as quickly and as well as you can do it. Don't question it, unless there is something you do not understand. Be courteous to everybody. Let the person in charge handle everything that person can (and says) will handle.

Response by SPC Edward Logan made Dec 29 at 2023 10:38 PM

2023-12-29T22:38:25-05:00

I went in in 1981, any advice I would have would be outdated. Do what you are told and don't talk back

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Dec 31 at 2023 2:16 AM

2023-12-31T02:16:25-05:00

Basic training and AIT are not that tough if you do one thing.
1. Listen to your Drill Sergeant and do what the Drill Sergeant says.
2. Refer to Item One.
3. Did I mention, "Listen to your Drill Sergeant and do what the Drill Sergeant says?
Write Home... Often.
Call Home... Often.
Do NOT, Do NOT, Do NOT look for a significant other (Girlfriend, Boyfriend etc) while you are an initial Entry Training Soldier. Do NOT date a fellow student, For any reason, at all ever. (It is distracting and since you have no idea if you are going to the same place after training, it is counter-productive for both of you)
Did I mention that whole Listen to the Drill Sergeant thing?

Good Luck, you will do fine if you just do what you are told to do, when you are told to do it, and with a good attitude.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2023 12:26 PM

2023-12-31T12:26:20-05:00

There is a training schedule. It will be posted somewhere.
You may think the sergeants are going to have you do pushups until it alters the rotation of the planet. Eventually they have to get you to wherever the training will be occurring.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2023 12:30 PM

2023-12-31T12:30:22-05:00

When you get to MEDIC AIT, take notes and study. There will be a written test. Doing well on it will help you in the future.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2024 10:23 PM

2024-01-02T22:23:30-05:00

My advice remain focused on your own personal goals. Challenge yourself in ways that you normally would not. Not only will this help your career. But it will start the process in revealing your inner spirit and passion for what life has in store for your future. In the end the soldiers you join in TRADOC(BCT/AIT) will help define the character of the leader you can and will be.

Response by SPC Jonathan Lee made Jan 18 at 2024 8:50 AM

2024-01-18T08:50:44-05:00

I pulled more detail than other trainees, and I complaint this to my drill instructor.
He replied, "Life is not fair, deal with it"

Response by LTC Allen Glass made Jan 18 at 2024 9:39 AM

2024-01-18T09:39:01-05:00

Do your best. Help others when you can. Not all leaders wear stripes and bars.

Response by SSG Randall Marks made Jan 19 at 2024 3:39 PM

2024-01-19T15:39:41-05:00

Don’t look up look down. Meaning, only be critical to those at your rank or lower, never to those who out rank you.

Response by MAJ William Tiernan made Jan 19 at 2024 6:43 PM

2024-01-19T18:43:12-05:00

When you hit a low point… Remember, there have been thousands before you who have gone through this training and if they can you can.

Response by SPC Ben Maddox made Jan 20 at 2024 6:46 PM

2024-01-20T18:46:02-05:00

When taking the battery of tests at the reception center, take your time and score high on everything. These test scores will follow you all the time you are in service. Others will hate testing and rush through them. Take your time .

Response by SGT John Stanford made Jan 20 at 2024 7:10 PM

2024-01-20T19:10:53-05:00

When asked a question, no matter how sure you are of the answer, you are wrong, unless they have already told you the answer.

Response by SSG Mike Willis made Jan 20 at 2024 8:59 PM

2024-01-20T20:59:31-05:00

pay attention to everything and Never try to be first, but make it look like you want to be first

Response by SSG Robert Martinez made Jan 20 at 2024 10:18 PM

2024-01-20T22:18:30-05:00

All I can say is always listen to your superiors and use good judgment. For its your life out there on the line. And may God go with you and protect you.

Response by SSgt Chris Robinson made Jan 21 at 2024 12:34 PM

2024-01-21T12:34:54-05:00

Follow simple instructions. It’s their job to try and break you down. Remember it’s a mind game and if they tell you you’re a failure just tell them you appreciate their support and don’t let it bother you.

Response by SSG Anthony (Tony) Pichoff made Jan 21 at 2024 5:14 PM

2024-01-21T17:14:18-05:00

Y'all may laugh, that's okay. I was 17 in BCT. Had never been away from home. Every time we'd sing a "mama, mama" cadence, I'd start to blubber. Luckily for me, one of my platoon mates saw me before a Drill Sergeant did. He asked me what was wrong and I told him I missed my mom. He said we all had people back home we missed then showed me the picture of his Wife and their new baby daughter... I realized in that moment what a child I was behaving like and never had another problem like that again.

Response by Cpl Mike Barilone made Jan 22 at 2024 12:03 PM

2024-01-22T12:03:13-05:00

Whatever you are told to do, just do it.

