For those who've been to Army Basic..

tubachris85x

Well-Known Hunter
I need to ask a few questions to you, especially to whoever just more recently graduated. Im in need to know what I should expect, more from the processing phase. I have a very good understanding of everything else, but I would like to know what I should expect before and upon arrival. Thanks

-tubachris
 
Hey Chris,

I'd love to help you out mate but i think the US Armed Forces is a bit different from ours here in the UK. I have recently completed my Sergeants course and the only advise i can offer is to stay one step ahead, do all tasks and chores sooner rather than later, and show bags of enthusiasm (even when things are going bad)

Let us all knw how you get on, and remember its never as bad as you imagine it.
 
I will tell you this (from experience)...it is 99% mental. The drill sergeants' job is to break you down mentally, and build you up physically. Do no volunteer for anything. Trust me on this. :)

I spent eleven years in the Army band, and I have fond memories of Basic. Pace yourself, soak up anything you can, and above all...listen carefully directions.

I entered BT thirty pounds overweight and positioned as a 'road guard' for our platoon (to work off those extra pounds). I ended up being Platoon Guide and graduated 'Soldier of the Quarter' for my brigade.
 
As for processing, make sure tyou only bring with you what has been pre-approved. Don't attempt to stand out. Keep your hands out of your pockets. Address each rank as required. Get lots of sleep before you arrive.

And again...don't volunteer for anything. :)
 
Hey Chris,

I'd love to help you out mate but i think the US Armed Forces is a bit different from ours here in the UK. I have recently completed my Sergeants course and the only advise i can offer is to stay one step ahead, do all tasks and chores sooner rather than later, and show bags of enthusiasm (even when things are going bad)

Let us all knw how you get on, and remember its never as bad as you imagine it.

Thanks, yea, I'd imagine it would be different to an extent between countries, but I would also imagine that their are alot of similarities.

The reason Im asking, is because Im planning to contract with the Army ROTC up in tally. Because of my size, about 78 inches tall and around 300lbs, they suggested that I go through basic first. Im not in perfect shape by any means, but if I did it alone, I would have to lose 77lbs...and by looking at me, I honestly do not think that I have 77lbs of pure fat on me to lose. Im big boned.

So how it would work out for me:

-sign with a national guard unit for a 2nd LT spot, who will not be deployed anytime in the future
-Complete basic this summer
-upon arrival, contract immediatly, which will list me as non-deployable
-be able to continue college and then graduate and get my commission as an officer
-be able to stay w/ national guard unit or move else where (what ive been told)

Thats the basic plan so far. Ive been thinking alot about doing the army basic thing though. On the bright side, I'll be getting paid alot more, so that I wont have to keep working at a BBQ resturant lol
 
As for processing, make sure tyou only bring with you what has been pre-approved. Don't attempt to stand out. Keep your hands out of your pockets. Address each rank as required. Get lots of sleep before you arrive.

And again...don't volunteer for anything. :)

LOL Yea, I spent 7 years as a seacadet, and that was the closest I can get to the real thing without getting paid/sent to combat. NAVY: Never Again Volunteer Yourself

BTW, you were in the army field band? So youve spent some time at little creek, VA, am I right? I spent 2 weeks there playing w/ the navy and army
 
If you go into Basic overweight, they usually send you to a 'fat camp' of sorts. It is (or was) a three-week program where you learned nutrition, exercise and other healthy life choices. Your diet is altered a bit, of course, but you'll be a step ahead of your platoon mates when you actually process out of the 'camp'.
 
Ah...Little Creek. :)

I'm never forget the Alamo (bar). Or the Banque (another bar).

Lynnhaven Mall, Virginia Beach, and room parties at the Navy Lodge!
 
Ah...Little Creek. :)

I'm never forget the Alamo (bar). Or the Banque (another bar).

Lynnhaven Mall, Virginia Beach, and room parties at the Navy Lodge!

What did you play if I may ask?

