Fort Jackson, SC. (All things related)

[Mr_Loki]

This sticky is for all things related to Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

Discuss when you're leaving or what you experienced, etc.

Absolutely no discussion of other Forts. Use the other stickies. Do not bash Fort Jackson or anyone that is going or graduating. No one cares which is harder or why it's harder, just keep it to the above curriculum. Hold yourself in a professional manner while in here.

[joshua1991]

Leavin June 4th

AZ :D HOOAH!!

[Coach Reynolds]

Heading to Jackson May 14th!

[CRowland]

I will be there a couple of days before you coach. I have been curious what people thought of BCT at Fort Jackson. I will find out in about a month.

[carrieb23]

I leave August 12 and, man, it's going to hot.

[fmmetermover]

I ship June 16!

[texasbaby08]

I leave April 28th!! It came so fast.

[wibadger10]

Hey all! I just graduated from Fort Jackson today! I leave for AIT at Fort Lee tomorrow. Basic wasn't too bad. It's actually pretty easy if you apply yourself, listen to directions, and aren't being stupid. lol. Let me know if you have questions, and I'll answer them when I can. :)

[SteveGuard]

I leave for Jackson April 22nd.

I enlisted last May. Been waiting long time to go :).

[Jennimo09]

I leave August 12 and, man, it's going to hot.

I leave August 12 as well!

[carrieb23]

I leave August 12 as well!
Right on! I'd say maybe we'll run into each other but I'm sure that place is huge. Seems very doubtful. But good luck anyway! Let's keep ourselves hydrated.

[Jennimo09]

Right on! I'd say maybe we'll run into each other but I'm sure that place is huge. Seems very doubtful. But good luck anyway! Let's keep ourselves hydrated.

I'll come with a sign that has your name on it and hold it in front of the bus like limo drivers do at the airport. Think they'd mind that much? hahahaha

[aSoldierAndaLady]

Hey all! I just graduated from Fort Jackson today! I leave for AIT at Fort Lee tomorrow. Basic wasn't too bad. It's actually pretty easy if you apply yourself, listen to directions, and aren't being stupid. lol. Let me know if you have questions, and I'll answer them when I can. :)

I thnk you were in my RSP unit... What Company were you in? I graduated Bravo 2/13 last Friday....

[Phantom]

aSoldierandALady!!! Welcome back!! I see you made it through, didnt you go through with your daughter?? Good Job, you did it!!!

[carrieb23]

I'll come with a sign that has your name on it and hold it in front of the bus like limo drivers do at the airport. Think they'd mind that much? hahahaha
Unfortunately I'll be easily recognizable. I'm thinking I'll be the last of the upper 30's crowd since I enlisted the Friday before they lowered the age limit.

[Formula588]

Leaving May 18th. Cant wait to get my Guard career started!

[Zachl]

Leaving for ft jackson april 8th. Anyone going around that time?

[ajblack]

I leave sept. 1st

[EMILinator]

This should go in the sticky thread above that says "Fort Jackson (All Things Related).

[CombatRdy]

i leave may 6th :D cant wait i asked them to move it closer but they said they dont know since its already close but they will try there suppose to call me this week :D hopefully i get to go early im tired of waiting lol i live like 10 mins away frm Fort Jackson i wonder if i walk to reception would i get in trouble

[dancersoldier]

i graduated from fort jackson on august 15, 2008.
Alpha 3/34!

[knave]

I'm leaving may 11th.

I'm the other old guy...

[mwines]

I leave in May, on the 20th, basic starts on the 26th...

Doing the 09S - looking forward to it!

[fmmetermover]

"I'm the other old guy..."

Seems to be quite a few of us, I will have just turned 35 when I ship..

[knave]

Seems to be quite a few of us, I will have just turned 35 when I ship..

Likewise. I turn the big 35 this Sat. We get to be almost double the age of some of the recrutes. LOL
Your enlist date is the same as mine. 20090326.

Mwines, I'm also O9S. After I ship, basic is scheduled to start on the 18th.
Which OCS program are you looking at? And what Branch?

[Formula588]

Likewise. I turn the big 35 this Sat. We get to be almost double the age of some of the recrutes. LOL
Your enlist date is the same as mine. 20090326.

Mwines, I'm also O9S. After I ship, basic is scheduled to start on the 18th.
Which OCS program are you looking at? And what Branch?

