What tips do you have for someone heading to a winter basic training at Fort Leonard Wood?

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 07:27:44 -0500

Im going to bootcamp in january.any tips for winter basic training at ft. Leonard wood? Im from Texas and Im already 29years old. Thanks in advance!

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Dec 11 at 2017 8:03 AM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 08:03:13 -0500

Congratulations! You will be fine in Army Basic Training. Once you have graduated from Army Basic Training, You will understand there are differences between Army Basic Training and Marine Bootcamp, and will won't be the typical civilian who does not understand. Even today, I cringe when a civilian ask me "was Army Bootcamp fun?" I politely explain that Army Basic Training was not fun, and that I there to learn, work, and succeed. Furthermore, I joined the Army not the Marines. I thank them for their time and we part ways. One more informed and educated civilian.....

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2017 8:03 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 08:03:21 -0500

Do what your Drill Sergeants tell you to do.

It's that easy.

Really, really is.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Dec 11 at 2017 8:11 AM

SGT Matthew S. — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 08:11:17 -0500

My stint there ended in December, so I got a little taste of winter... but I also grew up in Montana. The humidity & heat during the summer was harder on me than the cold, even when we woke up to about 4" of snow on the last morning of our FTX during AIT.

That being said, I didn't find the cold too bad other than a few chilly mornings, but then again I may be biased and I wasn't there for January/February. You'll be issued cold weather gear and allowed to wear some of it (as is typical with the Army in general). You'll get acclimated to the cold; you'll be taught how to take care of yourself, and even though Basic is intended to toughen you, there are training limitations when temperatures hit a certain point.

As has been said, listen to your Drill Sergeants. They are there to teach you what you need to know.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2017 8:29 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 08:29:25 -0500

If they issue you the winter gear you will be fine as far as the weather goes. I know I started in August so we were not issued any winter gear but by the time I left Leonardwood, AIT it got cold, it snowed 4 " on us in the field. But I am used to that type of weather.

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Dec 11 at 2017 8:54 AM

1SG Frank Boynton — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 08:54:19 -0500

A lot of trainees are going to get sick. Stay clean. Use lots of hand sanitizer. Take it with you everywhere you go. Personal hygiene is even more important in cold weather. Change your socks regularly, especially if they get wet. You will be issued cold weather gear, use it. About the time you start to get acclimated to the weather you’ll be graduating.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Dec 11 at 2017 9:16 AM

SSgt Dan Montague — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 09:16:04 -0500

My first question would be why is your profile have you as a PFC if you haven't gone to basic training yet?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2017 12:56 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 12:56:57 -0500

CPL Private RallyPoint Member Being 29 years old, you will be more mature than many of your fellow recruits, and that should be an advantage. As mentioned by 1SG Frank Boynton and SGT Sean Goodrow , personal hygiene is always important, along with instantly obeying your Drill Sergeants. Stay squared away and help your fellow recruits where you can. Enjoy the challenges and adventures. Good luck.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2017 7:23 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 19:23:32 -0500

Wear all your cold winter gear that you are issued. Drink lots of water and eat all your meals. Keep your uniforms clean. Take plenty of socks to the field. For example, if you are given a packing list and it says to pack 3 pairs of socks....pack 6. Keep your feet dry.

Response by SGT Larry Michael Bleckler II made Dec 11 at 2017 10:30 PM

SGT Larry Michael Bleckler II — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 22:30:26 -0500

The weather changes dramatically in the winter it can be -20 windy and wet and the next it can be 80. don’t question just do and don’t ever quit even if you feel like it. It snows, rains, humid and hot the humidity can be 80-100% and feel like 120 stay hydrated especially in the cold months and pack more than need stay prepared for any changes. Focus

Response by SPC David Willis made Dec 12 at 2017 12:30 PM

SPC David Willis — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 12:30:23 -0500

Your Drills will tell you how to fight the cold. Believe me they don't want you having to be recycled due to illness.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Dec 12 at 2017 12:39 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 12:39:25 -0500

My grandson from Mississippi completed basic at Leonard Wood in the winter. The Army equipped him for the cold weather. The climate in central Missouri isn't all that different from north Texas. My best advice is to follow your DIs' instructions. Keep your feet as dry as possible. Dress in layers. Sweat is your enemy. Take off a layer or two when a work party or exercise period starts so you won't overheat. Alcohol does not make you warmer. It's a vasodilator so you'll feel warm for a while, then much colder. If you drink to the extent of passing out into a snow bank--hard to find in Missouri--you can end up dead.

As for being 29, I recommend you undertake a physical conditioning and running program now if you haven't already. Basic is physically demanding, but not impossible for a person approaching 30. Your younger counterparts have youth and strength on their side, but you should have experience and guile on yours. Work smart while they are using brute force to achieve the mission.

Response by SGT Aric Lier made Dec 12 at 2017 1:28 PM

SGT Aric Lier — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 13:28:52 -0500

if you see a drill Sgt with blue discs on his uniform it means he was a frostbite victim....pay close attention to him and even point out you know this it will get you on his good side with your knowledge

Response by SFC Charles Vanzant made Dec 13 at 2017 12:16 PM

SFC Charles Vanzant — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 12:16:21 -0500

I took basic there in Jan 79. If it snows, look for a lot of it. I was 30 years old retread from 67 - 70. Not too cold unless a arctic front comes through. Watch out for black ice. Can dump you while walking on sidewalks. We had one guy broke a vertebrae.

Response by SFC Don Ward made Dec 15 at 2017 11:23 PM

SFC Don Ward — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 23:23:14 -0500

The weather here is definitely bipolar. Be ready for 28 degree weather one day followed by 58 degree the next. Or maybe a week below freezing followed by a couple days of warmth. Ice storms but not much snow. Or sometimes up to 18 inches of snow on the ground at one time. You will be assigned a Battle Buddy- best bet is to watch each other for signs or symptoms of cold weather injuries. Enjoy Basic.

Response by 1SG Michael Hammond made Dec 18 at 2017 8:03 PM

1SG Michael Hammond — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 20:03:43 -0500

Dress warm, lol

Response by 1SG Michael Hammond made Dec 18 at 2017 8:05 PM

1SG Michael Hammond — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 20:05:17 -0500

I spent a few winters at Fort Lost In The Woods, it can get darn right cold.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2018 1:16 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 01:16:05 -0500

Don't try to go AWOL no matter how bad you think it is. You'll never find your way off that post. It's called Fort Lost in the Woods for a reason. There's no exit.