Hello all. First I must say I'm very impressed with what I've seen on this website overall. It's been very helpful and informative! I am leaving for Ft Jackson on Tuesday and I'm feeling nervous and scared about getting through boot camp. I'm 32 and not in the best physical shape. I'm not overweight but I'm definitely not used to working out. I also smoke and yes, I know I need to quit. I am also the mother of a wonderful little boy who I'm having to leave behind. I'm just feeling apprehensive about the whole experience and I think what I'm needing more than anything else is some encouragement from those who have either been through it or help conduct it.

I went to Relaxin Jackson for BT. Don't worry. You will be fine. Just pay attention to detail and give your best everyday. Yes, you do need to stop smoking for your health. It takes a lot to leave your little one even if its temporary but you are doing a great thing by serving your country in a time when so many will not. Thank you.

Thank you for your reply I've been trying to do push ups and sit ups. The sit ups I'm okay at but the push ups are killing me. I can barely do three properly before I feel like keeling over and I haven't done any running

believe it or not the running isnt anything to worry about its going to suck at first but all of the long marches you do with all that equipment will make the runs easy, and the marches arent hard at all i liked them it gives you time to think!

When you arrive at basic, you are going to experience a culture shock. The first few days or even a week you are going to think, what did I get myself into. There is no way I can keep up or do all of these things. You have to remember that it will pass and you will get use to the new environment. Also, there will be plenty of others going through the same thing.

When it comes to exercise, you will get plenty of that there. More than you will want, but you will progress.

The first few weeks you need to try and blend in as best you can. Try not to stand out and just do what you are told and you will be fine.

Good luck with quitting smoking, it's best for your health if you do.

As for BCT, you should be okay so long as you follow orders. Practice your facing movements and such at night before you go to sleep, so you won't be that person who turns left instead of right, etc. Just be aware.

Because of your age (32 isn't old, by the way, it's just less common in basic training) you might get put in a student leadership position over some of the 18 year olds who come in straight out of high school. That being the case, you need to make sure your stuff is always a little better than the next guy, for two reasons. One, is you set the example for the soldiers in your squad. The other reason is you might make a positive impression on the Drill Sergeants.

Most everyone tries to do the right thing in basic, but it really takes a lot more determination (and practice) to really shine above the rest.

Best of luck to you, let us know how it goes!

I agree with SSG Utley. When you first get there you will have a huge culture shock but like he said it will pass. You shouldn't need to worry about the PT because you will improve. Granted it will help you out to start practicing your form on pushups, but most everyone going through basic is out of shape. Thats one of the Drills job is to get you into shape and maintain it. I went to Ft. Jackson myself and wasn't in that good of shape. But after a couple of weeks of hellbent smoking, you will be where you need to be. As for smoking, I went to basic and smoker and you are forced to quit. There's really no choice. Granted, after basic I picked the habit back up but while in basic you A. will not have the time B. are not allowed to smoke and C. you won't even want to because of all the running and ruck marches you will be doing. But don't sweat it. Basic is fun after the first week. You are doing a great thing for your country and your boy. You are joining the best team in the world!! THE UNITED STATES ARMY
Airborne All The Way

Thank you again I do have some more questions. Religious items and photos from home. What are the regs on having these items during BT? I only ask because I'm really gonna need some reminder of my son especially to help keep me going. Also, how do I handle myself during BT when 'that' time of the month comes around?

Honestly, you might only have "that time of the month" once or most likely, not at all. With all the activity and stress (physically and mental), for most females it stops. It did at least for me and all my friends at basic. But, regardless, always bring something around with you just in case, because your cycle will get thrown off. And don't be embarrassed. The DSs have seen and will deal with, a lot worse than a female who may need to run to rush off to the bathroom at one point. You'll do fine, trust me. I was the biggest baby when I went to basic and I did fine.

It does help to keep a reminder of why you are there in your locker and maybe a small one in your wallet. You'll get through it and will be stronger, mentally, physically and emotionally in the end.

Good luck and come back in a few months and tell us all about it! Enjoy yourself!!

I understand that you want as much information as possible, but rest assured you will be told everything you can and cannot have while there. If you bring something you are not allowed to have, it will be put into whatever bag you brought and locked up till you graduate.

Bring a picture of your son and whoever else you want. More than likely there will be a limit, but you will get all of this when you arrive.

If you are going to Ft. Jackson, there will be other female soldiers there so you will not be alone.

Thanks everyone. I'm sorry I'm asking so many questions. I'm just really nervous and I'm starting to freak out. I've never been away from my son for this long before and I'm feeling overwhelmed with all the moving I'm having to do. I have very little time to pack up my apartment and find a home for my cat and I've hardly anyone helping me. But I'll deal. I have a psychology degree, I should be able to talk myself through this right? LOL

Hum long list, wear clothes you intend to throw away same with shoes. I would get some good black spandex shorts for the exercise, the army has really bad quality gear so grab some Nike or whatever. stamps and envelopes, calling cards and plastic bags for the rain that seal for your wallet and small notebook pictures etc. Focus on training, write the ones you love alot when you can