Are you allowed to bring a camera to basic training?

A recruit going to military basic training e-mailed me and asked “Are you allowed to bring a camera to basic training?”

The short answer is no. However, you will have a historian will be following you around everywhere and photographing you doing military fitness, getting yelled at by drill sergeants and all the other neat experiences you were promised when you decided joining the military was for you.

When I went through army basic training the historian assigned to us was everywhere he should have been. He knew where he was supposed to be and he knew when the exciting army training was about to take place.  The historian knew when the army fitness regimines where about to reach the breaking point for recruits and we would have that dumb and exhausted looks on our faces.  And if your going through USMC training the same applies for you.

At the end of boot camp, the historian will sell you a CD of pictures and videos for a few bucks. Even if it doesn’t sound appealing to purchase it, be sure to get a copy, you will want the memories.
SGT Michael Volkin is the author of The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook: Tips, Tricks, and Tactics for Boot Camp Survival www.UltimateBasicTraining.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Basic Training

I just recieved another email regarding this question and I thought I would address this via a blog.

“Hey Sergeant Volkin, I was just wondering if A.I.T. is anything like Basic Training.”

Thank you Nick for your question.  AIT, which stands for Advanced Individual Training in the Army is similar but not the same as basic training. To reduce confusion, Air Force boot camp does not use the acronym AIT (I have recieved this same question from Air Force recruits).

Once you have a fantastic time surviving boot camp, you then have to make it through AIT. The Army basic training schedule gets a bit easier in AIT, but not much. Your standards are higher for your Army basic training workouts as your drill sergeants expect more from you. Your military fitness demands are higher, but then again, you are in better shape, so it seems easier. The Army fitness standards are tougher, you now have to surpass the 60% mark for all fitness test, but yet again, you are in better shape, so it seems easier.
I wouldnt worry too much about the Army physical fitness program in AIT, the standard are tougher but you should be in much better shape by the time you finish basic training, so your fitness should’nt be an issue.

SGT Michael Volkin is the author of The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook: Tips, Tricks, and Tactics for Boot Camp Survival http://www.UltimateBasicTraining.com

Surviving boot camp is all about the mental aspect of basic training, not the physical aspect. Don’t worry so much about Army fitness (or military fitness in general). The Army fitness standards are easy to surpass if you follow chapter 2 of The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook. The Army physical fitness program simply uses multiple repetitions and endurance to test your physical fitness levels. Your body can easily adapt to these types of movements and this, requires little preparation on your part (8 weeks). Once you have trained for 8-weeks with the Army basic training workout explained in chapter 2, the Army basic training schedule should be a piece of cake (fitness wise). Even though I am referring to the Army here, the military fitness program explained in chapter 2 works with any branch of the military, even Air Force boot camp.

So, in order to survive boot camp, it is critical that you prepare properly. When I say prepare, I mean mentally and physically. Mentally, you just shouldn’t leave for boot camp without knowing what your getting into. Physically, your body has to be fit (military fit, not civilian fit).

Small advantages you can give yourself before you leave for boot camp, can give you big advantages once you there.

SGT Michael Volkin is the author of The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook: Tips, Tricks, and Tactics for Boot Camp Survival http://www.UltimateBasicTraining.com

Apparently there are many of you who fear the rumors you have heard regarding getting physically abused at basic training are true.  After you watch those movies about basic training and hear those rumors about physical abuse, there is no wonder that you have this fear.  This article intends to address the facts about the current military policy on physical abuse toward recruits at basic training.

Drill Sergeants complete an intensive training school before they ever meet you, the recruit. During this school they are taught how to properly train a recruit to become a part of the greatest fighting force in the world.  During this training, Drill Sergeants are taught before they go anywhere during basic training, they need to have a battle buddy with them.  Their battle buddy acts not only as an aid to complete any given task, but also as an eye witness to any accusation of mistreatment that may occur.  “Well” you state “the two Drill Sergeants can just physically abuse someone and get together and come up with a lie about the situation”.  When a situation comes to the point where it must be investigated, that prior statement would not work out.  Rarely, if ever, are you alone at basic training, another recruit will be there to witness the situation.  In fact, before a Drill Sergeant can even make a correction to a recruit’s uniform, they have to tell the soldier they are approaching them to do such a task.

