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Leaving for Army Basic Training soon, any advice?
Andorien
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Registered User regular
This is just a general "tell me stuff you think I might wanna know". I leave on August 13th, and the installation is Leonard Wood, MI. AIT is at Huachuca, MOS is 35F (Intelligence Analyst).
My parents are excited, my sister's terrified, my brother's indifferent (though he wants me to end up in Germany so he has an excuse to go there), and all my friends think it's awesome.
Any advice on what to expect, either in Basic or beyond?
My parents are excited, my sister's terrified, my brother's indifferent (though he wants me to end up in Germany so he has an excuse to go there), and all my friends think it's awesome.
Any advice on what to expect, either in Basic or beyond?
Andorien on
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Some misc. stuff on letters:
I grew up there, and I don't know about now but it used to be remote isolated and fitting the nick name Fort Lost in the Woods.
Absolutely DO NOT get caught up with the local police or families. They were downright shady in all the wrong way. Someone pulled a shotgun on my mother because she was showing "colored folk" a house (she was a real estate agent and the family was from the base)... We had exactly one asian and one black kid in my school. Hell I was one of the few kids with black hair!
Seriously though there was shady shit going on all the time.
We had people living in abandoned cars out in the woods behind us.
Crazy people.
That lurked.
Like Hills have Eyes.
Yeah, I suck with some of the state acronyms.
My only physical concern is the running, but it's always come pretty easy (played soccer for about 6 years early on). I just need to get off my ass and get out there, and damn the heat.
As for one you get there, as soon as you get off the plane or bus or whatever to Fort Leonard Wood MO, you're on their time. Have your pants pulled up, your shirt tucked in, and walk like you have a sense of purpose. You're going to have to learn to eat really fast. The best way to get breakfast is to grab a pancake, slop some peanut butter on it, and wrap a sausage link in that, then grab an apple or some other fruit. Don't every say sorry or apologize to your drill instructor. They don't want you to be sorry about things, they want you to do it right the first time.
Also, just remember your drill instructors act the way they do because they genuinely want to see you succeed. It's their job to get you through basic training. They don't hate you, they just have a short amount of time to get your ready to be part of the greatest military on the planet.
Pay attention to detail. Always. If you have sloppy handwriting, start improving that now.
Also, just remember that basic training is the hardest part. After basic you're once again treated like a human being instead of a belonging. Use that as motivation to push yourself so you only have to go through it once.
Frankly, as long as you are in decent physical shape and mentally tough (seriously, there will be times throughout BCT were you will need that resilience), you will be a Soldier in 10ish weeks. Because Leonard Wood is one of two co-ed BCT posts (Ft. Jackson being the other), I think it is prudent to mention that, while you are there, it is soooo not the time to fall in love.
A few points for you to consider, and maybe talk to Soldiers about:
o Reception is going to be perhaps the most boring and crappiest part of your Army career. It sucks, it's boring, and the vast majority of it is pointless, but just keep in mind that you only have to do it once.
o One of the first items you will be given is a Soldier's Common Task booklet; I forget what the official name of it is, but you will know as soon as you see it. This is your Bible while you are at BCT, and while you are in that boring, hellish place called Reception, I highly recommend that you soak up as much information from that booklet as possible.
o Do not hesitate to take responsibility when you screw something up, even if the person questioning you is an intimidating, yelling Drill Sergeant. In this training environment, it is o.k. to make mistakes, but you have got to take responsibility when you do fuck up, instead of trying to come up with excuses.
o Show up to Fort Leonard Wood with your required documents, hygiene products (the basics: shampoo, soap, tooth brush, etc.) and the civilian clothes that are on your back. Do not bring electronics, clothes, etc. Once you get to AZ for AIT, you can have all of those creature comfort things sent to you there, where you will be able to actuall use them.
o Recognize and understand the Army's rank system, and the customs and courtesies inherent in them. Do not be the Private who fails to salute an officer, does not stand at parade rest for an NCO, or calls an NCO "sir."
o Even when you and your platoon are put through the suck, and it will happen, do your best to maintain a positive attitude, and STAY MOTIVATED. Drill Sergeants love to see a motivate Private, not to mention that it will make it easier for you to handle the whole ordeal.
o Keep in mind that it is just BCT, and millions upon millions of people have gotten through it before you. After all, you are there learning the basics of Soldiering, and honestly, none of it is particularly hard.
