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Posted by Justin Frey on 1/28/2002, 3:21 pm

If I land a counterintelligence MOS, where will I go for BCT?

Ft Huachuca, AZ..more..

Posted by Raquel on 1/28/2002, 4:12 pm , in reply to "Where, oh where?"

All the intelligence MOSs and the officer basic and advanced courses are at Ft Huachuca, AZ. Follow the links below and look for AIT units and IET course info. BCT could be at ANY of the basic training posts. Ft Huachuca is strictly AIT and beyond.

Link: Ft Huachuca, AZ - Military Intel School

Your Guys' Pushup Workouts?

Posted by Kristian on 1/28/2002, 2:52 pm

For me, it seems to be very hard to increase reps. Sure, I just started getting in shape for the first time in my life, as I've decided upon a military career, but still. How do you guys do them? Chest has to touch the ground, right? Are there mental thoughts you think while doing them? Like "concentrate on pushing with chest", etc? Thanks all!

Upper part of arms parallel to floor..more..

Posted by Raquel on 1/28/2002, 4:08 pm , in reply to "Your Guys' Pushup Workouts?"

No, no, your chest does not have to hit the ground..that's just in the movies! Just make sure that when you go down, your upper arms get parallel to the ground..that's as far as you have to go down. Also, if you are really a beginner (and of course being a female does put you at a disadvantage w/upper body strength), you can start out doing push-ups while on your knees until you get some strength (not when you take the test..just conditioning in getting stronger).

reading material...letters...

Posted by Kataratos on 1/27/2002, 11:24 pm

You said we wouldn't even be allowed to read magazines at basic...what if I had a friend mail me one, one page at a time in letters...would they take the pages up (as long as I only kept them one page at a time?) or would I get in trouble...or could I get away with that? I'm a really heavy reader...I'm one of those people that reads cereal boxes just to read something...

Don't try to be slick:-)))..more...

Posted by Raquel on 1/28/2002, 9:07 am , in reply to "reading material...letters..."

The drill sergeants know every trick in the book! Chances are, you'll have to throw it away. In all your "off" time, you will be reading that darn IET Handbook...a thick little book the size of your cargo pocket. You'll be memorizing all kinds of things out of there and the drills will make you get it out every chance they get. They consider this, your "reading material". Don't be caught without it!

Posted by Kataratos on 1/27/2002, 11:22 pm

Bipolar and depression run in my family. I've had a little experience with this, but nothing that interferes with my ability to function, or that would prevent me from performing my duties in the Guard; and I've never been diagnosed. If at some point during my enlistment I wanted/needed to see a psychiatrist, just to get that stuff checked out, and it did turn up that I am bipolar or something, would that threaten my enlistment? Even if I could still function without meds...? I've heard different things. Because it runs in my family, and it is a progressive (gets worse as you get older), thing, my family is encouraging me to be checked when I turn 18; but I don't want to do anything that could get me kicked out of the service or something...Army is something I really want to do, and I won't let anything get in the way of that. I've already been through meps without any problem...and I'll be going to basic soon.

Posted by Raquel on 1/28/2002, 9:05 am , in reply to "Psych stuff..."

This is a hard one. It all depends on how much stress you and your condition can handle (if you even have it!). Basic training is VERY stressful and it can bring out the "worst" in someone's condition. I can tell you that if you have any condition that requires medication, even sometimes OR if you have had any psychological/physchiatric counseling, those factors alone could disqualify you for enlistment. These are usually permanent disqualifiers and recruiters don't even send folks in this category to MEPS. I can tell you as far as personal experience goes, I have sent home quite a few recruits who were diagnosed with bipolar disorder. None had ever revealed it before...the stress in BT just brought it out in them. We had to discharge them under the EPTS (Existing Prior to Service) Medical Discharge. You will not have the opportunity to get counseled by mental health professionals while at BT. There is an active program though to counsel those having trouble or those wanting to go home, but these folks are not health professionals...just social counselors. If you are determined to go to BT and have already signed up...what can I say? I'm not an expert on bipolar disorders and like you said you've never been diagnosed...if you want to go in bad enough, maybe this is something you can overcome? If you wanted to get checked out by your own doctor, I see no reason not to...you may not even have any symptoms yet, plus whatever you do will not be revealed to the Army unless you decide to. If you do get diagnosed though, I would recommend you be truthful.

Things we can/'t bring.

Posted by Rob on 1/27/2002, 9:01 pm

Would I be able to take in a Chess board + set of any type? (Anything from Full tournament size to a pocket sized snap-together board that contains the pieces)

Definitely not..more...

Posted by Raquel on 1/27/2002, 9:29 pm , in reply to "Things we can/'t bring."

Now if you want to bring this and have it packed away during BT, that's fine. But, do not expect to be allowed to play it! You can't even read a magazine at BT! When you get your "locked away personal gear" graduation week, you'll have access to your civilian stuff..but not before then.

Posted by Jim on 1/26/2002, 10:42 pm

I am seriously considering the Army and have three questions: since i wear hearing aids (which give me the ability to hear completely fine), will the army still recruit me? and, If i were to be recruited, how would boot camp procedure allow for me to compensate for the hearing aids? eg, hearing aids cannot be exposed to water. Also, what kind of jobs would be open to me provided, I am accepted.

Posted by Raquel on 1/27/2002, 7:43 am , in reply to "hearing aids"

There are certain requirements you must pass in order to enter the Army. If you follow the link below, you will see the long laundry list of medical conditions that will not allow you to enter the Army (along with some that are waiverable..meaning that with some exceptions you can enter the Army with these conditions). A condition that IS NOT waiverable is "deafness in both ears even if aided by a hearing aid". Of course, there is nothing stopping you from seeing a recruiter to see what they say....but from the little I know about recruiting, I would say no to your question.

Link: Military Enlistment Standards - Page 5 (About.com)

Heart rate monitors?????

Posted by c.merino on 1/26/2002, 4:14 am

HI, ?, can we run at boot camp with a heart rate monitor?

Posted by Raquel on 1/26/2002, 9:13 am , in reply to "Heart rate monitors?????"

No gadgets or anything other than you, your clothing and your shoes. BT is very low tech!

Posted by tim on 1/25/2002, 1:02 pm

Ive always heard that bigger recruits always lose weight and smaller recruits always gain weight. Is this true, and if so how much can i expect to gain. Right now I currently weigh 135 and 6'1".

Posted by Raquel on 1/25/2002, 8:34 pm , in reply to "weight"

I think when they say "gain weight", they mean a few pounds more..this is just because muscle weighs more than fat...with all the activity, you will be beefing up those muscles and toning down the fat.

Posted by Seth on 1/26/2002, 7:50 am , in reply to "Re: weight"

See AR 40-501http://www.usapa.army.mil/pdffiles/r40_501.pdf Army Regulation 40-501Chapter 2 - Physical Standards for Enlistment, Appointment and InductionSection 21 - Weight (page 7)Table 2-1 - Military Acceptable Weight... Male - 73 inchesMust be 135lbs for any age. (Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or health professional, these are my OPINIONS. See your doctor for professional advice.) You're right on the line. You may have some trouble during basic training. You will get easily fatigues and may lack the strength necessary. (I am a thin man also.) Prepare yourself for some flack about your weight. You'll make it. My recomendation is to try the APFT (Army Physical Fitness Test) and see how you do first. You might also want to try a rucksack march with 50-100 lbs. (Rucksack plus weapon, etc adds up to about 100lbs during basic. They'll march you up to 12 miles or more.) Another thing to keep in mind is that you're gonna get pumped full of antitoxins and all sorts of who knows what on day three. Last I checked you get three air-gun shots and 4-5 injections at once. This sapps the strength and endurance. My advice: Start eating a well balanced diet and drink lots of water and start an exercise program. I'd say eat about one gram of protein per pound of mass (135lbs/day) and a lot of carbs (400+ grams a day.) Your body needs carbs to turn protein to muscle. If you don't exercise, you'll add mass but it'll be fat. A good one is available in chapter 4 of pamphlet 601-25 (In-Service Special Forces Recruiting Program...) If you do this for 6-10 weeks, you should be able to get a 240 on your APFT.http://www.usarec.army.mil/im/formpub/REC_PUBS/p601_25.pdf Also see FM 21-20 (Physical Fitness Training) Chapter 14 has your APFT requirements.http://155.217.58.58/cgi-bin/atdl.dll/fm/21-20/toc.htm Hope this helps! Good luck.

Posted by Brad on 1/24/2002, 10:52 pm

Hi again, Just curious as to what happens if you happen to get sick in Basic Training....I'm not talking anything major, just a hard cold/flu/ect. From friends who have already done it, I've heard that unless you can barely pick yourself out of bed, the DS will expect you to be back in action right after popping the pills they give you at Sick Call. Can they ever deny you Sick Call? And what happens if you miss an important training event because of sickness?

You keep your fingers crossed!

Posted by Raquel on 1/25/2002, 10:43 am , in reply to "Getting sick"

Basically, you hope and pray that you don't get sick while in BT. It makes training that much harder! If you have a mild cold, stuffiness, low grade fever, etc..you'll get medication to deal with this while on sick call. A drill sergeant can NEVER deny you sick call (unfortunately, there are trainees who abuse it..but it comes back to kick them in the butt later when they "magically" miss to much training). Depending on how sick you are, if you are not bedridden, you will go to training and even to PT, but you may have a profile from the doctor that limits what you do. For example, you may have a profile that says "no running" for three days, that kind of thing and it is better to be sick at the beginning of the cycle, when it's mostly classroom-type stuff. Once you start going out on the ranges, it will be harder to deal with. You know how miserable you feel when you are sick...and with the stresses of basic training, you can see what that will do for your morale. If you happen to miss an important training event, depending on what it is and what kind of resources are needed (ie taking a PT test vs. qualifying out on the rifle range), you will either do it in an "off" time with a drill sergeant from your company OR you will go with another company when they do the event (a company that is just behind yours in the training cycle). If you miss one or two events, you can usually catch up...if you start missing more, there will be a danger of you being "new started" (NSO). This means that while your company continues on in the training cycle, you could be transferred to a different company altogether that is behind you in training,permanently (sucks for morale too). An example, if you miss alot of the weapons qualification training and don't qualify, you will go ALL the way back to the BEGINNING of weapons training in another company...you could feasibly be in BT for 12 weeks or more...AND if you have an MOS that doesn't have alot of AIT course dates throughout the year, you may end up in a "holding pattern" after you graduate..waiting for the next date to come up. We ALWAYS had one private or another, working in our company orderly room pushing papers, gophering, etc..waiting for their AIT date to come up. We've also had soldiers who had to be hospitalized (appendixes removed, pneumonia..you name it) and of course they are also "new started" into a new company when they get medically cleared.