Unfortunatly, we were on a strict schedule, so never got to see more then the movie theater, bowling ally and the beach...yes, the beach on base. Oh, gotta love PT with the navy guys..

Ive heard of that remedial PT thing they do. I think I will be alright before I go though, I just need to work the push ups. I can run 2 miles better then Ive always had to. But like I said, Im not perfectly in shape yet.

I guess it will help me since I want to do all this costuming thing that I'll lose weight if I go
 
Just some of the things for instance, is wear a crappy set of clothes, because apparently they will not return them to you after you graduate
 
I was a piano player (02N) and part-time vocalist (no MOS for vocalist during my time). I also played trumpet, since that was my college major.
 
Chris,

You'll get your clothes back, don't sweat that. Dress accordingly to the weather.
Remember, never look directly at a Drill Sergeant's eyes. Look at his/her chin, top of head, etc, but never, ever eyeball them.
Parade rest is your friend. Never address an NCO without being at parade rest.
A lot of it is mental. They will mess with you, but it's all a part of the game. Go with it and don't take it personal. Just do as you are told, when you are told and how you are told.
Like Eric said, don't stand out. Don't do anything to make a Drill remember your name.
Don't shave your head before going, nor have long hair. Have a regular haircut. Either one will make you stand out.
Start an exercise program BEFORE you ship out for basic. Anything you do before will only help while you are there.
Pick a job you like. If you don't like humping a ruck, don't go infantry. If you don't like cops, don't be an MP. Go with what you know and what you want to do.
Everything goes on in basic for a reason. Listen to what you are told and learn from your Sergeants. What you learn there can literally save your life. Trust me, I know.

Wes
 
Chris,

You'll get your clothes back, don't sweat that. Dress accordingly to the weather.
Remember, never look directly at a Drill Sergeant's eyes. Look at his/her chin, top of head, etc, but never, ever eyeball them.
Parade rest is your friend. Never address an NCO without being at parade rest.
A lot of it is mental. They will mess with you, but it's all a part of the game. Go with it and don't take it personal. Just do as you are told, when you are told and how you are told.
Like Eric said, don't stand out. Don't do anything to make a Drill remember your name.
Don't shave your head before going, nor have long hair. Have a regular haircut. Either one will make you stand out.
Start an exercise program BEFORE you ship out for basic. Anything you do before will only help while you are there.
Pick a job you like. If you don't like humping a ruck, don't go infantry. If you don't like cops, don't be an MP. Go with what you know and what you want to do.
Everything goes on in basic for a reason. Listen to what you are told and learn from your Sergeants. What you learn there can literally save your life. Trust me, I know.

Wes

Thanks wes, I'll keep all of this in mind. Im going to do some more research and further discuss this with other experienced people. Thanks guys
 
O2E.....Trombone in the army National Guard for 6 years.
Went to Ft. Jackson and also did my OJT there.

Listen to Bat...he's right. The thing I remember the most at the processing station was getting shoved into the cattle trucks...a lot of yelling...a lot of "don't step on my grass" from the DI and TONS of marching...running and PT.

Start running now so it wont be a shock to your system. If you can build up to a good 2 mile jog under 12-14 minutes...you'll be fine.

Hope your name doesn't rhyme with any thing stupid...mine does. :p

Parade rest is your buddy....you'll get "smoked" sooner or later so blow it off and know it's coming.

What location/boot camp are you going to if you don't mind me asking?

I'm glad I had the experience...but I would not do it again :lol:
 
O2E.....Trombone in the army National Guard for 6 years.
Went to Ft. Jackson and also did my OJT there.

Listen to Bat...he's right. The thing I remember the most at the processing station was getting shoved into the cattle trucks...a lot of yelling...a lot of "don't step on my grass" from the DI and TONS of marching...running and PT.

Start running now so it wont be a shock to your system. If you can build up to a good 2 mile jog under 12-14 minutes...you'll be fine.

