Is Army bootcamp hard? What is the toughest part? What should i expect in daily life? Can they physically abuse you at all?
119506
Wow some of these answers are WAY off the mark.\n\nOk, in the Army it's called BCT. Basic Combat Training.\n\nIt should take about 2 months and change. The toughest part for some is learning to follow instructions and acting like a member of a team, for others and i think everyone is learning that in the military that failure is not an option. You can not quit.  \n\nAs far as daily life you can expect to work and train for about 12 to 16 hours a day. Lots to learn in those first few months in the army. How to march, how to shoot, how to climb and how to work as part of a team. You will spend about the first 6 weeks constantly sore and tired. But then your body will come around and you'll learn that you are stronger and faster than you ever thought possible.\n\nAbout the abuse.\n\nYour Drill Sergeants can't physically assault you. no punching or kicking. They may make you do a lot of push ups or yell at you but they will never hurt you. First and foremost is safety. Your Drill Sergeant is a highly trained and extremely professional soldier. Drill Sergeants are the best of the best that the army has to offer. They know how to shape young minds and bodies into the worlds most elite fighting machine and have over 200 years of history and method.\n\nIf you feel that the army is something you want to do then i say great. Sign up, swear in and join the ranks. \n\nAlways remember one thing that has kept me and others like me going in the toughest times. Don't give up on the Army and the Army will never give up on you.\n\nGood luck and god speed.
16912
Yes, I went to Parris Island for boot camp.I saw a program on T.V. about a year ago on marine corps bootcamp, and it was alot differant then when I was in. So all I can do is tell you my experiences from 1992(man, do I feel old!) It was broken down into three phases.About a month per phase. They key in on Knowlege(everything from marine corps history,and uniforms, to basic infantry weapons,and communications), and they also key in on physical ability,(in other words they push your limits).Although theres more to it then that.If its something that your going to do, dont doubt yourself. Dont go into it half hearted. Once you make up your mind that its what you want to do, Then do it. In my platoon, We started out with alot of people, by the time we graduated and became marines, there was no where near as many.When people ask me what it was like, the only thing that I could tell them is that It's something you have to experience yourself. No words can describe it.Good luck! "Chesty Puller"
12724
Basic training is supposed to be a little scarry, but it will seem so easy once you are done.  Most if it is just teaching you how to pay attention to details, something the Navy NEEDS you to know.  Pay attention, talk as little as possible, but speak up and confident when you do.  Do EVERYTHING the Navy way, no time for individual thought, that comes at your technical training.  \n\nI have 18 years in the Air Force, and have worked with all the services all over the world.  The reward of doing and being part of something bigger than yourself is a feeling you can carry with you forever.\n\nGood Luck and Welcome to the Fight!!
222304
I went through Ranger training 39 years ago after I graduated from Airborne training. It was indeed rough and yes, I made it through the first time. I remember that I would always hold sleep very precious after that! You are taught map reading, land navigation (both day and night), combative techniques like pugil stick training, hand-to-hand combat and bayonet training, airborne and airmobile techniques of operation, small unit patrolling techniques, rope and knot tying, rock climbing (big damn rocks on Mt Yonah!), rappelling, ambush techniques and more patrolling techniques, then we boarded a UH-1 Bus and went to Flordia for more patrolling techniques,small boat ops, stream and swamp navigation, etc. All of this training took place beginning at Ft. Benning, GA, at Camp Rogers and Camp Darby, to Camp Merrill, near Dahlonega, GA, to Camp Rudder, Auxillery Field #7, and then back to Darby. To me it was the most intensive 9 weeks I ever spent in the Army. I don't know if it is all still the same or not. Camp Rudder was referred to as Camp Mother-Rudder and Hurley Hill as Hurl(i.e. throw-up)Hill. You do one hell of a lot of P.T., running and lots of road marches. There is lack of sleep, hunger, exhaustion, stress, and any misery that the Ranger staff and Mother Nature can throw at you. But it's all worth it when you get that Black and Gold Tab (i.e. we called it the "Bumble-Bee") that says "Ranger". To the rest of the military that little arched tab says it all. Be proud of your son for making it through the TOUGHEST course that the Army has to offer and tell him that I said, "Sua Sponte".