Posted by Brad on 1/23/2002, 2:08 pm

Hello, My recruiter says that recruits take turns as "fire watch" every night during Basic. My question is, what exactly can or should you be doing during this time? He said you are usually on for an hour or two. Do you have to just sit somewhere or can you write letters, read, or talk with the person you're on duty with?

Posted by Raquel on 1/23/2002, 2:26 pm , in reply to "Fire Watch"

You will be bored to death and fighting to stay awake! You will patrol the halls, latrines and make sure everyone is in their bunks. In the old days, the recruits did this to make sure the heating stoves in the barracks didn't burn the whole place down! Now it is more a way to make sure there is no "hanky panky" going on (if you are at a gender integrated post), that everyone is where they should be and to keep an eye out for intruders. You will be on duty with another recruit, of the same sex and a drill sergeant will also be on duty to watch over you and the other recruit. Some drills also sneak around on their own in their socks to make sure everything is in order. No "having fun", talking, reading, etc...this is strictly a "watch" and also a test of how well you can follow instructions. If you are found asleep somewhere by the drill, he could end up putting you in full "battle dress" and make you patrol that way. It usually lasts an hour and is rotated throughout "lights out", every day through every member of the company.

Posted by Alyssa on 1/23/2002, 11:06 am

I have a good friend in BT right now...Okay a guy I am seeing. Anyhow, I wanted to know if there is anything I can mail him besides letters. I just want to surprise him with something besides letters maybe for Valentines Day. I know I can't send a large package but any creative ideas or thoughts?

Cards, photos, poem, etc..

Posted by Raquel on 1/23/2002, 11:46 am , in reply to "What Can I mail?"

Perfumed cards..a nice photo of yourself..a poem...that kind of thing. No food or edibles!

Re: Cards, photos, poem, etc..

Posted by alyssa on 1/23/2002, 11:50 am , in reply to "Cards, photos, poem, etc.."

I just read a post on military .com that said not to send any sort of packages - not that I had planned to...but they said they wouldn't give it to him and they would make fun of him. He begged me to put his last name first when I addressed the letter so I believe this. Thanks for the input. p.s. how about magazines, not that he has much time - but just as a thought.

Re: Cards, photos, poem, etc..

Posted by Raquel on 1/23/2002, 12:01 pm , in reply to "Re: Cards, photos, poem, etc.."

Also a "no-no". No magazines, books, etc. Yes, you are right, no packages at all. Things are VERY strict in basic!

Posted by Brad on 1/22/2002, 3:30 pm

Hello, I am enlisted in DEP and will go to Ft. Jackson in about 8 months. My only real fear, aside from the standard nervousness the everyone gets about the whole experience, is heights....particularly Victory Tower and some of the events on the obstacle course like the Slide for Life, the Log Ladder, and the Skyscraper. I'm not so afraid coming down as I've done rappelling before. My problem is with going up, or rather climbing up. I know most people have at least some fear of heights but I'm petrified! Any hints, suggestions, comments? I've heard advice from other message boards that the confidence course won't be as bad as Victory Tower because by that time in training, we'll have overcome a lot. Still scared right now though! :-)

Most people afraid of heights

Posted by Raquel on 1/22/2002, 4:05 pm , in reply to "Fear of Heights"

It is not a cliche when they say, "Don't look down". You take deep breaths and concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other when you have to climb....look up and look at what you are doing (ie hands and feet). You'll also have plenty of recruits and drills cheering you on too. Your adrenaline will be pumped, so that'll help out. It's perfectly natural to be fearful of heights. Once you get moving, keep moving and don't give yourself time to think about how high up you are.

can I bring this stuff? (and other questions)

Posted by Shelley on 1/21/2002, 6:41 pm

I've been thinking about various items I'd want to bring with me, but I certainly don't want them "packed away" when I can just leave them at home:1. cell phone (since there are fewer phones than recruits) for use during "free" time2. laundry marker (are you supposed to mark thinks like underwear, sports bras, etc. w/ your name?)3. Always maxi-pads (or do you have to buy some generic brand at the PX?)4. hair mousse - without it, my hair is unmanageable... if I try brushing it, I look like Art Garfunkel with his gigantic fro.5. PDA (like a Handspring or Palm Pilot) for taking notes, doing calculations, and as an address book?6. medicated shampoo (OTC, not Rx)7. stamps, postcards & envelopesAlso, I was wondering about what kind of lock to bring. I read in Raquel's book that you should bring a lock with 2 keys, but I'm wondering if there is a limit on the shank size as the holes in the hasps of some lockers are very tiny and only accommodate wee locks. Where do you carry your key (around a string or chain?) when you're in PT, etc.?How often does quartermaster laundry come around to pick up and drop off your laundry?Where do you store sweaty gross clothes until the laundry service shows up (or do you take your clothes to them?)I know that boots have to be shined all the time... what about the running shoes you bring? Do they ever have you do PT w/ your running shoes where the shoes will get muddy? If so, how are you supposed to clean them?

Posted by Raquel on 1/21/2002, 7:18 pm , in reply to "can I bring this stuff? (and other questions)"

Whew, that's alot! Let me start at the top! Yes to laundry marker, maxi pads, medicated shampoo, stamps, envelopes and writing material. Definitely a BIG NO to PDAs and cell phones. BT is VERY low tech. You'll only have the bare bones available for your use here! Of course if you do bring these, they'll get packed away..and even though this stuff is locked up...I wouldn't want to worry about the stuff disappearing! Hair mousse...that's iffy. Most drills will let you keep mousse and such. Just don't bring excessive amounds of hairspray, gels, etc.. As far as the lock, bring a standard lock (I'm not sure what that size is...but the medium sized ones..don't buy those little ones or the great big ones). Your platoon sergeant will keep one locked away on a big ring with everyone else's in the platoon (in case you lose yours). The other you will put on your dogtag chain, which you will wear always around your neck. QM Laundry comes twice a week. You'll store your stinky laundry at the end of your bed in your issued laundry bag. Most barracks have washers and driers and most recruits wash their underthings and PT gear in these and don't send them off to QM. You'll have time on weekends and the evenings to do some laundry. You wil send things like uniforms, brown tshirts and such to QM. You will march in formation to the company orderly room and drop your stuff off in a big bin (this is built into the schedule)...same thing with pick-up. Most PT is in sawdust and grass..but if your tennis shoes do get dirty, you'll clean them with rags and water..nothing fancy.

when nature calls...

Posted by Shelley on 1/21/2002, 3:36 pm

What happens when you have to go to the bathroom during PT or another activity?I guess most recruits will get on a fairly regular schedule since everyone will be eating and exercising at the same time... but everyone is different, especially those who are smaller than their fellow recruits.What happens if you find yourself suddenly springing a leak (female emergency) during an activity that is not "free time?" Do you just raise your hand and ask to go? How long do you have to "do your business" so to speak?

Re: when nature calls...

Posted by Raquel on 1/21/2002, 7:07 pm , in reply to "when nature calls..."

Most folks go first thing in the morning...before PT. But if you have to go during PT, yep, you'll have to address one of the drill sergeants and ask to go to the latrine. All PT areas have these Port-a-potties (portable latrines). No one ever goes looking for someone unless you've been gone so long that they think you fell in. If you have to go while on a run...there usually are Port-a-potties all over the BT area..you just request permission and then run to one...or if you are training by the barracks, you can run in there. Classrooms have latrine areas and you will go on regular breaks....same with the ranges, port-a-potties...just go before you go out on the firing line. If you have a smaller bladder or for whatever reason pee a lot..you'll just have to raise your hand in class or approach a drill out on the range and request permission to go. They've dealt with it thousands of times and they'll probably make a little fun..but nothing serious...it can make them feel like a kindergarden teacher always being asked to go to the bathroom..you get the idea. No ones going to fail you out of BT cause you ask to go to the bathroom too much. The food at BT is also very heavy and starchy usually, so it will be rare that you suffer a case of the runs (but if you do, the drills are prepared for that too)..you'll probably suffer from constipation due to the stress, food and intake of less liquids than usual.

Re: when nature calls...

Posted by Shelley on 1/21/2002, 10:52 pm , in reply to "Re: when nature calls..."

This is a relief... I don't have a microscopic bladder, but under stress, there is no telling how I will function. :-)What if it's that special time of the month and you know your first installation of protection won't last you all day long... do you carry supplies with you in anticipation for these potty breaks, or do you have to run to the barracks to obtain supplies when you're in this type of emergency?

There will be no running back to the barracks!

Posted by Raquel on 1/22/2002, 1:13 pm , in reply to "Re: when nature calls..."

Make sure you carry with you more than enough! Very rarely will you be near the barracks, and even then, the barracks stay locked and it is a BIG "no-no" to go there. You will get chewed out if you forget anything (especially military gear). One thing you will learn in BT is to anticipate and pack for what you need for that day. Your squad leaders (rotated positions of trainees throughout the cycle) are "encouraged" to make sure everyone has the gear they need for the day's training (mostly military stuff..ie their gas mask, raingear, etc)...but take that time (preferably before) to have that stuff already pre-packed. Females usually also help each other out if someone needs it. Lastly, your periods may not even come or be very light, due to the physical intensity of the training (think Olympic atheletes)..but do always be prepared ALL the time, not only when you usually expect it (it may even be irregular) but just carry your stuff with you.

how often can you shave?

