Basics of Basic Training

[Anti M]

I posted this in a thread on a forum, and have received several kind words about my post. I thought I would put it in a blog where it could be easily found. Thank you for the support!

I went to boot camp ages ago, but the basics of basic don't change.

1. Bring your sense of humor. Boot camp can be surreal and absurd, enjoy it. Imagine how you'd laugh if you saw what is happening to you in a movie.

2. Listen, listen, listen. One of the things you are learning to become a sailor is how to follow instructions exactly, and attention to detail. So PAY ATTENTION. Remember, you are always more intelligent with your mouth shut.

3. Don't gossip. It just gets feelings hurt and there's your drama. Oh, you can not like someone, you will, but don't say it out loud.

4. Do your best, but don't beat yourself up if you are not perfect. Everyone in charge will do that for you.

5. Don't listen to rumors too much. Boot camp, well the entire Navy, thrives on speculation.

6. Be helpful, watch out for your shipmates, but look after your own responsibilities.

7. If you make a mistake, own it. Don't shift blame to others.

8. If you fail a test or an inspection or a PT, you have the opportunity to learn how to do it right.

9. Don't complain or shirk your duties. You'll get a rep as a whiner and a slacker. Just do it and be done.

10. Never say "I can't", just keep on trying to improve a bit more each time.

Now for the realities. As a new recruit, you will be tired and cranky and short on sleep. You will be confused and irritable. You won't like some of the girls, but you have to respect them and work with them. You will miss your family, your pets, your independence. You'll dislike your uniforms, the way you have to fold them and making beds. You'll hate getting ready in a hurry, just to stand at attention and wait.

You will look like crap when you roll out of the rack in the morning. No one cares. You won't have jewelry or make up or phones or fingernails. No one cares. No one cares who you know at home, who your family is, how much money they make, what type of car you drive, how many designer shoes or fancy clothes you own .... all the status stuff falls away. Stow it. What matters in boot camp is your attitude, your spirit, your willingness to bust your hump to get the job done, your word to others.

BUT!!!!! Sometime in the first week or two or three, or even four .... You will begin to catch on, you will learn many new things, you will gain skill and strength. You will work as a unit with your shipmates. You will accept responsibilities and be competent and confident. You will experience an amazing feeling of pride and accomplishment. You will feel as though you can do anything!

[Sherry James]

Thanks Anti M, great blog post!! Very relevent and helpful!!

[carols_kitchen]

Good to re-post. And, to know that some of the guys my sailor met are now lifetime shipmates and buddies!

[diane {Shawns mom}]

thank you..you truly write well.
I am so glad you posted this.
Job Well Done
♥