7. I'll be older than most of the other recruits? What can you tell me about this?
If you're older, you probably think you are at a disadvantage. You're thinking you feel like an "old man or woman" and feel that you may have problems keeping up physically or possibly that you'll be looked down upon. Let me tell you that it has to do with attitude and motivation. If you are older, I suggest that you do everything possible to be in some kind of good physical condition BEFORE you go. This will help you tremendously. Sometimes it takes longer for us older folks to get in shape, and you just can't afford that in BT Land. The drill sergeants actually like to see older recruits IF you are motivated, willing to learn, smart, and disciplined. Why? Because they know that older recruits tend to be a lot more mature than the younger crowd. It's not unusual to find the younger recruits looking up to the older ones (that is if you have those qualities mentioned above). Last tip, never act like you "know it all". That'll get you in trouble. Just because you are older (and even if you're prior service), don't try to "buddy around" with the drills. They will rain down upon you like you've never seen, and it'll take you weeks to dig yourself out!
My advice to everyone is to pay attention to what you're told, be where you're supposed to be and in the right uniform. Don't talk back, I don' t care what you think. End every sentence with either "Yes, drill sergeant" or "No, drill sergeant", unless you are speaking to an officer, then it's "Sir" or "Ma'am". Run everywhere! Do it immediately after you're told with no hesitation. Most people also say try to blend in and don't make yourself stand out. I say, if something interests you and volunteers are asked for, go ahead and do it. That shows initiative and the drills do like to see that.