Posted by Shelley on 1/21/2002, 3:06 pm

I suffer the plight of many a dark-haired girl... I have very thick leg hair and if I don't shave my legs at least once every 3 days, I start to look like Magilla Gorilla. My skin isn't white as blindingly white as chalk... but close... and enhanced by very dark, very thick stubble that could substitute as guitar strings... and this is barely an exaggeration. I know (or at least it's the impression I've gotten) that guys have to shave their faces daily, even when in the field and in Bivouac... do women have the same opportunity to shave their legs and armpits at regular intervals? In addition to my prickly leg situation, I do get unwanted facial hairs... not just peach fuzz, but some thick black (guitar string tensile strength) hairs that show up around my mouth and chin. My doctor said that's it's fairly common and not a hormonal problem and most people don't know because I am constantly shaving and plucking my problem areas on my face... I know I will not get privacy in Basic, but will I be able to sneak a disposable razor into a toilet stall to trim this embarrassing hair?Are recruits allowed to bring a small pocket mirror and/or magnifying mirror? How about tweezers and even nail clippers?

Re: how often can you shave?

Posted by MemphisFire on 1/21/2002, 3:34 pm , in reply to "how often can you shave?"

Shelley, While I don't know what Raquel will tell you, I must say that your overall attitude and outlook on this situation is very good. I mean, if you are able to look at this issue and laugh a bit, even laugh at yourself, I firmly believe you'll possess the ambition, drive and level mentallity to do well in basic training. I hope you get accurate information that will put your mind at easy, however regardless I'm sure you'll do fine. Best of luck.

You will have some privacy

Posted by Raquel on 1/21/2002, 6:54 pm , in reply to "Re: how often can you shave?"

I know with all you've read about communal showers and such, it might not seem like you will have any private time. Well, you will. The toilet stalls do have doors, so there is a measure of privacy there. Some females are lucky also to be bunked in a 4 person room rather than a big bay (luck of the draw...ie what the drill sergeants say goes). I would carry an unbreakable small mirror and put it in your feminine hygiene stuff (along with your tweezers, etc..). You'll eventually work out a schedule once you get there (things are not so hectic at the reception station at first)...how you are going to do your "bathroom routine" around other females. You'll just have to learn how to do it quicker (no long showers here). No one will stop you from getting up a few minutes early or in the middle of the night. You may be exhausted, but if this is something you have to do, you will figure out a way. Like I said, many women don't shave their legs..or maybe only do it on Sundays...most of the guys are too stressed out to notice anyway:-))

Posted by Joe on 1/20/2002, 5:15 pm

For the situps do they have someone hold your feet down or not? I can do about 80 in two mins if someone holds my feet down but the number goes down significantly if I do it without the pressure on my feet. Again, thanks.

Re: Situps during Basic

Posted by Raquel on 1/20/2002, 9:04 pm , in reply to "Situps during Basic"

Yes, definitely. During the test another recruit will be holding you down by your ankles and tops of your feet. Eighty situps is very good. Make sure your form is correct though. Every situp you do with improper form will not be counted during the test. The start position is flat on your back, hands clasped behind your head. Legs must be bent (apx at 45 deg). On the command of "Go", you will raise your upper body so that the base of your neck is even with the base of your spine (90deg angle). Then you go back down again. As long as your shoulder blades touch the ground, you are okay. You must NEVER unclasp your hands during the test or you will be terminated. This means whatever the last number was, that's it..that's your score. Also, the situp is counted as your shoulder blades touch the ground (the down position).

Posted by AFH on 1/20/2002, 1:20 pm

Hey everyone. My medical waiver just went through, I have an Officer Candidate School board next week. I'll know in early Feb. if I'm accepted to OCS and get a departure date for BCT, hopefully early March. I've been an army wife for 10 years, but none of my drill friends have gotten back to me on this--can women have an electric razor? I can't see shaving my legs a couple of days a week in a communal shower. Anyone out there know this one? Thanks!

Posted by Raquel on 1/20/2002, 8:56 pm , in reply to "Razors?"

Congrats! Please read answer to the other post on razors that someone asked just recently. Most BT posts expect you to bring disposable razors. You can bring your electric one, but be prepared to pack it away if need be until BT is over. Think about the limited time you will have, outlet to recruit ratio and the inability to recharge things (if it is rechargeable) when everything has to be locked up all the time...just some things to think about.

Posted by Kataratos on 1/21/2002, 12:36 pm , in reply to "Re: Razors?"

Um...I was wondering, I don't shave...(I'm Female)and I know it grosses some people out, but, I never where shorts either, I don't even own a pair of shorts. Are they going to make me shave? If I don't shave is someone gonna beat me up or something? Also, Will I have to wear shorts, or can I opt to wear the pants in my pt uniforms and stuff. I don't have a religious reason for not wearing shorts, but it's a personal conviction...will they respect that???

You will wear what the drill sergeants tell you to wear

Posted by Raquel on 1/21/2002, 6:46 pm , in reply to "Re:Shaving"

Oh boy...what can I say..get used to the shorts! There are no rules that as a female you must shave. In fact, usually after some of the females have been at BT a few days, they just say forget it anyway!! Too much of a hassle and takes too much time. As far as what you will wear. You will wear what your drill sergeant tells you to wear. It is a very big deal that you follow the training schedule and the drill sergeants as to what you'll be wearing..throughout the day. In the morning you'll wear your PT gear (long pants only if weather warrants it..and everyone will wear them whether you want to or not). Then you'll change into your BDUs (camouflage top and pants) with boots.

Are vitamins allowed?

Posted by Joe on 1/20/2002, 11:40 am

I saw that no prescribition drugs were allowed but in the last few weeks ive started taking One a day active and it seems to be doing me some good. Thanks in advance.

Re: Are vitamins allowed?

Posted by Raquel on 1/20/2002, 12:48 pm , in reply to "Are vitamins allowed?"

Joe, I would go ahead and bring them. I think there are no specific restrictions on vitamins.

Posted by Daylan on 1/19/2002, 1:36 am

hello again , for anyone that does not know me my name is Daylan i am 23 and shipping out to Fort benning for my basic training jan 29th . I have a few more questions for anyone willing to take the time to answer them for me My mos is 35Y, The stated time on my paperwork says 35 weeks in AIT at RedStone Arsenal in Alabamba. i am also wondering about AIT . What kind of restrictions are there in AIT? What is it like? Im sure it is different for everyone depending on there job, but what is it like ?is it anything like basic training was? I believe i was told we have weekends off, correct? also can we leave base on our time off? would it be logical to buy a vehicle to drive or will i not need one? , well i hope i can get answers to all or most of these questions , i know i will find out for myself when i get there , but i like to be as prepared as possible , plus i am really bored counting down the days to my leave. Can't wait to hear back from you Take good care Sincerely, Daylan

Go to the Military.com boards

Posted by Raquel on 1/19/2002, 7:54 am , in reply to "AIT Training???"

Hello Daylan, I would suggest going to the discussion boards at Military.com (see "Links of Knowledge") and asking the same questions there. There may be someone there who just graduated AIT. Follow the links to the Army General Discussions. Every AIT is going to be different, but you will definitely have more freedom than BT. You will EARN weekend passes and such and certainly have more free time. Most soldiers I know have good memories of AIT and the friends they made there.

Posted by Rachael on 1/17/2002, 7:10 pm

can anyone tell me what women are allowed to bring to basic training?

Posted by Raquel on 1/18/2002, 9:54 am , in reply to "(no subject)"

What exactly are you referring to? You can read the packing list at this site and also the ones at Ft Jackson, etc (see the "Links of Knowledge"). You bring the same stuff as the men but of course include feminine hygiene items, bra, slip...that kind of thing.

Posted by Desirae on 1/14/2002, 5:00 pm

Okay in your book you said that we could have religous medallions..now this is probably a stupid question but I am curious as to whether or not that would include a cross? If so if I wear it there on a necklace or something will I be able to hang it on the chain with my dogtags?

Re: Religous Pendants..

Posted by Raquel on 1/14/2002, 7:48 pm , in reply to "Religous Pendants.."

No question is stupid! Yes, crosses are included in religious pendants. I suggest you have it on a very sturdy chain. You will not be allowed to hang anything on your dogtag chain other than your dogtags.

Re: Religous Pendants..

Posted by Williamson on 1/26/2002, 8:20 am , in reply to "Re: Religous Pendants.."

Raquel, Just for clarification, you mention in a more recent post to hang the padlock key on the dogtag chain but here you say nothing goes on the chain but the dogtags. So should a chain be brought for the key also? Thanks.

Posted by Raquel on 1/26/2002, 9:16 am , in reply to "Re: Religous Pendants.."

Sorry. What I probably should've said is that nothing other than your dogtags AND your padlock key will go on your dogtag chain. I don't want you to get the impression that you can hang whatever you want on there:-))

Posted by Sarah on 1/14/2002, 9:57 am

I suppose I have another question: I've been getting conflicting answers to this question. Iwill be coming into the ARNG as a Specialist, b/c I have acollege degree already. Will I be able to wear the rank atBasic, or will I just look like a Private E1 like everyone else? I was at the MI ARNG Basic Training Orientation Program (BTOP) thisweekend, and was "just" a private E1 like everyone else, eventhough my recruiter gave me my rank insignia, and it really sort of grated. I just want to know if I'll have to get ready todeal with that at basic. I'm going to Fort Jackson for Basic, if that makes a difference. Thanks (and thank you for this great BB!).-Sarah

Posted by Raquel on 1/14/2002, 11:18 am , in reply to "Rank at Basic"

Sarah, I know what you mean. You'd think that more rank would make you "more respected"...well, not quite. In BT Land, everything is different. Even though you will get to wear your rank, the drill sergeants will treat you just as any other private...they'll even call you private (probably), BUT I must say, if you come across as intelligent, willing, seem to know what you are doing and have a good head on your shoulders, you will be given more respect. Yes, the rank should help more in that case, but really, any private with these abilities will get the respect also (not just from the drill sergeants but their peers also). I've had SPCs and PV-2s come to my company in the past and a lot of them had a chip on their shoulder...trying to "look down" on the other recruits, demanding respect and such...don't be one of them....it will only be more of a headache for you,and you'll end up spending the rest of the cycle trying to climb out of that hole!

