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What You Need To Do Before Leaving For Basic Training Boot Camp

August 8, 2008 By admin

Joining the United States Military is an option that a lot of people choose, and many people are not sure what to expect in Basic Training. It doesn?t matter which Service you join, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, or the Army, each of them features a requirement to attend basic training. If you take some time ahead of time to learn and prepare, then you will not be surprised, and it can save you a great deal of grief.

Are You Ready To Leave Home For Boot Camp?

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Some of the basics that you can do to prepare for your boot camp experience include: Phone Cards And Finances- Find a phone card that is easy to use and that you can add time to either on the Internet or over the telephone. This seems simple but you should take one with you to recruit training if you can, find one that you are able to use easily. Some are difficult to use and have lots of numbers to enter, others are simpler. Make sure you have a savings or checking account and an ATM card, take the card and a blank voided check with you to basic training. Military pay is typically direct deposit, so having a routing number and bank account number is important to get paid.

Take a Black Marker- Arriving at basic training is a confusing time, and a lot happens in a very short time. People will be shouting, and you will be issued equipment, getting a haircut, required to run here and there without a lot of sense (at least to you). You should take an indelible black magic market with you when you go to boot camp, or perhaps even two. You can use them to mark your belongings, and they will tell you exactly how to best do that.

Don?t Stand Out!

It may seem strange, but the one thing that you do not want to do especially at first at boot camp is to draw attention to yourself. Don?t flaunt your belongings or luggage, and try to take basic black or one color suitcase, preferably brown or black. Try to wear a t-shirt or button up the front basic shirt, and jeans or dungarees, your goal is to try and blend in.

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If you wear something garish, or that draws attention you my find yourself having to do a lot of pushups. When your drill instructor looks you over the first time you want to seriously to try and blend in. Just Say No- One of the things you will not have access to is tobacco so if you have a smoking habit you should give it up before you arrive at basic training. Check out military branch careers at military.net.

Filed Under: Enlist, Updates

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Comments

  1. Dean says

    June 22, 2009 at 10:04 am

    Very good advice. One more thing though. Do those push ups at home. Get yourself up to about three or four sets of 25. You WILL be doing push ups no matter how well you blend in. Some do more than others. LISTEN and watch. Be ready to be confronted by instructors. It is not that yuo did anything wrong necessarily it is that they want to see how you respond under pressure. Do what you are told without question. NEVER question. And last or all, take it one day at a time. Just get through THAT day. The next day will take care of itself.

  2. shane hennebry says

    August 23, 2009 at 5:23 pm

    I am a bigger guy. how do you think i will hold up in boot camp? and what can i do to prepare for it? im still debating on wether i wanna go or not.

  3. arin says

    August 24, 2009 at 10:23 am

    just because youre bigger doesnt mean you wont perform well. It all depends on you…. it may take more effort for you than the average-sized guy but if it’s what you want to do with your life then dont let it stop you.
    If you dont meet the weight reqs upon entrance, then they will work with you to get you down to standards.

  4. Gracie says

    September 24, 2009 at 11:15 am

    I am 19 and have every desire, need and want to join the AF. I have people back at home not wanting me too. It feels like I have no one supporting me on making the decision to join. I am a very independent person and have really done my own things for a while now. I want to join in every aspect but am still very undecided. I keep asking myself “Is it the right thing?” Am I suppose to be asking myself these questions? I would not be if I didn’t have people pulling me down every which way I turn. I need advice. True advice. Help please.

  5. claude mangum says

    November 14, 2009 at 5:13 pm

    this is your decision to make.make it and live with it.that you are seriously onsidering air force says to me you can do this .wish i was your age again this would be a no brainer and no one would stop me from doing it. be bold .AIM HIGH and CROSS INTO THE BLUE.all the best to you……

  6. Kwame says

    April 16, 2012 at 1:33 am

    Am just about to get my green card and I want to join the navy. I now depend on my senior bro n he may be mad when I talk about the navy. He want a different carreer for me which I dnt like. I want to change my whole life altogether again n achieve what I couldn’t achieve some Years ago. I dnt knw if I should join the reserve or the active navy. I really need someone to talk to n advice me what to do

  7. Symbat says

    August 8, 2012 at 7:07 am

    You need 21 days to make a habit or to change a bad one.Boot camp 5 days will give you great start and you will need the flloow through.I do not believe that you will get much from just a camp. You need to prepare yourself mentally and that after you8 will need to stay on the top of your life.In Hong Kong we do offer a slimming and LifeStyle change program. Best of all we do guarantee long lasting results and great personal; care.WmumartPeter

  8. darcel s. says

    January 6, 2015 at 7:46 am

    I’m going to be 29 in . Am I too old to join and I may be bot exactly 158 but can perform just like everyone else. My family was a military family was my real father was a cadet, my step dad a retired navy chief, another member was in the marines. I’m having a hard time with the asvab and will having surgery disqualify you.

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