Successfully Surviving Army Basic Training
Many ask the question:
what makes enlisting into the Army such a good idea? That particular answer
actually has numerous answers when you consider the benefits that the Army has
to offer its recruits. The Army offers on the job training, housing for soldiers
and their dependents, excellent pay, full medical care for both the soldiers and
their dependents, education benefits and excellent retirement benefits.
Its important to remember that while
the Army offers wonderful benefits it is a give and take relationship and what
the Army wants in exchange for offering these benefits is a commitment to
excellent performance from the recruits. Even this requirement turns into a
bonus for the individual as it gives them the satisfaction of knowing they are,
not only giving their best, but they are the best. All of this is thanks to the
training that can be found in the Army.
The preparation that the Army gives
to its recruits in anticipation of the journey they are about to undertake is
basic training. Although many may feel that since basic training is meant to
prepare recruits there is no need to really prepare themselves, this is
definitely a misconception. Preparation is the key to success and this is
definitely true when it comes to attending Army boot camp for basic training.
The fact is that the more successful
a recruit is in their basic training the more successful they will be in their
military career in the Army. A large part of this depends on the preparation
that goes into getting ready for basic training before going off to boot camp.
These preparations can help make a big difference between just getting by in
basic training and standing out as a determined individual with true potential.
Below are several pointers that can help
potential recruits prepare themselves for the various challenges of basic
training. These include physical, mental, emotional and educational areas that
can help an enlistee make the transition between civilian life and military
life. By taking these helpful hints into account a potential recruit can avoid
the shock of boot camp.
Aside from the tips
for preparation to smoothly adapt to Army basic training, there are also
pointers that can give a potential recruit an idea of what they are going to be
dealing with during their time in Army basic training. Information that may not
seem vital until its needed, such as laundry and banking, are included to give
new recruits an idea on how to best tackle these areas. Another benefit of the
following information are the pointers regarding what to pack and what not to
pack, this is a difficult task no matter what the trip is, but even more vital
when it comes to basic training (boot camp).
Army Enlistment Requirements
Many people seem to believe
that enlistment in the Army is a fairly simple process. While the process itself
may not be too complicated, the requirements that must be met for successful
enlistment are rather strict. Although some people may feel that these
requirements are difficult, please keep in mind that the Army is seeking
individuals who are not only talented, but who also possess the necessary
physical and mental capabilities needed for military service. The following list
comprises the requirements needed for successful enlistment in the Army.
Age: The Army is looking
for individuals who are able to offer at least 20 years of service before they
turn 55 years, so, for this reason, the age guidelines are 18 to 35 years of
age. There are times when, under
special circumstances such as war time, the Army will, with parental consent,
allow someone 17 years of age to enlist, as well as accepting someone up to 41
years of age. Be prepared for
a background and identity check to ensure that you have not misled the recruiter
about your age.
Citizenship:
Anyone who has full United States citizenship may enlist. This also applies to
permanent residents. Those individuals who do not possess full citizenship may
still enlist and serve in the capacity of member of the Army Reserve.
Education:
While the Army requires a high-school diploma in order to enlist, there is a
loop-hole. Should an applicant meet all of the other requirements, the Armed
Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test or ASVAB can be administered and, if
the applicant scores in the 31st percentile or higher, then they may enlist.
Just remember that the higher the score is, the better the candidates prospects
will be. Another factor is the possession of a GED. Many areas of the country
will not accept applicants with a GED, but it is possible to get a waiver. If
you score well on the ASVAB, you can usually enlist, but you will not be
eligible for bonuses. If you have a minimum of 15 credit hours from a college,
then you can enlist and receive bonuses. If you have a minimum of 30 college
credit hours, then you can enlist normally, without requiring a waiver
Aptitude:
As part of the enlistment process, each candidate will be given an aptitude test
in order make certain of their eligibility to serve in the Army. A score of 30
or higher must be achieved in order to be qualified for enlistment
Physical Fitness:
While being capable of competing in the Iron Man Triathlon need not be a
requirement, being an appropriate weight for your height is required in order to
enlist. The weight requirements can vary slightly, depending on a candidates
age, but being in excellent physical shape will certainly give someone a decided
advantage when heading for basic training. A complete medical physical will be
conducted by a military physician to make certain that a candidate for
enlistment is medically sound. Keep in mind that should you have a medical
condition, not disclose it, and manage to keep it from being discovered during
the examination process, when it is discovered at a later time, there is a
possibility of being court-martialed for fraudulent enlistment. Make certain
that you are completely honest with the physician and disclose all medical
conditions and your complete medical history during your examination. Aside from
the medical examination that will be conducted, there will also be mental
examination done, to make certain that a candidate will be mentally suited for
military life.
