Is Basic Training getting softer?
830607
Basic is getting softer.  The reason behind this is that Americans as a whole are getting softer and weaker.  The whole point of Basic (and AIT to an extent) is to condition and help mold a person into becoming a soldier.  As a soldier, you must be mentally and physically prepared to handle stress, to handle hard situations.  \n\nThe original point of a hard Drill Sergeant was to provide these situations.  How can a you expect a person to be able to handle combat and stressfull situations if you baby them and make Basic and AIT a "more college-like atmosphere to provoke an easier learning environment" (as one TRADOC BDE CMD mandated).  \n\nParents these days are too concerned when they hear that their son/daughter is getting cussed at.  Recruits take it personnel when they are called anything but "Warrior/Soldier."  \n\nAmericans must realize that the Military is not a place for the weak, or a place to promote weakness.  We are here to defend the nations interests, which will require people to die.  That is the nature of war.  If American society cant handle that, I am truely worried about the future of our great Nation.
763155
Not as much as it used to.  I'm getting used to it.
311943
AF Basic is longer now than when I went through, but its still probably similar.\nThe best advice I can give you is keep your head down. The longer your TI doesn't know who you are the better. Help other people out, no one can get through basic by themselves. In the begining your TI will test everyone to see who can and can't handle stress, so the first time he gets in your face just stand at attention, strair strait forward. \n\nPS learn this: Sir, Trainee (last name) reports as ordered!\nThat's a reporting statement. If you get that down you'll save yourself a bunch of trouble.\n\nGood job on joining!
143508
Of course you already have many of the answers.  If you are going to Army Basic Training, then you will take a physical fitness test which consists of push ups, sit ups, and a two mile run.  So of course performing any of these will help you and prevent a lot of soreness early on.  My recommendation is every hour knock out 25 pushups and situps(or whatever you can do).  Most definately start running.  You will probably start off slow in Basic Training.  Most Army standards are four miles in 36 minutes (nine minute miles).  The Army increasingly uses pullups and chinups during physical training (PT).  So you might want to spend a little time working on your upper body strength.  The only other thing I would recommend is squats.  There is nothing better than the feeling you experience in your thighs after doing some lunges.  Walking might be a little painful the next day.  Don't worry it's a good pain, because you are improving yourself.  Don't worry, basic training is as fun as you make it.  We used to follow the drill sergeant around so that he would make us do push ups.  Its just a game.  I will have 23 years this summer and it keeps getting better.  Good luck and congratulations on your decision to serve your country.  I thank you!
172147
Funk the physical trash. You have to get your mind right...You are going to be pushed to the brink mentally daily. A strong head will get you through basic.\n\nAlso Start running 3 days a week sart out gradually and work your way up to 3 mi. (Standard USMC PFT distance)\n\nAnd if you need to know anymore holla at cha' boy. cconleyjr@yahoo.com\n\n"Pain is weakness leaving the body"\nOOOORAH\nUSMC 4-Life
420726
quit smoking now.. you won't be allowed during Basic anyway.  Might as well get a jump on it.  As long as you can meet the minimum standards on the first day, you'll BE in shape by the time you are done.
33773
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!!
1165247
no its more stream line.. they have different fabrics in both of their uniforms.. (reserves and homes).. because the heat reacts differently in different countries.. but when it clings to your body the air doent flow through it causing a reduced draft (meaning they dont get held back as much and they can run faster)
544519
He's inprocessing right now.  There is no inprocessing on the weekends.  That being said, that's a lot of time off, free time.  Since inprocessing is not Basic, it's just what you do before you get to basic, the Drill Sgts are a lot easier-going.  Phone calls are given much more often.\n\nHowever, as the week progresses two things will happen.  First of all he'll be busier and won't call near as often.  Second of all, he'll arrive at his Basic and he'll probably get a 5 minute phone call once or twice over the next month or two.\n\nDon't worry, it'll get better.  Letters are a lifeline, but remember, he'll have very little time to write, but they're greatly appreciated in Basic, so don't stop writing even if you don't get much, they'll mean a lot to him.
222534
All the services have basically the same drill regimen. Start running/jogging. You'll want to be able to do three miles minimum without getting exhausted. Pull ups, push ups, sit ups/crunches, and stretching. Do what you can... you'll get the real exercises once you're in basic training.
999071
yep, crunches or sit ups.  U don't have to lay all the way down on the floor, clasp your hands behind your head and then just bring your shoulders up to your knees that are bent and then don't go all the way back down on the floor.  That is the way they do it in the military and man it works, hurts like the dickens, but works.  Good nutrition and drinking lots of water does help but exercise will tighten up those muscles and your belly will be flat before u know it!
739918
PRESSURE getting less
769293
I joined the Army in 1991, and the only physical exam I remember getting was at the MEPS.  In reception at Basic we got all our shots, but no exam. They may have changed since then.
693086
When I was in Iraq, I didn't have any combat experiences, but we were mortared/rocketed a lot, dealt with VBIEDs and IEDs, etc.  I too was jumpy when I first got home, but only for a couple of months.  I was pretty irritable for awhile, but now I am back to my "normal" level of crankiness.  I had a lot of problems sleeping -- it took me a long time to fall asleep at night and I was tired most days.  That has also resolved.
741633
Basic training is designed to subdue the ego in order to make the individual more group-oriented. Western egos are about the hardest to crack so it takes quite a bit.
1052418
They have test practice books out there on the market.  Invest in one.  As for confidence, you have to find that within yourself.  Maybe this just isn't the right career choice for you.  If you're positive it is, then the confidence will come when the time is right.  It's also what Basic Training is for.  Good luck!!
940012
Build those legs by running everyday!  Climbing and running are a very challenging part of Marine Corps basic training, even more so that upper body training.  Don't ignore upper body training, but there seems to be a lot more emphasis on stamina having to do with the lower body.