“Live for something rather than die for nothing.”
— General George S. Patton
The following list contains numerous tips you should know before beginning basic training. Remember, there is a growing community of future recruits and current military personnel to help you prepare at Facebook.com/UltimateBasicTraining.
• Designate Cleaning Chores for Each Recruit:
It’s best to designate two chores to two recruits at a time. That way, if one person slacks off, the other recruit is responsible for getting both chores done.
• Learn How to Use a Floor Buffer:
Many times a recruit will have to use a floor buffer to clean their living quarters. If you have access to a floor buffer at a local school, library, or other institution, ask to learn how to use one. They are tricky to learn but if you can use a floor buffer at basic training, you would probably prefer getting assigned this chore than any alternative (i.e. scrubbing pots and pans in a steamy kitchen).
• Keep Your Locker Organized at all Times:
Whenever you touch something inside your locker, put it back where it belongs.
• Prepare to Clean it:
At the completion of basic training, you will have to thoroughly clean your equipment. AAFES Dandruff Shampoo is fantastic at getting dirt and sweat stains out of your military issued equipment.
• Learn Military Time:
Learning military time can be much easier if you get a watch with an alarm that displays military time.
• Initial It!
Write your name or initials on absolutely everything you bring to basic training.
• Lock It!
Always, always, always secure (lock) your locker, even if you leave the room for only 30 seconds.
• Socks and Underwear:
You cannot have too many pairs of both. So bring plenty of socks and underwear (at least one week’s worth). Finding time to do laundry in basic training is difficult.
• Tuck Them:
Keep your shoelaces tucked inside your boots.
• Be Considerate:
Make a conscious effort to be considerate to others, especially in times of high stress.
• Prepare Your E-mail List in Advance:
Gather all of your friends and families’ e-mail addresses and add them to a distribution list on your e-mail provider. Then, if you get to a computer during one of your passes at basic training (if you even get a pass), you can write one e-mail and send it to all your friends and family at once.
• Phone Cards (Don’t Leave Home Without Them):
Buy lots of phone cards before you leave for basic training. It is much easier to have one handy when a phone becomes available and you get time to place a call. Many recruits ask me if cell phones are allowed. The answer is no. Only on rare occasions have I had a recruit report to me that they were allowed to use their cell phones during basic training.
• Be the Early Bird:
Wake up a few minutes earlier than the other recruits. I understand this will seem difficult seeing as though you need every minute of sleep you can get. However, waking up early will allow you to be less rushed and will reduce some of your stress in the morning. The morning is often the worst time of the day for recruits as they are sore from the prior day, tired, hungry, and cranky.
• Think “Mature”:
Try to be the mature recruit. The other recruits will respect you more and will be more willing to help you when you are in need.
• Carry a Razor:
Males carry a razor in the uniform pocket. A Drill Sergeant may notice you missed a spot shaving, and will require you to correct the problem on the spot.
• Hair Length:
For females, hair extending past the bottom edge of the collar is prohibited. Get your hair cut by a professional before you leave for basic training or prepare to be dissatisfied with the chop job you will get by the barber at basic training.
• Be Quiet!
Never speak out unless you are asked to talk. If no one has requested you speak—don’t!
• Never Lean:
Do not lean on walls or other objects. If you have acquired this habit as a civilian, start breaking yourself of it—now.
• Smiling is Forbidden:
Do not ever smile when a Drill Sergeant is talking to you! Even if s/he compliments you or pretends to be making small talk, never let your guard down and smile. Ever.
Do not be upset when you have to wake up in the middle of the night to do exercises. This is a common tactic Drill Sergeants use to increase your stress level. Expect the unexpected and you will never be disappointed.
• Your Luggage:
Take only plain luggage to basic training. Why? Drill Sergeants love to pick on recruits who show up with luggage decorated with flowers, designs, or bright colors. You are asking to stand out—and you will.
• Carry your Rifle—Everywhere:
Whenever your Drill Sergeants have you carry your rifle, always keep it with you at all times. If a Drill Sergeant finds it unattended (and they will be looking for those recruits who leave them lying around, as many will), you will get smoked.
• Expect the Worst:
Always expect the worst. If a Drill Sergeant says you will receive an overnight off-post pass one weekend, do not expect it until you actually get it. Often, your pass will be taken from you for something someone else did wrong.
• March with your Left Foot First—Always:
Every time you start a marching movement (i.e., forward march), your first step will always be with your left foot. I would suggest going to YouTube.com and watch marching movements in action. Try imitating these movements; practice makes perfect.
• The Beat is also on the Left Foot:
You will be required to sing cadences while marching. You can learn many cadences online at YouTube.com. In the search box, simply type in the branch of service you are joining with the word cadence after it (i.e. Army cadence) and you will see dozens of examples of recruits singing cadences. That may be you someday!
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By studying this list and drilling these tips into your head, you will be well ahead of the game when you arrive at basic training because you will avoid many of the mistakes that so many recruits make.
Some tips are better expressed in a video format. Please visit my YouTube channel at YouTube.com/MVolkin. Be sure to click the subscribe button to be notified of new helpful videos. You can also receive tips via the free Ultimate Basic Training mobile app available on the iTunes and Android platform.