Heading to Ft. Leonard Wood for 88M AIT. What can I expect and what advice can you give me?

It looks like you’re getting some good, and not so good, advice right now. I’m sure by now you’ve come to understand that the bad days outnumber the good days by quite a lot. Over time this can change for you. I have a very successful career. In the beginning, focus on mastering the basics of your craft. Don’t be concerned with which uniform your NCOs will wear or your fancy new boots. If the regulation confuses you, don’t put those boots on your feet until you ask an NCO about them. Your Platoon Sergeants or Drill Sergeants will treat you with dignity and respect. So don’t expect an NCO to treat you any special kind of way because they do or do not wear that sweet campaign cover. You’re still learning to be a basically trained Soldier. Master the basics, especially the small things.

Continue to have the same composure and act as you did during the last phase of your basic training.

As a 74D, I slept in the same barracks as the 88M. Things may have changed slightly since I graduated November 2017, but most likely you won’t have many privileges until you phase up. During black phase, my battles wore their basic issues gear and were not allowed their phones. You get more freedom in gold phase, such as off-post passes and your phone 24/7. Make sure you pay attention in your classes though! Failing one test could potentially start you over with a new company because your training is only about 6 weeks and there’s so much to learn that they can’t slow down for you. Good Luck!