Yes, there are stories in the media that appear every so often where Drill Sergeants have physically abused recruits.  Drill Sergeants are not suppose to physically abuse recruits, much like civilians aren’t allowed to murder each other, but it happens.  When a situation like this arises, it is investigated by the proper authorities.  Given the number of troops being cycled through basic training, the valid number of cases of physical abuse toward recruits you actually hear about is amazingly low.  The rest of the cases are just fabricated and exaggerated stories by recruits that have been proven to hold little validity.

When you arrive at basic training, you are taught from the first day of reception what to do if you are abused, or witness someone being abused, by a Drill Sergeant.  Upon any situation of physical abuse, go straight to your Company 1SG, Chaplain, Company Commander or Equal Opportunity representative.  After reception, you will go to your training unit, where you will get the same briefing again.

I hope this article cleared up some of the misconceptions about physical abuse at basic training.

SGT Michael Volkin is the author of The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook, and the Ultimate Interactive Basic Training Workbook available at www.UltimateBasicTraining.com . Get it now ON SALE.

How Tough is the ASVAB

So, your going to military basic training and your worried about your smarts? I get this question a lot, but just yesterday a recruit going to army basic training asked me “How Tough is the ASVAB”.

The ASVAB is the same for USMC Training, army training, navy training, and air force training (even Coast Guard). For those of you who don’t know what it is, the ASVAB is a written test.  It has nothing to do with military fitness or meeting drill sergeants.  The ASVAB is written at a 7th grade a level, so if you did well in 7th grade, you’ll do fine on the ASVAB.  If your worried about the test, military.com and other sites offer practice tests you can take online. If I were you, if your joining the military, I would worry more about Army fitness.

In all honesty though, do a quick search online for ASVAB practice tests, the resources you will find will be more than enough to properly prepare for the ASVAB

SGT Michael Volkin is the author of The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook: Tips, Tricks, and Tactics for Boot Camp Survival <a href=”http://www.UltimateBasicTraining.com”>Ultimate Basic Training

So, you decided joining the military is what you want to do, congrats! Are you ready for army basic training? Do you have what it takes to surpass army fitness standards? If you are not joining the Army, do you have what it takes to pass military fitness standards? Military basic training is tougher than the recruiter might make it sound.

Drill sergeants are not there to be your friends, so if you’re not prepared for the grueling fitness regime you will encounter, you will be adding stress to an already stressful situation. Your Army training will be 9 weeks long with the one week for MEPS. That might seem like a short amount of time, but it isnt. You want to make it as easy as possible for you. Be sure to properly prepare yourself for boot camp! Make it easy on yourself and your drill instructors, especially if your going to USMC training.

To prepare your body for military fitness, you should begin to replicate the actual excercises you will do at basic training. Don’t go to the gym to lift weights, yes that will make you stronger, however, it is much better to prepare your muscle to memory retention. Everytime you do a push up for example, your body remembers that movement and can replicate it better and better each time through a process called muscle to memory retention. This can be much more beneficial to you as you will not have a weight room in basic training.

SGT Michael Volkin is the author of The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook: Tips, Tricks, and Tactics for Boot Camp Survival UltimateBasicTraining.com

Women have come a long way in the military. Don’t be fooled guys; women have it as tough as you in basic training. They do not get special treatment. Genetically, males are built stronger than females, yet females are expected to perform to the male’s physical ability in day-to-day tasks at boot camp. Furthermore, male and female living quarters are separate in basic training. When a drill sergeant appoints a male platoon guide, that platoon guide receives information from the drill sergeant and then passes it on to other recruits. If females are in their separate living quarters at the time, they miss out on important details (such as formation times).

Here are some tips that females should take to heart when preparing for basic training (males may benefit from these tips too):

Bring enough undergarments to last you about a week; having time to do laundry is scarce.

