The night before boot camp

[45DAVID1]

Bring tubes of KY jelly. If they ask you why you have it just say it's for polishing the brass!

[professionalcoyotehunter]

It'll be fun don't panic and like other say don't for get to volunteer for stuff but also don't stand out amongst the crowd.

[gd-bh]

You probably already have your plans made, but from someone who went through boot camp in the disco era, the best advice is to spend some quality, quiet time with your g/f and family. Those times will help you with the only really "hard" part of boot camp: the boredom.

Since I already knew how to march, polish shoes, fold clothes, etc, boot camp was boring boring boring. When you're bored, and you don't have the ability to do the things you normally like to do, it can be tough. So, those times with your family become very valuable.

The other thing to remember is that boredom makes time pass really slow. So, your mind can play tricks on you. But put this in perspective. I bet it seems like yesterday Christmas was just a couple weeks away..and that's 6 weeks ago. Don't let the boredom get ya down, and the rest is easy.

Good luck, and thank you for serving!

[Army GI]

I say do the opposite. Don't make a big deal about it. Just relax and be zen.

[anhero]

Maddog has some great advice. I graduated boot camp in '04. here's what I saw and would need if i did it again.

Definitely bring my cell phone & charger, ipod, computer, and anything else I can find useful later for AIT or tech school. Reason: you'll get it back later once you're done.

Buy calling cards as Maddog advised. You'll need it later IF you get the chance to call home. You'll also get a chance to call someone to tell them you got to boot camp ok.

Pack as light as possible and only what is necessary. You will be forced to buy more supplies after. Smoking begins at reception. At least it did for me. Bring enough clothes for a couple of days and hopefully you won't wait for a long time. If you are going guard or reserve, you normally don't have to wait as long as the active duty guys.

Spending time with G/F and family is a must. Especially if you guys are close. Have them write often, keeps you from being lonely. DON'T have your G/F send pictures of herself (naked or clothed) and don't bring one either. You might have time for that during AIT or Tech School.

We had a day pass after graduation and the ex-g/f came to see me. It was worth saving the money to fly her in and have her stay at a hotel.

AIT/Tech School is a meat market, especially for those females coming out of boot camp. Beware...

Setup a care package to be shipped to you once you get to AIT/Tech School for things you would like. Civies are nice to have. Especially since you wouldn't pack a whole lot when you get to boot camp.

Have fun. Don't stress. I was a Bay/Dorm Chief in charge of 50+ recruits because of my ROTC background. People stress about the simplest things. Be a team player. Help out as much as possible. Make friends. Get into the routine. Develop a routine, it will keep you sane. Study!! DS will question you, especially during chow. Answer wrong and you get smoked. Be confident. Follow and ask questions later.

Don't be the first to finish eating, but also don't be last. Keep your mouth shut, don't eye ball, if you're going Army, Learn to love the cadences. Sing loud and proud. Download some to your ipod before you get there

Depending on the season and the location, bring or buy gear you will need, i.e. clothing, repellant, etc.

If you want to party the night before, do so at your own risk. You'll regret it in the morning. Get laid before you go.

Get religious. Sunday church service is a great way to decompress and get away from everything. It helps your mental stability, even if you're not religious. It's a good time to somewhat socialize and get away from the barracks/dorms.

Make sure you are on top of your game when you are there. Keep your locker squared away and organized. Break in your boots as soon as you can. I'd look this up if I were you. Keep a pair clean at all times and use the other one for everything else.

Most of all, have fun. This will be one of your more memorable moments and from some odd reason or another, folks I've talked to always want to go back to basic training.

[11Z50]

Most of all, have fun. This will be one of your more memorable moments and from some odd reason or another, folks I've talked to always want to go back to basic training.

I definitely would not want to go back......In fact, if I ran across one of my Drill Sergeants today, I'd smile, walk up, offer my hand........and then kick him in the nuts!!!

Do try to have fun, try to make the most out of the experience, stand in the back row and keep your mouth shut. Get thru it, and move on to the real fun in your unit. Basic/AIT is just a ticket punch.

[thomashoward]

If it were me I would spend the time with her and not drink too much

Good advice.Have a clear head in the morning.There are going to be a lot of physically fit people yelling at you.Keep your mouth SHUT and your ears open and do not be a smart *** or you will be singled out for special treatment

[mattman]

Don't be the looser who gets singled out daily for being all ate up.