Preparing For Army Basic Training
Preparing For Army Basic Training (boot camp)
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 candidate’s 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.
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 candidate’s 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 candidate’s 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. 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
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 anyone’s 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.
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 anyone’s 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 instructor’s 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 soldier’s 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.
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 instructor’s 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 soldier’s 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 don’t 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.
For those who don’t 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.
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.
Don’t 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.
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.
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 don’t, 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.
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.
Take 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 won’t be any spar time to use it and you aren’t 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.
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.
Take 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 won’t be any spar time to use it and you aren’t 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.
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 aren’t 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. It’s important to make certain to purchase enough of what will be needed in order to get from one scheduled time to the next.
Keep storage space in mind: Personal storage is very limited in boot camp, so it’s important to keep that in mind when choosing what to take and what to leave behind.
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 aren’t 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. It’s important to make certain to purchase enough of what will be needed in order to get from one scheduled time to the next.
Keep storage space in mind: Personal storage is very limited in boot camp, so it’s 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 it’s a small item.
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.
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. It’s 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 isn’t 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 recruit’s 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.
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 recruit’s 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.
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 don’t 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.
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 don’t 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 won’t be such a shock to their system when they begin doing it in basic training.
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 won’t 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.
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.
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 ½ minutes or less.
Women need to manage a minimum of 3 push-ups, 17 sit-ups, and run a mile in 10 ½ 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.
Tags: Army Enlistment Requirements, Phases of Army Basic Training, Preparing For Army Basic Training, What To Bring To Bootcamp
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