How should I prepare mentally for BCT?

2019-02-17T22:49:09-05:00

I leave for BCT March 25th. Never been away from home/family.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 17 at 2019 11:19 PM

2019-02-17T23:19:41-05:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member ensure your affairs are in order. If there is lingering personal stuff, see what you can do to resolve it. Make sure your bills are either taken care of or accounts closed out. The intent is to remove all distractions.

Ensure your family knows how to use the Red Cross in case of real emergency....deaths, serious illness etc. they will need to know which installation you are on, your Social Security Number, and your official unit designation.

You will be out of voice and digital communication for most of that time. Ensure that people know that they will need to write snail mail. Encourage them to do so. Letters are fine. Packages will be restricted and could get you smoked depending on what's in them.

I would ensure that you are in good shape and healthy. Being injured or not up to the task will only amplify any emotional or mental difficulties you may experience. Get yourself on a good sleep/awake schedule. Try and get 8 hours a night so your body recovers and your brain re-sets. You will be in a sleep deficit for basic and likely AIT.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2019 11:43 PM

2019-02-17T23:43:17-05:00

Don’t stress to much about BCT, being there will stress u enough, the moments leading up to it should be as stress free as possible. When u go to reception... expect to be up for a while, and standing for a long time and waiting. There isn’t that much paper work really. It’s mostly getting items issued to you. But go with post 9/11 GI bill ! Remember that. If u pick MGIB u will have to change it later and it’s more paperwork. But seriously remember that. They will hand you a sheet at some random moment and tell u to fill it out.... but also learn the soldiers creed before you go, that and the 3 general orders! They arnt hard at all. At basic u will he asked to recite it every so often. When u get to actual bct, the shark attack is not going to be what u think, but write letters home. Keep a journal about the things that happen during basic. The jokes the DS will say, the good and the bad time. Everything. I did that and I’m glad I did because I forgot some of the ways I felt back at basic. Don’t be worried about getting recycled, just do your best and u will be fine. Don’t piss off the DS’s. Just follow orders and be at the right place at the right time in the right uniform. Don’t be late to morning formations. MOST OF ALL! Have fun, and make the most of it. It’s gonna suck! Trust me! It’s not ment to be. Summer camp, but some people will act like that, but take it seriously and have fun in the shitty place your at. Also none of the pt tests count until the last one before the forge. So do your best on them! Other than that u will make ur memories. It’s your job to share them with others after U graduate. U will be fine man

Response by 1LT Kevin Chapman made Feb 18 at 2019 12:34 AM

2019-02-18T00:34:20-05:00

Do hella push ups.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2019 7:46 AM

2019-02-18T07:46:11-05:00

Watch Stripes. Relax, breathe, and enjoy the comedy you are about to partake. On a serious note, two ears and one mouth. Know when to use them.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2019 10:10 AM

2019-02-18T10:10:09-05:00

Mentally prepare? Understand that you will have sucky days. Understand that you will have nights feeling lonely. Understand that you will have days where you are sitting high on the hog. Basic Training is a see-saw ride of mixed emotions and stress. Write home. Have people from home write to you. Make a calendar and tick off each day to your end goal. You may have moments where you want to quit, don't.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 18 at 2019 5:15 PM

2019-02-18T17:15:05-05:00

I laughed when I did push ups, showing the DIs I was not going to quit.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2019 7:58 PM

2019-02-18T19:58:58-05:00

When you get there, the army will be your family and home, you'll be told everything you need to know and do. It'll be over sooner then you think, quit worrying about the future, you live in the present.

Response by SSG Paul Ellis made Feb 19 at 2019 7:30 PM

2019-02-19T19:30:27-05:00

Easy. Relax. Pay attention. Do what the Drill Sergeant tells you. Don't be THAT guy.