Surviving Boot Camp: What to Expect at Basic Training

No matter what I tell you here, basic training will still be a challenge. However, there are some things you can learn in advance, and use to prepare yourself. As one who went through boot camp with a little bit of advice beforehand, I can tell you it can be awfully valuable. But ultimately how you survive basic training will be up to your own physical and emotional strength.

Expect it to be difficult. Going into basic training thinking that it will be a breeze will get you nowhere. You will ultimately be disappointed. Knowing your own physical capabilities beforehand, and getting into at least decent shape will help you immensely. Part of basic training is learning your limits, and pushing them to the max. Prior to basic, I was no runner. I tended to give up when I would get tired. In basic I learned that once I got to that wall, I could overcome it-because I didn't have a choice. Just keep in mind that no matter how much you work out, or what great shape you are in, it's nothing compared to the physical strain you are going to face. There will be nights when you get hardly any sleep, you will be forced to do physical training at all hours of the day and night, and for as long a period of time as you are told.

Expect to follow orders. It's true-you really don't have a choice. If freedom is an American value to embrace, this certainly is not the place to do so. Unless a superior is doing something that is obviously against military codes of conduct or law, you will have to follow their orders. Remember that you signed up for this. Though I am a very liberally minded person, this is not the place for debate. Your job is to do what you're told, and questioning orders (particularly in basic training) can have some pretty painful consequences. Punishments vary from instructor to instructor, but likely it will not only mean punishment for you, but your entire group. This can make things even more stressful on yourself-as you must constantly be face to face with these individuals.

Expect everyone around you to be lazy and incompetent. If you expect this from the beginning, you will not be disappointed. Perhaps pleasantly surprised, but not disappointed. Because boot camp is aimed at teamwork and working for the good of the whole, when one person fails, everyone fails. The buddy system is set up to eliminate individualism. This is why we wear the same uniforms, and recite the same words. You must realize that you depend on those around you to "do the right thing" (read: not get in trouble), and get the job done properly. Because nobody is perfect, and the standards set during basic training are incredibly rigorous and strict, people will fail to meet them. You will ultimately pay for this. You will get frustrated. You will get angry. But you must realize that nobody likes to be yelled at. Getting angry at other recruits actually angers many of the instructors, so at least attempting to motivate others in a more cooperative, team-oriented way will benefit you.

Expect to feel like you're in high school. Because of the high count of late teens and young adults that enter into the military, you can expect there to be a decent amount of drama. Remember that you are not at basic training to find your future mate, nor are you there to seek popularity. I can attest personally that it really helps to have at least one or two really close battle buddies. In a combat situation you must depend on those around you to help you out. Similarly, you must develop trust for those around you. This can be really hard when there are girls shouting at each other at five a.m. for what seems to be no good reason. But you can't buy into this mindset. You are there for one reason, and one reason only: to do your job. Keeping focus where it needs to be, and avoiding becoming involved with (or instigating) drama will only result in punishment for you and the rest of your group.

Expect to be expected-to do a variety of things that are absolutely impossible. Or at least seem absolutely impossible. You will have to perform physical tasks that require incredible strength, in lengths of time that couldn't be managed by Speedy Gonzalez, and retain a ridiculous amount of information that you must be able to recall at the drop of a hat. Do yourself a favor: learn the Warrior's Ethos, the Soldier's Creed, and the Phonetic Alphabet. Anything military you can learn prior to day 1 will help you. Getting a step ahead will save you some grief. When things seem impossible, push harder, go faster, and for goodness sakes don't give up. If it seems impossible, remember that millions of recruits have come through before you. Keep your eye on the prize. Remember why you are there, and use whatever motivating force or source of strength you can-whether it be religion, making your loved ones proud, or just proving yourself.

For me, basic training was a challenging, but certainly worthwhile experience. When people ask me if I would do it again, I answer, "No Way!" But I always add that I was happy I did it once. You will certainly learn your limits, and how to overcome them. That is an invaluable lesson to learn. Regardless, keep your head up, and good luck. You'll get through it.