A Guide to Basic Training in the Army

Army Basic Training, it can be one of the most rewarding and best time's of your life but don't expect it to be easy. If you are like most you have seen a variety of movies featuring some time spent trying to give the viewer a taste of what it will be like. From movies like In The Army now to movies like Full Metal Jacket you are given a tiny perspective on what challenges you will actually face while learning to be a soldier in the United States Army. I am here to tell you it is like every movie and none at the same time. Yes you can make jokes and have fun, but it will hurt at other times, you will meet many new friends and some who won't be a friend at all, you will laugh, maybe cry, get angry sweat and probably bleed; yet this is one of the most rewarding moments in a persons life.

People go into the Army thinking it is everything they thought it would be; for some that means a ticket to college for others it's a way to get away from home, and some people do it for the pure love they have for their country and the need to be ready to defend it; and those people are the ones that usually come out on top. Whatever the reason you want to join or not does not matter what matters is that you don't let it break you. And that you go into it with an understanding that in only nine weeks you will be a soldier, it's only nine weeks just keep that reminder fresh in your head.

First things first I am sure that not every one's experience is the same but the basic principles remain the same. Break you down and then build you back up to a better stronger you. Does not sound too bad does it? If you can make it through the first four days, then you can make it through the whole nine weeks. It's really those first few hours that are pure torture though, as amusing to think about it now is it sure sucked to go through . I remember the Drill sergeants once they showed up at the picking up point they were looking at everyone with pure enjoyment in their eyes knowing that they were going to be mentally torturing everyone soon enough. Getting on the bus you will look and feel as though you are a cow on your way to slaughter, not a very comfortable feeling. From the very start of you getting on that bus you will be screamed at told to keep your head down and you will be smashed in like sardines (you do not want to be the one in the back) it's not as fun as it sounds. They drive you around for thirty-forty minutes and if you look up they scream, if you move they scream, they just scream. The whole driving around for awhile is just a way for them to makes you squirm, I found out that we were actually only five minutes down the road from we were going. Getting off the bus sucks, make sure you have a good hold of your bags and be ready to step over others to get out, just try not to hurt anyone while doing so. If you make it past this day you are on your way to becoming a soldier.

Well I was told going in that there will be many who quit but I had no idea how many people actually would, three people in my platoon quite within one hour. By the time basic training was over we went from sixty-nine people to forty-two that's a lot gone and only a couple of those from actual injuries. Don't join don't even think about it if you are weak minded at all, or can't accept being ordered about getting screamed at. You will be made to run to exercise your butt off but trust me it will pay off and in the end not only will you look great but you feel great as well. You will learn how to shoot a rifle, get to throw a grenade and take a walk through a gas chamber as well as learning how to do many other things.

The ways to keep getting through it are simple remember these tips. First off memorize everything and anything that they give you to read. Memorize the writings on the pictures on the wall, memorize their cadences quickly, just remember to study they will pull you aside and test you at some point and trust me you want to know. Your best bet is to start exercising before you leave home the better you do at everything the less you will be made to feel like a jerk in front of everyone. Don't ever forget your canteens , your smart book or anything else they might have you carry. Don't ever address the Drill Sergeant alone without your buddy (the person you are stuck with the entire training). Don't be a tattle tale, don't suck up, don't forget anything ever, drink your water and remember who is who in your chain of command and don't forget that.

Basic training is fun and rewarding and hard but it can be your stepping stone to a wonderful and rewarding career. Whether it was for college, a long term career, to just get away from your home or for the love of your country you will be a mentally and physically stronger person for it. Forget everything you have seen in the movies just go in prepared to work hard and never ever show a weakness and you will be just fine. It's only nine weeks to a better mind, body, and spirit, not very long at all.