If you want to have a short haircut, go to a salon before you leave. I’m betting the salon at your basic training station won’t give you the same care as your regular salon at home. I have seen females try to fix their hair with sewing scissors at basic training because they were so unsatisfied with their haircut.

Female recruits tend to arrive at basic training with more pieces of luggage than male recruits. I recommend you leave all the extra items at home. At the Reception Center (the place you stay before you begin basic training) your luggage will be screened for contraband (e.g. weapons, magazines, etc). Even if you pack items you think you need, they may get confiscated. For a list of what to bring and what not to bring to basic training, consult The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook.

Last but not least, work on developing upper body strength before you arrive at basic training. Some of the fastest runners in my platoon were female recruits, but when it came time to do push ups, often it was the females that struggled the most.   

SGT Michael Volkin is the author of several military books, the most popular being The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook: Tips, Tricks, and Tactics for Boot Camp Survival

The Top 5 Secret Items to Bring with You to Basic Training

Before leaving for boot camp, you will be confused about what to bring with you and what to leave at home. In fact, recruits e-mail me asking this question more than any other. Therefore, I have assembled the top 5 items you don’t want to leave for basic training without.

Top 5 Secret Items to Bring with You to Basic Training:

5) Foot Powder
Your feet will be spending a lot of time in combat boots. During that time, they will be very susceptible to fungus, blisters and other uncomfortable foot problems. Using foot powder will reduce your chances of obtaining these symptoms. However, no matter how much foot powder you use, if you make it through basic training without getting a blister, I would be very surprised.

4) Cheap Watch
I have heard that some recruits aren’t allowed to wear watches and some are. I suppose the choice is up to your drill sergeant. In either case, be sure to bring an inexpensive plain black digital watch. A digital watch is always nice to have when you are running and they also make great personal alarm clocks. I find that waking up at 4:00 am on your own is a bit difficult. Of course you should also bring a watch that tells military time.

3) Combo Locks
In boot camp you are going to get a wall or foot locker. You need to always make sure that locker is secure because you are responsible for each item inside. Having a lock with a key is just another item to have to keep track of. Therefore, get a combo lock and remember if your not getting an item out of your locker, it should always be locked.

2) Phone Cards
Of course bringing phone cards to basic training is a necessity, but here is a little tip: test out the phone cards before you leave. The card where the operator talks the least is the one you need to buy (regardless of the cost). You will get a limited amount of time to talk on the phone; you don’t want to waste that time with an operator giving you instructions on how to dial a phone number.

1) Black Marker
If you could only bring one item to boot camp, this should be it. No, you don’t need a marker to draw mustaches on your fellow recruits when they sleep. You need a marker to initial and label everything you own. Having a marker with you will ensure that nothing you own accidentally turns up missing. You will also make a few friends because recruits who did not bring a marker with them will want to borrow yours. As I mention in my book several times, you can never have too many friends at basic training.

SGT Michael Volkin is the author of The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook: Tips, Tricks and Tactics for Surviving Boot Camp, available at www.UltimateBasicTraining.com

Arm yourself with knowledge before you leave for basic training.  Much of what you learn in basic training can be mastered at home before you even see a Drill Sergeant.  To give yourself a major advantage before you depart for basic training, it is imperative that you start thinking and acting like a soldier.

What You Need to Do

First, start exercising early in the morning.  In basic training, your organized physical training sessions will be conducted in the mornings, before breakfast. Therefore, a couple weeks before you start basic training make it a habit to get up at 4:30 AM. Don’t just get up and watch television – get up and follow a workout program. The workout program should be geared toward the exercises you will do in basic training, such as the one designed in The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook. I want to emphasize what a tremendous advantage you will have at basic training if you arrive in shape.  Now if you are one of those fitness gurus, don’t be fooled.  Military fit is different than civilian fit.  Being able to bench press 300 pounds isn’t going to get you far in basic training.  So if you adopt a workout program before basic training, make sure the exercises you are doing compliment your future basic training workouts.

