So you've decided to join the US Army, Army National Guard or Army Reserve? Life will never be the same. You've joined thousands of men and women who've endured the ritual that will ultimately develop you into a disciplined, determined and combat ready soldier.
BUT....
Before you can call yourself a "SOLDIER" you'll have to earn that title. Everything you've heard is true. The Drill Sergeants are meaner then ten junkyard dogs and seem to have a never ending temper directed at you! Throughout Basic Combat Training you'll be exhausted, frustrated, angry, confused, nervous and scared... and those will be the good days! I've put this website together from personal experience, other websites and tried and true soldier stories in an attempt to help you be better prepare for Army Basic Training. Use what you can to make your Basic Training experience the best it can be. Above all, have fun and when times get tough, remember why you joined!
Respectfully,
Arm yourself with knowledge before you leave for basic training. Much of what you learn in basic training can be mastered at home before you even see a Drill Sergeant. To give yourself a major advantage before you depart for basic training, it's imperative that you start thinking and acting like a soldier NOW!
What You Need to Do
Starting today, create a habit of daily morning PT (Physical Training). In basic training, most mornings you'll exercise as part of a platoon or company in an organized physical training session, before breakfast. That being said, make a commitment to follow a daily exercise routine now in which you mimic what your mornings will be like in basic training. Don't wakeup without a purpose, wakeup with a vengeance, like a man (or woman) on a mission of physical fitness. You should follow a program that is similar to a basic training program, at a minimum it should include cardio, push-ups and sit-ups. I've included a workout program on this website that will guide you towards becoming pyhsically ready for basic training. Trust me on this one, as a soldier of close to fifteen years and a Army National Guard recruiter, preparing now will allow you to tackle whatever the drill sergeants throw at you.
Bad Habits May Not Seem So "Bad", But You'll Be Sorry If You Don't Quit Em' NOW!
Stop the late night munching, mindless snacking and anything else that is counter productive to preparing your body for basic training. I know, it sucks and it's hard to quit, but experiencing Doritos withdrawals in basic training will make a stressful situation even worse. By doing what needs to be done now, you'll be in a better mind set to tackle the basic training environment. A word to all the smokers and dippers out there, in basic training you won't have the comfort of lighting up. In fact, there won't be any tobacco products allowed PERIOD! You're better off quitting on your own, than quitting on the Army's term's. What it all boils down to is this, it's gonna SUCK, you can make it suck less by stopping the bad habits now.
Proper Fuel for Proper Performance
START NOW! Give your body what it craves after a good workout. From a nutrition standpoint, put down those Raman noodles and bologna sandwiches. Instead cook yourself beef, chicken, fish, and pasta dishes. Your body will appreciate the consumption of healthier foods and this nourishment will compliment your workout program. Be sure to get a healthy dose of vegetables, fruits, protein and carbohydrates. Yes, I said carbohydrates. Carbohydrates get a bad rap now-a-days, but they could be just what your body craves when you undergo intensive physical exercise. Carbohydrates fuel your system and energize your body.
You Might Be Five Hours Ahead
Adapt to you new sleep schedule now! During basic training you will rarely get eight hours of sleep, five to seven hours will be normal. Train your body to go to bed at about 9 PM. This way, when you get to basic training, you won't be lying in bed awake trying to adjust to a new schedule. Also, consider the time zone where your basic training will be conducted. If you are on the West coast and your basic training is on the East coast, there is a three-hour time difference. Training yourself to go to bed at 9 PM Eastern Time means going to bed at 6 PM on the West coast. Likewise, waking up at 4:30 AM Eastern Time means waking up at 1:30 AM Pacific Time. Everyone is different, but it generally takes 4-7 days to adjust to a new sleep schedule.
It's Tough but Do-Able!
Millions of soldiers have already completed basic training. Don't be discouraged, or even encouraged by one person's opinions about basic training. Bottom line-basic training is challenging, but with proper preparation your nine weeks could be a lot easier. To properly prepare for basic training you should be educated on exactly what your training schedule will entail. I cannot express to you in words how such a small amount of preparation will give you an enormous edge in basic training.
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