Physical Fitness -- Before and After

Posted by Sarah on 1/14/2002, 9:52 am

I have a two part question: What is the entry-level PT test to get into basic? I know thereis one and if you don't pass you get sent to a conditioning campbefore you even get into Basic, but I want to know what the basicscore necessary is. I'm a 27 year old female. I know there's a PT award for the recruit who gets the highestpercentage score on the PT test, but when is that given? Is thatgiven after the first PT test, or after the qualifying PT test at theend of Basic? Or both? Is there only one award? Does the recipientusually receive 100%? Thank you.-Sarah

Fitness Training Company at Ft Jackson, SC

Posted by Raquel on 1/14/2002, 11:37 am , in reply to "Physical Fitness -- Before and After"

Here is the criteria from Ft Jackson for their Fitness Training Unit (FTU): Entry Criteria: (Or Less) Exit Criteria: (At Least) PU SU RUN PU SU RUN Males: 13 17 8:30 18 21 8:30 Females: 3 17 11:00 5 21 11:00 FTU is a Three-Week Program.Push-Up (PU) and Sit-Up (SU) failures ship to BCT once they meet the exit criteria. Soldiers inFTU are tested at Push-Ups and Sit-Ups three times a week.Run failures ship to BCT after they can run one mile in the specified times. Run tests are givenonce a week. Activities Soldiers in FTU Can Expect Are:PU/SU Improvement 3 Times a WeekWeight Training - 3 Times a WeekCardiorespiratory Training - 3 Times a Week Running Road marchingDevelopmental Stretching - 2-3 Times a WeekDiet and Nutrition Training - Once a WeekYou can find the link for Ft Jackson's Reception Battalion below and just follow the links for Fitness Training Company at the bottom.

Link: Ft Jackson's Reception Battalion

Re: Physical Fitness -- Before and After

Posted by Raquel on 1/14/2002, 11:29 am , in reply to "Physical Fitness -- Before and After"

Sarah, I'll have to check on the score needed to get out of the reception station. I don't know if all posts have the same numbers. When you arrive at your basic training post, you first inprocess at the reception station. This is where the Army starts your file, you get shots, initial issue of clothing, etc. You will also be given a mini fitness test. This will just weed out the folks who are sorely out of shape, nothing to worry about if you are in a reasonable amount of shape. Some call it "Fat Camp" and it can be miserable. It's like having to spend more time in a basic training-like environment than you have to! Imagine spending two weeks there and then an additional 9 weeks at BT! As far as the PT award at BT. It is based upon your final score on your final PT test at the end of basic. Recruits (one male and one female) who win this award score well over 300 pts total. So in your age group, it means doing over 50 pushups and 82 situps in two minutes each, as well as running a 15:48 or better two-mile. Also, those who score 300 pts or over, get the honor of wearing the PT badge on their PT uniform (as long as you keep scoring 300 throughout your Army career).

Going through the Physical.

Posted by Joe on 1/13/2002, 12:24 pm

I understand what it is mostly about, paperwork, duckwalking, etc. I was speaking with both my recruiter and friends that went through it and when you speak to the career councelor my friends said to try to get more (bonus money etc) then the intially offer you. Is the offer they offer you set in stone or is it possible to get a better enlistment bonus among other things?Thanks in advance.

Re: Going through the Physical.

Posted by Williamson on 1/26/2002, 8:44 am , in reply to "Going through the Physical."

Your pay is fixed and non-negotiable. It is dependant on time in service and your grade. You might want to ask about the Army Civilian Acquired Skills Program. This can get you initial higher rank. Bonuses, etc. are pretty much set by the higher ups depending on training elected, service commitment and various other variables. Remember, bonuses are based on the Military's needs. If you are dead set on an MOS that's full you will limit yourself. I don't believe there is a 'Quick Ship' bonus right now, but ask. DOD currently states no more than $20,000 for enlistment bonus and $60,000 max for re-up. The Enlistment Councelor is not your enemy. It is not a battle. Tell him/her your goals and experiences, etc. Work together on it and you will get a package you are happy with. Oh, and last I checked, 50% of your bonus is available after AIT with the balance dispursed equally over your enlistment. (Remember, it is a bonus and taxed as a gift. Check out the IRS charts on gift tax for you but I pay about 46% tax on gifts (bonuses.))

Re: Going through the Physical.

Posted by Raquel on 1/13/2002, 2:45 pm , in reply to "Going through the Physical."

Recruiting is an entirely different ballgame! The best place I have found to ask about recruiting and enlistment bonuses and such is to ask on the discussion boards at www.about.com and www.military.com. See link below. About.com's discussion boards are located at: http://usmilitary.about.com/mpboards.htm I think you have to register at both sites, but it's worth the help you get from folks there.

Link: Army Discussion Board at Military.com

Posted by William on 1/11/2002, 11:32 pm

hello im William and i might be joining the national guards ive been talking to my recuiter a little and hes got me wanting to go to boot camp but i want to go then i dont im nervous and i dont no why i think its the drill sergents cause i never had anybody in my face helling and im afraid that i might get in a fight what happens when you get in a fight do you get punished? i mean im about 5'11'' 180lbs and i play baseball but i still dont feel like i will be in shape or prepared in basic this summer if i decide to go so do you have any advice for me it would be very helpful and im sorry if i took up some of your timethanks WIlliam

Posted by William on 1/12/2002, 8:50 am , in reply to "Basic"

Hey, this is what this board is here for! I welcome all questions about basic! To enter the military, you have to go to boot camp. When I was a BT commander, I would sometimes have recruits who had a chip on their shoulder when they came....let me tell you, 99% of the time, they lost those attitudes very quickly. Drill sergeants have a real presence and will probably have you quaking in your shoes when they get in your face. Of the thousands of recruits I have known, not one ever tried to hit a drill sergeant. We've had a few recruits get into fights with each other, but that's about the extent of it. There are ways of dealing with disciplinary problems in BT. I've written a whole chapter in the book to discuss this. The commander of the company basically becomes a "mini-judge", no jury and the case is heard with witnesses, the accused and the drill sergeants present. If the commander decides the soldier is guilty, he could get pay taken away from him, restriction (this hurts towards the end of BT, when recruits do get a little free time) and extra duty (you'll be exhausted almost every day and will hate doing these menial labor jobs while everyone else relaxes). I have had recruits "back talk" to their drill sergeants, and they usually end up in "mini court" also. As far as getting ready, you'll be that much more ahead if you get in shape before you go and know something of what to expect. Read as much as you can on BT, follow some of the "Links of Knowledge", join that basic training list, ask questions on this board as well as the great board at about.com and talk to others who are already in the military at military.com. All these links can be found below, just page down.

Link: Links of Knowledge

Posted by William C on 1/12/2002, 10:33 pm , in reply to "Re: Basic"

do you have any advice for me on how to get prepared for bt. like how should i start running ,push-ups and sit-ups or even a work out program i want to be prepared for bt as much as i can

Posted by Raquel on 1/13/2002, 2:39 pm , in reply to "Re: Basic"

Yes, I do suggest getting in shape beforehand. The book, "Army Basic Training: Be Smart, Be Ready" does have an easy to follow training plan that will get you in shape the quickest for BT, as well as quickly improving sit-ups, push-ups and running. That's the plan I would suggest following. There are also many other books out there on how to get in shape..of course good books and not so good books. I would suggest following a plan where you actually use push-ups, sit-ups and running. All those workout machines and such are great in the gym and will get you in shape, but your body needs to do the exercises it will be doing in basic if you want to do well on the fitness test. I also suggest to get used to drinking lots of water, sipping it throughout the day, as you will do that a lot in BT. I had recruits who never drank a glass of water in their life!!..just sodas, kool-aids and juice if you can believe it. You might want to take up hiking...get used to carrying some weight on your back, wearing a rucksack. Most importantly, get used to wearing boots. Not necessarily Army boots, but good sturdy hiking boots. We get SO MANY recruits who have never worn anything but tennis shoes their whole lives, and by the second week of wearing Army boots, they are really hurting and some end up on crutches! You have to toughen up your feet beforehand. Again, there are many good websites out there with beginner fitness programs. Just go to www.google.com and type in "beginner runner", "beginner fitness", etc and you should find some. Concentrate on the ones that are not high tech and don't require lots of money.

Posted by Joe on 1/13/2002, 12:19 pm , in reply to "Re: Basic"

Well I'm not really an expert on BT as I will face it for the first time this summer but I spend about an hour a day lifting weights and currently running 2 miles a day, going to work myself up to 4 miles every other day. Anyone can run, do situps and pushups. Just remember that you must pace yourself...you can't go out expecting to run 5 miles the first time you run. Just add a little each week and you will be fine.



