What would be the best advice for a private heading to Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 12:34:14 -0400

I leave next Monday on the 27th and I am just wondering if there are any certain tips or advice that portrays to ft Leonard Wood that would help?

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 12:37 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 12:37:31 -0400

Not really sure any Ft. Leonard Wood-specific advice is going to help you. In Basic Training, you're not going to see much outside of your own specific areas.

Just remember, with two ears and one mouth, hear twice as much as you say. 'Yes, Drill Sergeant' and 'No, Drill Sergeant' will serve you well.

Don't volunteer for anything until you're voluntold.

If you're on a cleanup detail, bust your ass on it and do the best job you've ever seen.

If the drill sergeant tells you to do something, unless it's clearly unsafe, immoral or illegal, just do it. Don't ask why.

And last, but not least, remember, the Army is not all like it is in Basic, so endure it for 9 weeks, and know that once you leave Basic, things will get better.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 12:52 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 12:52:13 -0400

Adding to what CW3 Private RallyPoint Member said, don't quit until you can't (literally) physically drive on.....and even then don't quit. You will discover things about yourself, physically and mentally, that you didn't know existed. Even though you will move with a quickness and a purpose, you will fail in some of your tasks. I say this not to discourage you, but to let you know that this will challenge your mental stamina. Don't let failure discourage you. Failure is not failure. Failure is a learning lesson and experience. Pay attention to every little detail. It's these little details that can, and will, be the Devil that determines success or failure. Don't overthink the missions/tasks, but at the same time, don't go into the missions/tasks half-assed. Your Drill Sergeants are not there to ensure you fail Basic Training. They are there to teach you the basics and to succeed and graduate. Take their knowledge, training and guidance to heart. Accept the fact you will get very little sleep and you will be tired. DO NOT fall asleep in class. Have that integrity and intestinal fortitude to stand up and move to the back of the room. Get used to the idea you will be drinking more water than what can be found in the local public pool. You will be getting to FT Leonard Wood when the heat and humidity levels will begin to rise. If your urine is darker than the basic hue of yellow, then you're not drinking enough water. If your urine is practically clear, you are drinking TOO MUCH water.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 12:55 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 12:55:57 -0400

This pic about sums it up, PVT. Lol.

Ok, seriously. From my Army Basic Training, Fort Jackson, c., 1991, here is what I can offer...
**I am sure many of my savvy colleagues can add to this list.

-When the lights come on, your feet hit the floor whether you are awake or not
-Help your buddies. Help your team. Hell, help the guy that you hate from Podunk. ALWAYS help others. No matter what.
-Eat with rapid speed.. you can taste it later; get it in your belly.
-Trust the Drill Sergeant will ALWAYS be right. This is LAW... They will not set you up to fail (even though it will seem like it).
-Do not roll your eyes, suck your teeth, or any gesture/sound of being disgruntled. Drill Sergeants are Velociraptors and will find you when you do it.
-Do not sweat the small stuff. You will be tired, you will be hungry, you will be gritty... Embrace the suck.
-Nothing will make sense---do not try to make it make sense.
-You will have moments you will regret joining; this too shall pass.
-You will make the best friends of your whole life... best memories as well.
-DO NOT GIVE UP!! DO NOT GIVE UP!! EVER!!!

Best of luck and keep us updated! :)

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 1:07 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 13:07:00 -0400

Basic sucks, recognize it and drive on, don't whine or complain realize that some of your peers will fail the final fitness standards so every time you get smoked it's a deliberate attempt to help their fitness level. Doing exercise is always good no matter what the reason. Keep a positive attitude and you'll go far! Best of luck.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 1:14 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 13:14:33 -0400

My 1SG in basic said this every morning: 'Don't do dumb stuff, and Do what your Drill Sergeants tell you..."

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Mar 21 at 2017 1:21 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 13:21:55 -0400

Embrace the suck! It's only temporary. Do what you're told, how you're told, when you're told. It's really just as simple as that.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 1:22 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 13:22:31 -0400

Do what you are told to do. Do it when you are told to do it, and do it the way you are told to do it.