101297
Ok i'm going to be open and honest to you, i'm in a boot camp right now in texas. I was born and raised in indiana right by Cincinnatti, Ohio. The reason i'm in a boot camp, (actually it is called an academy) is in 2004 my father kicked me out of the house and my mom called me in as a run away. my parents are still married. so after i was found i was sent to a group home, because there was signs and well i told on my dad for abusing me. the group home wasn't found appropriate for me because i had emotional damage, severe depression, signs of bi polar, and all this drama, so they sent me to northern indana to a treatment facility. after a year there and no improvement i was supposed to be placed in a foster home. I was scared. I screwed up my family, i felt i could not do anything. the treatment center was not helping me at all and lying to me. I made the mistake of running away from the treatment facilty and was paced in two different detention centers then finally sent down here. This is the best place for me. I wouldn't of learned anything if i went into foster care. maybe for some kids its right, but during my time in placement i know a lot of kids hate it and have been abused in it. maybe this has helped you or confused you more sorry if it had \nif you want to ask me any questions you can e-mail me at ndtschaenn@swtjc.net
266058
Physically Air Force basic is considered the easiest, hardest is Marines then army, then navy then air force, now from what i heard it is meantlly hard. No you do not have to run ten miles, you don't even have to do that in the army. I am not sure what kinds of stuff you have to do in the air force basic traing, i just heard it is not hard.
110863
I went to Ft Jackson SC in modern buildings that have males and females in attached wings but mess hall is also in another wing. To make your bed you tuck sheets in tight and have hospital corners. Physical Training is about 2 hours a day starting at 0530 then you eat for 10 minutes then you shower, shave, brush teeth, and change uniforms. Classroom training for 2 hours (you do not want to fall asleep in there just see what your DI (Drill Instructor) will make you do. Weapons training on a firing range shooting targets up to 300 yds away. Wash your clothes at night road march on base and cattle car transportation in field over 10 miles from barracks. 6 weeks of the best training in my life and I lost 10 pounds. I also run the two mile in 15.30 no fraternizing in basic training but you wait until AT (Advanced Training ) which I recommend right after BT (Basic Training) when you are still in good shape. I served for 8 years in ARNG MN/WI then got honorable discharge. Be all that you can be.
307332
I am in the Air Force,and have been for 18 yrs.  I work with and have lived with the Army.  Life is very regimented in the beginning, with more and more freedom allowed as you progress in the ranks.  After your initial training you will have time to "just be you".  There are restrictions on you even off duty, like earring wear, no body piercings, no offensive tats (I would be smart and ONLY get them where they do not show in a T-shirt).\n\nYou superiors can YELL at you for nothing and make life suck a little, but punishment is for Commanding Officers only.  They can make you do push-ups just for smiling or being anything but perfect.  The reason for that is to teach and instill self-discipline in you so you can be counted on in combat!  You CAN get punished for what you would consider little things, but the military considers a crime, such as being late to formation, or being drunk when you are under 21.  The one I see the most is young troops that lie, and that is called making a false official statement, and you can go to PRISON for 5 years!  \n\nThe military life has been GREAT to me, and if you have morals and integrity you won't have a problem making it.  If you want to be a "kid" and not own up to your grown-up oath or responsibility, PLEASE do not join.  \n\nIf you do, welcome to the fight!!
467800
The truth is, his first couple days won't be that bad.  Yes, he'll get yelled at, but nothing like in the movies.  The first couple days, there's alot of things to get squared away.  He'll have to get issued all his uniforms and finish filling out any papers they didn't do when he arrived.  His day will start early, about 0500 hours.  Lights out is typically 2100 hours.  He'll be ready for that time.  He'll be dog tired.  After those first couple of days, the intense training begins.  He'll learn to march, fire his weapon, work as a team, hand to hand combat and many other things.  He'll have to pass 2 PT tests, one in early stages of training and one in the final stage.  He'll learn respect, trust his battle buddy and become a team member.  In that process, a man you never knew will evolve.\n\nIf at all possible, attend his graduation ceremony.  It's a very proud moment.  You should receive a letter from his command when all the details are available.  That usually happens early on.  That is, unless he's married, then his wife will receive the info.  Write to him often and keep the letters encouraging and upbeat.  Just don't expect to hear from him often.  Even though they're given a little "free time", they're usually tired and preparing for the next day.  Book your hotel early if you plan to attend.  The hotels fill up very fast.\n\nGood luck to him and you.  Be proud of the choice he's made.