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Where, oh where? Posted by Justin Frey on 1/28/2002, 3:21 pm 24.30.84.227 If I land a counterintelligence MOS, where will I go for BCT? Ft Huachuca, AZ..more.. Posted by Raquel on 1/28/2002, 4:12 pm , in reply to "Where, oh where?" 204.119.245.195 All the intelligence MOSs and the officer basic and advanced courses are at Ft Huachuca, AZ. Follow the links below and look for AIT units and IET course info. BCT could be at ANY of the basic training posts. Ft Huachuca is strictly AIT and beyond. Link: Ft Huachuca, AZ - Military Intel School Your Guys' Pushup Workouts? Posted by Kristian on 1/28/2002, 2:52 pm 24.93.214.25 For me, it seems to be very hard to increase reps. Sure, I just started getting in shape for the first time in my life, as I've decided upon a military career, but still. How do you guys do them? Chest has to touch the ground, right? Are there mental thoughts you think while doing them? Like "concentrate on pushing with chest", etc? Thanks all! Upper part of arms parallel to floor..more.. Posted by Raquel on 1/28/2002, 4:08 pm , in reply to "Your Guys' Pushup Workouts?" 204.119.245.195 No, no, your chest does not have to hit the ground..that's just in the movies! Just make sure that when you go down, your upper arms get parallel to the ground..that's as far as you have to go down. Also, if you are really a beginner (and of course being a female does put you at a disadvantage w/upper body strength), you can start out doing push-ups while on your knees until you get some strength (not when you take the test..just conditioning in getting stronger). reading material...letters... Posted by Kataratos on 1/27/2002, 11:24 pm 152.163.213.46 You said we wouldn't even be allowed to read magazines at basic...what if I had a friend mail me one, one page at a time in letters...would they take the pages up (as long as I only kept them one page at a time?) or would I get in trouble...or could I get away with that? I'm a really heavy reader...I'm one of those people that reads cereal boxes just to read something... Don't try to be slick:-)))..more... Posted by Raquel on 1/28/2002, 9:07 am , in reply to "reading material...letters..." 204.119.243.193 The drill sergeants know every trick in the book! Chances are, you'll have to throw it away. In all your "off" time, you will be reading that darn IET Handbook...a thick little book the size of your cargo pocket. You'll be memorizing all kinds of things out of there and the drills will make you get it out every chance they get. They consider this, your "reading material". Don't be caught without it! Psych stuff... Posted by Kataratos on 1/27/2002, 11:22 pm 152.163.213.46 Bipolar and depression run in my family. I've had a little experience with this, but nothing that interferes with my ability to function, or that would prevent me from performing my duties in the Guard; and I've never been diagnosed. If at some point during my enlistment I wanted/needed to see a psychiatrist, just to get that stuff checked out, and it did turn up that I am bipolar or something, would that threaten my enlistment? Even if I could still function without meds...? I've heard different things. Because it runs in my family, and it is a progressive (gets worse as you get older), thing, my family is encouraging me to be checked when I turn 18; but I don't want to do anything that could get me kicked out of the service or something...Army is something I really want to do, and I won't let anything get in the way of that. I've already been through meps without any problem...and I'll be going to basic soon. Some ideas.... Posted by Raquel on 1/28/2002, 9:05 am , in reply to "Psych stuff..." 204.119.243.193 This is a hard one. It all depends on how much stress you and your condition can handle (if you even have it!). Basic training is VERY stressful and it can bring out the "worst" in someone's condition. I can tell you that if you have any condition that requires medication, even sometimes OR if you have had any psychological/physchiatric counseling, those factors alone could disqualify you for enlistment. These are usually permanent disqualifiers and recruiters don't even send folks in this category to MEPS. I can tell you as far as personal experience goes, I have sent home quite a few recruits who were diagnosed with bipolar disorder. None had ever revealed it before...the stress in BT just brought it out in them. We had to discharge them under the EPTS (Existing Prior to Service) Medical Discharge. You will not have the opportunity to get counseled by mental health professionals while at BT. There is an active program though to counsel those having trouble or those wanting to go home, but these folks are not health professionals...just social counselors. If you are determined to go to BT and have already signed up...what can I say? I'm not an expert on bipolar disorders and like you said you've never been diagnosed...if you want to go in bad enough, maybe this is something you can overcome? If you wanted to get checked out by your own doctor, I see no reason not to...you may not even have any symptoms yet, plus whatever you do will not be revealed to the Army unless you decide to. If you do get diagnosed though, I would recommend you be truthful. Things we can/'t bring. Posted by Rob on 1/27/2002, 9:01 pm 64.229.177.102 Would I be able to take in a Chess board + set of any type? (Anything from Full tournament size to a pocket sized snap-together board that contains the pieces) Definitely not..more... Posted by Raquel on 1/27/2002, 9:29 pm , in reply to "Things we can/'t bring." 204.119.243.230 Now if you want to bring this and have it packed away during BT, that's fine. But, do not expect to be allowed to play it! You can't even read a magazine at BT! When you get your "locked away personal gear" graduation week, you'll have access to your civilian stuff..but not before then. hearing aids Posted by Jim on 1/26/2002, 10:42 pm 205.188.197.154 I am seriously considering the Army and have three questions: since i wear hearing aids (which give me the ability to hear completely fine), will the army still recruit me? and, If i were to be recruited, how would boot camp procedure allow for me to compensate for the hearing aids? eg, hearing aids cannot be exposed to water. Also, what kind of jobs would be open to me provided, I am accepted. Re: hearing aids Posted by Raquel on 1/27/2002, 7:43 am , in reply to "hearing aids" 204.119.243.11 There are certain requirements you must pass in order to enter the Army. If you follow the link below, you will see the long laundry list of medical conditions that will not allow you to enter the Army (along with some that are waiverable..meaning that with some exceptions you can enter the Army with these conditions). A condition that IS NOT waiverable is "deafness in both ears even if aided by a hearing aid". Of course, there is nothing stopping you from seeing a recruiter to see what they say....but from the little I know about recruiting, I would say no to your question. Link: Military Enlistment Standards - Page 5 (About.com) Heart rate monitors????? Posted by c.merino on 1/26/2002, 4:14 am 169.132.18.1 HI, ?, can we run at boot camp with a heart rate monitor? No...... Posted by Raquel on 1/26/2002, 9:13 am , in reply to "Heart rate monitors?????" 204.119.242.205 No gadgets or anything other than you, your clothing and your shoes. BT is very low tech! weight Posted by tim on 1/25/2002, 1:02 pm 64.24.86.78 Ive always heard that bigger recruits always lose weight and smaller recruits always gain weight. Is this true, and if so how much can i expect to gain. Right now I currently weigh 135 and 6'1". Re: weight Posted by Raquel on 1/25/2002, 8:34 pm , in reply to "weight" 204.119.243.12 I think when they say "gain weight", they mean a few pounds more..this is just because muscle weighs more than fat...with all the activity, you will be beefing up those muscles and toning down the fat. Re: weight Posted by Seth on 1/26/2002, 7:50 am , in reply to "Re: weight" 4.61.202.211 See AR 40-501http://www.usapa.army.mil/pdffiles/r40_501.pdf Army Regulation 40-501Chapter 2 - Physical Standards for Enlistment, Appointment and InductionSection 21 - Weight (page 7)Table 2-1 - Military Acceptable Weight... Male - 73 inchesMust be 135lbs for any age. (Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or health professional, these are my OPINIONS. See your doctor for professional advice.) You're right on the line. You may have some trouble during basic training. You will get easily fatigues and may lack the strength necessary. (I am a thin man also.) Prepare yourself for some flack about your weight. You'll make it. My recomendation is to try the APFT (Army Physical Fitness Test) and see how you do first. You might also want to try a rucksack march with 50-100 lbs. (Rucksack plus weapon, etc adds up to about 100lbs during basic. They'll march you up to 12 miles or more.) Another thing to keep in mind is that you're gonna get pumped full of antitoxins and all sorts of who knows what on day three. Last I checked you get three air-gun shots and 4-5 injections at once. This sapps the strength and endurance. My advice: Start eating a well balanced diet and drink lots of water and start an exercise program. I'd say eat about one gram of protein per pound of mass (135lbs/day) and a lot of carbs (400+ grams a day.) Your body needs carbs to turn protein to muscle. If you don't exercise, you'll add mass but it'll be fat. A good one is available in chapter 4 of pamphlet 601-25 (In-Service Special Forces Recruiting Program...) If you do this for 6-10 weeks, you should be able to get a 240 on your APFT.http://www.usarec.army.mil/im/formpub/REC_PUBS/p601_25.pdf Also see FM 21-20 (Physical Fitness Training) Chapter 14 has your APFT requirements.http://155.217.58.58/cgi-bin/atdl.dll/fm/21-20/toc.htm Hope this helps! Good luck. Getting sick Posted by Brad on 1/24/2002, 10:52 pm 152.163.213.51 Hi again, Just curious as to what happens if you happen to get sick in Basic Training....I'm not talking anything major, just a hard cold/flu/ect. From friends who have already done it, I've heard that unless you can barely pick yourself out of bed, the DS will expect you to be back in action right after popping the pills they give you at Sick Call. Can they ever deny you Sick Call? And what happens if you miss an important training event because of sickness? You keep your fingers crossed! Posted by Raquel on 1/25/2002, 10:43 am , in reply to "Getting sick" 204.119.243.215 Basically, you hope and pray that you don't get sick while in BT. It makes training that much harder! If you have a mild cold, stuffiness, low grade fever, etc..you'll get medication to deal with this while on sick call. A drill sergeant can NEVER deny you sick call (unfortunately, there are trainees who abuse it..but it comes back to kick them in the butt later when they "magically" miss to much training). Depending on how sick you are, if you are not bedridden, you will go to training and even to PT, but you may have a profile from the doctor that limits what you do. For example, you may have a profile that says "no running" for three days, that kind of thing and it is better to be sick at the beginning of the cycle, when it's mostly classroom-type stuff. Once you start going out on the ranges, it will be harder to deal with. You know how miserable you feel when you are sick...and with the stresses of basic training, you can see what that will do for your morale. If you happen to miss an important training event, depending on what it is and what kind of resources are needed (ie taking a PT test vs. qualifying out on the rifle range), you will either