Response by SFC Rich Goldstein made Mar 21 at 2017 1:29 PM

SFC Rich Goldstein — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 13:29:31 -0400

It's been a minute since I went through basic at Lost in the Woods, Misery ('91), but I'd like to say the reason I joined the Army, silly as it may seem, was just to go to basic. I wanted to experience it, or more precisely, for it to be a part of my life's experiences. Little did I know that my shortest enlistment possible in the Reserve (3 years) just so I can go to Basic would culminate in 15 years Active and 7 Reserve. With that being said, there were days that thoroughly exhausted me due to the physical demands. Other days frustrated the hell out of me due to the can't-get-rights in the platoon, and the hurry up and waits. Every day that the Drills showed us something new, like the cools toys soldiers play with (rifles, machine guns, grenades) I was thrilled. Observations: Duty may seem like a pain, but it is important. It takes a long time and a lot of work to build unit cohesion and develop camaraderie, you don't notice it happening, but realize it at the end. Tips and advice: Take each day as it comes, don't have thin skin, relish in learning something new because every day is a new learning experience, some days are going to be awfully difficult but you will make it through, some days are going to be surprisingly easy and you should thoroughly enjoy those. Some truths about training: The Drills are not there to babysit, but to teach a lot of stuff in a short amount of time. Yes, they will get frustrated when faced with dumb asses, but you would be also. Yes, some Drills really do enjoy smoking the privates and making them do dumb stuff. It's their release. If you had their stressful job, you'd need a release also. Some people say it's a game; break you down and build you back up. It's not a game, it's Army training, skills you need to learn to be an effective soldier. The Drills are experts at training you, pay attention, eat it up, enjoy the whole experience. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 21 at 2017 1:32 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 13:32:31 -0400

Don't volunteer for anything, don't say you know how to drive a truck, and above all, don't call the DI sir.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Mar 21 at 2017 2:10 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 14:10:42 -0400

Everything the following posts say ,they know what they are talking about,and from an old guy like me two words "DON'T QUIT"

Response by SFC Stephen King made Mar 21 at 2017 2:15 PM

SFC Stephen King — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 14:15:10 -0400

First and most importantly Congratulations on taking the step towards service.
Basic will commence after 1 week of inprocessing reception. Depending on your class being filled. 9 wks of Basic combat training if you are OSUT one station unit training (staying at Ft. Leonard Wood for the whole time) it will be longer. The weeks are scheduled accordingly based on training schedule. APFT, weapons qualification and your basic soldier tasks are all going to requirements you need to pass.

Congrats, again on your enlistment.
What MOS?

Response by LCpl Shane Couch made Mar 21 at 2017 2:16 PM

LCpl Shane Couch — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 14:16:29 -0400

Stay away from the Marines, we like to get people in trouble. Especially the Motor transport Marines, we're awful. Good luck though.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Mar 21 at 2017 2:17 PM

PVT Mark Brown — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 14:17:19 -0400

In retrospect - it is not as hard as it appears. Just go along with the program, do better than you think you can and you will be just fine. Don't be first and don't be last in anything, is what I learned. I was never last but I was first a couple evolutions and then the drill staff tends to expect that kind of performance every time. The only problem I had in basic was he final PT test, I was almost recycled because I had a hard time with the minimum amount of PULL UPS! I HATE PULL UPS! In the 1 mile buddy carry I was carried more often than just about anyone else in the platoon. I was only 135# in basic, about the same as a heavy ruck.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 2:25 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 14:25:04 -0400

im currently going through AIT here at FLW. expect a lot of yelling and pushups. stay motivated and remember why you joined :)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 2:51 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 14:51:33 -0400

Well I went thru Leonardwood in 1992, back then we still had separate men and women in BCT. So any advice I could tell you most likely would not help but keep your head down, stay away from stupid people and there will be some in BCT and soldier on.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 4:09 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 16:09:24 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member You have new adventures and challenges to look forward to. Listen very carefully to what is said and be observant. Put forth you best effort always and help those around you. Learn from your mistakes, and do not make the same mistake twice. Years from now, you will have fond memories of Basic Training. Let us know what it was like when you graduate. Best wishes.