Dependency Status:
The terms of the dependency requirement are that should an applicant be a single
parent then these individuals will typically not qualify for enlistment. They
can only enlist if their dependents are in the legal custody of another
qualified adult, such as a former spouse, and they submit a certification that
they do not intend to regain custody after enlisting. Dependency is slightly
different for a married applicant. A waiver is required if the applicant has two
or more dependents, in addition to their spouse, due to a military requirement
that you provide adequate financial support to your dependents. Waivers due to
dependency issues are very rarely granted.
Moral Character:
In order for a candidate to qualify for enlistment they must meet the moral code
that has been set forth by the Army. This code includes no criminal record
involving felonies, no dishonorable discharge from any other branch of military
service and the candidate must not possess any trait of anti-social behaviors or
any other traits that have been identified by a doctor as those that might lead
to poor moral choices.
Sexual Conduct:
Most people are aware of the Dont Ask, Dont Tell policy, but this policy has
been revoked and it is now possible for people who are openly homosexual to
enlist in the military. This is a very recent development and military personnel
are still working to accept this change. Please keep in mind that social change
is not an easy process and it will probably be a while before anyone who is
openly gay will be welcomed into the military, rather than just being permitted
to enlist.
If an applicant meets all of the
above listed requirements for entry into the Army, then the only thing left to
tackle for successful enlistment is finishing the paperwork. Do not be surprised
if you meet with the Army recruiter at least a couple of times. This is a big
step and one that should not be taken lightly, which is why the Army has these
requirements in place, to make certain that all candidates have not made this
decision on the spur of the moment.
I HAVE CHOSEN THE ARMY, HOW DO I PREPARE?
Once the decision has been firmly made to enlist in the
Army, there are a number of things to be considered for adequate preparation for
boot camp and Army life. Should the decision to have a career in the Army be one
that is made during a candidates high school years, there are some schools that
offer the ROTC program to their students. ROTC stands for Reserve Officer
Training Corps and is generally conducted as an elective class. In some schools,
this class might be offered as an alternative to taking physical education or
gym class. The class is instructed by officers, generally retired, who meet the
teaching criteria of the local school board. The purpose of this class is to
give anyone who is considering joining the Army the opportunity to learn
something of its history, as well as the rudimentary basics of being in the
military.
There are several areas that are covered by the ROTC instructors.
These areas include:
History of the Army
Hierarchy of ranking and recognizing rank insignia
Drill instruction for formation and marching
Learning how to find map locations by coordinates
Learning how to wear a proper Army uniform
Firearm instruction
Aside from the areas listed above that
are covered in ROTC training classes, there are also opportunities such as
learning how to compete in events like drill meets and inspections by superior
officers. There are other subjects that are taught in conjunction with the
previously mentioned subjects, to help prepare a candidate for life in the Army.
Participation in the ROTC offers numerous benefits for someone interested in
enlisting in the Army, but another aspect for consideration is that this type of
experience can help elevate a candidates rank upon enlistment, depending on the
level of commitment that is put into their studies helps determine the level of
rank. ROTC programs are something of a commitment in and of themselves, since
these programs are typically up to four years long.
If you have not had an opportunity to participate in an
ROTC program, there are still things that you can do to help prepare yourself.
