What tips and advice do you have for a first-timer in JRTC, particularly with the hot humid environment?

2022-04-18T19:33:40-04:00

What tips and advice do you have for a first-timer in JRTC? Particularly with the hot humid environment? I want to make sure I am prepared.

What to pack what to expect etc.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2022 7:53 PM

2022-04-18T19:53:11-04:00

Pack your water sources and pack your bug repellant. Extra socks. Foot powder. Gold Bond medicated powder for the intimate areas. Sun block. Do NOT mess with the wildlife. I've provided a link about wildlife.

https://home.army.mil/polk/index.php/about/garrison-directorates-and-support-offices/directorate-public-works/environmental/conservation/endangered-species

Endangered Species :: Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2022 8:26 PM

2022-04-18T20:26:46-04:00

expect hell and prepare for the worst physical training environment you have ever been in. I was just there this past summer and it was horrible. As infantry be prepared to just be in the suck the entire time. Take baby wipes and take personal hygiene very serious. It is going to be hot, you will not escape this... foot and body power are gonna be key. We were constantly moving (we were attached to a Light Infantry unit the entire time) and there was very little down time. Your feet are going to get wet, a lot, extra socks is an understatement. Take bug spray, but be prepared to not be able to use it if it is scented. If you don't have hot weather tops and bottoms and can get some before you go it would help out some. Also, just be prepared to sleep on the ground... we didn't even take our Lite Fighters with us... we rocked a 3 day pack the entire time... ammo and water was all we really carried with the daily MRE. Also, you will be using the woods for a latrine, so baby wipes for that as well.

At the end of it you will realize that although the environment is horrible; you will have gotten some of the best training in your career. To be that uncomfortable and still be able to do your job was the biggest take away for me.

Also, be prepared to have guys legit fall out from heat cats... we have several guys taken out by bird to a local hospital with heat injuries. It is the biggest threat you will face so make sure you are hydrating and eating properly and keep on your guys to do the same.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 18 at 2022 8:58 PM

2022-04-18T20:58:35-04:00

What will be your role at JRTC?

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Apr 18 at 2022 9:02 PM

2022-04-18T21:02:04-04:00

I was up to 4 miles fast jog before I left for Polk. Thought I was going to die after one mile fully loaded.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Apr 18 at 2022 11:57 PM

2022-04-18T23:57:35-04:00

How's Your Swimming & Alligator Wrestling Skills?
IF However It Was A Serious Question,
Keep In Mind,
You're Not Doing It Without Others Backing You Up And Visa Versa.
Besides,
Please Don't Bitch Unless You Served A Year Or So In The Ditches & Jungles Of Vietnam...
That's Where Our MEN Served......And Many Died..
If You've Not Been There,
Ya AIN'T Done SHIT.!!
And, Quite Frankly, Neither Did I.... USAF 06/29/1961 - 06/10/1965.....SAC, Little Rock,
MATS, OSAN AFB South KOREA....

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Apr 19 at 2022 10:46 AM

2022-04-19T10:46:13-04:00

Wet weather bags. And reinforced ziplock bags (coat a standard Ziploc in 100MPH TAPE).

This is back a couple decades ago, but I don't think the environment has changed down there. The specific training, sure. The swamp? Not so much...

I spent some extra dough and had me 14 t-shirts and 14 pairs of socks. I packed 13 reinforced Ziploc bags with one shirt and two socks, each. (I just plain didn't wear drawers because I was sweaty enough, already. But if you plan to wear them, get 14 pairs of drawers, and toss a pair in each bag, too.). This made it easy for my "go bag" because I could just grab a single ziploc (or two) out of the ruck. And it made sure my fresh change stayed dry, even in assault pack or butt pack.

Which is another thing. The butt pack. I know we hang everything off the body armor these days, but having a butt pack (or similar) spare small storage which is always with you, even when you drop the Assault pack is a good thing. Ziploc with a dry change of underclothes, work gloves, foot powder, and bug spray in a little pouch will serve you well.

As has been mentioned HYDRATE. If you think you have drunk enough water, you are wrong. Drink some more. But ONLY drink approved water sources. That swamp water will get you real sick, real quick. Even if it looks like a "clean" creek or pond, it ain't. Shouldn't have to be said, but, well.....

WEAR YOUR WORK GLOVES. A blister in that environment is worse than you think. Especially when the training will NOT stop for your blister. On the same note, pack some moleskin (and keep it dry).

If your PLT medic is not checking EVERYONE's feet EVERY DAY, (s)he is not doing their job. Make him/her.

If you smoke/dip, start weaning yourself off nicotine now. Even if you do have the opportunity to dip, you will be much better off nicotine free in that environment. Same for caffeine. Caffeine is physically addictive, and you WILL go through withdrawal. Not at all a good time for that.

Lastly, after the first couple of days, your boots will be wet. And they will STAY wet. Take every opportunity you can to air them out, and let them dry as much as possible. But accept that they will be wet. Worry about the socks. Fresh socks and foot powder defeats a wet boot.

Response by SPC Lisa Hughes made Jun 3 at 2022 5:50 PM

2022-06-03T17:50:55-04:00

Drink water and eat something no matter what.

Response by SP5 Laurie Mixter made May 28 at 2023 11:35 AM

2023-05-28T11:35:41-04:00

Stay Hydrated, stay hydrated! Camel Pack!