Quit the Habits

Also, stop munching on snacks such as chips and cookies. During basic training, there is no snacking. By training your body early to stop snacking, you will help reduce your hunger urges in basic training. If you smoke, or use chewing tobacco, I recommend you begin a program to quit immediately. There will be no tobacco products allowed at basic training. It is better to develop a plan to quit on your own terms, rather than the Army’s terms. Too many recruits come to basic training and experience a variety of withdrawal symptoms. This makes the already tough nine weeks of basic training unnecessarily tougher for you.

Feed the Need

Give your body what it craves after a good workout.  From a nutrition standpoint, put down those Raman noodles™ and bologna sandwiches. Instead cook yourself beef, chicken, fish, and pasta dishes. Your body will appreciate the consumption of healthier foods and this nourishment will compliment your workout program.  Be sure to get a healthy dose of vegetables, fruits, protein and carbohydrates.  Yes, I said carbohydrates.  Carbohydrates get a bad rap now-a-days, but they could be just what your body craves when you undergo intensive physical exercise.  Carbohydrates fuel your system and energize your body.

Consider the Time Zones

During basic training you will rarely get eight hours of sleep, five to seven hours will be normal.  Train your body to go to bed at about 9 PM. This way, when you get to basic training, you won’t be lying in bed awake trying to adjust to a new schedule. Also, consider the time zone where your basic training will be conducted. If you are on the West coast and your basic training is on the East coast, there is a three-hour time difference. Training yourself to go to bed at 9 PM Eastern Time means going to bed at 6 PM on the West coast.  Likewise, waking up at 4:30 AM Eastern Time means waking up at 1:30 AM Pacific Time. Everyone is different, but it generally takes 4-7 days to adjust to a new sleep schedule.

Don’t Be Fooled

Millions of soldiers have already completed basic training.  Don’t be discouraged, or even encouraged by one person’s opinions about basic training.  Bottom line-basic training is challenging, but with proper preparation your nine weeks could be a lot easier.  To properly prepare for basic training you should be educated on exactly what your training schedule will entail.  I cannot express to you in words how such a small amount of preparation will give you an enormous edge in basic training.

SGT Michael Volkin is the author of The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook: Tips, Tricks, and Tactics for Boot Camp Survival

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 The gas chamber is probably the most mentally challenging exercise you will have to overcome at army basic training.  Recruits have to breathe Ortho-chlorbenzylidenedimalonitrile. Wow, that sounds scary. Actually, it is just the active substance of CS gas. You might recognize the name better as the common riot control formula called tear gas. Now, the bad news is yes, you will have to go into an isolated room and breathe this gas in your lungs and it does sting a little bit. The good news is as soon as you walk outside, the exercise is over. The CS gas leaves your system quickly and any pain you are feeling dissipates within seconds. In fact, the most painful aspect of this exercise is the anticipation of the exercise itself.

I am often asked why this exercise is even necessary. Some would say that Drill Sergeants are jerks and like to torture recruits, others would say the gas chamber is necessary because you need to train your body to get used to the CS gas. Neither of those explanations are true. The real reason all recruits must go through the gas chamber is you need confidence in your chemical gear. If you are not confident your chemical gear will work, then you will not be confident in combat if chemical or biological warfare should occur.

The following is a brief explanation on how you will most likely experience the gas chamber. You will walk in the gas filled room with a dozen other recruits with your face mask on. You will notice instantly that your chemical gear works. Then you will have to take off your mask and sing a portion of the Star Spangled Banner (or other similar song) and breathe the gas. The best advice I can give you at this point is to not hold your breath. If a drill instructor sees you holding your breath or lip-syncing the words to the Star Spangled Banner, you will have to do the entire exercise again. Not to mention the other recruits that are in the room with you will be waiting for you to finish. I am sure they want to get out of the gas chamber as much as you do. Plus, you need all the friends you can get at basic training.  After the exercise the gas will dissipate out of your system very quickly and the whole incident will be a memory.