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. 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.
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.




June 22nd, 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.
August 23rd, 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.
August 24th, 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.
September 24th, 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.
November 14th, 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……