Leaving for Army, want some advice.

[snoopiercomet39]

Hopefully I replied to all of you. If I didn't I definitely read your advice. All of it was taken in and will be used. Im looking forward to all the training. Im looking forward to the new man I will be. Somedays I cant hold back how excited I am. Im 25 so all the attitude, smartass comments, other young attributes wont be an issue. Ill let the fresh out of high school kids take on the drill sergeant. As for me, I plan to stay low key and do as im told. That comes easy for me do to me not being a hothead and a big mouth. My pts as of right now are passing and each week I improve on my weaknesses. Thank you for all the advice everyone has given. I knew I could count on my ODT members for some good, strong advice. You guys are the best.

 

[izoid]

Basic and AIT are going to be tough, the Drills will kick your butt every day. It will start the second you wake up and continue until lights out. Days are long and demanding but rewarding also. The first few weeks, red phase, are the toughest but each phase will have its challenges. Your career will not be affected by any accomplishments you make during this time so my suggestion is that you do not do ANYTHING that will draw attention to yourself. You do not want to volunteer for anything, no matter what. Do not excel and do not fall behind. Middle of the road is where you want to be during basic training.

If you excel, they will push you to fail. If you fall behind they will kick your butt, everyday. The best compliment I got from my Drill Sergeant came during our end of cycle FX. He looked at me, somewhat bewildered, and asked if I was in his unit. When I told him yes, he said he didn't know how he missed me for the past 8 weeks, he usually picked on the big guys! It was then that I knew that I had accomplished my mission and made it through basic without being noticed.

 

[Tony2X]

Good advice. Hopefully in the evenings ill be tired enough to just pass out. I have a hard time sleeping and I don't want that to keep me up until 2am.

LOL
Don't worry bro, you will go to sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow!

 

[DTK Supply]

You'll be called "old man" throught out boot camp and the drill will most likely make you a squad leader or platoon leader being so old. You might even be the same age as the drill!

 

[Bucket99]

You'll be called "old man" throught out boot camp and the drill will most likely make you a squad leader or platoon leader being so old. You might even be the same age as the drill!

Yep, I was the "Kid" 17 years old in Basic, and smart move with a combat MOS, easier to move up in rank. Best of Luck and thanks for your service. Hit em' up for the enlistment bonus, I never got one.

 

[vetoif]

11x, unassigned infantry, You'll be at sand hill Ft. Benning for basic and AIT, they will ask everyone who is unassigned (11X) to volunteer to go to Ranger Battallion, you should volunteer and go that route, not tall enough for "Old Guard"... Indoctrination will be tough and you will have to put up with a lot of BS but once you are in they will take care of you! Stay away from drinking and its easy for young men and women to cheat on there spouse in the Army, almost the norm!! Keep your family close and and socialize with with people with normal morals... Good Luck! You'll be fine

PS , I went through harder football practices than basic and AIT...

 

[Badger]

Pay attention, do what you are told, don't complain, keep your goals in focus and move in that direction, stay away from slackers and troublemakers, though you will be judged on your accomplishments, you will also be judged by the company you keep and both will have an impact your advancement thru the ranks as well your acceptance to training you request....You can request all you like, but your requests must be endorsed by those you answer to or it doesn't go anywhere except the circular files.

 

[Deleted member 20875]

Do not call the 1st Sergeant a Drill Sergeant. learn your rules and regulation. Jump on KP detail it's easy and you get all the snacks. Pay attention to details. PRAY YOUR DRILL SERGEANTS DO NOT WEAR A SF OR RANGER PATCH.

 

[bungpunch]

First, cancel any ideas of joining the Army. The Army is the worst service there is and it keeps getting worse. Go for the Air Force, Navy, or even the USMC before the Army. If you just absolutely have to go Army, try to become an officer or warrant officer asap, or try SF.

Navy 2000-2004
Army 2005-2010

The ARMY isn't any worse than the other branches. It is what you make of it. Just because some people didn't like it or felt they made a mistake doesn't mean you will. I loved it, had a blast. The ARMY offers excellent training. All 4 branches use the ARMY's schools but then some want to knock it. You want advice for Basic, JUST DO IT. The rest will fall into place. You're a husband and a dad, you're family will get to travel and experience things others don't. You made a good choice, it's a shame someone tries to discourage you.

 

[drewga11]

The ARMY isn't any worse than the other branches. It is what you make of it. Just because some people didn't like it or felt they made a mistake doesn't mean you will. I loved it, had a blast. The ARMY offers excellent training. All 4 branches use the ARMY's schools but then some want to knock it. You want advice for Basic, JUST DO IT. The rest will fall into place. You're a husband and a dad, you're family will get to travel and experience things others don't. You made a good choice, it's a shame someone tries to discourage you.

What Army schools do the other branches use? Only one I know of is Airborne.

The Army has horrible base locations, horrible barracks, horrible food. Most of the other services are way better in all of those areas, with the possible exception of the USMC. Army also usually has longer deployments than other branches. Quality of leadership, discipline, and unit integrity has seriously declined in the Army at least since the introduction of the ACU's.