do it in an "off" time with a drill sergeant from your company OR you will go with another company when they do the event (a company that is just behind yours in the training cycle). If you miss one or two events, you can usually catch up...if you start missing more, there will be a danger of you being "new started" (NSO). This means that while your company continues on in the training cycle, you could be transferred to a different company altogether that is behind you in training,permanently (sucks for morale too). An example, if you miss alot of the weapons qualification training and don't qualify, you will go ALL the way back to the BEGINNING of weapons training in another company...you could feasibly be in BT for 12 weeks or more...AND if you have an MOS that doesn't have alot of AIT course dates throughout the year, you may end up in a "holding pattern" after you graduate..waiting for the next date to come up. We ALWAYS had one private or another, working in our company orderly room pushing papers, gophering, etc..waiting for their AIT date to come up. We've also had soldiers who had to be hospitalized (appendixes removed, pneumonia..you name it) and of course they are also "new started" into a new company when they get medically cleared. Fire Watch Posted by Brad on 1/23/2002, 2:08 pm 204.177.186.1 Hello, My recruiter says that recruits take turns as "fire watch" every night during Basic. My question is, what exactly can or should you be doing during this time? He said you are usually on for an hour or two. Do you have to just sit somewhere or can you write letters, read, or talk with the person you're on duty with? Re: Fire Watch Posted by Raquel on 1/23/2002, 2:26 pm , in reply to "Fire Watch" 204.119.245.192 You will be bored to death and fighting to stay awake! You will patrol the halls, latrines and make sure everyone is in their bunks. In the old days, the recruits did this to make sure the heating stoves in the barracks didn't burn the whole place down! Now it is more a way to make sure there is no "hanky panky" going on (if you are at a gender integrated post), that everyone is where they should be and to keep an eye out for intruders. You will be on duty with another recruit, of the same sex and a drill sergeant will also be on duty to watch over you and the other recruit. Some drills also sneak around on their own in their socks to make sure everything is in order. No "having fun", talking, reading, etc...this is strictly a "watch" and also a test of how well you can follow instructions. If you are found asleep somewhere by the drill, he could end up putting you in full "battle dress" and make you patrol that way. It usually lasts an hour and is rotated throughout "lights out", every day through every member of the company. What Can I mail? Posted by Alyssa on 1/23/2002, 11:06 am 63.226.144.56 I have a good friend in BT right now...Okay a guy I am seeing. Anyhow, I wanted to know if there is anything I can mail him besides letters. I just want to surprise him with something besides letters maybe for Valentines Day. I know I can't send a large package but any creative ideas or thoughts? Cards, photos, poem, etc.. Posted by Raquel on 1/23/2002, 11:46 am , in reply to "What Can I mail?" 204.119.243.238 Perfumed cards..a nice photo of yourself..a poem...that kind of thing. No food or edibles! Re: Cards, photos, poem, etc.. Posted by alyssa on 1/23/2002, 11:50 am , in reply to "Cards, photos, poem, etc.." 63.226.144.56 I just read a post on military .com that said not to send any sort of packages - not that I had planned to...but they said they wouldn't give it to him and they would make fun of him. He begged me to put his last name first when I addressed the letter so I believe this. Thanks for the input. p.s. how about magazines, not that he has much time - but just as a thought. Re: Cards, photos, poem, etc.. Posted by Raquel on 1/23/2002, 12:01 pm , in reply to "Re: Cards, photos, poem, etc.." 204.119.243.238 Also a "no-no". No magazines, books, etc. Yes, you are right, no packages at all. Things are VERY strict in basic! Fear of Heights Posted by Brad on 1/22/2002, 3:30 pm 204.177.186.1 Hello, I am enlisted in DEP and will go to Ft. Jackson in about 8 months. My only real fear, aside from the standard nervousness the everyone gets about the whole experience, is heights....particularly Victory Tower and some of the events on the obstacle course like the Slide for Life, the Log Ladder, and the Skyscraper. I'm not so afraid coming down as I've done rappelling before. My problem is with going up, or rather climbing up. I know most people have at least some fear of heights but I'm petrified! Any hints, suggestions, comments? I've heard advice from other message boards that the confidence course won't be as bad as Victory Tower because by that time in training, we'll have overcome a lot. Still scared right now though! :-) Most people afraid of heights Posted by Raquel on 1/22/2002, 4:05 pm , in reply to "Fear of Heights" 204.119.243.211 It is not a cliche when they say, "Don't look down". You take deep breaths and concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other when you have to climb....look up and look at what you are doing (ie hands and feet). You'll also have plenty of recruits and drills cheering you on too. Your adrenaline will be pumped, so that'll help out. It's perfectly natural to be fearful of heights. Once you get moving, keep moving and don't give yourself time to think about how high up you are. can I bring this stuff? (and other questions) Posted by Shelley on 1/21/2002, 6:41 pm 66.169.208.8 I've been thinking about various items I'd want to bring with me, but I certainly don't want them "packed away" when I can just leave them at home:1. cell phone (since there are fewer phones than recruits) for use during "free" time2. laundry marker (are you supposed to mark thinks like underwear, sports bras, etc. w/ your name?)3. Always maxi-pads (or do you have to buy some generic brand at the PX?)4. hair mousse - without it, my hair is unmanageable... if I try brushing it, I look like Art Garfunkel with his gigantic fro.5. PDA (like a Handspring or Palm Pilot) for taking notes, doing calculations, and as an address book?6. medicated shampoo (OTC, not Rx)7. stamps, postcards & envelopesAlso, I was wondering about what kind of lock to bring. I read in Raquel's book that you should bring a lock with 2 keys, but I'm wondering if there is a limit on the shank size as the holes in the hasps of some lockers are very tiny and only accommodate wee locks. Where do you carry your key (around a string or chain?) when you're in PT, etc.?How often does quartermaster laundry come around to pick up and drop off your laundry?Where do you store sweaty gross clothes until the laundry service shows up (or do you take your clothes to them?)I know that boots have to be shined all the time... what about the running shoes you bring? Do they ever have you do PT w/ your running shoes where the shoes will get muddy? If so, how are you supposed to clean them? Some answers... Posted by Raquel on 1/21/2002, 7:18 pm , in reply to "can I bring this stuff? (and other questions)" 204.119.245.186 Whew, that's alot! Let me start at the top! Yes to laundry marker, maxi pads, medicated shampoo, stamps, envelopes and writing material. Definitely a BIG NO to PDAs and cell phones. BT is VERY low tech. You'll only have the bare bones available for your use here! Of course if you do bring these, they'll get packed away..and even though this stuff is locked up...I wouldn't want to worry about the stuff disappearing! Hair mousse...that's iffy. Most drills will let you keep mousse and such. Just don't bring excessive amounds of hairspray, gels, etc.. As far as the lock, bring a standard lock (I'm not sure what that size is...but the medium sized ones..don't buy those little ones or the great big ones). Your platoon sergeant will keep one locked away on a big ring with everyone else's in the platoon (in case you lose yours). The other you will put on your dogtag chain, which you will wear always around your neck. QM Laundry comes twice a week. You'll store your stinky laundry at the end of your bed in your issued laundry bag. Most barracks have washers and driers and most recruits wash their underthings and PT gear in these and don't send them off to QM. You'll have time on weekends and the evenings to do some laundry. You wil send things like uniforms, brown tshirts and such to QM. You will march in formation to the company orderly room and drop your stuff off in a big bin (this is built into the schedule)...same thing with pick-up. Most PT is in sawdust and grass..but if your tennis shoes do get dirty, you'll clean them with rags and water..nothing fancy. when nature calls... Posted by Shelley on 1/21/2002, 3:36 pm 66.169.208.8 What happens when you have to go to the bathroom during PT or another activity?I guess most recruits will get on a fairly regular schedule since everyone will be eating and exercising at the same time... but everyone is different, especially those who are smaller than their fellow recruits.What happens if you find yourself suddenly springing a leak (female emergency) during an activity that is not "free time?" Do you just raise your hand and ask to go? How long do you have to "do your business" so to speak? Re: when nature calls... Posted by Raquel on 1/21/2002, 7:07 pm , in reply to "when nature calls..." 204.119.245.186 Most folks go first thing in the morning...before PT. But if you have to go during PT, yep, you'll have to address one of the drill sergeants and ask to go to the latrine. All PT areas have these Port-a-potties (portable latrines). No one ever goes looking for someone unless you've been gone so long that they think you fell in. If you have to go while on a run...there usually are Port-a-potties all over the BT area..you just request permission and then run to one...or if you are training by the barracks, you can run in there. Classrooms have latrine areas and you will go on regular breaks....same with the ranges, port-a-potties...just go before you go out on the firing line. If you have a smaller bladder or for whatever reason pee a lot..you'll just have to raise your hand in class or approach a drill out on the range and request permission to go. They've dealt with it thousands of times and they'll probably make a little fun..but nothing serious...it can make them feel like a kindergarden teacher always being asked to go to the bathroom..you get the idea. No ones going to fail you out of BT cause you ask to go to the bathroom too much. The food at BT is also very heavy and starchy usually, so it will be rare that you suffer a case of the runs (but if you do, the drills are prepared for that too)..you'll probably suffer from constipation due to the stress, food and intake of less liquids than usual. Re: when nature calls... Posted by Shelley on 1/21/2002, 10:52 pm , in reply to "Re: when nature calls..." 66.169.208.8 This is a relief... I don't have a microscopic bladder, but under stress, there is no telling how I will function. :-)What if it's that special time of the month and you know your first installation of protection won't last you all day long... do you carry supplies with you in anticipation for these potty breaks, or do you have to run to the barracks to obtain supplies when you're in this type of emergency? There will be no running back to the barracks! Posted by Raquel on 1/22/2002, 1:13 pm , in reply to "Re: when nature calls..." 