215863
My broTher has been in the Air Force for 4 years this July. He is on the instant message with me giving me this information. Hope it helps you. \n1. Not much physical activities. it is mostly mental\n2. Hardest week is hell week. This is the 5th week.\n3. Just in a tent for a week. There is a gas chamber, play a few war games. This is all physical and mental\n4. The basic chow hall you only have a few minutes to eat so you can't savor the food.\n5. Keep quiet and have your boots shined good and your bed made good. If not they can undo yours and everyone elses.\n6.Volunteer for KP duty when they ask. If you volunteer for KP duty you will have longer to eat and get deserts.\n7.Go to church services on base. He loved them. Plus it gives you time away from the Ti's (training instructors)\n9.Don't volunteer for element leader or dorm chief unless you like getting yelled at for someone else's mistakes.\n10. Don't volunteer for chow runner. They report to the head table with all the Ti's and say their flight is ready to eat, if they don't do it right away-they get yelled at or their flight eats last if there is more than 1 flight waiting to eat.\n11.Try to know the chain of command(people in charge) before coming in and know all the ranks.\n\nMy brother is a Senior Airman and loves the Air Force. Hope you love it too.\n\nI forgot to add that he can't remember what the food was, but remembered it was good. Plus he ate at Burger King plus they had a place where he bought pizza quite a bit. He was at Lackland AFB in San Antonio,Texas.
288583
US Air Force Basic Training is perhaps the easiest of all of the services. Just keep your nose clean, do what is asked and you will do fine. Physical Training is part of it, but you will have help along the way. They don't expect you to run two miles in 15 minutes, but they do have a standard to go by and to pass you must pass you physical fitness test. Just tell yourself you can do it and you will.\n Basic is a mind game, in that they are trying to get you out of thinking like a civilian and more like a soldier. It is not brainwashing! Basically just changing your thought process to follow orders and work under pressure.\n You will have harassment, but everybody does. If you feel you are being singled out, you can report it. Also the males are educated against harassment, but some of the few think of themselves as a ladies man.\n  If you do join and are lucky enough to pick you job, try for something in computers or maintenance. If you do it long enough in the service, you have the chance to become certified in the real world and can get a great paying job in the future. Just remember, keep your nose clean and an open mind and you will do great. Good Luck!
160698
Well if its anything like Army basic training you won't get a lot of time to eat so don't be picky. Take what you're given, scarf it down and try not to get noticed. Make sure you drink a lot of water, you won't be allowed pop, you may or may not get juice and milk (in our basic we had to drink at least one glass of water before getting juice or milk). Generally chow halls serve some kind of meat with a starch and a vegetable, its all normal American food, maybe not the tastiest or best cooking, but you're not going to get weird food you've never seen before most likely. For breakfast its bacon and scrambled eggs, maybe sausage, hashbrowns, maybe pancakes. The first few weeks of basic I got pretty much about 4 minutes from the time I sat in my seat to the time the drill sergeants were yelling at me to throw my stuff away and get out of the chow hall. Learn to eat quickly! A good trick I saw a lot of guys do was to grab a few slices of bread and cram those down, at least you feel full for a little while. Also, if you ever get  night when the chow hall puts on a big spread like steak and lobster etc (it happens sometimes) and the drill sergeants let you all eat your fill be very suspicious! Chances are you are going to go straight from the chow hall to physical training and work out until you all puke. Good luck!
379919
O.K. so you want to be a seal. here's whats going to happen\nafter you join the navy you then volunteer for the seals. if accepted get ready to spend the worst week of your life on the beach with hardly any sleep always soaking wet covered in sand\nwith a team of seal training officers yelling at you every step of the way physical fitness means nothing if you can't keep it together mentally. so that's what they do they stick you in a situation that is so awful physically that most people would last an hour at the most. but you are expected to stay like that for a week. and while you are suffering this physical torture they are doing everything they can to break you mentally.\nIf you survive and I mean this as no offense to you, Its a pretty big if that you will last out the week. but if you do. all you have done was prove you are worthy enough to be accepted into the the seals training course and that lasts I think a year.\nmy hats off to you for even considering to join. and if you do I hope you succeed.
655511
basic is about 90% mental and 10% physical. go there knowing that you will be called names, put down, etc. they will break you down as an individual to build you and the rest of the trainees into a mean, green, fighting machine as a group!! have fun, i did!!!