You can read up on the history of the Army, either online or at the local
library, for example. There is also a pamphlet that is issued to new recruits,
the TRADOC Pamphlet 600-4: Initial Entry Training Soldier's Handbook, that you
can get an advance copy of and start studying early. You can also study the
various ranks and ranking insignia before you go to boot camp, so that you do
not have to focus so much time and attention on learning that information.
Please keep in mind that you will need to study the officers ranks as well as
the enlisted ranks, since you will encounter both during your time in the Army
and will need to be able to recognize the various ranks in order to interact
with them appropriately. You may also want to at least look over the comparative
ranks of the other branches of service, since there are often situations where
you may be required to interact with personnel from other branches of the
military.
There are three Army General Orders
for boot camp that you will be required to know. These orders cover any
instances where you might not have been given specific instructions and are
considered standing orders, unless you have been told otherwise by the drill
instructors. They are:
1. I will guard
everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly
relieved.
2. I will obey my special orders and
perform all of my duties in a military manner.
3.
I will report violations of my special orders, emergencies, and anything not
covered in my instructions to the commander of the relief.
There are also seven core Army values that you will need to
learn and can study in advance. These are:
1.
Loyalty
2. Duty
3. Respect
4. Selfless Service
5. Honor
6. Integrity
7. Personal
Courage
You will be required to memorize them
and what they mean to members of the Army, so you can give yourself a definite
advantage by being familiar with them before you go to boot camp.
Studying this things will not affect your rank when you
enlist, as being in the ROTC can, but it will ease a lot of the stress you may
feel to learn this information while you are in boot camp and knowing this
information in advance will allow you to focus more of your attention on areas
that you cannot study in advance.
HOW CAN PHYSICAL PREPARATION BENEFIT YOU IN
BASIC TRAINING?
Physical fitness
should be an important part of anyones life, but this is even more important
when it comes to someone serving in the Army. Considering the tasks that are
required of soldiers, it is imperative that anyone considering enlistment be in
as top physical condition as they can possibly be. One of the purposes of
attending boot camp for basic training is to condition the enlistees for the
physical requirements they will be facing in active service. For anyone
considering enlistment in the Army, it would be advisable to begin a fitness
regimen at least a couple of months prior to leaving for boot camp, to make not
only the physical aspect of military service easier, but also to help keep an
enlistee as healthy as possible.
HOW CAN MENTAL
PREPARATION BENEFIT YOU IN BASIC TRAINING?
While both academic and physical preparation can go a long
way when it comes to preparing to survive basic training, there is another
important aspect to consider: mental preparation. Although many new enlistees
believe that they are fully prepared for basic training, the truth is that very
little can really prepare a person for this kind of experience except actually
going through it. The important thing to remember when it comes to being
mentally prepared for basic training is not to expect sympathy from the
instructors at boot camp. A large part of the instructors job is to make
certain that the enlistees they are training become as tough as possible,
physically and mentally. A lack of sympathy goes a long way towards helping
enlistees develop a thick skin when it comes to emotional issues. While this
might seem rather harsh, it is a necessity for a soldier, due to the distance
from everything familiar that must sometimes be a natural part of a soldiers
job.
The best way to look at the way a drill
instructor treats enlistees is to remember that tearing down soldiers is an
integral part of their job. However, they will also be building the trainees
back up in order to teach them how to appropriately cope with the mental and
emotional effects of military service. Keep in mind that sometimes you have to
be cruel to be kind and this statement is especially true when it comes to
preparing soldiers in basic training for the various circumstances they might be
facing in the field.
WHAT OTHER SKILLS
CAN HELP ME TO SURVIVE BASIC TRAINING?
For those who dont already possess them speed, endurance,
organization, and appreciation for the simplicity of minimalism are definitely
skills that it would be wise to develop and master, for several reasons. The
best way to explain the need for these skills is to point out a few important
aspects of Army basic training. By having a better understanding of a few
factors of basic training a potential enlistee can have full appreciation for
the need to either develop theses skills, if they do not already exist, or the
need to improve upon them.