Another old guy here, 38. 09S as well. Looking at MP or MI.

[TradyMagrady]

Leaving for ft jackson april 8th. Anyone going around that time?

Good luck tomorrow!

Edit: Good luck for the next 2 months, not just tomorrow! Stay Strong! Army Strong. HOOAH!

[frequentobserver]

I ship on May12 and I am nervous as ever, not for the training, but for the fact that I will be leaving my little boy behind for almost 5 months.. That is going to be the hardest part for me. At the same time, he is my motivation to get through it.

[mwines]

Seems as though I am one of the younger 09S's - I am only 20.

I am doing the traditional state OCS, so 16 months or so for me. Aiming for Infantry.

I have a para/line for a unit at the moment, its just whether or not the state in fact chooses me for the infantry branch and accepts the para/line I currently have. From a couple people from my state have said, they rarely go against what you have requested, so I am being very hopeful.

[SeanAL123]

i graduated from b 2/60th at jackson in december and am in ait at arizona right now...all i can say guys is just have fun and keep yourselves squared away...the hardest part is not the ds's and the training but the certain people in your platoon that always seem to bring everyone down...just stay motivated and do the right thing...volunteer for every detail that you can it makes the day go by quicker....you'll be fine...

good luck!!!!

[SWilson83]

ill be shipping for fort jack on may 12

[scjohnny]

I did MEPS at Ft. Jackson back in 1992.

(Or about 100 years ago for some of you young bucks!!:( ...)


Great city if you get a chance to get out and see it.

And home of THE University of South Carolina FIGHTING Gamecocks!!!

[CombatRdy]

I did MEPS at Ft. Jackson back in 1992.

(Or about 100 years ago for some of you young bucks!!:( ...)


Great city if you get a chance to get out and see it.

And home of THE University of South Carolina FIGHTING Gamecocks!!!

yea our cocks do fight alot <_< that didnt come out right lol but yea its a great city :D check out 5 points if you get the chance

[joshua1991]

is anyone leaving in the first week of june?

[biohazard53188]

Leaving on April 20th and start the 27th. One more week for me.:rolleyes:

[GIReserve59]

I am leaving for Fort Jackson May 13th, can't believe it will be here before I know it and can't wait to get started already... definitely enjoying as much down time as possible and nice long showers before I go!

[SteveGuard]

Leaving on April 20th and start the 27th. One more week for me.:rolleyes:

I leave on the 22nd, but start the same day. I might see you there.

I'll be the guy on my face.

[CRowland]

It is nice to see when everyone is going but the ones who have been need to tell us how it was and what is was about. I have been reading this forum and I am as ready as I will get. But for the newer people, they need to see and read what Fort Jackson will be about.
That's my thoughts. Thanks everyone. I will be able to give my thoughts in a few months.

[SeanAL123]

It is nice to see when everyone is going but the ones who have been need to tell us how it was and what is was about. I have been reading this forum and I am as ready as I will get. But for the newer people, they need to see and read what Fort Jackson will be about.
That's my thoughts. Thanks everyone. I will be able to give my thoughts in a few months.

my experience at ft. jackson was a good one....depending on what company and platoon you are in and what drill sergeants you have your experience will differ, but, you will probably be bored a lot and find yourself waiting...FOR EVERYTHING. reception *****, its the worst part of basic IMHO. you sit in lines all day long with limited sleep. Your drill sergeants don't smoke you at reception so they will do other things to get at you verbally and what not. All you have to remember is they are doing it to weed out the people that are going to have problems. Just do what you are told and always move with a purpose. Basic will begin with basic soldiering skills and classes. DO NOT fall asleep in class. Don't do anything to draw attention to yourself and you will be fine. On the other hand, you are all in the national guard i assume and might have been to a few drills at least. Use this to your advantage and the drill sergeants will recognize that you are squared away and doing what you are supposed to be.
Most importantly, just stay motivated. For a lot of people, it is their first time away from home and family, and the limited sleep gets to a lot of people. Eat right, work out on your own time if you can, and write letters to loved ones. As long as you stay motivated and keep yourself squared away, you will have no problems. Basic is easy as long as you do whats right even when the ds's are not looking, and before you know it, you will be walking across that parade field with the best feeling you have ever had. Good luck and congratulations on the decision to serve your country!!!!

[will21190]

I'll be there july 28th

[kameo1010]

I'm a July 28ther too!

