Top 15 Most Common “Do Not’s” for Recruits
“If it moves, salute it; if it doesn’t move, pick it up; and if you can’t pick it up, paint it.”
—-Anonymous
As you might imagine, there are countless things you should not do during basic training. Some are obvious, but it is surprising how many new recruits do not use common sense in a stressful environment.
The following list comprises the top 15 most common problems for recruits in basic training. Memorize this list!
1. Do not talk when you’re not supposed to—especially while eating or in formation.
2. Do not chew gum.
3. Do not use an electric razor.
4. Do not shave your head.
5. Do not fall asleep in class.
6. Do not call your M–16 a gun (call it a rifle).
7. Do not say “sorry” or “thank you” to a Drill Sergeant.
8. Do not scratch, cough, or sneeze while in formation.
9. Do not put your hands in your pockets for any reason except to quickly retrieve something (like a tissue).
10. Do not remove food from the mess hall.
11. Do not lie on your bed unless told otherwise to do so.
12. Do not call a Drill Sergeant “Sir” or “Ma’am.” Only officers are called Sir (or Ma’am, if the officer is a female).
13. Do not say ten or eleven. Say one-zero, one-one respectively, and so on.
14. Do not bend, fold, or wear your cover indoors.
15. Do not show your palm while holding a salute. Showing your palm symbolizes you are giving up.
There are many other things you should not do during basic training. However, these fifteen examples are the most common mistakes made by new recruits. Don’t reinvent the wheel when others have already learned the hard way.
Remember to memorize this list, and your life will be (at least somewhat) easier during basic training.