This simple guide will guide you along the processes and tips helpful to your upcoming adventure with the US Military boot camp process. Please note, however, that all advice shared here does not replace the information you?ll receive from others who have already experienced the event, or your recruiter. Make sure to talk to both extensively, beforehand to ensure adequate preparedness.

The first stage of boot camp starts even before you arrive at the base you?ll be training at. Rather, it starts when you get your list of required items from your recruiter. Unlike when you were still in school, where these ?required? lists were interpreted loosely, these Army checklists are to be followed closely, with no deviation whatsoever. Basically, if it?s not on the list, don?t bring it along, and if you have questions, ask. Soon, anyone who deviates from the norm will be made fun of and used as a ?teaching tool? in your world, and I doubt you want to be that person. Read more at the end of this article for suggestions of things to bring that may not be discussed elsewhere.

Since you?ll be immersing yourself in a completely different way of thinking, you may want to invest some time into learning more about that way of thinking so that it?s not a huge shock to the system once you get there. Read what you can about the basic drill movements and requirements, Army structure/ranks, ?General Orders? and the ?Core Values?. Also, any pamphlets or information packages that your recruiter gives you should be pored over as well.

Next, make sure your physical activity levels are up to snuff. If they aren?t (and really, it can?t hurt to work on this in the upcoming weeks anyway, just in case), focus on sprints, endurance runs, push-ups, sit-ups, and obstacle courses.

If you are taking any prescribed medications, you?ll want to get a copy of your prescription from your doctor, and bring whatever is required for the entire trip, including birth control pills, if you are a woman. However, note that once you enter into basic training, your medications will be held by the bases? pharmacy, instead of in your bunk.

For men (and women who choose to), get a good haircut before you leave for boot camp, instead of when you arrive at the base. This will save you unnecessary time wasted later trying to fix a 3 minute buzz cut.

It sounds simple, and really, it is. Preparing yourself for military boot camp shouldn?t be difficult, but it is time consuming. If you take your time, however, and follow these steps carefully, you?ll have an easier time through the process (although let?s be honest, it?s still going to be challenging!)

Here is a list of things to consider packing for boot camp (but do check with your recruiter, first):

• Black toiletry bag for your belongings (yes, black is the color of choice);


• Black shower shoes;


• Extra black calf-length wool socks;


• Old cotton white shirt for shining and spit polishing your shoes (works better than the buff cloth you?ll get in your shoe shining kit, which you should pack as well);


• Stamps ? not only to mail letters, but also are used as currency at boot camp;


• Cough drops (check this one, they may not be allowed);


• Lined, hole punched paper;


• Combination locks; and


• Lots of foot powder/cream and moleskin for your hurting tootsies.

Thank you for reading this article. See you here again on August 1, 2005 for another useful article.

The Management,
GreetingMilitary.Com