Be dependable & reliable.

The 5 that have gotten me through green to gold.
1.Physical fitness
2.Positive attitude
3.Mental toughness
4.Competent in task
5.Team player

Packing a small reference card index of need-to-know knowledge for 11B never hurts either. You don't have to know everything but access to it in your right or left shoulder pocket is better than saying I don't know.

Practice rucking. My cadre walks, a lot. You must pass a 12 miler in 5 hours or less to graduate. It's pretty easy, but if you're unprepared it can be a hassle.

The best way to treat blisters is to not get them. Know your feet and apply your moleskin etc prior to the rucking, even the short ones you'll do, to keep from hurting.

Be motivated and play the game. It's really not that hard. You must have the correct mindset. Cooperate to graduate.

Shooting the machine guns are fun. When we can we try to integrate advance rifle marksmanship, it it's ammo and range dependent. I have two guys that have graduated the marksmanship master trainer course and they love it.

If you're guard promotions in your state may come faster by being 11B. That's usually the case in maneuver BDEs.

I hope you aren't offended easily.