10 Steps to Basic Training Success

You might call it Boot Camp, Basic Training
or my personal favorite was Summer Camp.
It doesn’t matter which branch of service
you are in, the initial training process
is difficult for everyone.

The military is taking a civilian and stripping
them down to a base so that the individual
can be rebuilt into a working product.

This has been done successfully over and over for generations.

** I will refer to the Drill Instructors, Drill Sergeants, Fuzzy Bunnies or whatever
they are called in any branch as Cadre.

Here are some simple rules to follow that will make things much
easier for you.

Don’t be afraid.
I’m not suggesting that you are scared of things, what I mean is don’t let your
anxiety and fear of the unknown take control.
Remember, people do this everyday.
People much weaker than you.
Understand that no one is looking to weed you out.
As long as you remain just another body you can
pretty much cruise through without any fear.

The quieter you become the more you will hear.
SHUT UP!!!!
This is one of the hardest lessons to teach.
People always want to talk.
Especially when they are nervous and anxious about something unknown.
I am not saying that you should be unsocial, I’m telling you to do
lots more observing than yakking. There will be enough time to
get to know the people you are working with.
Most people get into trouble, or show up on the RADAR, because they
weren’t paying attention when it mattered.
This is also the kind of stuff that gets people
hurt or killed in dangerous situations.

Follow the directions of leadership not your peers.
The people in charge of you will give you the orders you need to follow.
If you pay attention (see previous item) you will know exactly what to do.
Don’t start following that idiot that decides he knows enough to start
giving orders.
Unless they were put in charge by the Cadre, they aren’t
in charge.

Do Not listen to or repeat any gossip or rumors.
This is one of the most irritating things in the military, not just Basic.
It happens constantly. Somebody over hears something and repeats it.
Then everyone is panicking and acting crazy. Don’t fall for it.
Sometimes people like me start these rumors. Other times stupid people
listen to people like me and don’t understand sarcasm or irony.
Starting the rumor can bring unwanted attention, I know this from experience.
When this stuff happens just sit back, stay calm and laugh at the idiots.

Prepare physically.
If you don’t already know this then you might want to step back
and do more research.
When you are in great shape for Basic it is sooooo much easier.

Google these or buy P90X.
p90x yoga video
p90x stretch video

I use these three workout programs when training.
Insanity is my favorite because you don’t need
equipment and you can use it in the hotel room.

If you use any of these you will sail through Basic Training.
10 Minute Trainer

Insanity

P90X

Prepare mentally.
If you haven’t already taken the ASVAB then get help preparing and score high.

Get yourself psyched up to do this.

Watch some motivating, military movies and read some books on what you
would like to do.

Stay focused.
No matter how bad you think things are remember the prize.
You joined for a reason. Remember that reason.
Think about how proud everyone will be when you get home.

Mimic the successful.
Watch the people that are doing things the right way.
Also watch the Cadre and how they walk and talk.
Copy that behavior but still be yourself.
There were a couple of guys that got promoted the
last week of Basic Training when I went.
Be like them. You’ll know them when you see them.

Don’t get comfortable.
Once you get settled in and things normalize don’t
start screwing off.
Always stay aware and never let down your guard.
If your bored then study the materials you’ve been
given. Being more proficient is what will get
you ahead in your career.

Uphold the Oath.
Remember, the oath you took matters.
Uphold it and keep the country safe and free.

Here is what we covered:

1. Don’t be afraid.
2. The quieter you become the more you will hear.
3. Follow the directions of leadership not your peers.
4. Do Not repeat any gossip or rumors.
5. Prepare physically.
6. Prepare mentally.
7. Stay focused.
8. Mimic the successful.
9. Don’t get comfortable.
10. Uphold the Oath.