That is all that I can think of, for now. Just remember: Motivation, Dedication, Graduation. 8-)
2. Drink plenty of water!
3. Smart going 35F, anything technical will help when you ETS
4. If you go Airborne be prepared to live out the rest of your career at Ft. Bragg, NC.
5. Don't loan anyone money or any of your personal property.
I assume NCO here is short for non-commissioned officer? What do you call them?
- Speaking of reception, you're going there during the summer, where all training cycles are probably running at full capacity. Don't be surprised if you're there at least a week waiting for one cycle to graduate and clear out so you can take their place. I reported in July and I was there a week and a half. Like Cuba said, it will suck and be depressing at times, but we all had to go through it and you can too. Read your Soldier's Manual and if you need break from that, the Bible. Religious or not, its the only other book you'll see for a while.
- As much as it may seem sometimes, no, your Drill Sergeants do not hate you and only you. Their job is to turn you into a Soldier and nothing is personal. Yeah, if you fuck up, they may ride your ass a bit, but use that as a learning experience and not something to get pissed off over.
- As for Ft. Huachuca, if you haven't already looked up any information about the area, it's located in a town called Sierra Vista in southeastern Arizona. I'm not sure where you're from, but I hope you like high altitudes, as the base is about a mile up. If you aren't used to it, the first week or two there might suck while you get acclimated. It's a relatively small town, but that probably won't concern you too much when you first get there as you'll still be pretty restricted, gaining more freedom as time goes on. It is also 45 minutes from the Mexican border, so if you go, have fun, but stay out of trouble
- I'm guessing you'll still be in AIT when the holidays roll around, so a little heads up about a thing usually known as Christmas Exodus. It's called Exodus for a reason...EVERYONE leaves for two weeks or so. Take advantage of this, as it'll probably be one of the few, if not only time you're GUARANTEED to get leave approved for the holidays. You do not want to be one of the few that stay behind, as you'll be doing whatever shit detail that the people who left normally do. Go home, see your family and friends, and impress the ladies with your uniform since you'll probably have to travel home in your Class A's (dress green uniform) 8-)
Your experience in the Army will mostly depend on you. If you stay positive and motivated, you'll generally have a good time. Also get used to not having much sleep for the first couple weeks or so, it's going to suck
NCO's are what anyone Corporal and above are. You generally call them by their rank, although "Sergeant" will suffice for anyone from Sergeant to Sergeant First Class. Drill Sergeants are of course "Drill Sergeant."
Can't say I agree with that one.
If you're confident in your abilities, go for it. Hell, even if you're a little shaky go for it. It's a sure way to learn, and the DI will know you're able to step up even if you're not 100% sure on all the details.
When it doubt, ask questions.
Any other Army guys around want to weigh in? Air Force is a bit different, and AF Officer is a bit different from that.
Just sticking my nose in here, but can I assume that's the only book you are allowed or something?
The harder the rain, honey, the sweeter the sun.
What's navy basic like? Of course all I've heard about it is "Oh they have it so easy, doing nothing all day" but I assume its not that much easier than ours was.
tl;dr
Hard, but I'd wager significantly easier physically than the Army's from the stories I've gotten from the soldiers I talk to.
As was stated earlier, accept responsibility when you fuck up. When I was in basic we did a brief road march and then had to stop and disassemble our weapons outside. I somehow managed to lose my firing pin (so embarrassing, even though it's been almost four years) but didn't realize it until the next day when we were taking our weapons apart again. I went to our drill sergeant and was honest and told him what happened, and I didn't get yelled at or smoked. I was stunned, because for the preceding few weeks that's all that ever happened.
I have mixed feelings with the volunteer thing. Sometimes you get lucky when you volunteer, sometimes you don't. It's a crap shoot. Eavesdrop, pay attention, and maybe you can learn a little something about what you may be getting yourself into. Some of the most interesting details and taskings I've had stemmed from volunteering.
Then again you may just clean leaves out of a gutter for a weekend too, so you never know.
By the way I'm in Signal. I should have gone intel but the incentives I wanted weren't offered, but I've met a lot of intel people over the past few years. They really are the geeks of the Army, even more so than we are. Good choice.
Not sure if you will have to down entire canteens full of water at once, but if you do, room temperature water goes down a helluva lot easier than cold water.
Volunteer for what you feel confident in. Remember, your Drill Sergeants will remember who is taking initiative and who isn't. Al;so, those who don't volunteer get voluntold.
