[Urshulgi]

Be in running shape before you go in. You don't have to be a track star, or even fast, but having your shins/knees/ankles/hamstrings tuned up before you go in can save you the danger of getting an injury that might hold you back in training. Start working on a regimen of pushups/situps/pullups, or alternatively, pilates or yoga is actually a great way to develop functional strength and flexibility, which will both help prevent injury and put you a step ahead. Don't go too cheap on your running shoes, because that is one civilian item you'll be allowed to keep with you during basic training.

Always remember that the purpose of basic training is to break you down and build you back up. Don't take anything personal, as much of the seemingly random punishment is calculated psychology. Drill sergeants aren't selected to be bullys, they are selected because most of them are exceptional soldiers.

Don't quit. You'll be operating on low amounts of sleep, and sometimes you'll just want to curl up somewhere and pass out for a day or two. Keep in mind that this is also calculated, to see how you react in a stressful environment. The first four weeks are the worst, after that you're heading downhill towards the finish line.

Be prepared to tolerate stupid people. Basic training is a mixed bag, and there are jobs in the Army that accept extremely low test scores. Laundry specialists, crane operators, truck drivers, etc, tend to be from the backside of the bell curve. Don't hold it against them, even the Army needs low-skilled labor. You'll have to live with being punished for their mistakes for those 9 weeks of basic training, and after that you'll never really have to deal with them again.

If you have a girlfriend, unless you think you're going to marry her, and she's willing to leave home to follow you wherever you're stationed, break up with her before basic training. You're heading out into the world, and you're only prolonging the inevitable if you try to keep up a long-distance relationship. This is one of those rare break-up situations where you can both be friends afterwards, with neither side being hurt about it.

Keep an open mind, and go with the flow. Your goal in basic training is simply to make it through, not to be a super soldier. Enjoy the little things, like the silence that descends when they turn the lights out, or the 15-20 minutes of respite you get during meals. If it seems like it's too tough, remember that millions of men and women have gone through the exact same thing, and they made it through. After you graduate basic training, you'll be given a plane ticket and a bus ride to the airport, unless your AIT for your mos happens to be at your basic training base. You'll most likely be going to Ft. Jackson South Caroline, or Ft. Leonard Wood Missouri for your basic.

I hope that helps.

[Pragmatist]

Originally Posted by Urshulgi To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Be in running shape before you go in. You don't have to be a track star, or even fast, but having your shins/knees/ankles/hamstrings tuned up before you go in can save you the danger of getting an injury that might hold you back in training. Start working on a regimen of pushups/situps/pullups, or alternatively, pilates or yoga is actually a great way to develop functional strength and flexibility, which will both help prevent injury and put you a step ahead. Don't go too cheap on your running shoes, because that is one civilian item you'll be allowed to keep with you during basic training. Always remember that the purpose of basic training is to break you down and build you back up. Don't take anything personal, as much of the seemingly random punishment is calculated psychology. Drill sergeants aren't selected to be bullys, they are selected because most of them are exceptional soldiers. Don't quit. You'll be operating on low amounts of sleep, and sometimes you'll just want to curl up somewhere and pass out for a day or two. Keep in mind that this is also calculated, to see how you react in a stressful environment. The first four weeks are the worst, after that you're heading downhill towards the finish line. Be prepared to tolerate stupid people. Basic training is a mixed bag, and there are jobs in the Army that accept extremely low test scores. Laundry specialists, crane operators, truck drivers, etc, tend to be from the backside of the bell curve. Don't hold it against them, even the Army needs low-skilled labor. You'll have to live with being punished for their mistakes for those 9 weeks of basic training, and after that you'll never really have to deal with them again. If you have a girlfriend, unless you think you're going to marry her, and she's willing to leave home to follow you wherever you're stationed, break up with her before basic training. You're heading out into the world, and you're only prolonging the inevitable if you try to keep up a long-distance relationship. This is one of those rare break-up situations where you can both be friends afterwards, with neither side being hurt about it. Keep an open mind, and go with the flow. Your goal in basic training is simply to make it through, not to be a super soldier. Enjoy the little things, like the silence that descends when they turn the lights out, or the 15-20 minutes of respite you get during meals. If it seems like it's too tough, remember that millions of men and women have gone through the exact same thing, and they made it through. After you graduate basic training, you'll be given a plane ticket and a bus ride to the airport, unless your AIT for your mos happens to be at your basic training base. You'll most likely be going to Ft. Jackson South Caroline, or Ft. Leonard Wood Missouri for your basic. I hope that helps.

You are the MAN Urshulgi!
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All of that was informative and solid advice. I'm going to read that over a few times and commit it to memory. Thanks!

One quick question is, do you know if they allow people to take medication during boot camp? For example, even though I don't have any serious problems, I do take a digestive enzyme with every meal or my stomach may end up hurting later that day. Especially if the food is fatty. Would they allow me to do that or would I have to skip it throughout boot camp?

[Urshulgi]

I cannot remember what the deal is with prescription medication. It's been 14 years, so that's something that your recruiter might actually be useful for answering.

I want to say that the answer is yes though, when it comes to something like that, but don't quote me on that.

[Ytterbium]

If you want to become a dentist then go for it. So you can use your knowledge back in the civilian world.

[Pragmatist]

Dang, I just found out that you can't get a RDH certification in the civilian world with just your Dental Specialist training. I'd still have to go to school, and since it's a hands on job there really isn't much chance I could go to school online while in the Army. So does that mean I'd have to serve my full tour in the Army and then get out and go to school and get my degree just like any random civilian even though I've been working as a Dental Specialist the last 4-5 years? That throws a wrench in my gear for sure.