5 Common Mistakes Recruits Make in the First 5 Minutes of Basic Training.
There is always someone on the bus heading to basic training that makes at least one of the following obvious mistakes. Don’t let this person be you! Read the following list for advice and tips on how to stay out of trouble at basic training.
- Hair: Do not shave your head before leaving for basic training. This applies to both males and females. Do not even arrive at basic with a military style cut (Flat Top, High-and-tight, etc.). All facial hair should be shaved thoroughly before arriving at basic training.
- Recruiting T-Shirts: When you enlist in any branch of the military your recruiter may give you a t-shirt with military insignia. Do not wear this shirt to basic training unless you want to be yelled at by your drill sergeants.
- Loud Clothing: You should not wear clothes that are out of the ordinary or will draw attention. For example, a recruit wearing a bright yellow one-piece jump suit is more than likely going to get attention from a drill sergeant than the recruit wearing the plain white t-shirt next to him. If you haven’t guessed by now, you don’t want attention from a drill sergeant.
- Luggage: If colorful clothing will catch the drill sergeants attention, then you can be sure colorful luggage will too. Leave your luggage at home if it has any of the following items: flowers, cartoon characters, team logos, etc.
- Attitude: When you first get to basic training it is important not to show any type of attitude. Do not get off the bus with a big smile on your face, or stand in formation acting as if you are enjoying every minute of getting yelled at by a drill sergeant. Your goal at this point in basic training is to blend in.
Some idiots will tell you…
Just “show up” to Basic Training… and “wing it.”
I suppose that’s good advice… if you DON’T want the following:
- Graduating at the top of your class
- Getting the MOS (job) you REALLY want after Basic
- Becoming eligible for FASTER promotions
- Graduating with up to 30% more pay in your pocket
But… if graduating at the top of your class, getting your dream job, faster promotions, and higher pay DO interest you…
Then you owe it to yourself, your family & loved ones… and frankly, your country…
To get as ready as possible for basic training: physically, mentally, emotionally, even spiritually.
SrA Nick VanWormer is the author of the ALL NEW book: The Ultimate Air Force Basic Training Guidebook. If you are going into the Air Force or Army, you NEED to get this book.