Question For DU Vets

[THUNDER HANDS]

I'm heading off to Ft. Benning for BCT in about 10 days. Any advice for getting through basic training?

I know that's a broad question, but I was hoping some of the wise, experienced amongst us might give me some tips to take with me down to Georgia.

Thanks in advance for any help.

:patriot:

[alstephenson]

1. I'm not a Vet, but I wish you well.

Good luck and thanks, in advance, for your service.

[timtom]

2. Here's how it was at Parris Island in 1962:

Keep your head and eyes straight to the front.
You will not shoot the shit with your neighbor.
You will not eat pogy bait.
You will refer to the drill instructor as "Sir!" or "the Drill Instructor."

Of course the Army is quite a bit different and it's almost 50 years later...

[noamnety]

3. Don't volunteer for anything.

Don't raise your hand.

Specifically, if they ask who plays a musical instrument, do NOT raise your hand.

Bring athletes foot medicine if they let you. Use it whether or not you think you need it. The showers are gross.

It may seem like a good idea at the time, but don't send all your shit to the laundry to avoid having to fold it for inspection. That will backfire.

Get people to send you mail - but in sealed envelopes. NOT postcards that the DI can read.

Edit to add: DON'T spend your bonus money until you are discharged. You don't want to be one of those suckers who spends it and then gets injured, discharged early, and has to pay it back after it's been spent.

[elocs]

4. My godson will be 21 in Feb. and he has been in the Army since he was 17

and has done one tour of duty in Afghanistan.

When he went in he was a small and skinny 5'7" kid who was kind of a sissy (when he was 15 he had to leave a zombie movie with his friends and have the mom take him home because the movie scared him, and when we were at the Wisconsin Dells earlier that same year he got frightened when there was a big storm and tornado warnings while we were at the motel that he went and spent the night in the room with his mom and sister).

He is now a very tough and muscular 5'8" and re-enlisted for another 6 years because he loves the Army. It's the perfect place for him because he does well when somebody is telling him what to do.

I believe he started at Ft. Benning and then went to Ft. Gordon before being stationed at Ft. Hood from where he went to Afghanistan. Currently he is back at Ft. Gordon until he goes to Germany in March.

If he can do it, you can do it. I'm sure you'll be just fine.

[Arctic Dave]

5. Just remember everything they tell you is propaganda.

They will lie to you from time you first meet them until time you finally realize they are full of shit.

[BobRossi]

6. I'm sure things have changed in 38 years.

And I was in the Air Force, but just take everything handed to you very serious, don't laugh when the DI get's in your face.

[TheDebbieDee]

7. Everytime you are called names, yelled at or threatened.....

just remember that the whole thing is a mind game. If you want to get through it all unscathed, you have to play the role of the whipped, obedient, unquestioning soldier. And you have to play the role well.

Oh, and don't let the Drill Sergeants see you laughing at some of the antics they pull.

[democrank]

8. Not a vet but

I wish you well.

[doc03]

9. It's been almost 40 years

1. Don't volunteer for anything.
2. You are in the Army you say "yes drill Sargent" or "yes Sargent Smith" don't ever call him "sir" he will tell you he works for a living.
3. Don't let the drill Sergent catch you laughing at him.
4. Be prepared to be called Dickhead, Dumbass, Shit for Brains, Damn Yankee etc.

Good luck and I hope you stay out of combat. It was both the worst time and best time of my life.

[unhappycamper]

12. It's been 47 years since I got out of basic & I agree with doc03's

words of wisdom. Let me add a few more:

5. Never, ever drop your rifle.
6. Basic is only 8 weeks (it used to be).

Best of luck.... Please stop back and tell us your experiences.

[Stinky The Clown]

10. I skated through Great Lakes by volunteering to be a compartment and head cleaner

While the company was out drilling, I was back in the warm barracks cleaning toilets and sweeping floors.

Back then we could smoke in the barracks while we worked. No smoking out where the rest of them were getting their asses kicked.

Things may have changed in the last 40+ years.

Edit to add ...... I was told by those who went before me this is the **only** thing for which you want to volunteer.

[westerebus]

11. Best advice I can give you.

Keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut.