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| | Hi I just joined the military and am leaving for basic on April 14th and going to Ft jackson. I am 34 years old and am kinda freaked out about basic. Everyone keeps telling me that I will wish I were dead. What is some advice to be able to handle what I am going to encounter.
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| | Relax , nothing to worry about . They want to break you down , to build you back up into a team member . you will only hate it for 8 weeks .
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| | Thanks for the input. I know I will love it once I am done with basic. I just wish there was something you could watch or something to give an idea of what to expect.
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| | Just remember all the yelling and screaming you'll get is only an act to toughen you up.You'll see that by the end alot of them soften up and are pretty nice, but some of them are plain old nasty.Expect a limited amount of sleep, but you'll eat good.Good luck!
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| | I dunno how it is with the Army, but in Air Force basic, you got a decent amount of hours to sleep, but... It didn't feel like it. The food was okay, but you pretty much has to inhale within 5 minutes or so.
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| | You probably won't wish you we're dead, but it is a experience unlike anything you've experienced before. Just be prepared for a lot of P.T., some hiking with some weight on your shoulders, so firearm's training and qualification and some of the fastest eating you will have ever done! All I can say really is good luck with it and enjoy it!
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| | Dont take the yelling personel, the Drill Sergeants have an important job task of turning large groups of individuals into Soldiers in a very short period of time. Just rember to work hard, do your best to be part of the team and always give your best at every task.
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| | You are going to fort jackson, no worries, a little yelling, a little push ups, thats it, i think you get to have your cell phone and other electronics there, i didn't go there, but thats what everyone tells me
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| | Basic is a easy if you're not soft.
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| | go with the flow and a lot of patient, theres gonna be a lot of stupid people but take it easy, you gonna find cool friends too. lots of push ups and cardio exercises, not too much sleep and eating competition hehe. the yelling? come on, i bet your parents did better. one thing really cool?, you gonna get in shape and be looking hotter than before XD
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| | Pretty much what Ramos said dont draw negative attention to yourself hang loose and see if somebody else asks the stupid questions and other than that its all a head game dont let them in your head or they have your number and can push your buttons be cool!
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| | haha love this story. I have had similar experiences!
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| | Easy as Pie... just stay off the radar, do what you're told and try not to screw up. Oh and when you're in the gas chamber, embrace it!
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| | "i think you get to have your cell phone and other electronics there, i didn't go there, but thats what everyone tells me"
Is that new? Boyfriend went to Jackson and they didn't allow you to have any personal electronics. But then again, that was in 01/02, so in almost 10 years they certainly might have changed it. I would absolutely DIE if my recruiter told me I could take my MP3 player or cell to BCT. Oh I would be in HEAVEN.
Cathalene, the best advice I have heard about BCT is 1)Get used to running A LOT and road marching BEFORE you go, 2) Keep your head up, your chest out and your mouth shut, and 3)The only way your DS should know your name at or before week 4 is because you're a major star or a major screw-up. Try to be the former. Boyfriend ok'd it all as good advice, so I hope he's right! Good luck!
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| | So, was it as terrible as you thought it was going to be??
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| | Well you already have an idea about what to expect. I enjoyed my time at basic personally ! It's only 8-9 weeks long and a fun experience. You'll be fine as long as you don't have a problem with authority
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| | WOW...I was going to post something here but it looks like you have already left for basic! Am I correct? If so I am sorry. If not..I wish you the best of luck. Just remember, To survive anything in the military there is only one rule you need to follow. "Be where you are supposed to be when you are supposed to be there in the proper uniform" Thats it. Everything will fall into place from there.
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| | Yea I went to BCT at Ft. Jackson and graduated July 09...and no there were no electronic devices...
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| | The first 2 weeks is tough, but after it starts to get better. Drill Sergeants will yell and have you do a lot of push ups(this will be good for your PT Test to graduate with).
Hang in there and enjoy tour Military Service.
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