204.119.243.211 Make sure you carry with you more than enough! Very rarely will you be near the barracks, and even then, the barracks stay locked and it is a BIG "no-no" to go there. You will get chewed out if you forget anything (especially military gear). One thing you will learn in BT is to anticipate and pack for what you need for that day. Your squad leaders (rotated positions of trainees throughout the cycle) are "encouraged" to make sure everyone has the gear they need for the day's training (mostly military stuff..ie their gas mask, raingear, etc)...but take that time (preferably before) to have that stuff already pre-packed. Females usually also help each other out if someone needs it. Lastly, your periods may not even come or be very light, due to the physical intensity of the training (think Olympic atheletes)..but do always be prepared ALL the time, not only when you usually expect it (it may even be irregular) but just carry your stuff with you. how often can you shave? Posted by Shelley on 1/21/2002, 3:06 pm 66.169.208.8 I suffer the plight of many a dark-haired girl... I have very thick leg hair and if I don't shave my legs at least once every 3 days, I start to look like Magilla Gorilla. My skin isn't white as blindingly white as chalk... but close... and enhanced by very dark, very thick stubble that could substitute as guitar strings... and this is barely an exaggeration. I know (or at least it's the impression I've gotten) that guys have to shave their faces daily, even when in the field and in Bivouac... do women have the same opportunity to shave their legs and armpits at regular intervals? In addition to my prickly leg situation, I do get unwanted facial hairs... not just peach fuzz, but some thick black (guitar string tensile strength) hairs that show up around my mouth and chin. My doctor said that's it's fairly common and not a hormonal problem and most people don't know because I am constantly shaving and plucking my problem areas on my face... I know I will not get privacy in Basic, but will I be able to sneak a disposable razor into a toilet stall to trim this embarrassing hair?Are recruits allowed to bring a small pocket mirror and/or magnifying mirror? How about tweezers and even nail clippers? Re: how often can you shave? Posted by MemphisFire on 1/21/2002, 3:34 pm , in reply to "how often can you shave?" 150.201.21.221 Shelley, While I don't know what Raquel will tell you, I must say that your overall attitude and outlook on this situation is very good. I mean, if you are able to look at this issue and laugh a bit, even laugh at yourself, I firmly believe you'll possess the ambition, drive and level mentallity to do well in basic training. I hope you get accurate information that will put your mind at easy, however regardless I'm sure you'll do fine. Best of luck. You will have some privacy Posted by Raquel on 1/21/2002, 6:54 pm , in reply to "Re: how often can you shave?" 204.119.245.186 I know with all you've read about communal showers and such, it might not seem like you will have any private time. Well, you will. The toilet stalls do have doors, so there is a measure of privacy there. Some females are lucky also to be bunked in a 4 person room rather than a big bay (luck of the draw...ie what the drill sergeants say goes). I would carry an unbreakable small mirror and put it in your feminine hygiene stuff (along with your tweezers, etc..). You'll eventually work out a schedule once you get there (things are not so hectic at the reception station at first)...how you are going to do your "bathroom routine" around other females. You'll just have to learn how to do it quicker (no long showers here). No one will stop you from getting up a few minutes early or in the middle of the night. You may be exhausted, but if this is something you have to do, you will figure out a way. Like I said, many women don't shave their legs..or maybe only do it on Sundays...most of the guys are too stressed out to notice anyway:-)) Situps during Basic Posted by Joe on 1/20/2002, 5:15 pm 24.213.37.23 For the situps do they have someone hold your feet down or not? I can do about 80 in two mins if someone holds my feet down but the number goes down significantly if I do it without the pressure on my feet. Again, thanks. Re: Situps during Basic Posted by Raquel on 1/20/2002, 9:04 pm , in reply to "Situps during Basic" 204.119.245.122 Yes, definitely. During the test another recruit will be holding you down by your ankles and tops of your feet. Eighty situps is very good. Make sure your form is correct though. Every situp you do with improper form will not be counted during the test. The start position is flat on your back, hands clasped behind your head. Legs must be bent (apx at 45 deg). On the command of "Go", you will raise your upper body so that the base of your neck is even with the base of your spine (90deg angle). Then you go back down again. As long as your shoulder blades touch the ground, you are okay. You must NEVER unclasp your hands during the test or you will be terminated. This means whatever the last number was, that's it..that's your score. Also, the situp is counted as your shoulder blades touch the ground (the down position). Razors? Posted by AFH on 1/20/2002, 1:20 pm 66.113.2.58 Hey everyone. My medical waiver just went through, I have an Officer Candidate School board next week. I'll know in early Feb. if I'm accepted to OCS and get a departure date for BCT, hopefully early March. I've been an army wife for 10 years, but none of my drill friends have gotten back to me on this--can women have an electric razor? I can't see shaving my legs a couple of days a week in a communal shower. Anyone out there know this one? Thanks! Re: Razors? Posted by Raquel on 1/20/2002, 8:56 pm , in reply to "Razors?" 204.119.245.122 Congrats! Please read answer to the other post on razors that someone asked just recently. Most BT posts expect you to bring disposable razors. You can bring your electric one, but be prepared to pack it away if need be until BT is over. Think about the limited time you will have, outlet to recruit ratio and the inability to recharge things (if it is rechargeable) when everything has to be locked up all the time...just some things to think about. Re:Shaving Posted by Kataratos on 1/21/2002, 12:36 pm , in reply to "Re: Razors?" 152.163.213.61 Um...I was wondering, I don't shave...(I'm Female)and I know it grosses some people out, but, I never where shorts either, I don't even own a pair of shorts. Are they going to make me shave? If I don't shave is someone gonna beat me up or something? Also, Will I have to wear shorts, or can I opt to wear the pants in my pt uniforms and stuff. I don't have a religious reason for not wearing shorts, but it's a personal conviction...will they respect that??? You will wear what the drill sergeants tell you to wear Posted by Raquel on 1/21/2002, 6:46 pm , in reply to "Re:Shaving" 204.119.245.186 Oh boy...what can I say..get used to the shorts! There are no rules that as a female you must shave. In fact, usually after some of the females have been at BT a few days, they just say forget it anyway!! Too much of a hassle and takes too much time. As far as what you will wear. You will wear what your drill sergeant tells you to wear. It is a very big deal that you follow the training schedule and the drill sergeants as to what you'll be wearing..throughout the day. In the morning you'll wear your PT gear (long pants only if weather warrants it..and everyone will wear them whether you want to or not). Then you'll change into your BDUs (camouflage top and pants) with boots. Are vitamins allowed? Posted by Joe on 1/20/2002, 11:40 am 24.213.37.23 I saw that no prescribition drugs were allowed but in the last few weeks ive started taking One a day active and it seems to be doing me some good. Thanks in advance. Re: Are vitamins allowed? Posted by Raquel on 1/20/2002, 12:48 pm , in reply to "Are vitamins allowed?" 204.119.245.116 Joe, I would go ahead and bring them. I think there are no specific restrictions on vitamins. AIT Training??? Posted by Daylan on 1/19/2002, 1:36 am 64.12.106.46 hello again , for anyone that does not know me my name is Daylan i am 23 and shipping out to Fort benning for my basic training jan 29th . I have a few more questions for anyone willing to take the time to answer them for me My mos is 35Y, The stated time on my paperwork says 35 weeks in AIT at RedStone Arsenal in Alabamba. i am also wondering about AIT . What kind of restrictions are there in AIT? What is it like? Im sure it is different for everyone depending on there job, but what is it like ?is it anything like basic training was? I believe i was told we have weekends off, correct? also can we leave base on our time off? would it be logical to buy a vehicle to drive or will i not need one? , well i hope i can get answers to all or most of these questions , i know i will find out for myself when i get there , but i like to be as prepared as possible , plus i am really bored counting down the days to my leave. Can't wait to hear back from you Take good care Sincerely, Daylan Go to the Military.com boards Posted by Raquel on 1/19/2002, 7:54 am , in reply to "AIT Training???" 204.119.243.210 Hello Daylan, I would suggest going to the discussion boards at Military.com (see "Links of Knowledge") and asking the same questions there. There may be someone there who just graduated AIT. Follow the links to the Army General Discussions. Every AIT is going to be different, but you will definitely have more freedom than BT. You will EARN weekend passes and such and certainly have more free time. Most soldiers I know have good memories of AIT and the friends they made there. (no subject) Posted by Rachael on 1/17/2002, 7:10 pm 64.12.103.172 can anyone tell me what women are allowed to bring to basic training? Re: (no subject) Posted by Raquel on 1/18/2002, 9:54 am , in reply to "(no subject)" 204.119.245.175 What exactly are you referring to? You can read the packing list at this site and also the ones at Ft Jackson, etc (see the "Links of Knowledge"). You bring the same stuff as the men but of course include feminine hygiene items, bra, slip...that kind of thing. Religous Pendants.. Posted by Desirae on 1/14/2002, 5:00 pm 152.163.213.74 Okay in your book you said that we could have religous medallions..now this is probably a stupid question but I am curious as to whether or not that would include a cross? If so if I wear it there on a necklace or something will I be able to hang it on the chain with my dogtags? Re: Religous Pendants.. Posted by Raquel on 1/14/2002, 7:48 pm , in reply to "Religous Pendants.." 204.119.245.119 No question is stupid! Yes, crosses are included in religious pendants. I suggest you have it on a very sturdy chain. You will not be allowed to hang anything on your dogtag chain other than your dogtags. Re: Religous Pendants.. Posted by Williamson on 1/26/2002, 8:20 am , in reply to "Re: Religous Pendants.." 4.61.202.211 Raquel, Just for clarification, you mention in a more recent post to hang the padlock key on the dogtag chain but here you say nothing goes on the chain but the dogtags. So should a chain be brought for the key also? Thanks. Clarification.... Posted by Raquel on 1/26/2002, 9:16 am , in reply to "Re: Religous Pendants.." 204.119.242.205 Sorry. What I probably should've said is that nothing other than your dogtags AND your padlock key will go on your dogtag chain. I don't want you to get the impression that you can hang whatever you want on there:-)) Rank at Basic Posted by Sarah on 1/14/2002, 9:57 am 207.75.181.135 I suppose I have another question: I've been getting conflicting answers to this question. Iwill be coming into the ARNG as a Specialist, b/c I have acollege degree already. Will I be able to wear the rank atBasic, or will I just look like a Private E1 like everyone else? I was at the MI ARNG Basic Training Orientation Program (BTOP) thisweekend, and was "just" a private E1 like everyone else, eventhough my recruiter gave me my rank insignia, and it really sort of grated. I just want to know if I'll have to get ready todeal with that at basic. I'm going to Fort Jackson for Basic, if that makes a difference. Thanks (and thank you for this great BB!).