Possessing speed is definitely a
desirable trait to have in boot camp. Keep in mind that when you are there,
there are not several individuals with you in boot camp, but there are several
hundred individuals in boot camp. The only way to maintain the strict scheduling
that is set forth by the drill instructors is to accomplish each task as quickly
and as efficiently as possible. There is the possibility that if a new recruit
is not quick enough, he or she can miss out when it comes to areas such as meals
and showering. Part of the drill instructors job is to make sure that everyone
completes every task, so if someone is not eating a full meal or bathing
properly due to problems with speed, the drill instructors will take steps to
correct the situation. While this may seem somewhat extreme, it is done to
impress the importance of finishing tasks as completely and promptly as
possible.
When it comes to developing speed,
there are a few helpful tips to keep in mind that will assist you when it comes
to mastering this particular skill, so that achieving success in basic training
will be somewhat easier.
Get the facts: If
you are assigned a task, make certain that you fully understand exactly what is
expected. If a task is done incorrectly in boot camp, you will be made to do it
all over again, from the beginning. Knowing exactly what you are doing and how
you are expected to do it while keep you from wasting time and having to repeat
the work.
Gather the necessities: Before
beginning any task, try to make certain that all of the items necessary to see
that the job is completed are ready and within reach. While this might not
always be feasible, if the necessary tools are within reach and ready for use,
this helps to save precious time.
Get
straight to the heart of the matter: Keep in mind that the longer something is
delayed, the longer it will take before it is accomplished. Tackling a task
quickly and efficiently, rather than putting it off, will get it over and done
with and, this way, it does not loom overhead.
Dont stop and start: Once a task is
begun, keep working at it until it is fully completed.
Endurance is a rather obvious skill
when it comes to surviving Army boot camp. There are actually two types of
endurance: physical and mental. The physical training that enlistees receive is
of a very intense nature due to some of the circumstances that a soldier may
have to endure in the field. Mental and emotional endurance is a mindset that
allows you to keep on going, no matter what is happening around you. Mental
endurance can also play a part in physical endurance, allowing you to continue
with a physical task even when your body wants to quit. Boot camp will test your
endurance in both ways, so it is important to develop this particular skill.
Physical endurance training is almost
entirely just practice. Pushing yourself with physical exercise so that you can
go a little further, a little longer or do a little more each time you exercise.
This kind of training can be difficult, because it means forcing yourself to
continue when you want to stop, but having more endurance will be a tremendous
advantage when you are in boot camp.
Determination is the most important
asset when it comes to developing mental endurance. Being determined to meet and
exceed any goal, whether physical or not, is the essential fuel needed for this
kind of endurance. Mental endurance is also an aspect of mental discipline that
is extremely important in the military. Being able to set your mind to an
assigned task and complete it, regardless of whether or not it is something that
you really want to do, can be a very valuable skill, both in the military and in
civilian life.
Building both types endurance
will come much easier if smaller goals are set in the beginning. Once each goal
is met, a higher level of confidence is achieved, which goes a long way when it
comes to developing endurance. The mind says that if you have made it this far,
then you can make it a little further.
Being a highly organized individual
will be a big boost when it comes to surviving basic training. The plus side of
being highly organized is that neatness automatically goes with this skill,
because in order to maintain a high level of organization everything must be
kept in a specific place, so that it may be easily found. Organization is
especially essential when it comes to the amount of space enlistees are allowed
for their possessions while in boot camp. There are many individuals who already
possess this particular skill, but, for those who dont, there are easy ways to
quickly develop and improve upon your organizational skills
Keep things neat and tidy: By keeping
things neat, clean and in their proper place, there are no problems when it
comes to locating any item at any time.
Never just throw things in a pile: Keep in mind that a flat table-top is not a
filing cabinet. By just tossing items on a counter, or other handy flat surface,
this creates a cluttered area and makes it difficult to get anything
accomplished. Such a highly disorganized environment is not permitted in boot
camp or the Army.
Have a place for everything and make
certain to keep everything in its place: If there are designated areas for
certain things, then there is never a need to hunt for something when it is
required. Creating a specific space for certain items and putting things in
their proper place has the added benefit of minimizing the risk of losing
something important.