[biohazard53188]

I'll be the guy on my face.

Am I missing something here? :confused:

[Formula588]

work out on your own time if you can,

When do you have time to work out?

How long were you in reception?

[wibadger10]

I thnk you were in my RSP unit... What Company were you in? I graduated Bravo 2/13 last Friday....

I was... I was in Alpha 1/34. Sorry it took me so long to respond. I just got a wireless internet connection here at AIT. lol. Where is your AIT?

[aSoldierAndaLady]

I was... I was in Alpha 1/34. Sorry it took me so long to respond. I just got a wireless internet connection here at AIT. lol. Where is your AIT?

I am at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio TX until August 28th. My MOS is 68X (Mental Health Specialist). I don't know if you ever met my daughter before we shipped. She was drilling with me at Camp Douglas. We graduated basic together and she is currently at Ft Lee for another 5 weeks then she will be back home. Where are you for AIT?

[dorque]

is anyone leaving in the first week of june?
I'm leaving June 9. I am not young or old. I look forward to meeting some of you "old" guys. It will keep me from feeling like some kind of den mother. LoL. I will be 28. I'm a 68W, and if all goes well this weekend and I pass my PT test, I will be PFC Hall. :D

[SeanAL123]

When do you have time to work out?

How long were you in reception?

I was in reception for 8 days...some may stay longer, and some people may be there the minimum which is 4 i think (correct me if I am wrong).

You will find time. For me, it was at night because you will usually get an hour of personal hygiene if training schedule permits (the first couple of weeks we only got ten minutes...you gradually get more time as you go along), and you will have all day Sunday unless you are training which is rare. As you get further into basic, you will be allowed to go to the track or PT Field in battle buddy teams on your own to work out during Personal Time and on Sundays if your drill seargeants are nice.

[biohazard53188]

Leaving tomorrow, I'll post about my experience when I get to AIT.

[joshua1991]

I'm leaving June 9. I am not young or old. I look forward to meeting some of you "old" guys. It will keep me from feeling like some kind of den mother. LoL. I will be 28. I'm a 68W, and if all goes well this weekend and I pass my PT test, I will be PFC Hall. :D

Ill keep my eye open PFC Hall. Iam PVT Garcia.

[SteveGuard]

I leave tmrw morning at 5:00 AM for Fort Jackson. I enlisted in May of last year, and look forward to meeting all of my fellow trainee's who are leaving on/around this date.

Today, its time to indulge in something I haven't done in about 5 years:

A Big Mac.

Long as McDonalds special sauce doesn't pop on the **** test, I am ready to go :).

[wibadger10]

I am at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio TX until August 28th. My MOS is 68X (Mental Health Specialist). I don't know if you ever met my daughter before we shipped. She was drilling with me at Camp Douglas. We graduated basic together and she is currently at Ft Lee for another 5 weeks then she will be back home. Where are you for AIT?

I am also at Fort Lee training as a 92F (Petroleum Supply Specialist). It's pretty chill so far, and I still have about 8 weeks to go before I'm back in Wisconsin.

[Formula588]

So what do you definitely need to bring with you and what should you just wait to buy at the PX?

[SeanAL123]

to all of you about to head to BCT:

good luck and thank you for your decision to serve your country...

i never thought i would make it as far as i did..
i leave today for ten days in the field and im done with the 35m ait..

this just proves that if you stay motivated and keep yourself squared away you can do it!

[SeanAL123]

So what do you definitely need to bring with you and what should you just wait to buy at the PX?

take a cheap watch, a change of clothes, and the bare essentials that you need for personal hygeine that you need on the way there and the few days before you go to the shoppette...

People complicate things. This is all i took and i had absolutely no problems. the people that brought a bunch of stuff were the ones getting picked on. When you do go to a store make sure you buy a good razor though. They will give you everything else you need.
Also, a lot of people bring the things that they think they will need in AIT such as electronics. Dont. Just have family bring them to graduation or have them mailed to you. Its usually not a problem, but you will find that there are a lot of people out there that will steal your stuff and there is also that possibility that something might get broken. Plus, the drill sergeants are going to look for anything that they can to pick on you, so bringing a 2000 dollar MacBook to Basic Training probably won't help you stay under the radar!!!

GOOD LUCK!

[Formula588]

the bare essentials that you need for personal hygeine

So basically, just shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap? Do you need to bring your own towel? How about shower shoes? Thanks for the heads up!