Response by PVT Kevin Blackburn made Mar 21 at 2017 4:16 PM

PVT Kevin Blackburn — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 16:16:42 -0400

Depends where your going, 787 is star ship, nice barracks I did BCT there. Best advice for the first 2 weeks stay out of sight and out of mind. Don't be the one that sticks out.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 4:26 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 16:26:08 -0400

Do a gut check before going to make sure you joined for the right reasons. If you come up with a lot of tangibles on the list and not many intangibles then you need to get your mind right before you get there. By that I mean if you're going for what the "service" can do for you vice what you can do for them you're going to be disappointed. If your mindset has a lot of I and me's vice us and we's you will face some challenges. Everything in the military is about the mission and the unit. Granted, you expect pay and benefits but the service always comes first. Anybody that meets the criteria can get through any recruit training if their mind is in the right place. USMC boot camp may be different but the principles and goals of basic training are the same. Be a team player, give 100% all the time, and display a positive attitude always and it will be noted. Do the opposite and it will also be noted. You'll get out of it what you put into it and at this point there's little you could do to prepare physically. You'll be under scrutiny from the moment you arrive so get it right the first time. If your Drill Sgt's see you lacking in areas but still trying your hardest and having a positive attitude that will go a long way toward you making it. Conversely, if you excel at everything but are an individual and display an attitude of taking care of yourself only, besides problems with other recruits you will have problems with your leaders. It takes a team to win and recruit training is just the first step, so be a team player and help others and you'll be fine.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 5:02 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 17:02:34 -0400

It will be sucky hot and humid. Listen to your drill instructor and drink water..especially when they say to do so. Otherwise, there is nothing specific about Ft Leonard Wood that pertains to basic training. It is going to be basically the same anywhere you go. You will be confined to a specific part of the base and will have your own barracks, dining facility and training areas. From what I remember and understand, you could cookie cutter this section and place it in just about any other training base and you would not likely know the difference while in basic training.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 5:02 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 17:02:41 -0400

Oh, one more thing......Pack AS LIGHT AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE!!!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 5:22 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 17:22:10 -0400

One other point. Try to never be in the front of any line. And, remember if you at the rear it becomes the front when an about face is executed.

Response by MSgt George Cater made Mar 21 at 2017 6:09 PM

MSgt George Cater — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 18:09:51 -0400

When you think it really, REALLY sucks and you can't do any more, remind yourself that you could be at Parris Island.

Seriously, though..
1. Keep your mouth SHUT, unless you're answering a DS or other leader.
2. Keep your ears open.
3. Spend every available minute studying the basic knowledge they expect you to learn.
4. Help out others at every chance. You're there to become part of the Army Team. Teamwork is helping others.
5. Even if you are already a subject matter expert on some subject, NEVER let on about it. After the DS teaches it, let your skilled performance reflect what a marvelous teacher he/she is. People have egos and the DS with absolute power will not look favorably on you showing them up.
6. NEVER quit, NEVER give up. If you pass out, they'll get the medics to you. They have great Med facilities. Determination is your best friend.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Mar 21 at 2017 6:30 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 18:30:33 -0400

Well, since you are "heading" there and not there yet, my advice is don't do something while in DEP that gets your contract voided and dropped from the DEP. If you are a Senior, stay on track to graduate on time. Do not violate the law. Do not get yourself injured. Most of all, stay committed to your decision to serve in the United States Army. Have your self squared away with all the pre-BCT requirements you must complete while in-DEP in order to ship to Fort Leonard. Stay in contact with your recruiter and attend all scheduled DEP Functions. Good Luck PVT

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 21 at 2017 8:04 PM

COL Charles Williams — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 20:04:01 -0400

Be in shape, be positive, take one day at time, and do great!!!

Response by PVT Ethan Moore made Mar 21 at 2017 9:20 PM

PVT Ethan Moore — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 21:20:18 -0400

Be prepared to sweat your ass off.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 21 at 2017 9:42 PM

Maj John Bell — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 21:42:09 -0400

When your Drill Instructor looks or sounds pissed off, show you care with the following phrase: "Dude, take a chill pill".

