Want to know a little about SGT Volkin?
Sergeant (SGT) Michael Volkin is a U.S. Army veteran and one of America’s most successful military authors. He served in Operation Enduring/Iraqi Freedom as a Chemical Operations Specialist and received an Army Commendation Medal for his efforts and for the military fitness programs he designed to help his fellow soldiers. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Science from Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas and also a Real Estate Brokers Degree.
SGT Volkin has a passion for fitness, tennis, animals and of course, educating recruits about basic training. He has also been known to take a small interest in Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake.
Note from the author:
“I knew absolutely nothing about the military when I entered basic training. I had no immediate military family history and no prior desire to ever join the military. It was on the tragic morning of September 11, 2001 that I realized what I was taking for granted all these years. Freedom, as wonderful as it is, is an uphill struggle, and comes with an enormous responsibility. It wasn’t so much a decision, but a calling, that I joined the military” – the Army Reserves.
I departed for basic training without an ounce of military knowledge one month after September 11, 2001. However, I used this lack of knowledge to my advantage. I took notes on everything, with the ambition that no military recruit would have to go through boot camp like I did, with no knowledge of what was in store for me. I listened to hundreds of soldiers share their advice, tips, and tricks on surviving basic training. When I was deployed shortly after basic training to serve in Operation Enduring/Iraqi Freedom, I had the time to organize the notes, add to them, and assemble the most practical basic training guide ever written. This guide is now known as The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook. Since 2006, I have developed additional books and resources to help recruits prepare for basic training. My passion to continue doing this is knowing that in my own way, I am building a stronger military by preparing recruits for a successful military career.
Not a private,but Viet Nam Vet ’66. I’d like to read your advice book. I had an older brother who had already been in 7 years so he gave me great advice about basic traing.
Mr Volkin,
Thank you again for comming to KP in FOLSOM Xray to hand me my book personally.
I have passed the book on to other ppl as well . It saved me much grief in Basic traing in 05′ . I am still touched that you “came down the hill” to give a signed copy. :
V/R
Monique USAF RSV Travis
Hey Monique
I remember you. Thanks for following up. I live in the north bay now but still love Folsom. I am glad you are sharing the book!
good day SGT Volkin, im jayland cayanan from philippines i want to be a US soldier also but im already 26 yrs old,and if ill go to america thats my first time..so how? im not yet a citizen of your country? pls me for this what im gonna do? what is the requirements for this sir?
Jayland,
The first step is to become a US Citizen or legal resident, after that you must be prepared to pass the ASVAB test (entrance exam). Provided that you meet all physical and background requirements, you can enlist. It won’t be an easy journey but with perseverance you will one day wear the uniform of an American Soldier! Thank you for your willingness to serve and good luck on your journey.
Respectfully,
Staff Sergeant B
IGuardCalifornia.com
I actually enlisted and was sent to reception August 13th 2001 and my first day was september 11th 2001. It was a crazy day. We got off the bus early that morning right before it happened, got into formation and then all the Drill seargents went into the mess hall and when they came out it was pure hell. Drill seargent jones was telling us the twin towers had just been hit and when we where assigned barracks they said the pentagon had been hit. I didnt beleive a word of it. I thought it was a game to intimidate us. I didnt find out for sure until two weeks later when I was able to call home for 10 minutes. I was so scared and I’m not ashamed to say it. Just getting out of highschool and being their on that day was a little to much to grasp. I tattued “basic sep 11th” on my arm so I know that wherever I am in life I know I was there and that nothing in my life has been as difficult as that moment or as challenging.
I was wondering how often will you be able to use Facebook? Also if you are allowed to use Skye? In the army do you ever get any days off or no?
Facebook: never
Skype: never
Days off: no
My son is going in the army 3/12. After basic he will be going to MP School. Where can I get your Ultimate Basic Training guide book?