5 answers
Aiden
Student
Elyria, Ohio
2
Questions
Asked
231 views
How hard is it to finish basic training?
Im looking to start basic training right after graduation and I wanna know how hard it really is from a first hand source.
Login to comment
5 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1664
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Aiden,
It's probably harder to start basic than it is to finish! After you get over that initial hurdle, you get more toned, more disciplined, more determined. . . . . . .the US Fighting Forces MUST be successful - quitting is not an option. So long as you are determined to finish what you start, you will succeed.
Will you spend nights awake wondering, "what did I get myself into?" No. You will be too tired from the day's activities to stay awake. :-)
If you want it, you can do it. Do the best you can to prepare in advance, you can find workout programs on-line, etc.
Good luck!!
It's probably harder to start basic than it is to finish! After you get over that initial hurdle, you get more toned, more disciplined, more determined. . . . . . .the US Fighting Forces MUST be successful - quitting is not an option. So long as you are determined to finish what you start, you will succeed.
Will you spend nights awake wondering, "what did I get myself into?" No. You will be too tired from the day's activities to stay awake. :-)
If you want it, you can do it. Do the best you can to prepare in advance, you can find workout programs on-line, etc.
Good luck!!
Joe Tulloch
Technical Consulting
5
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Embarking on Basic Military Training can indeed be a demanding journey, but it's designed to amplify your inherent abilities and foster an environment for swift growth and progress. With unwavering focus, dedication, and commitment, you'll discover that basic training can actually be an enjoyable experience. The most rewarding aspect of basic military training is the companionship you'll find in your fellow recruits - your battle buddies. They'll be there for you to rely on when times get tough, fostering a sense of unity, enhancing teamwork, and promoting mutual respect.
When you cross that finish line, you'll be filled with a sense of achievement, fully equipped and ready to conquer new challenges!
When you cross that finish line, you'll be filled with a sense of achievement, fully equipped and ready to conquer new challenges!
Jacob Sandage
Correctional Specialist
13
Answers
Camp Pendleton North, California
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Speaking candidly and with purpose, I completed my Recruit training on November 3rd, 2023, which wasn't too long ago. Let me assure you, failure is nearly impossible. You're surrounded by Recruits to your left and right, all experiencing the same challenges as you are. It's true that some recruits struggle when they receive letters from home, feeling a sense of despair when they learn their significant other has left them or betrayed their trust. But remember, everyone has their off days, and everyone is there to support you when you stumble. Because when you're thrust into the fiery depths of hardship, you'll appreciate the hand that pulls you out. And trust me, there's no greater joy in the world than the day you graduate. As you march on the parade deck, the cheers of the crowd celebrating your success is a feeling few can comprehend, because only a select few can claim to be part of the esteemed group that is the few and the proud.
Here's a tip: attend church on Sundays. It provides a break for your Drill Instructors from their duties, reducing the chances of them giving you an unforgettable experience... speaking from personal experience.
MEPS
Parris Island/San Diego
Chow to chow, Church to church
Be the marine you strive to be
Semper Fi~
Here's a tip: attend church on Sundays. It provides a break for your Drill Instructors from their duties, reducing the chances of them giving you an unforgettable experience... speaking from personal experience.
Jacob recommends the following next steps:
Ezra Jackson
Security
58
Answers
Havana, Cuba
Updated
Ezra’s Answer
Hello,
Basic training by concept is the easiest thing you will do during your time in the military because you are told what to do every second of the day. It can be mentally exhausting but easy to find motivation from the people around you and thinking about the finish line. Being in good physical shape is definitely something you want as you enter training or else it will be worked into you. Everyday wake up and try your best, it always gets better.
Basic training by concept is the easiest thing you will do during your time in the military because you are told what to do every second of the day. It can be mentally exhausting but easy to find motivation from the people around you and thinking about the finish line. Being in good physical shape is definitely something you want as you enter training or else it will be worked into you. Everyday wake up and try your best, it always gets better.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
561
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
As a proud Army Desert Storm Vet, I can tell you that going through basic military training can be tough and demanding, but it's also an incredibly rewarding and life-changing adventure. How tough it gets can depend on a lot of things like which part of the military you're in, the specific training program, your physical fitness, mental strength, and how well you can adapt to a structured and disciplined lifestyle.
Speaking from my own experience, during basic training, you'll face the same physical and mental hurdles that all other recruits go through. The whole idea of basic training is to push you out of your comfort zone, both physically and mentally. This is to help you build confidence, resilience, and teamwork skills. You'll do a lot of physical training, like running, calisthenics, and obstacle courses, to build your strength, endurance, and overall fitness. Plus, you'll learn military drills, tactics, and procedures, as well as important skills like marksmanship, first aid, and survival techniques.
But it's not just about the physical challenges. Basic training also tests your mental strength and adaptability. One of the biggest things I gained from it was discipline. You'll be in a very structured and disciplined environment, with strict rules, regulations, and schedules to follow. You'll need to learn how to respond to commands quickly and effectively, work as part of a team, and perform under pressure. You might also have to deal with sleep deprivation, long hours of training, and harsh weather conditions, which can all add to the intensity of the experience.
Even with all these challenges, many recruits find basic training to be a life-changing and empowering experience. It teaches you valuable life skills like discipline, time management, leadership, and resilience, which can help you not just in your military career, but also in life outside the military. Basic training also helps you build camaraderie and team spirit with your fellow recruits, as you bond over shared experiences and work together to overcome challenges.
Yes, basic training is tough, but recruits who approach it with a positive mindset, determination, and a willingness to learn and grow are more likely to succeed. You need to be mentally and physically ready for the challenges ahead, listen to instructions from your drill instructors and mentors, and support and encourage your fellow recruits along the way. With dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence, completing basic training can be a major milestone and the first step towards a successful military career.
Speaking from my own experience, during basic training, you'll face the same physical and mental hurdles that all other recruits go through. The whole idea of basic training is to push you out of your comfort zone, both physically and mentally. This is to help you build confidence, resilience, and teamwork skills. You'll do a lot of physical training, like running, calisthenics, and obstacle courses, to build your strength, endurance, and overall fitness. Plus, you'll learn military drills, tactics, and procedures, as well as important skills like marksmanship, first aid, and survival techniques.
But it's not just about the physical challenges. Basic training also tests your mental strength and adaptability. One of the biggest things I gained from it was discipline. You'll be in a very structured and disciplined environment, with strict rules, regulations, and schedules to follow. You'll need to learn how to respond to commands quickly and effectively, work as part of a team, and perform under pressure. You might also have to deal with sleep deprivation, long hours of training, and harsh weather conditions, which can all add to the intensity of the experience.
Even with all these challenges, many recruits find basic training to be a life-changing and empowering experience. It teaches you valuable life skills like discipline, time management, leadership, and resilience, which can help you not just in your military career, but also in life outside the military. Basic training also helps you build camaraderie and team spirit with your fellow recruits, as you bond over shared experiences and work together to overcome challenges.
Yes, basic training is tough, but recruits who approach it with a positive mindset, determination, and a willingness to learn and grow are more likely to succeed. You need to be mentally and physically ready for the challenges ahead, listen to instructions from your drill instructors and mentors, and support and encourage your fellow recruits along the way. With dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence, completing basic training can be a major milestone and the first step towards a successful military career.