Boot camp

[CoBoY]

Ok, folks...I'm hoping some people can give me an idea of what boot camp will be like.

I will personally be doing the Coast Guard, but any info would be good.

What's the best way to survive the first days, when stress is at it's highest? Is it wise to do everything so well (if you can) that you stand out, or is it better to just be average and blend in?

I ask because I've heard that, for example, being the guy who can do the most pushups isn't always a good thing...the drill inst. will still get on you just as hard, if not harder, than others...


Just nerves, I guess, and want to know the best way to survive this...

[WILawman]

When I went to boot camp with the Coast Guard, it wasn't too difficult and that was years ago. Coast Guard boot camp is more mental than physical. You do run and exercise every day, but it is far from the intesity of the Marines boot camp.

If you have heard rumors about "the bus", they are true. When you arrive they will come on the bus and scare the crap out of you, yelling and screaming for you to get off the bus. That was a little nerve racking especially for a teenager. After that you will practice marching for a couple of hours.

If procedures are still the same, the first few days you will be with "forming" company commanders. They will get you set up with uniforms, procedures, and basic operations. Don't be fooled though, these guys are not your real company commanders nor are they very nice. After a few days you will be introduced to your CC's and they will make examples of recruits that first day and for days to come.

Stress can be extremely high because you are fed tons of information that you have to remember. For example, CC's will ask you what is your 3rd general order or who is the secretary of treasury? This is the information that you need to remember because if you don't get the answer right...well you'll see.

Although boot camp was tough, it was one of the best experiences that I've ever had. Take everything with a grain of salt. It is their job to yell at you and that is exactly what they will do, so be prepared for it. Good Luck!

I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say that I'm proud of the decision you made to serve your country. Have a great time in boot camp and remember that America needs you.

[UN_Cop]

Push ups, sit ups, running, and etc can be hard on anyone that is not in shape. If you are a PT stud, the cadre will want you to be better. They always want you to improve.

For us, Marine Corps, the hardest part was the mind games that they would play with you. All of it was done to build team unity. They cadre wants you to be able to work together and as a unit. This is a childish expression but, remember, "You group is only as strong as the weakest link".

Stay motivated and good luck.

[DelC]

The first thing you want to do, even before you get off that bus, when you see that first CC, stand up and tell him that your mother said if anyone laid a hand on you that she would come down there and personally kick their butt!!!

On a more serious note, you’re right; you don’t want to stand out, on either end of the spectrum. Just try to keep an even keel, but even then they will get you sooner or later. But, they get the standouts sooner and more often. Remember, is all a game.

[TANKMGA8]

Ahhhh...

The momories that boot camp brings back!!!

Do your best on everything, but try to stay in the middle of the pack. Kind of hard, but you can do it. And you will have your times when you think that the Drills are picking on you and nobody else, but as said earlier remember it's all a mind game. They cannot kill you, just make you wish that they would.

Have fun,

[CoBoY]

Thanks for the thoughts, guys....

I understand that he Drills can't actually touch you like they used to be able to, right? Of course, I hear that they make it unpleasant enough that you'd rather they just take a shot at your chin and get it over with :)


Seriously, though, thanks for the info....It's an exciting thing, and I just hope to handle it as best I can....

[USAF]

The AF boot camp was 75% mental 25& physical. Just remember it is a mind game.

One thing I remember people getting ripped for right away was having your head shave before you got there. Go with a mop. One guy was getting ripped while we were at the airport. The DI told him he had 2 hours to grow hair. He didn't care if he shaved it off his A** and glued it to his head, he better have hair in 2 hours. I saw a handfull of people shave their heads, and they all were first in line for an butt chewing.

Thank you for serving your country.

[DelC]

Oh, about the standing out thing. I don’t know about the CG, but in the Marines if you are the top of the heap at the rifle range you’re almost God. When I went through, each unit was in competition with each other and one of the highest things they were scored on was the rifle range. Was a feather in the DI’s hat to have the best overall group.

USAF,

That’s a good one. (LMAO) I don’t know where the DI’s come up with all this stuff, but they have some dillies. I have to ask, did he mange to get hair in 2-hours??

[Birky]

When I went through CG basic it was pretty funny. They try and play mind games with you but just remember it is eight weeks and then you are gone. I remember when I got to Cape May that the CC got us off the bus then we did paperwork till the wee hours of the morning then we got to take showers (which by the way were ice cold because they shut off the steam plant at 10 o'clock) then we went to sleep for like 45 minutes then we got to do it all over again. Don't sweat it just keep your nose clean and stay in the middle and you will be fine.