An appreciation for the
simplicity of minimalism will definitely carry an enlistee a long way when it
comes to surviving basic training. Many people may wonder exactly what
minimalism is and the answer to that question can be found by looking at the
word itself. Minimalism is a tern that is mainly applied to fields such as art
and music, but minimalism is simply the practice of stripping down to the bare
necessities. This is something that definitely applies to life in the Army,
especially basic training. Many new enlistees may find the concept of minimalism
difficult to adjust to at first, but here are a few pointers that can help when
it comes to adapting in preparation for boot camp.
TTake an inventory of what you absolutely require in order
to survive: While taking an X-Box to boot camp might seem like a good way to
kill some spare time to some people, there probably wont be any spar time to
use it and you arent likely to be allowed to keep it. There is a much more
complete list of things that you can and cannot take, as well as what you are
required to have, that can be found below. The best rule of thumb to use when
choosing what to take and what not to take to basic training is to avoid taking
anything that is not on the approved or required lists.
Medication: You may need it, but a
military doctor will evaluate the necessity of any prescription medication and
re-issue it from the military pharmacy if it is determined that you require it.
Over-the-counter medications are not permitted in boot camp. /span>
Take just enough to get by on: Items that are personal care
items, like soap and shampoo, will definitely be needed, but keep in mind that
these items can more than likely be replenished from the local PX or base store.
Take a small supply to get through the first week or two of training and, within
that time, instructions will be given as to where to purchase the personal care
necessities that enlistees will require. You may also want to take stamps and
stationary, to use when you want to write home, or purchase them from the PX.
Finances: You will be given a chitcard, kind of like an
ATM card specifically for the stores on the base, for purchases at the PX, but
you may also want to take an ATM card with you, so that your finances arent
limited to the amount on the chitcard. You will not be allowed to purchase
anything that is not allowed in the barracks, but you will not have to worry
about running out of money for personal items before you are out of boot camp.
Take scheduling into account: There will be
times scheduled for enlistees to attend to personal tasks such as laundry and
shopping for supplies. Its important to make certain to purchase enough of what
will be needed in order to get from one scheduled time to the next.
KKeep storage space in mind: Personal storage is very
limited in boot camp, so its important to keep that in mind when choosing what
to take and what to leave behind.
Mementos: Many enlistees choose some
small item to take to boot camp with them in order to be reminded of home and
draw inspiration. While this is not a bad thing, keep in mind that space is
extremely limited, so make certain its a small item. /span>
Leave the jewelry at home: This is especially true for
female enlistees. For those who are married, wearing a wedding ring is not a
problem, but no other jewelry is permitted in boot camp.
Limit your fashion choices: Most of your time in basic
training will be spent in some type of uniform, which the Army will supply. You
can take plenty of underwear, but leave most of your other articles of clothing
at home. The best rule of thumb to follow is to only take one or two changes of
civilian clothing, just in case.
Photos:
Taking photos of loved ones with you is a good way to keep inspired while in
basic training, but only take one or two photos and take only small snapshots
that can be easily stored in a foot locker.
Remember, basic training is done to prepare enlistees for life in the Army and a
large part of that life is being able to move quickly from one location to
another. The most efficient way to be able to achieve this goal is by being able
to throw a few items into a duffle bag and being ready to go. Keeping only items
of necessity with you help to make this goal one that is accomplished both
quickly and easily.
WHAT ARE SOME OTHER
WAYS I CAN PREPARE FOR BOOT CAMP?
Once the educational, physical and
mental areas of preparation have been accomplished and all of the requirements
for enlistment have been met, then it is time to do a little research for the
next step of the journey. There are several Army bases to be found in the United
States, which means that a new enlistee can be sent anywhere in the country for
boot camp. Its important for the new enlistee to learn the location of their
boot camp as they will need to research the area for the following reasons:
Banking: As with many businesses these
days, the U.S. Military is no exception in their requirement of direct deposit
for your paychecks. A new enlistee should determine which banks are within close
proximity to the military base as well as their home and, if possible, go ahead
and open a banking account at their local branch in preparation of receiving
their pay. If opening a bank account beforehand isnt possible, there are
usually credit unions located on the base that can accommodate a new recruit. In
many cases, it is actually advisable to switch over and use the military credit
union as your primary banking facility, since there are credit union branches at
every base and you do not have to worry about finding a local branch of your
bank when you are shipped to a new location.
