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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Stay out of Waynesville bars!!! Go elsewhere.

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

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.

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

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.

SGT (Join to see) 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.