Before basic training, before going to your assigned place of duty, you should definitely try and learn as much as possible about it. This will not only help prepare you mentally and physically but will also help you stand out among your peers. You want to be the best of the best in basic training, in everything. People may tell you that you do not want to stand out in Basic Training, but that all depends on WHY you’re standing out. If you are prepared, and stand out as a confident soldier, your basic training experience will be great.
How to prepare before basic training
There are two things you should focus on before basic training. The first is physical fitness. Whether you’re overweight, underweight, or just right, you need to get used to running. Not far, not long, but you must start running NOW. Why? Because you will run everywhere in basic training. Read our “Army Physical Fitness” section to learn more on what the Army requires as far as fitness goes, and how you can improve.
The second thing you should focus on before basic training is knowledge. Things such as Army Ranks, Army Jobs, Army Core Values, etc. These are all things you want to know before basic training. It will benefit you beforehand by helping you get promoted (through your recruiter), and also will benefit you in the Army because this knowledge is used EVERYWHERE.
Army Future Soldiers Handbook
We HIGHLY recommend reading the Army Future Soldiers Handbook. This book is filled with a ton of information about basic training, AIT, Army customs and courtesies, and other need-to-know information. Upon arriving at your basic training location, they will most likely hand you a similar book to the one we just linked you to. Be one step ahead and learn everything you can before basic training.