As described earlier, an enlistee who
is on prescribed medication will be evaluated by a military doctor and the
prescriptions re-issued if they are necessary. If there are family members, such
as a spouse, who choose to stay near the base while the enlistee is in boot
camp, however, and they are on any type of prescribed medications that must be
refilled, then it would be wise to see if the pharmacy they currently use has a
location near the base. If there are no pharmacies nearby, then there are a few
options available:
a.
Transfer the
prescriptions to another pharmacy that has a location close to the base.
b. Have the prescription renewed by their physician and
have it filled completely if possible. In other words, if your family physician
issues your family member a six month prescription, ask to have the entire
prescription filled.
c. The recruits spouse and
dependents are eligible to receive military medical benefits on the first day of
the month after the recruit enrolls in the military medical plan, TRICARE. The
family can have a copy of their medical records ready to submit to a base
physician in order to have that physician write the prescription, once the
medical benefits are effective.
Learn the area ahead of time. Knowledge of things such as where restaurants, movie theatres and other specialty stores might be located will make the transition a lot easier.o:p>
Make arrangements for any monthly
commitments, such as paying bills, before leaving for boot camp.
Find a suitable way to store any vehicles or other personal
belongings that are being left behind. New recruits are not allowed to have
their vehicles or any bulky items with them during basic training so make
certain that arrangements are made beforehand for storage.
While there are other things that a new enlistee may need
to deal with before leaving for basic training, the above mentioned items are
some of the most basic that will need to be addressed. As with any given
situation, there are issues that are specific to the individual, so the best way
to proceed is to make a list of any issues that will need to be addressed and go
down the list. While not all issues may be able to be addressed, this will go a
long way towards making certain that everything is taken care of before leaving
for boot camp.
One aspect of boot camp that
many new recruits dont consider is the strict new schedule they will be
expected to keep. A good way to prepare for this aspect of basic training is by
adjusting the daily schedule to coordinate with the one that will be used in
basic training. Here are a few good tips when it comes to adjusting to the
schedule used in basic training.
Give up the late nights: Begin getting
to bed earlier, if possible. While in basic training there will be a set bedtime
for the recruits.
Get up earlier: The old
saying of early to bed, early to rise is definitely true when it comes to
basic training. If an enlistee practices getting up earlier in the morning than
they might have been used to, then it wont be such a shock to their system when
they begin doing it in basic training.
Get your system lined up by eating at
the same time every day. There are set meal times in basic training, so adhering
to a set meal time beforehand allows enlistees to acclimate their system, so
that they may avoid hunger pains and other side effects that can come from being
hungry.
Practice speed, endurance and
organizational skills beforehand, so that these skills will be like second
nature once basic training begins.
Although it truly takes the actual
experience of basic training in order to fully appreciate just exactly how
practicing these tips can help while in boot camp, familiarity in these areas
can make the adjustment to the rigors of basic training a much smoother
transition. While there are many other challenges to be met in basic training,
adapting as early as possible, to as many of the requirements as you can, will
help them to become second nature to you. This means that more of your attention
can be devoted to areas that may prove somewhat difficult for you to deal with.
This type of extra time spent preparing can help you to achieve success in all
facets of military life, especially when it comes to basic training.
Just like in any other profession, further education
will give you more opportunities to move up. A high-school degree or GED is all
you need to enlist, but to become a commissioned officer you will need a college
degree.
Every soldier from every military
branch is required to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
(ASVAB). While low scores are accepted, those who get high scorers enjoy the
rights to bonus enlistments.
