In Response: Word of Advice…Don’t be a hater.
First and foremost, if any other future soldiers have questions about the Army, email me and I will help you out. Asking me “Should I join?” is not a real question. I can’t make that decision for you. All I will tell you to do is think about it long and hard. Bullets kill.
Now about basic training…
- Don’t stand out in the crowd. Play low key.
- Do what you’re told and PAY ATTENTION. Not paying attention will get you killed. You heard it from me and you’ll hear it again in basic from your drill sgt.
- Help your battle buddies! The Army is all about team work. If one person is having a hard time, the whole platoon will pay for it. So help that soldier out to get his stuff together. Ask any soldier and they will tell you that everybody has that “one guy” who’s always sluggish, lazy, and consistently late for formation in their platoon. I attended basic at Ft. Knox in 2006 and from what I have been hearing, things are a bit different now… For the better.
- Keep that weapon down range at all times and never forget to clear your weapon before entering any building.
- Physicall fitness… Many soldiers enter basic training completely out of shape. They end up paying for it through out basic. Practice your push ups, sit ups, and a 2 mile run. If you are physically fit, don’t show off. Just do your thing and always push to be the best. Remember, play low key.
- Don’t crack gay jokes to your drill sgt. I did that, and got I only got yelled at for it and was told to get out of his face because he liked me. If I was the platoon’s miracle child, he would’ve smoked my breaks off.
- DON’T GET CAUGHT SLEEPING. If you do, you’re drill sergeants will make sure to get your blood flowing again to stay awake. (They will smoke you.)
It might be tough at times, but you will get through it. I will never forget basic training. I still stay in contact with some soldiers and the best thing about it, one of my drill sergeants is a fan of my show. The Army is an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. I was the one who made fun of everyone and taunted all the married guys or guys that had gf’s that their woman is cheating on them. I burned on everyone. I hope someone from C146 Infantry OCT2006 can vouch for me.
Enjoy it and take pictures because you never know who you will run into. I met a guy who was on the Jerry Springer Show after I cracked a joke and said that he presents himself as one of those rednecks that would come onto the program with some sort of problem. Turns out he really was on the Jerry Springer show, his wife sent him the video for the whole platoon to enjoy.