Hope your name doesn't rhyme with any thing stupid...mine does. :p

Parade rest is your buddy....you'll get "smoked" sooner or later so blow it off and know it's coming.

What location/boot camp are you going to if you don't mind me asking?

I'm glad I had the experience...but I would not do it again :lol:

Im not sure yet, I still havent signed yet. Its something Ive been thinking long and hard about now. Once I get back into tally, I'll be able to make all the arrangements and then finalize everything.
 
from when i was in it was an 9.5 week course but that was nearly 8 years ago, from what i've been hearing from the new guys in my unit its up'd a bit, mainly due to the type of warfare we have, mostly urban combat. so i think now its at least a 10 to twelve week course, but trust me it isn't soo bad. as for working on push ups and all, trust me by the time your out of boot, you 'll be able to max em out, if you need a little boost of motivation or youre really worried do what i do. when im at home doing nothing but watching the tube, every comercial break i get down and do as many as i can during the break, and when the next break hits, i alt to sit ups. if you got any questions feel free to ask, hell alls i got is time.

fyi, im a mech in the army reserves and no i've not seen combat yet, and its making me anxy
 
from when i was in it was an 9.5 week course but that was nearly 8 years ago, from what i've been hearing from the new guys in my unit its up'd a bit, mainly due to the type of warfare we have, mostly urban combat. so i think now its at least a 10 to twelve week course, but trust me it isn't soo bad. as for working on push ups and all, trust me by the time your out of boot, you 'll be able to max em out, if you need a little boost of motivation or youre really worried do what i do. when im at home doing nothing but watching the tube, every comercial break i get down and do as many as i can during the break, and when the next break hits, i alt to sit ups. if you got any questions feel free to ask, hell alls i got is time.

fyi, im a mech in the army reserves and no i've not seen combat yet, and its making me anxy

Yea, I guess I should start doing that then. Ugh, just part of me is telling me to just do it, other half is just saying "oh man is it just going to suck."

I know the seacadets is not the real navy/military, but trust me on that our basic was only 2 weeks, and the instructors went to town on us with sweat shops and "EMI"

Not to mention honor guard training in the middle of nowhere texas :facepalm

I dunno, just after going through all that, its not so much that I cant do it, its just sometimes I think in my head, "this...again?" At least at the end of this, I'll be in the real military, pluse, I'll be (should be) an E-3 once I graduate. Excuse my rant/complaining.

Back on track, I just need to figure what MOS I really want to do, and see what guard units are around that I will be able to drill with, and not have to fork out alot of money for traveling. Thanks
 
I cant comment on the armed forces aspect, but I can give you some advice on the nutrition/getting in shape.

When I was younger I was, and helped train elite atheletes. I fell out of shape at 30 due to being able to afford to eat:) and having shoulder/knee surgery.

I have always trained, and worked out, and even when I was over weight, I still _thought_ i was in shape. (Everyone always does, until you see the pictures).

I changed my lifestyle and eating habits by reading a book called.
The ABS: Eat right every time guide.

Its part of the ABS diet /exercise program. Its cheap, you can get it on amazon for $7 or less. It is the best book, on nutrition I have ever read. Its a no nonsense, cut to the chase, answer your questions type of book. Its made for men wanting to get fit and strong, and be healthier.
It has a whole section just on 'if you have to eat fast food eat this, not this'. broken down by establishment.

I used it after my surgery (I picked it up on a plane trip) it was about 90 small pages. I read it before I got off the plane, and I have recommended it to at least 10 personal friends, and _most_ of them have made dramatic improvements in the bodies.

Its not going to diet you rail thin though. It explains how to feed your body properly, and provide it with the proper nutrients to sustain muscle but lose fat.

I highly recommend it, and all the books in this series. This one though, is far and beyond the best. It has all the usefull information the others have (diet wise) but a lot less filler content.
Good luck and stay safe.
Mason
 
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