I am headin to bct training in a couple of months and wanted to hear some tips from people who have been in. I have been reading a lot to help me and I was not going to sign up for National Guard because I am scared to death of bct. Just wanted some advice!!!!!

There is nothing to be scared of. From what I have heard from soldiers coming these days its way more relaxed than when I came in back in June 99. Best thing to do is keep your mouth shut, open your ears and listen to every instruction that the drill sgts put out. You will be able to get out of BCT with out a problem. If you have a question ask them and have them translate it to something that u can understand. But most of the ds know that you are a civilian coming in and will give a few weeks to understand the lingo. But for me it was easy and didnt have a problem with it at all.

If you're in fairly good shape BCT will be a cakewalk. You'll look back on it and laugh. Like Ordmechanic63b said, BCT is a lot more relaxed than it was when he went back in 99, and I'm sure mine was more relaxed than his in 2002. Don't be confused, for a civilian making the transition to Soldier, it will be challenging, but I'd say any able bodied man or woman can make it. You'll have to do without some of the creature comforts you've grown accustom to ie: privacy, sleeping in, hair, AC (at least at FT. Benning it was a constant 80 degrees in the barracks no more no less.). Some days will actually be fun, some days will suck, but in the end you'll be stronger and wiser for the experience. Before I joined I always heard Army food tasted terrible, but during basic we trained so long and hard, it seemed like I was always hungry, and to be honest the food was pretty good (you just have to eat it in like 5 minutes). Oh, the gas chamber sucks! You'll look back on it and laugh, but I'd have to say that was something I never want to do again, that was most disgusting and painful event for me. Snot comes out of everywhere and your eyes and skin sting, everyone around you is puking, LOL. Once it's over, it's funny. I'd say the most challenging part of BCT is dealing with your peers. You'll have Soldiers from every walk of life living together, you won't always get along, and there's always that one that gets everyone in trouble, but you'll also build strong friendships. Just maintain a good attitude, soak in all the knowledge you can, play the game, and you'll be successful. Best of luck to you.

here's a piece of advice that was offered to me that upon graduating made alot of sense...basic training is what you make of it...if you go in there and try your hardest at everything you will succeed...there is no way to help you with the experience you are about to be a part of you just have to go and have fun and pay attention...i hope this helps you out a little just remember...HAVE FUN!!!!!!!

There's really nothing to be afraid of. I went through in 2006. The best advise that I go was from my Husband. He told me that when I think about it (before I left) to think the worst because when you get there, it's going to be 1000 times better than you think. In all reality, it was. The first few days sucked, of course. Your body isn't used to running up and down the stairs, doing 100's of push-ups, etc. You'll be sore over the first weekend, and then you'll get used to it. You'll be in the best shape of your life, and you'll make the best friends ever.

As soon as you get to Reception, you'll make a friend. Everyone is afraid of what they're facing at BCT and your Battle Buddy will be your savior as long as you both have good attitudes and push one another, you'll do great. The difference between the Army and a civilian career is that your peers are your family. No where else in the world will you find a bond like the one from serving together. Your Platoon will build a strong bond and everyone works together to make sure you all get to graduation. You'll be surrounded by a lot of people who want to see you make it through. The Drill Sergeant's are your teachers, do what they say, live by what they teach you, and stay away from trouble while you're there.

There is nothing to be scared of, the daily beatings have been cut down to once a week or so if we have time in the schedule for it.

Seriously, come ready for some intense training but all that stuff you see in movies like Full Metal Jacket is in the past.

Best advice is if you smoke, quit...start running if you suck at it and start doing some push-ups and sit-ups.

If you come in reasonable shape with a good attitude you will have no problems.

There is nothing to be scared of other then the unknown, and your working on that as we speak. (or type) There are two things you need in BCT, respect and disipline. As long as you have those two things in everything you do it will be a good experience. Even if you just suck at for the time being, you DS will most likley see your effort and work with you.

Like SSGGunbunny said, get your fitness up now and quit smoking while you can do it at your pace, not your DS's.

Best of luck and I just may see you when you get here. I'll be your DS.

Getting in shape is a really good idea. But even if you're not, don't sweat it. I could only do like 15 pushups when I left for basic and when I left I could do 65. You'll have plenty of practice running and doing push ups and situps long before your PT test. The bottom line is the same as pretty much everyone else said. Stay motivated, push yourself as ahrd as you can (safely) and you'll do great.