157357
There's room for anyone in good shape.  I was in recently but was medically discharged before I could go to Iraq unfortunately.\n\nFirst of all, when you talk to the recruiter, ask him about something called the "trail blazer" during basic training.  They change the name occasionally.  It basically involves being able to max out the AIT PT test at day 1.  You want to do that.\n\nSince you're married, you'll probably want to get a non-combat MOS.  (Although I took a combat MOS because I'm married) Try for something along the lines of supply clerk, mechanic, or something of the like.  Don't worry if you aren't trained, they'll teach you everything.  Mortician is a messy and unpleasant job, but if you can handle, it usually has a great signing bonus.  DO NOT GO 88M!  Those are truck drivers.  They have the highest mortality rate in Iraq and they need everyone they can get.  It sound good and easy, but it's not cool.\n\nSigning bonuses are paid after AIT, as much as 6 months later depending on the MOS.  Married people should stay away from counter intelligence since that could keep you away 10 months out of the year, but it's my number one suggestion for single people.\n\nJust so you know, Basic Training is all about messing with your mind.  When you get on base, just turn your personality off for about 3 or 4 months.\n\nInjuries in the Army.  The Army is mean on this one.  If you get injured during anytime you get handed your orders and taken to the airport and the end of AIT, THEY WILL TRY to pass it off as a prior injury, no matter how stupid.  I saw guys getting general discharge on collapsed arches.  Not a pleasant thing, but I did see an honorable on a hernia.\n\nWell, the first few months are hell, after that, it's sweet.  It's good job, you're taken care of, and if you learn well, you have plenty of potential.  If you go to Iraq, you can still get free college there.  And you should take every opportunity for college credits possible.  A degree means eligibility for officer training and a good position in the army.\n\nAnd finally, make sure you fill out the paper work correctly.  Take your time, especially when calculating income.  Being married, I made more than the lieutenant as a PVT.\n\nIt's a good life, but it is the Army and the Army is about war.  For some reason a bunch of kids these days forget that when they sign the papers.  They think about travel and college and easy money and forget that it's about fighting.\n\nWell, I encourage it and wish you luck.
436920
Joining the military is a very personal decision and nobody can make it for you.  When I joined everyone thought I was throwing my life away!!  Those ex-friends are now either college dropout or college graduates.  The funny thing is not a single one of them has a job.  Decide what you want to get out of the experience and go for it.  Many people, especially nowadays look very positively upon military experience.  \n\nYou are going to go to basic training and from what I can understand it is much easier now than it has ever been.  If you get Ft. Jackson don't forget to bring a teddy bear....j/k but that is the easiest of the basic training stations.  After basic you are going to go to AIT/school for whatever you decided you wanted to do in the military.  Then after that they ship you home and you drill once a month.  Not that big of a deal.\n\nFeel free to e-mail me if you need more specifics.  Stay strong and don't listen to anyone who has not served!!!  They are just giving you biased opinions based on experiences they have never had.  It is like a lawyer trying to do brain surgery, they are just not qualified and know nothing about it.
331513
So you decided to become a sea going bell hop.....\n\nFirst off I want to say you might have made the best decision or the worst decision in your life. The military isn’t for everybody. First things first you got to get to MEPs once your there they will give a physical and ask you some questions. Once you get to boot camp you’re going to think this was a bad idea. Just remain calm and don’t panic and keep your mind on the task at hand boot is one of the most important events in your military life when you get into trouble where ever you are you will automatically go back to your most basic training. So pay attention! Secondly don’t get pissed off at your drill instructors they may seem to hate you but just remember they hate every one equally and they are just there to help you. First they will try and make themselves the enemy so that your unit will bond with each other, most people think they try to break you this is false. They try and make you hate them so much that you will wish they were dead. At this point you just need to obey and you need friends. If you alienate your self in boot camp you will only find your self alone. Alone you are vulnerable and you will not make it. Near the end of boot you’ll notice a change in your drill instructors they become like your family with a mother a father and a big brother try and figure out their roles to understand how they will react. \n\nAs for advice in dealing with your parents, this will be the hardest part you’ll need people back home that support you they need to have enough respect for you that you can make your own decisions as an adult. Yes Bush is an Idiot, but at the same time as a sailor, marine, soldier, or airman you can’t choose who and when you want to serve. That is something that some one out side of the military cant understands. Say for example that you joined up before the Iraq war or even before 9/11 you can’t say I am not going to war. You just have to make the best out of your situation you have to tell your self how can I make this better how can I improve this situation. One of the best qualities about Marines is their ability to improvise, when you are fighting a war that you don’t agree with just see what you can do to make it better, a lot of people do this every day most just feel that they are fighting for their buddies to keep them alive. Just remember that you can’t second guess you’re self that you have to do the job or you or a friend will not make it home. No pressure right? On top of that you may never see Iraq. The best advice I can give you in the field is if you’re in the infantry trust in your friends not your weapon remember it is made by the lowest bidder. \n\nAll in all joining the military is a unique experience one that will help you on your way to opening a business just look at the rise in companies after the second world war hence why they are called the “Greatest Generation.” We just have to have a positive out look on a very negative situation maybe just maybe our boys and girls coming home will be like that generation.