-Sarah Re: Rank at Basic Posted by Raquel on 1/14/2002, 11:18 am , in reply to "Rank at Basic" 204.119.243.1 Sarah, I know what you mean. You'd think that more rank would make you "more respected"...well, not quite. In BT Land, everything is different. Even though you will get to wear your rank, the drill sergeants will treat you just as any other private...they'll even call you private (probably), BUT I must say, if you come across as intelligent, willing, seem to know what you are doing and have a good head on your shoulders, you will be given more respect. Yes, the rank should help more in that case, but really, any private with these abilities will get the respect also (not just from the drill sergeants but their peers also). I've had SPCs and PV-2s come to my company in the past and a lot of them had a chip on their shoulder...trying to "look down" on the other recruits, demanding respect and such...don't be one of them....it will only be more of a headache for you,and you'll end up spending the rest of the cycle trying to climb out of that hole! Physical Fitness -- Before and After Posted by Sarah on 1/14/2002, 9:52 am 207.75.181.135 I have a two part question: What is the entry-level PT test to get into basic? I know thereis one and if you don't pass you get sent to a conditioning campbefore you even get into Basic, but I want to know what the basicscore necessary is. I'm a 27 year old female. I know there's a PT award for the recruit who gets the highestpercentage score on the PT test, but when is that given? Is thatgiven after the first PT test, or after the qualifying PT test at theend of Basic? Or both? Is there only one award? Does the recipientusually receive 100%? Thank you.-Sarah Fitness Training Company at Ft Jackson, SC Posted by Raquel on 1/14/2002, 11:37 am , in reply to "Physical Fitness -- Before and After" 204.119.243.1 Here is the criteria from Ft Jackson for their Fitness Training Unit (FTU): Entry Criteria: (Or Less) Exit Criteria: (At Least) PU SU RUN PU SU RUN Males: 13 17 8:30 18 21 8:30 Females: 3 17 11:00 5 21 11:00 FTU is a Three-Week Program.Push-Up (PU) and Sit-Up (SU) failures ship to BCT once they meet the exit criteria. Soldiers inFTU are tested at Push-Ups and Sit-Ups three times a week.Run failures ship to BCT after they can run one mile in the specified times. Run tests are givenonce a week. Activities Soldiers in FTU Can Expect Are:PU/SU Improvement 3 Times a WeekWeight Training - 3 Times a WeekCardiorespiratory Training - 3 Times a Week Running Road marchingDevelopmental Stretching - 2-3 Times a WeekDiet and Nutrition Training - Once a WeekYou can find the link for Ft Jackson's Reception Battalion below and just follow the links for Fitness Training Company at the bottom. Link: Ft Jackson's Reception Battalion Re: Physical Fitness -- Before and After Posted by Raquel on 1/14/2002, 11:29 am , in reply to "Physical Fitness -- Before and After" 204.119.243.1 Sarah, I'll have to check on the score needed to get out of the reception station. I don't know if all posts have the same numbers. When you arrive at your basic training post, you first inprocess at the reception station. This is where the Army starts your file, you get shots, initial issue of clothing, etc. You will also be given a mini fitness test. This will just weed out the folks who are sorely out of shape, nothing to worry about if you are in a reasonable amount of shape. Some call it "Fat Camp" and it can be miserable. It's like having to spend more time in a basic training-like environment than you have to! Imagine spending two weeks there and then an additional 9 weeks at BT! As far as the PT award at BT. It is based upon your final score on your final PT test at the end of basic. Recruits (one male and one female) who win this award score well over 300 pts total. So in your age group, it means doing over 50 pushups and 82 situps in two minutes each, as well as running a 15:48 or better two-mile. Also, those who score 300 pts or over, get the honor of wearing the PT badge on their PT uniform (as long as you keep scoring 300 throughout your Army career). Going through the Physical. Posted by Joe on 1/13/2002, 12:24 pm 24.213.37.23 I understand what it is mostly about, paperwork, duckwalking, etc. I was speaking with both my recruiter and friends that went through it and when you speak to the career councelor my friends said to try to get more (bonus money etc) then the intially offer you. Is the offer they offer you set in stone or is it possible to get a better enlistment bonus among other things?Thanks in advance. Re: Going through the Physical. Posted by Williamson on 1/26/2002, 8:44 am , in reply to "Going through the Physical." 4.61.202.211 Your pay is fixed and non-negotiable. It is dependant on time in service and your grade. You might want to ask about the Army Civilian Acquired Skills Program. This can get you initial higher rank. Bonuses, etc. are pretty much set by the higher ups depending on training elected, service commitment and various other variables. Remember, bonuses are based on the Military's needs. If you are dead set on an MOS that's full you will limit yourself. I don't believe there is a 'Quick Ship' bonus right now, but ask. DOD currently states no more than $20,000 for enlistment bonus and $60,000 max for re-up. The Enlistment Councelor is not your enemy. It is not a battle. Tell him/her your goals and experiences, etc. Work together on it and you will get a package you are happy with. Oh, and last I checked, 50% of your bonus is available after AIT with the balance dispursed equally over your enlistment. (Remember, it is a bonus and taxed as a gift. Check out the IRS charts on gift tax for you but I pay about 46% tax on gifts (bonuses.)) Re: Going through the Physical. Posted by Raquel on 1/13/2002, 2:45 pm , in reply to "Going through the Physical." 204.119.245.173 Recruiting is an entirely different ballgame! The best place I have found to ask about recruiting and enlistment bonuses and such is to ask on the discussion boards at www.about.com and www.military.com. See link below. About.com's discussion boards are located at: http://usmilitary.about.com/mpboards.htm I think you have to register at both sites, but it's worth the help you get from folks there. Link: Army Discussion Board at Military.com Basic Posted by William on 1/11/2002, 11:32 pm 205.188.197.183 hello im William and i might be joining the national guards ive been talking to my recuiter a little and hes got me wanting to go to boot camp but i want to go then i dont im nervous and i dont no why i think its the drill sergents cause i never had anybody in my face helling and im afraid that i might get in a fight what happens when you get in a fight do you get punished? i mean im about 5'11'' 180lbs and i play baseball but i still dont feel like i will be in shape or prepared in basic this summer if i decide to go so do you have any advice for me it would be very helpful and im sorry if i took up some of your timethanks WIlliam Re: Basic Posted by William on 1/12/2002, 8:50 am , in reply to "Basic" 204.119.243.32 Hey, this is what this board is here for! I welcome all questions about basic! To enter the military, you have to go to boot camp. When I was a BT commander, I would sometimes have recruits who had a chip on their shoulder when they came....let me tell you, 99% of the time, they lost those attitudes very quickly. Drill sergeants have a real presence and will probably have you quaking in your shoes when they get in your face. Of the thousands of recruits I have known, not one ever tried to hit a drill sergeant. We've had a few recruits get into fights with each other, but that's about the extent of it. There are ways of dealing with disciplinary problems in BT. I've written a whole chapter in the book to discuss this. The commander of the company basically becomes a "mini-judge", no jury and the case is heard with witnesses, the accused and the drill sergeants present. If the commander decides the soldier is guilty, he could get pay taken away from him, restriction (this hurts towards the end of BT, when recruits do get a little free time) and extra duty (you'll be exhausted almost every day and will hate doing these menial labor jobs while everyone else relaxes). I have had recruits "back talk" to their drill sergeants, and they usually end up in "mini court" also. As far as getting ready, you'll be that much more ahead if you get in shape before you go and know something of what to expect. Read as much as you can on BT, follow some of the "Links of Knowledge", join that basic training list, ask questions on this board as well as the great board at about.com and talk to others who are already in the military at military.com. All these links can be found below, just page down. Link: Links of Knowledge Re: Basic Posted by William C on 1/12/2002, 10:33 pm , in reply to "Re: Basic" 205.188.199.154 do you have any advice for me on how to get prepared for bt. like how should i start running ,push-ups and sit-ups or even a work out program i want to be prepared for bt as much as i can Re: Basic Posted by Raquel on 1/13/2002, 2:39 pm , in reply to "Re: Basic" 204.119.245.173 Yes, I do suggest getting in shape beforehand. The book, "Army Basic Training: Be Smart, Be Ready" does have an easy to follow training plan that will get you in shape the quickest for BT, as well as quickly improving sit-ups, push-ups and running. That's the plan I would suggest following. There are also many other books out there on how to get in shape..of course good books and not so good books. I would suggest following a plan where you actually use push-ups, sit-ups and running. All those workout machines and such are great in the gym and will get you in shape, but your body needs to do the exercises it will be doing in basic if you want to do well on the fitness test. I also suggest to get used to drinking lots of water, sipping it throughout the day, as you will do that a lot in BT. I had recruits who never drank a glass of water in their life!!..just sodas, kool-aids and juice if you can believe it. You might want to take up hiking...get used to carrying some weight on your back, wearing a rucksack. Most importantly, get used to wearing boots. Not necessarily Army boots, but good sturdy hiking boots. We get SO MANY recruits who have never worn anything but tennis shoes their whole lives, and by the second week of wearing Army boots, they are really hurting and some end up on crutches! You have to toughen up your feet beforehand. Again, there are many good websites out there with beginner fitness programs. Just go to www.google.com and type in "beginner runner", "beginner fitness", etc and you should find some. Concentrate on the ones that are not high tech and don't require lots of money. Re: Basic Posted by Joe on 1/13/2002, 12:19 pm , in reply to "Re: Basic" 24.213.37.23 Well I'm not really an expert on BT as I will face it for the first time this summer but I spend about an hour a day lifting weights and currently running 2 miles a day, going to work myself up to 4 miles every other day. Anyone can run, do situps and pushups. Just remember that you must pace yourself...you can't go out expecting to run 5 miles the first time you run. Just add a little each week and you will be fine.

				This page was last updated on: March 21, 2002