HMForces.co.uk

Training >> Browse Articles >> Basic Training Tips

Basic Training Tips

Step 9: Get Ready For Basic Training

Basic Training Tips

Before you go to military Basic Training, make sure you have taken care of the every-day issues in your life. Check with your recruiter if you have questions or are unsure about how to handle any of the following matters:

• Who will receive your mail?
• Does your family have access to your finances? Bank accounts, etc…
• How will your bills be paid while you are gone?
• Does someone know what bills are due and when?
• What other things could pop up in the time you are away?
• Does your family know who to contact in the event of an emergency?
• Have you set up a bank account prior to your arrival?

Here are some useful tips for once you begin military Basic Training. Follow them and you’ll be in good shape to pass!

1. Shut Up and Listen The basic rule of thumb is that recruits should be seen and not heard. When it comes to your Instructors, don’t speak until spoken to. They will make every effort to get you to react by verbally assaulting you, your integrity, and even your family. It is a trap, and you need to resist falling into it. Show mental discipline. Despite the fact that the insults seem personal, you must remember that they need to see how much you can take mentally, so resist the temptation to tell your Instructors to go to hell.

2. You Don’t Make the Rules Don’t argue with your Instructors, EVER! There is no way on earth that you will win, and it will no doubt cost you in terms of extra PT. In the battle of wills, they hold a decidedly unfair advantage. You may have heard a lot from others who have been through Basic Training and you may be tempted to think you know a lot. No matter what you think you know, you don’t.

3. Pick Me Be careful what you wish for. Standing out can have its rewards, but it is a double-edged sword. You probably won’t be asked to volunteer for a leadership assignment, like squad leader, but if they pick you, you will find yourself responsible for not only your own performance but also those in your squad. You may even be punished for their mistakes. If you are struggling, you should not seek out any extra responsibility. But, if you are picked, just say “yes corporal” and do your best. Resist the temptation to decline, since this is one way of finding out what you’re made of, and how you respond to stress. Lastly, don’t lose faith if they fire you, because they probably will, and often for something minor, or for no apparent reason. Maybe you made a mistake, or maybe they just want to test someone else. Move on and don’t let it demoralise you.

4. Prioritise In Basic Training your life is going to be broken down into two piles; things you want to do (like sleep, read or write letters, talk with your mates) and things you have to do (shine your shoes, iron your uniform, polish floors, scrub toilets). There will be a strong temptation to take a break and procrastinate. Don’t. Take care of what you have to first. Remember, the military will not make you disciplined, but your Instructors can make you wish you were.

5. Stay Focused Basic Training is 80% mental, and 20% physical. Don’t get discouraged or give in to the temptation to give up (namely because quitting is not an option.) Don’t look too far ahead and stay focused on the task at hand.

6. Help Your Mates You will live, eat, sleep, fight and die as a team. The sooner you learn to work as a team, the sooner life will get better for you. Basic Training is about being part of the team; individuals are weeded out and swiftly taken care of. You need to focus on the “WE” aspect of everything you do.

7. Break the Rules at Your Own Risk There are very few rules (no smoking, no drinking alcohol, etc.) unique to Basic Training, but they do expect you to follow them. Failure to do so may convince the military that you are not worth wasting time or resources on. At the very least you will find yourself poorer financially and more invigorated physically.

8. Do Not Question the Logic Behind What You’re Doing Just about everything you will do in Basic Training has a purpose, even if that purpose is nothing more than to confuse you. There will be times when you will want to question why you are doing something, which, in your opinion, is stupid and a waste of your time. Resist this temptation; first of all you don’t have the rank, authority, or experience to question what’s going on, and secondly, Basic Training is a one-size-fits-all method and so it never sits well with anyone, so just roll with it and remember point No. 5.