Life in basic training (Army, AFR, Navy, boot camp)

[ees21]

Ok so im going into basic training for the navy soon and im very scared..So what were your exprerences in basic training .....

[stillkit]

Don't worry. They won't kill you.

You can handle it, just like the millions before you did.

[Poncho_NM]

Originally Posted by ees21

Ok so im going into basic training for the navy soon and im very scared..So what were your exprerences in basic training .....

I learned to shut up, do what I was told and help my buddies....

Just hang in there.

And good luck to you...

U.S. Army Basic Training, 1968.



Rich

[bellhead]

Enjoy folding your clothes!!!!

[Submariner]

It was like a summer camp.

[GREATDIVIDE46]

I started and ended my career with basic training. I took Army basic training in 1964 and it wasn't all that bad. What I remember most is that we did a lot of running. Then 21 years later I was assigned as a training NCO in basic training and spent the last 5 years of my career in basic training. I don't regret a bit of it. It was a great life.

I'm sure you'll adjust quickly to life in basic training.

[tortuga29]

My father was a USMC DI for a few years and as a kid, I remember hearing him talk about this. Plus when I went to Army BCT, helped me realize this as well. It's simple:

-First off, you're not the first nor the last to go through Boot Camp. Many others have done it and there are thousands of others waiting in line. Either do you're part or move along.
-They won't kill you (although it might feel like they might)
-Keep your mouth shut (unless someone is dying, there isn't really anything you need to tell your buddies that can't wait 13 weeks)
-Do as you're told (Don't think, just do. In boot camp, they don't pay you to think yet)
-Help each other (that's the only way to get through it. You can only help yourself if you help your buddy first. Teamwork is paramount.)
-Lastly, remember WHY you joined and don't be jaded about it. Whether for love of God, country, family. Whether for the benefits, travel, or perks. Or whether it was you're only way out, don't forget it.

It's the easiest, "hard" thing you'll do. Just show up everywhere on time, in the proper uniform, ready to go. Everything is told to you. Where to be, at what time, with what, and so on. Don't debate it, just do it. Makes life a little easier. Good luck and enjoy it! Some of my best buddies I still have from BCT.

[Terryj]

Like all the other have posted, Just do what your told and don't complain, don't whine and most of all remember your part of a team, no back biting.

I took my basic at Ft. Lewis, WA in Nov of 67, it was wet and cold and miserable, but I live through it.

[Gibbous Moon]

Pay attention
Don't speak except when necessary
Pay attention
Just accept that life is not going to be fun, except for brief moments here and there, for a few weeks
Pay attention
Accept that it will be unfair at times, and that this is by design
Pay attention

I found it profoundly boring. In First Aid class, the fourth time being told not to apply a tourniquet for a head wound made me want to bang my own head against the wall. No, I understand, this was necessary. I'm just saying the level of training is so rudimentary that if you crave intellectual stimulation you may well be frustrated. At least, I was in 1988, Fort Jackson, summer.

But again, it's just a few weeks.

Did I mention to pay attention?

PS - Pay attention

[Eastern Roamer]

Originally Posted by ees21

Ok so im going into basic training for the navy soon and im very scared..So what were your exprerences in basic training .....

I didn't drink enough water because I was afraid I'd have to go pee and not be able to. That was a mistake. I started getting headaches towards the end, but it wasn't a big deal. Drink lots of water and run to the "head" every opportunity you get - like on a road trip, try to go to the bathroom regardless of whether you think you need to or not.

Basic training is easy if you follow these 3 simple rules:
1) be where you're supposed to be when you're supposed to be there.
2) don't stand out - the most successful recruit is the one whose name the drill instructor doesn't know. Or as my grandpa advised when I shipped out: "don't volunteer for $hit".
3) this is the one people struggle with: shut up. Don't talk. Don't chit chat with the guy next to you because you're bored standing there. You don't need to share every mundane thought that enters your shaved little head. Just stand there, wait for the next instructions, and shut up.