One other question, how many pushups and flutter kicks do you think you would do on an average day?

[kameo1010]

Do women get a chance to shave(legs, underarms)? Can we bring a razor or by one at the px?

[SeanAL123]

So basically, just shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap? Do you need to bring your own towel? How about shower shoes? Thanks for the heads up!

One other question, how many pushups and flutter kicks do you think you would do on an average day?

yes bring a towel or two....you will be able to buy everything you need within a couple days of getting to reception. make sure you have a razor too.

[texasbaby08]

what kind of towl? Plain white im guessing??

should i take a bunch of undies and regular socks???
like 5-8

[Formula588]

what kind of towl? Plain white im guessing??

should i take a bunch of undies and regular socks???
like 5-8


Fort Jacksons website says you need a brown towel.

http://www.jackson.army.mil/BCT/What_to_Expect.htm

[dorque]

Wait, I thought they issued/made us buy a towel one at the PX? I didn't think they let you use your own.

[texasbaby08]

Im headin out to San Antonio today then tomorrow morning headed to MEPS, then off to Ft. Jackson!!

[dorque]

I'm heading to Ft. Jackson on June 9. Getting excited (and nervous) but nervous only about all the running. Bleh. Then its to Ft. Sam Houston!

Hot, muggy, humidity and long sleeves all the time unless I'm running... here we go!

[Formula588]

Im leaving Monday, ready to roll!

[c5c5c5]

Greetings!

I ship to Ft Jackson July 13. I will also be one of the "older" ones at 35 years by the time I ship.

[California Major]

I was stationed at Ft. Jackson for two years from 90-92. Two things that caught my attention in the first 15 minutes after leaving the airport-

1. A billboard that said "GO COCKS" in letters so big they filled the board...Not being a sports fan in the least, I had no idea of the significance.

2. My taxi went past a "Piggly Wiggly" and I thought "Holy ****, Piggly Wiggly is REAL!" :eek: ...Yes, I thought it was a made-up name you only heard of in sitcoms and Driving Miss Daisy...

[kameo1010]

Question for the ladies. What are the showers like there? I'm just curious. Just want to be prepared incase it's a community-like setting or are there stalls?

30-year-old mom of 4, shipping 20090728

[DellNG117th]

I ship out to GED+ at Robinson on 20090718, when I'm done there then I ship out to Ft. Jackson 20090810.

I can't wait, yet I'm very nervous. Anyway thanks for all the info on the forums, It has been very helpfull. When I get back I'll be sure to post my experience there so I too can contribute.

[joshua1991]

LEAVING ON MONDAY. So stoked!!:D

[WIBecky74]

Question for the ladies. What are the showers like there? I'm just curious. Just want to be prepared incase it's a community-like setting or are there stalls?

30-year-old mom of 4, shipping 20090728

The unit I was in...open room, bunch of shower heads. Not sure if it varies from barracks to barracks.

[MichaelD09]

Fort Jackson on July 21

[wibadger10]

The unit I was in...open room, bunch of shower heads. Not sure if it varies from barracks to barracks.

In 1/34 the barracks were community showers with the shower heads separated by walls. Still community stalls, but with a little bit of privacy. lol

[WIBecky74]

Foxtrot 2/39. Trailer trash. lol Cycle or two before us they brought in these huge trailers for the summer surge, kept them in for awhile after surge, was there Sept '07. There was talk they were moving them out. Infact we had moved everything out of them before graduation. No dividers. I've spent alot of time the past two years with no privacy i'm almost used to it. Four months for IET, 2.5 months for extended ATs, two months at Bliss, and now. We have individual showers but there still isnt alot of privacy. I go home and dont ever shut the door anymore.

[beckstcw]

Hey guys, I graduated from Jackson 9 May 2009 so I thought I'd share some thoughts for the guys getting ready to go.

First off, you're gonna want to quit the first few days you get there, because you'll be in Reception. I can honestly say the only time I ever felt like going AWOL was the third day there. Reception will ****, but it ends eventually and you'll get over it. Barely.

When you actually get to training, you'll get smoked alot, but it isn't that bad once you realize that that's really all the have on you. The psychological impact of hearing "Half right, FACE" is alot worse than the actual smoking haha and besides, just like everything else, it ends eventually and you'll get over it.