Submitting medical and criminal
history is a requisite. However, not all criminal or medical disabilities will
be hurtful to your chances to get in, but there are some cases which will need a
waiver.
Aspiring United States Army soldiers
don't need to undergo the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) until they have to
undergo the basic training program, but they must meet the physical requirements
to be admitted in the first place.
Men need to manage a minimum of 13
push-ups, 17 sit-ups, and run a mile in 8 minutes or less.
Women need to manage a minimum of 3
push-ups, 17 sit-ups, and run a mile in 10 minutes or less.
Once joining basic training these
minimum requirements change.
Men must be able to do 35 push-ups in
2 minutes or less, 47 sit-ups, and run 2 miles in 16:36 minutes or less.
Women 13 push-ups, 47 sit-ups, and
run 2 miles in 19:32 minutes or less.
If you fail the training you will be
sent to a so-called fat camp, which will help you meet the requirements to get
into the United States Army, and ultimately reach a standard where you can
complete Basic Training. However, weight isn't singularly considered as a
requirement, and there rules are bent for older future soldiers.
Remember, an Army Career is not just
a job, but is to dedicate your life to serving your country, if you consider
this more of a sacrifice than an honor, maybe you should reconsider. Also,
re-evaluate yourself; mentally and physically. Do you meet the United States
Army standards? Are you ready for the challenge? If you are, then go for it, and
good luck.
Although the question of what to pack and what not to pack is an agonizing one for anybody who is planning a major trip, this is especially true when it comes to new enlistees packing for boot camp. Keep in mind that the Army recruiter does supply you with a list of what can and cannot be brought to boot camp. However, just as in civilian life, there are those who like to push the boundaries of the dos and do nots, but this is definitely a bad idea when it comes to basic training drill sergeants.
When new enlistees reach boot camp, the last thing anyone wants to do is to call attention to himself or herself in a negative way, but if they choose to adopt an attitude of what can it hurt? they will quickly find themselves rewarded with the Military Occupation Specialty title of Temporary Teaching Aid. In other words, they will be used by the drill sergeant as an example of just what exactly is wrong with civilian life, in the drill sergeants opinion. Remember, a large part of military life is learning how to follow commands, so begin by listening to the advice and instructions given by the recruiter. The following is a list of some things that are definite dos that should be brought to boot camp:.
Documents You May Need
A certified copy of college
transcripts: GED or high school diploma
Certified college transcript (if applicable).
Social Security Card.
Valid photo
I.D. or drivers license.
ATM or debit card.
Bank information, to set up
direct deposit.
Certified copy of marriage license (if applicable).
Certified copy of divorce decree (if applicable).
If your current spouse was previously divorced, bring a
certified copy of that divorce decree as well.
Certified copy of spouses birth certificate and photo I.D. (if applicable).
Certified copy of your childrens birth certificates (if
applicable).
The prescription for your glasses.
You will not be allowed to wear contacts or your civilian issued glasses while
you are in boot camp.
A letter from your
physician listing all prescribed medications.
Any lease agreement or rental contract (this will primarily apply to married
enlistees whose families travel with them).
Any
child support documents.
Should an enlistees
spouse also be serving in the military they will need their social security
number and military address.
Proof of
citizenship (if you were not born in the United States)
Be sure to have all copies of orders and documents issued
by your unit recruiter and/or MEPS. These orders must be delivered by you
and by hand. ravel and meal tickets will be provided.
One investment that a new enlistee
may want to consider making is to buy a small, letter size clear plastic pouch
that zips closed. This will offer a safe water-proof way to keep your documents
together and readily accessible when needed. It will also be easy to store in a
foot locker as it is flat and can easily lay in the bottom, taking up very
little room. It would be advisable to also have an additional copy of all of
your documents made that is left with close family members. This is recommended
just in case the copies that you take with you meet with an unfortunate fate.
NECESSARY MENS
CLOTHING ITEMS
A single outfit of
casual civilian clothing is recommended. Some people try to take two outfits,
but as limited as space is in the foot locker, you may not want to do that. This
is a situation where less is definitely better.