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How To Prepare For Military Boot Camp

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If you opt to join the Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Navy or Army, you might be worried about basic training or “boot camp.” And it is one of the most difficult things you will ever go through. What you’ve seen in movies and on television isn’t far from accurate.

Your commanding officers do yell and scream and insult you, but that’s only to make you mentally ready to handle whatever military service throws at you, and to make sure that you understand that you must follow orders, no matter what. The chain of command is what makes the military work.
Prepare yourself before boot camp:

1. Get yourself as physically fit as possible. Even if you’re fit, boot camp will be a challenge, but it’ll be easier if you’re not struggling as hard to keep up.

2. Vow to let the insults go in one ear and out the other. They’re not personal, so you shouldn’t take them that way.

3. Think of all the benefits you’ll receive once you get through boot camp, like guaranteed jobs.

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4. Remember that no matter what you’re called or how much you’re yelled at, you can’t be physically hit and abused. Knowing that can make it easier to take the mental side.

In summary, with today’s internet you can easily research each branch’s boot camp programs. Be prepared. Although the recruiter’s advice is important, don’t dare go unless you are totally prepared in mind and spirit.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jason Nash says

    What type of exercise’s can some one do to become fit before boot camp???
    And what type of food’s benefit the most that military personal use to become physically fit???

  2. Tim says

    Cardio work outs, push ups, pull ups get you’re physical running endurance up not to world record pace but at a good cadence pace. work you’re way up to running 4 miles and not needing to stop. Protein bars, some carb loading. drink lots of water the good stuff not regular city water. and after a while find a military style back pack and fill it with about 50 lbs of weights, sand what ever and go for a hike up hill and down. and with not looking to stupid get a 4 foot long piece of 2″ pvc pipe and a cap for both ends, glue the cap on one end fill it with sand and glue the other end on. while hiking and jogging do arm curls and lift it over you’re head. simulating carrying a weapon. AND DRINK WATER LOTS OF WATER, HEAT STROKE AND DEHYDRATION WILL KILL YOU!!!!!

  4. crystal says

    you can do it on your own when youre 18 or you can go when youre 17 if you can get your parents/guardians to co-sign with you.

  5. Tierra Wilds says

    I’m ready to join the Navy and I’m a Senior in High School but i have to schedule an appointment to take the asvab! When would be the best time to do this?

  6. Jared says

    Is there a way to possibly join the US Military without being an American citizen. I’m from Canada and was interested in joining the US Military one day but I cant seem to find any way possible.

  7. William says

    I have the same question than Jared, but I’m Panamanian with a Tursim Visa and I’m seeking information about joining the US Military I have my 4 years degree..

  8. Jemal says

    To whom it may concern:

    Presently, I am currently enrolled in college, but I would like to join the services. I’ve an important purpose in life to fulfilled my goals by further my education, and become military strong.In the past I was victim of identity theft, can you provide with some knowledgeable ideas on how to obtain legal rights to DOJ.

    Respectfully,

    Jemal Adam

  9. Brenna says

    For anyone who can help get me started off:
    I was considering to become a MWD Handler. PLEASE CORRECT ME IF I’M WRONG BUT, I believe you have to become an MP first and if possible volunteer for the Handler spot. I don’t know what branch to choose and I don’t really know anything about how to get there. I would appreciate any information you have (including what I should do to become fit for this job).

    Thank you,
    Brenna

    PS: I am just started to research this stuff and don’t know where to start so if you could forgive me and remember that I don’t know anything about the MOS stuff. Also information on that would be greatly appreciated.
    I know its a lot but Thank You for reading this and if you give me any information Thank You as well.

  10. Person says

    So which branch is better? Air Force, marines, army navy? I’m not even considering the coast guard they are a big no