What reception is like?

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 12:47:57 -0400

Getting ready to ship out to Army BCT next month. Just wondering what reception is like? I know it varies but just looking to get a general idea?

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 9 at 2020 1:13 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 13:13:17 -0400

Depends on the Branch/MOS and the Post. Too late to worry now. Good luck.

Response by SFC Michael D. made Jun 9 at 2020 1:52 PM

SFC Michael D. — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 13:52:56 -0400

Oh hell no, we wouldn't want to spoil the supprise.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2020 2:31 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 14:31:21 -0400

PVT Private RallyPoint Member Until you arrive at Basic Training, you can work on your physical fitness. At Basic Training, listen closely and be observant. If you are squared away, you should not have any problems. The military is like the civilian world in that you will get out what you put into it. Provide your best effort and do not quit. Best wishes on new challenges and adventures.

Response by SGT Herbert Bollum made Jun 9 at 2020 3:49 PM

SGT Herbert Bollum — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 15:49:52 -0400

it'll be something new and different for you

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Jun 9 at 2020 8:11 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 20:11:47 -0400

Since my Basic training happened in the last century don’t know how much help I can give you,but vaguely remember large quasi human beings shouting and yelling unintelligible gibberish at the same time threatening physical torment to follow any missteps you or in fact your fellow inductees make,but take heart it’s a process that indeed has meaning you WILL survive and you will not QUIT ,good luck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2020 9:51 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 21:51:01 -0400

You will sleep in one giant bed with everyone in the bay. It’s super comfy but everyone hogs the covers.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jun 9 at 2020 10:47 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 22:47:42 -0400

Everyone is apprehensive. Act like you are an Old Soldier and personally own the place!

Wash a uniform in a mop sink or a wash basin, ASAP! Do not worry about wrinkles! Having a wrinkled uniform will signify that you have been there long enough to be ‘someone’!

ONLY WITH OTHER NEWBYS!!! Not DSs!

By virtue of the aura you create you will be able to buck a line by going to the head of a line as if you are Important!

It worked for me in 1953 at Ft Ord.

That aggressive demeanor only works in reception. Once you are in a training company - be the silent Soldier, quietly doing things right and not attracting any attention.

Response by SGT Chris Stephens made Jun 10 at 2020 8:28 PM

SGT Chris Stephens — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 20:28:07 -0400

I remember some corporals who were on a serious power trip at reception. That was the only place I ever experienced someone wrongly shouting the numbers phonetically. I still remember this one corporal saying something like 'aught' for eight and 'tray' for three.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2020 9:34 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 09:34:07 -0400

You will find out which members of the population don't take baths...
You will become semi-landscaping pro...
You will be treated like you are in kindergarten...
And everything the Reception Drill Sergeants and NCOs tell you about BCT is true.
If you are lazy, you might want to quickly find a way to shed it...if the Drill Sergeants don't get you in BCT, your fellow soldiers will.
Oh, and have you seen the television show OZ?