JANUARY 26, 2015 – Everyone has their opinion, but the experts are usually right! That is why I asked three basic training experts their opinions on the top three things you can do to prepare for boot camp. Below are their responses:
Nick Van Wormer- Author of The Ultimate Air Force Basic Training Guidebook.
#1: The Minimum Isn’t Going to Cut It.
Many recruits I speak with assure me they are ready for the physical aspect of basic training. However, I soon discover that their idea of being ready is being able to perform the minimal sit-ups, push-ups and run time required by the military. Aiming for the minimum standards is not the way to ensure you will succeed.
When physically preparing for basic training, set your goals as high as possible. If you only have 2 weeks from the time you enlist, to the time you ship out for basic, then setting a goal to shave off 3 minutes from your run time is not practical. But you should set goals that push you to achieve more than the minimum requirement. The only way to achieve your physical goals is to set a workout routine and stick with it. My three tips here are: 1) Pick a workout plan specifically designed to get you in shape for basic training (which can be found in any of The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebooks.) 2) Set a physical goal to meet before your ship out date. 3) Keep a log of your daily progress. This will help you stay motivated.
#2: Pay Your Bills.
Just because you’re in basic training, far away from home, doesn’t mean the world stops spinning.
Believe it or not, your bills for your cell phone, Internet, rent, and car payments still need to be made when you are at basic training. If you neglect any bills while you’re in basic training most likely they will go to collections. Many jobs in the military require a Secret Security Clearance. One of the many factors considered when approving recruits for a security clearance is their financial standing. Someone with multiple unpaid bills, or collection notices, probably will not receive a security clearance. Which means you may not be able to do the job you signed up for. Instead they will assign you to a new career field which does not require a security clearance (and probably a job you did not want).
The best way to avoid any of this is to plan ahead. Many cell phone companies will actually suspend your cell phone contract while you’re in basic training. However there are some bills you will still need to pay while you’re gone. If you’re married or have a family member whom you trust, show them what bills you have and how to pay them. Sometimes, assigning a specific power of attorney can be helpful so someone can sign your name on your behalf. Otherwise, set up all your bills on an automatic payment system. Then notify the companies of the dates you will be in basic training. You will still want to leave an emergency number with someone in case there is a problem with a payment. I cannot stress enough, do not give this task to your boyfriend/girlfriend. You might feel like you’re in love now, but halfway through basic training, you (or your partner) might fall out of love. Then, you’re left with a partner with an open checkbook, access to vital information about you and virtually unlimited time to do damage to your bank account.
#3: Study Ahead of Time.
When you arrive at basic training will be required to learn a massive amount of information within a short amount of time. Each military branch has its own unique rank structure, and other information you will be required to memorize (such as General Orders, current Chain of Command, etc.) Within the first couple weeks of basic training you will be grilled on this information, and making a mistake will equal additional attention from instructors.
Don’t wait until you get to basic training to start learning the required memory work. Do these three steps: 1) Find out what information you will be required to know. Remember, this information is different for each branch of the military. 2) Study this information on your own for several days, or even weeks, if you have that much time. 3) Once you’ve studied on your own, have someone quiz you on all the information. If you know someone else who is joining the military, quiz them on the information.
You will actually retain the information better if you are “teaching” the information to someone else.
Tee Major-Military Fitness Instructor and creator of the BW44 Bodyweight Fitness Program.
#1: Channel Your Mental Anxiety and Fear.
Mental toughness is a huge battle that must be won. If your mind breaks down, it doesn’t matter how ready your body is for basic. Eliminate fear and anxiety with understanding and preparation.
Understanding that the point of basic is to break down previous belief systems and build you back up with new ones that align with your team and preparing physically will assist you in eliminating anxiety and fear.
#2: Prepare Your Body For Something Different.
If you show up fit then the physical demands of boot camp will be a release of stress and not a mental hurdle. You will be tested on push-ups, sit-ups, and run time (some branches even do pull-ups and swimming). Most of the stress and anxiety comes from being timed under these conditions so when practicing before basic, time your workouts. Don’t just go to the gym, prepare your body for the actual exercises you will do at basic training.
#3: Define your personal “mission”.
My personal, “life mission” is to serve others. It doesn’t matter if I’m scrubbing toilets or conducting a fitness class, my philosophy enables me to do it with passion. Whether you joined to protect and serve, be the first in battle, or better your families position in life, you can always refer back to your personal mission to keep your head and heart in check.
Staff Sergeant Brito-National Guard Recruiter at IGuardCalifornia.com.
#1: Getting your body into the correct sleep cycle before you leave for basic will help you adjust to long days and short nights at basic training.
One thing most boot camp graduates agree on is the importance of getting your sleep cycle in sync with the time zone at your basic braining location. Your body will already be fatigued due to the sudden change in time zones. Add to that the rigors of boot camp and near nonstop physical activity and you can see how important proper sleep is.
Find out the time zone of your basic training location. If you know that while in basic training wake up is at 0500, then you should adjust your sleep schedule now so that by the time you start basic training, your body will feel accustomed to getting up early.Don’t try to adjust your sleep schedule abruptly. Instead, try going to sleep and waking up an hour early every other day for a week or two. Once your body adapts, try increasing to one and a half hours earlier and so on. This may be easier said than done, but if you can reset you body’s sleep cycle it will allow you to maximize your recovery time.
#2: By far, the most important thing that you can do prior to attending basic training is learn a few military fundamentals. Much of your time in basic training will be spent with your face in the Soldier’s Manual. If you prepare yourself now by learning the below mentioned items, you’ll be able to concentrate on the task at hand and will fly under the radar of the drill sergeants. My suggestions for “Must Know” items before attending basic training are:
* The Phonetic Alphabet
* Military Time
* Soldiers Creed
* Warrior Ethos
* Identify Military Rank
Learn these and you’ll be ahead of the game and out of the drill sergeants crosshairs!
#3: Brief Your Family of Your Limited Communication.
Time will be very limited while you are in basic training. Prepare your family members by informing them you will not be able to communicate with them frequently. When you do have a chance to make a phone call, you can bet there will be a drill sergeant timing your conversation to no more than a few minutes. Explain to your family that it may be a few weeks before they hear from you, and once you are finally allowed to use a telephone, it may be the only call they receive for a while. The military does this as part of the transformation process. It is the drill sergeant’s duty to transform you from a civilian, who knows nothing about military life, into a highly trained defender of freedom. By keeping your family informed, you’ll have the peace of mind that they aren’t worrying about you, which will allow you to focus on the task of completing basic training.
This article was written by Sergeant Michael Volkin, lead instructor at Basic Training University, an online learning school for those preparing for basic training.