Response by 1SG Michael Farrell made Jan 23 at 2024 1:01 PM

2024-01-23T13:01:47-05:00

Die trying.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2024 5:17 PM

2024-01-23T17:17:08-05:00

Eyes open, ears open, mouth shut, and move at a brisk pace with a purpose!!

And DO NOT put the drill SGT’s hat on if he/she are “not around”; they are- it’s a TRAP and you will suffer a HORRIBLE FATE!!!

Response by A1C S Boom made Jan 24 at 2024 10:04 PM

2024-01-24T22:04:04-05:00

There will be situations where there is no correct and there is no winning. They want to see you keep giving your best under any circumstance. Memorize your reporting statement and chain of command ahead of time.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2024 8:56 AM

2024-01-26T08:56:50-05:00

PVT Private RallyPoint Member You ready to ship out? I remember when I was in your shoes and couldn't wait to start my adventure. Good luck and if you need anything reach out.

Response by SGT Walter Drumm made Feb 25 at 2024 9:27 AM

2024-02-25T09:27:20-05:00

Stay busy. Constantly check your personal area (bunk, shoe display, wall locker) and fix/adjust what needs it. Keep a note pad and pen and constantly check the posted schedule. Last, Keep your head down, your mouth shut, and when you need to talk or sound off do it loud and move with a purpose.

Response by SSG Loren Thompson made Feb 25 at 2024 10:33 AM

2024-02-25T10:33:49-05:00

"No excuse"

Response by 1stSgt John Harrison made Feb 25 at 2024 5:48 PM

2024-02-25T17:48:59-05:00

Keep your butt down too.

Response by SP5 Donna Barr made Feb 27 at 2024 11:52 AM

2024-02-27T11:52:47-05:00

As a WAC in the 70's I was told my lipstick wasn't red enough. But my husband's DI said to get and make MANY copies of the DD-214.
God bless and RIP Sgt. Cherry.

Response by PO2 Joan MacNeill made Feb 29 at 2024 4:06 AM

2024-02-29T04:06:15-05:00

No AIT for me, the sailor.
At the firefighting session of basic, the instructor told us to always keep the engine of the Handy Billy portable gas-powered pump lubricated. He said that otherwise, it's like when you get a dry woman, and skin your gadget. Words of wisdom. He also said when you are groping through a cloud of thick nasty black smoke in a burning structure, don't breathe through your mouth. It's obvious when you are in it, but there is always that ten percent that have to be told.
Of course, nowadays you don't enter the smoke without breathing apparatus. That's progress . . .
Another interesting event at that session was a demonstration of a fire hose out of control. The heavy, water-filled hose flowing under pressure was thrashing around wildly, like an alligator tail on amphetamines. Impressive and scary.
Not AIT, but submarine school. One of my two instructors, giant red-headed Hafferty, said: "If you're going to be an asshole, don't be a little hummingbird's asshole, be a grizzly bear's asshole."

Response by SSG Gregory Mueller made Mar 1 at 2024 12:58 PM

2024-03-01T12:58:03-05:00

In basic, do what you are told, pay attention to all guidance from staff, get your rest when you can, and remember it will be over before you know it. Try learning what the military wants you to learn in AIT, then in the field, we will teach you what you need to know and do.

Response by SPC Paul Gooch made Mar 4 at 2024 4:58 PM

2024-03-04T16:58:26-05:00

Remember, what you learned here is secret. Think about what you say before you say anything. If you're going over seas?, remember, they all speak English and those women want to come to America

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2024 5:16 PM

2024-03-04T17:16:10-05:00

Edited. Original answer was for a different post.

Response by PVT Mark Campbell made Apr 12 at 2024 3:36 AM

2024-04-12T03:36:29-04:00

Finally an area I can comment on!!! Okay, one night, before lights out, sitting on our footlockers polishing brass. Out of the corner of my eye I see a shiny pair of dress shoes coming my way. My attempt at sinking through the top of my footlocker only got me more unwanted attention {in more ways than one!} as the shoes stopped in front of me and turned to face me. I snapped to attention with such force that my gun {this is my rifle, you know} poked through my damn boxer shorts as if to say "what the hell's going on now!?!?" At that moment Staff Sergeant Deuel got nose to nose with me and yelled "Private, put that son-of-a-bitch away unless you're gonna use it!!!", to which I replied "Sir yes sir!!!!" as I scrambled to obey. Neither me nor the fine Sergeant were very good at keeping a straight face, and these deficiencies were tested to the limit!!!! But neither of us gave in, at least for me requiring that I bit my tongue nearly off!!! And that is how I learned that I must not go around with my gun poking out. Semper Fi!!!!!