Basic Training (Yes the military)

[WookieeForLife]

I heard basic training is very very very rough. Your thoughts/stories of it?

[tplyons]

From what I hear, it depends on the branch.

Both my parents were USAF and said it was fairly easy. From what I hear, the Army and the Marines don't have the same pleasant experience.

[MadMan118]

It varies depending on which branch you enter Marines are by far some of the meanest toughest 18 weeks of your life. But from what I hear about the Air Force its a walk in the park.
And boy do I have some stories about MCRD/Pendleton, NSFW though.

[7StringBassist]

my dad was in the navy

he told me its a mind game

the more you resist the more they push you

[cassanova]

Marine Corps boot camp was intense both physically and mentally. I'm not just saying this because I was a Marine, but I've heard it is the roughest basic training regiment of all the branches of service.

I did my MOS schooling at Lakland AFB in San Antonio, this is where the USAF does their basic training and from what I saw of their boot camp it was a walk in the park compared to the Marines.

[cassanova]

Originally Posted by 7StringBassist

my dad was in the navy

he told me its a mind game

the more you resist the more they push you

+1

The Marines are like that as well. Only they push you both figuratively and litterally.

[WookieeForLife]

I heard from my boss at the pizza shop who went through it that men would rather pee their pants than break formation when standing at attention.

Also my uncle told the guy leading it that he was pronouncing his last name wrong and was on the bad list since day one.

[MadMan118]

Originally Posted by cassanova

+1

The Marines are like that as well. Only the push shove you both figuratively and litterally.

Fixed

[lennyonbass]

it was a fun time...lotsa laughs...i enjoyed it...but i don't wanna go through it again.

[maestrovert]

Originally Posted by WookieeForLife

I heard basic training is very very very rough. Your thoughts/stories of it?

When i ran the obstacle course, some of the guys in my unit were apprehensive and didn't fare too well, while i though it was great fun playing on a kindergarten jungle-gym playground once again...nothing to worry about...

Basic training is more mental than anything else....by that i mean they're watching to see how you react to stress and how well you listen/take instruction...the PT can be difficult if you're unused to exertion, but you'll be ok....

[Disraeli Gears]

Buddy of mine just got back from basic. Basically said it was hell.

[Jimmy Bones]

My experience in the Navy wasn't too bad. Basic is indeed a mind game, and they keep you so busy that you lose the desire for booze and smokes.

Just let yourself be indoctrinated, do what you're told, and know that you'll be yelled at either way.

[Holy War]

I went through Marine Corps Officer Candidates School in Quantico, VA and the "Rat Line" at the Virginia Military Institute, both a bit different than PI or Pendelton. What I went through was extremely demanding both physically and mentally though and harked largly on leadership skills and abilities.

If you have any questions or concerns or what have you, please feel free to PM and I will talk with you.

[Holy War]

Originally Posted by MadMan118

Fixed

I think he was referring to push-ups in the pit and being quarterdecked

[Holy War]

Also, just FYI, there is no 'Basic' in the Marine Corps

[MadMan118]

Originally Posted by Holy War

I think he was referring to push-ups in the pit and being quarterdecked

Oh I remember, good times good times....

[Holy War]

I was lucky enough to do some training with the British Royal Marine Commandos, and boy Ill tell you, those guys have to go through hell and back during their Boot Camp. I have nothing but the highest respect for those guys, and especially for a certain Colour Sergeant who is the most physically fit and bad A$$ person I have met in my entire life.

[ADbassman]

Well, I get to find out in 6 months.

[JacoLesFlea]

I'd tell you about my experience but it has been so long that the base Ft. McClellan is shut down, the mos 95B Military Police has been changed. I will say this it is mostly mental like alot of the other posts have said, I was not in the best shape when I went in 200 lbs at 18 years old and not physically fit was called alot of names on the pt field could not do pushups to save my life but I kept at it I took the in the face yelling from the DI's as motivation and I saw alot of 'cruits give up believe me Basic in July in Alabama was not that fun. But the longer i hung in there and kept telling myself this is to better myself and I really wanted to get into law enforcement the easier it started to get. I joined in 1983 and got out in 1986 had a year and a half in germany which was well orth sticking it out and getting thru basic and AIT. and the last of it in Fort Bliss, Texas. You learn alot no one is above you as far as your squad goes even the squad leader is at fault if one messes up you all mess up...You should rent Full Metal jacket and watch it that is the closest I have seen to it being as I remembered. Unless of course things have changed now, When you first get of the cattle truck and prepare for Shock Treatment do exactally as you are told no matter how confusing and fast paced it is moving youll be ok. Eyes straight ahead stand at attention...whatever you do dont call a nco sir or mamm when they ask you a question..cause they work for a living. Mabey you can learn your insignias before you go just to be one ahead of them. I found this site that mabey will answer alot of questions you have......http://usmilitary.about.com/od/armyj...armybasic1.htm Oh yhea I graduated from ait at 172 lbs a lean mean fighting machine....unfortunetly I weigh more now then when I went in but that was 26 years ago.

[Jimmy Bones]

I think the phrase they use to introduce you to the concept of time passage is something like: "Hours like days, weeks like minutes."