17.5.13
So you made it through MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) and you're on your way to basic training. If you're just like me then you might want to take the time you have left to prepare yourself for the ride of your life. Army basic training is hard but don't be frightened. It's only hard if you're not willing to make it easy. Here are some key and simple steps to get you started in preparing yourself for army basic training.
Step 1: Join RSP (Recruit Sustainment Program)
This a good opportunity that you shouldn't miss for anything. This is a program for soldiers that haven't shipped off to basic training yet. RSP happens one weekend a month. I did RSP for 7 months before my ship date in August 2012. This program helped me immensely. It taught me the basic drill movements, the army values, the soldier's creed, the ranks, etc. The best thing about this program is the fact that you will get paid for your time.
Step 2: Start Training
I can never say this enough to new recruits -- start training yourself. There's a reason why it's called basic training. They claim to teach you the basics but if you don't give your body the prep training it needs before you leave then you won't find it basic at all. If you work on your pushups, sit-ups, and running every week, you won't have too much of a problem acing your APFT (Army Physical Fitness Training) test.
Step 3: Stop Bad Eating Habits
I know it will be hard to stop eating your favorite fast foods and snacks all the time. But you should start weaning yourself off of those fatty foods and soft drinks because once you step a foot onto basic training grounds, you'll be going cold turkey. The army has a diet-like regimen for all their soldiers in training that doesn't involve any of the foods and drinks you are use to. So it's safe to stop your bad eating habits before then. You'll have a chance to eat what you want more in AIT (Advance Individual Training).
Step 4: Adjust Your Sleep Schedule
It's true that in army basic training you'll get up at the break of dawn and won't be given a chance to sleep until later that night. Work on your sleep schedule by waking up earlier and staying up later. This actually helped me a lot. Before joining the army, I was your typical early bird that went to bed early and woke up early in the morning. I practiced staying up late at night for a month before it came naturally to me.
These steps are only stepping stones to help you prepare for army basic training. Do what you can. The smallest things will make a difference.
