How to Survive Boot Camp

Boot camp can be a scary experience. Here's how to make that once-in-a-lifetime experience a little easier:*Start getting into shape before you leave. Boot camp is physically intensive. Work especially on running and pushups.

*If you know someone who's been in the military, ask him/her to teach you some simple marching and facing movements.

*Memorize your particular service's rank structure (both officer and enlisted) before you leave.

*Inform your family and friends that it's very important that they write often. Boot camp can be very lonely.

*Practice making your bed with "hospital corners."

*Don't arrive "standing out in the crowd." Cut your hair short, and wear conservative clothes. You don't want the D.I.s to remember you.

*Bring ONLY what is on the list. Anything extra will be confiscated and will give the D.I. an excuse to chew you out.

*Go in with the right attitude. Remember, EVERYONE messes up in boot camp, and EVERYONE gets chewed out. The "real military" won't be this way.

*Never, ever, make excuses.

*Do exactly what you're told to do, when you're told to do it, and how you're told to do it. Don't be inventive.

*When speaking to a D.I., always stand at rigid attention, eyes locked forward.

*Don't volunteer. You're much better off in boot camp if the D.I. hardly remembers your name. Those who are "remembered" often get "special attention."

*If you're "on time," then you're late. Always be where you're supposed to be five minutes early.
*Remember, boot camp is mostly a mind-game. It's designed to tear-down your civilian self and replace it with a military sailor, airman, soldier or marine.

*Read everything you can about the military service you're going into. The more you learn before-hand, the less you'll have to learn in boot camp (where you'll be tested).