Checklist: Basic Training
Before leaving for boot camp…
Get into physical shape. Incorporate cardio workouts (such as running), weight training and push-ups into daily exercise. Even a little extra work will make a big difference once you are in training.
Get all personal matters in order prior to leaving. Potential recruits should turn to family members for such day-to-day issues as figuring out who will be handling their bills, collecting their mail and dealing with their bank accounts.
Practice arriving early. In the Services, men and women are expected to arrive everywhere at least five minutes early.
Be prepared for discipline. During initial training, every aspect of a recruit’s life is regimented. Every activity, from the time you get up in the morning to when you go to bed at night, is precisely scheduled.
Take some time to learn about military life. Talk to friends or family who have served, research online or reach out to a recruiter with questions. Military life is quite different from civilian life. For example, in the Services people use a lot of acronyms, salute higher-ranking members and get promoted or advanced via a specific rank structure.
What Not to Bring to Basic Training
NOTE: This list should simply be used as a guideline of what is not appropriate to bring to Basic Training. An individual’s recruiter will offer more specifics.
Do Not Bring:
- Family
- Pets
- Expensive personal items– laptop, cameras, radios, iPods, jewelry, etc.
- Nonprescription drugs or drug paraphernalia
- Weapons of any type, including pocketknives
- Obscene or pornographic material
- Alcoholic beverages
- Playing cards/dice/dominoes
- Cigarettes/tobacco products