by Gidan » Mon Mar 30, 2009 1:22 pm
BCT has gone so relaxed its lame. I don't even think they should allow phone calls, but computer time is just ridicules. AIT on the other hand I think is too strict. They should have you trained and in the mindset of a soldier before you are allowed to leave BCT and at AIT they should treat you as a soldier not as a child. BCT has become a joke, there is far to much concern about hurting your feelings now.
BCT should be harsh and completely isolated from your old life for the full time you are there. The people you left behind are a distraction, you are there to learn how to act as a soldier. My Drill Sgts had to constantly watch every word they said to ensure they didn't offend the delicate sensibilities of the trainees. They are required to give you a full 8 hours of sleep now, hell the Drill Sgts were not even allowed in the barracks after lights out to ensure that we go a full 8 hours of sleep.
Good luck in training though, I thought I was completely prepared for what was coming when I went through but I wasn't even close.
First and foremost, EVERYTHING you recruiter has told you is crap. People always think their recruiter was different, their NOT. They are trained to say everything they say right up to the parts where they claim they are telling you "secrets" about training. Everything is rehearsed to make you sign up.
Don't bother buying any new running shoes before you leave, more them likely they will force you to buy a new pair from their selected pairs when you get there anyway. The less you have with you when you get there, the better. Bring non scented deodorant, soap and shampoo, if it has a scent you will just have to toss it and buy more anyway. Don't waste $$ on a boot polishing kit (yet they sell them and recommend them). A still brush and laundry detergent work great. You will get 2 pairs of boots, make damn sure they fit BEFORE you take them and do everything you can to break in both pairs, you will be sorry if you only break in 1 pair.
In BCT, sick call is evil. It doesn't matter how much you hurt of how sick you feel, stay away from it. Its 11 weeks or so in total, you will survive. The last thing you want to do is miss an important event and get dumped back into a different company that has not yet done that event because you went to sick call.
Word of warning, don't fall asleep in classes for the first couple weeks. It really is damn hard to stay awake. They are boring as hell, generally the classrooms are warm (they do this on purpose) and the classes are boring to say the least. I have been through years of school and I have never had such a hard time staying awake. Also, don't let reception get you down. It sucks, its boring but its temporary. 16 hours a day of doing jack shit, food was decent though for me at least.
If you cant do it yet, you really want to be able to score 60,60,60 on your PT before you even get there. It will make your life considerably easier. When it comes to run groups in BCT, you ALWAYS want to be in the run group ahead of where they put you. If your stuck in a run group right at your ability, you will not improve at all. Morning PT is a joke, do it on your own at night.
When you go on ruck marches, if you get blisters on your feet easily, an easy fix is to wear a pare of your dress socks underneath your wool socks. It helps a lot. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS use the restroom before you go whether you have to or not. Nothing worse then being 2 hours into a 5 hour march and having to pee.
Before you go, you should already have memorized your 7 core army values, first 3 general orders, the soldiers creed and the entire rank structure. It will save you a lot of hassle later on. You will get a handbook in reception, read it cover to cover. Honestly you will probably be so bored in reception it will seem like entertainment anyway. By the end of BCT I think I read it over 20 times cover to cover.
Sunday religious service, goto something. Doesn't matter if you believe in it or not just go to something. It gives you some time away from the DS and its relaxing. If you dont go, generally you will just be cleaning the barracks and annoying the DS because you didn't go and they have to deal with you. I had a bunch of non Buddhist go with me to Buddhist service simply because it was extremely relaxing (dont fall asleep though).
Final word of advise, its much easier to follow the rules and do what your told. Its such a short period of time, it really makes no sense to push the rules, just follow them and it will be much easier on you and everyone around you. You will however still get punished for all the stupid people who insist on breaking the rules, just don't be one of them.
If there is anything you want to know about, let me know and I be more then happy to share my experience.
For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.