See how many books I've read so far in 2010
Couple things before heading out:
1. If your hair is more than collar length, cut it before you go.
2. Learn the rank structure before hand, and only call officers 'Sir/Ma'am'. Plus your not going into the marines, so dont say 'Sir, Yes sir'. Only one 'sir' is needed, ie..'Yes, Sir'. Practice on your parents. You would be amazed how much it helps to get used to saying it.
3. See if you can learn your general orders before going. Knowing those by heart will save you many headaches.
While in Basic.
1. Keep your mouth shut and ears open.
2. When asked a direct question. Keep it short and to the point.
3. Don't even think you can get away with something your not suppose to be doing. You will get caught.
4. Never volunteer for anything.
5. Go to church, even if you dont normally. Its the only down time you will ever get away from the DIs. Its amazing what sitting in the back of a church will do for your sanity.
6. Never argue witha Drill Instructor, even if you think you are right.
7. Dont try to cut corners, do it right the first time.
8. Never laugh at someone else getting yelled at. if you do, you will be joining them.
9. If you are given a sqaud leader/platoon leader job, realize you will get fired sooner than later over something really stupid and out of your control. They do this to give everyone a shot, and see how you handle both aspects of leadership/loss of it.
10. If you get hurt, and I mean hurt, tell someone immediatly. Don't try to suck it up and drive on. Even a simple twisted ankle can effect your training. And while in the end it might turn out to be nothing, it will be documented in case something happens later.
11. The other side of that, dont ever whin/complain about being tired, sore from PT, or hungry.
12. The word 'Bored' should never come out of your mouth.
13. Never think anything is stupid. You are being told things for a reason. Most likely because someone died from not following the simple instructions. Claymores have 'This side toward enemy' printed on them for that reason.
While basic can be mentally and physically challenging, it is not really hard. The DIs really want you to succeed, and unless you are a total moron/punk who really doesnt want to be there anyways, they will do everything to get you through it. If you are having trouble with any part of the training, ask for help. Either from another trainee, or DI. Most likely the DI will assign you a buddy to help you.
Never take anything PERSONALLY. Even when getting yelled at. That is the biggest thing to remember.
One last thing, and this is from experience. If you ever get this feeling that your weapon isnt clear, check again. Even if it means you may look like an idoit after an inspection arms command. Firing a live round straight up into the air is not something you want to be doing.
See how many books I've read so far in 2010
Haha. This looks like an NCOER. But this is very good advice. Some of the guys at my BCT were scared shitless when the DS so much as looked at them. Be confident and you will earn their respect. Act like a "Soldier." Also, keep that packet they give you at MEPS safe at all times. And make a copy of your 201 file, as well as all of your LES's. The Army is a goverment organization, and is bound to lose your shit at some point, so it's good to have a backup copy.
You didn't mention Active or Reserve, so I'll assume Active. In that case, given your MOS, expect deployment orders to be cut soon after you get out of AIT. I should hope you're prepared for this, but when I went in 2004 there were people who cried "but my recruiter said I wouldn't go to Iraq." Idiots.
See how many books I've read so far in 2010
See how many books I've read so far in 2010
So yeah, copy everything in your record and basically keep a second version at home with the rest of your files. It really sucked when I was separating people and they couldn't get their awards put on their 214 because they never thought to make copies.
But as a previous poster said, don't try to tough out an honest injury for anything. There's enough stress on your body at that time, you don't need to be gamling with that sort of thing.
"Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored. "
-Aldous Huxley
The note about the personal copies of all documents is a damn good idea. I'll need to get my hands on a scanner.
Edit: Okay, I'm on someone else's account, and it looks like you can't do jack from IWS. You'll have to go to the HRC website and click on My Records Portal. From there, us weekend warriors go to a Reserve records thing but im sure it will say Active for you.
TylerJ on League of Legends (it's free and fun!)
See how many books I've read so far in 2010
Like London Bridge says, neither a borrower nor a lender be (certainly not a lender!). It's a great way to lose $500...don't ask me how I know. Unfortunately scumbags and sociopaths end up in the military right along side the normal people, so don't be too trusting unless you can establish that someone is a standup guy.
Get in shape, especially running & endurance training. I think it was a really good idea that I did this.
Do the recruiters still give out information booklets, like "this is what the ranks & insignia are" and "this is your phonetic alphabet" and shit like that? Learn that stuff. It helps.