P.S. Don't follow my advice.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2017 2:05 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 02:05:07 -0400

Don't say thank you
Don't say coming drill sergeant
Don't volunteer for anything
Don't fall out of runs
Don't step away from your locker if it's unlocked
Don't screw over your battles by not waking up for fire guard
Don't be a snitch
Don't be a blue falcon
DO excel in PT
DO excel in marksmanship
DO your very best on every task

Basic is not the Army. It's training. Training you to be a Soldier. Shut up, keep your head down and out of the minds of the drill sergeants, do what you're told, and remember, training eventually ends. DONT QUIT. You will be offered a moment a truth where they'll ask who wants to go home. If you take it, you will be there as a holdover longer than if you would have just fought through.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2017 9:31 AM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 09:31:37 -0400

the weather is crazy. idk if you kn ow much about MO but the weather changes in a snap. was 89 Monday. now its like 42. so expect to be doing a lot of PT in the cold. also listen to what your drill sergeants tell you and do it exactly as they say to. don't volunteer for anything. stay below there radar. and all in all stay motivated!! if you start doupting yourself or feeling like you cant do it you wont pass.

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Mar 22 at 2017 9:08 PM

SFC Dennis A. — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 21:08:27 -0400

I know that Basic Training has changed a lot since I was there. So the best advice I can give you is do what your told and try you hardest. You will get out of your training what you put into it. Don't form an opinion about the military based on life in training. Training is designed to stress and test you both physically and mentally.

Response by SSG E Williams made Mar 22 at 2017 10:22 PM

SSG E Williams — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 22:22:10 -0400

You'll be OK kid because I'm not a Drill Sgt there anymore.....;)

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2017 12:37 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 00:37:32 -0400

Stay out of Waynesville bars!!! Go elsewhere.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2017 2:45 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 14:45:33 -0400

At the end of the day they want you to succeed - that is the truth.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Mar 23 at 2017 6:30 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 18:30:36 -0400

Do as you're instructed, never give up, never give in, and do the best you possibly can. Always help your battle buddies, and don't be afraid to rely on them as well. One thing you re there to do is learn to be a member of a team.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2017 8:52 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 08:52:48 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member stay away from Daisy's Spa.

Response by SPC Ruben Marin made Apr 4 at 2017 2:00 AM

SPC Ruben Marin — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 02:00:31 -0400

Range walk everywhere you go. Keep your smart book in your cargo pocket at all times, and read that little book every second you get. If you mess up (& you will) own up to it and deal with the consequences like a man. NEVER EVER become a Blue Falcon! Touch the campaign hat and you die. Open your eyes, shut your pie hole, and asks questions if you don't know something. Don't get yourself or anyone else hurt or killed bc of your inability to follow directions. Mentally this will be the hardest task you take on. Remember that your DS is your mother, father, and any other family member you can think of for the next 8 wks. Treat these highly skilled men and women with respect, as they are highly trained soldiers and professional. But the most important advise I'll give you is this. Remember the Army is a serious job. Treated as if this is all you have ever wanted to do in your life. The people that give you he'll are the ones looking out for you the most. Finally don't take anything personal. This is your job and only a job. Don't let it ruin who you are; unless you're some sort of an ass hat. Then you let it ruin you and build you into a real man. Good luck brother.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2017 1:10 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 01:10:03 -0400

Right place, right time, right uniform

Response by SGT Dehric Hunter made Oct 30 at 2017 2:19 PM

SGT Dehric Hunter — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 14:19:23 -0400

Adapt & Overcome, Training will be 2nd Nature to you...

Response by SPC Cathy Goessman made May 7 at 2018 5:23 AM

SPC Cathy Goessman — Mon, 07 May 2018 05:23:19 -0400

The Blue Book is available for download on the internet. Learn the soldier's creed and rank before leaving.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2020 3:16 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 15:16:38 -0500

Weather can suck, do the best you can, listen to and do what the DS says.

Response by SFC Kevin Stampfly made Oct 21 at 2021 8:07 PM

SFC Kevin Stampfly — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 20:07:27 -0400

Pretend you know nothing about anything, keep your head up, listen and do everything your DS says, and don't ever let them know your name. Don't say anything other than yes DS or No DS or HOOAH. Move with a MF purpose anywhere you go, be in the right uniform and kinda be good at land navigation and you will graduate bct.