You're actual experience will vary alot from company to company to platoon to platoon and even DS to DS. You're not going to have the same experiences because, for instance, C Co 1/13 is different from F Co 3/60 where I was. So any advice or insight I can give you is more of a general overview than an in-depth briefing.

You're gonna really learn how much you take for granted right now. I remember how excited we were when we got to White Phase and were allowed to buy the overpriced Gatorades from the vending machine in the company area haha it was like Christmas.

Keep up the positive attitude you have right now and you'll do fine. Just look at every day with the mindset of "Today I get to learn (insert whatever. First Aid, M16 marksmanship, Land Nav) while all my friends are at home eating Cheetos and porking fat chicks", as my DS used to say. I had the most fun of my (admittedly short) life at Basic, even when it ******.

Basically, you're gonna love it. (Even the gas chamber, hooah!)

P.S. I forgot to mention: The chocolate peanut butter that comes in the Roast Beef and Vegetable MRE is like heroin in prison. People will give anything for it, along with Skittles and M&Ms. You'll see.

[SeanAL123]

Hey guys, I graduated from Jackson 9 May 2009 so I thought I'd share some thoughts for the guys getting ready to go.

First off, you're gonna want to quit the first few days you get there, because you'll be in Reception. I can honestly say the only time I ever felt like going AWOL was the third day there. Reception will ****, but it ends eventually and you'll get over it. Barely.

When you actually get to training, you'll get smoked alot, but it isn't that bad once you realize that that's really all the have on you. The psychological impact of hearing "Half right, FACE" is alot worse than the actual smoking haha and besides, just like everything else, it ends eventually and you'll get over it.

You're actual experience will vary alot from company to company to platoon to platoon and even DS to DS. You're not going to have the same experiences because, for instance, C Co 1/13 is different from F Co 3/60 where I was. So any advice or insight I can give you is more of a general overview than an in-depth briefing.

You're gonna really learn how much you take for granted right now. I remember how excited we were when we got to White Phase and were allowed to buy the overpriced Gatorades from the vending machine in the company area haha it was like Christmas.

Keep up the positive attitude you have right now and you'll do fine. Just look at every day with the mindset of "Today I get to learn (insert whatever. First Aid, M16 marksmanship, Land Nav) while all my friends are at home eating Cheetos and porking fat chicks", as my DS used to say. I had the most fun of my (admittedly short) life at Basic, even when it ******.

Basically, you're gonna love it. (Even the gas chamber, hooah!)

P.S. I forgot to mention: The chocolate peanut butter that comes in the Roast Beef and Vegetable MRE is like heroin in prison. People will give anything for it, along with Skittles and M&Ms. You'll see.

haha....love that chocolate peanut butter!

[c5c5c5]

Hey guys, I graduated from Jackson 9 May 2009 so I thought I'd share some thoughts for the guys getting ready to go.

First off, you're gonna want to quit the first few days you get there, because you'll be in Reception. I can honestly say the only time I ever felt like going AWOL was the third day there. Reception will ****, but it ends eventually and you'll get over it. Barely.

When you actually get to training, you'll get smoked alot, but it isn't that bad once you realize that that's really all the have on you. The psychological impact of hearing "Half right, FACE" is alot worse than the actual smoking haha and besides, just like everything else, it ends eventually and you'll get over it.

You're actual experience will vary alot from company to company to platoon to platoon and even DS to DS. You're not going to have the same experiences because, for instance, C Co 1/13 is different from F Co 3/60 where I was. So any advice or insight I can give you is more of a general overview than an in-depth briefing.

You're gonna really learn how much you take for granted right now. I remember how excited we were when we got to White Phase and were allowed to buy the overpriced Gatorades from the vending machine in the company area haha it was like Christmas.

Keep up the positive attitude you have right now and you'll do fine. Just look at every day with the mindset of "Today I get to learn (insert whatever. First Aid, M16 marksmanship, Land Nav) while all my friends are at home eating Cheetos and porking fat chicks", as my DS used to say. I had the most fun of my (admittedly short) life at Basic, even when it ******.

Basically, you're gonna love it. (Even the gas chamber, hooah!)

P.S. I forgot to mention: The chocolate peanut butter that comes in the Roast Beef and Vegetable MRE is like heroin in prison. People will give anything for it, along with Skittles and M&Ms. You'll see.
Thanks for the insight. I am preparing to endure a lot of waiting in reception. It is a theme that Reception is probably the worst part of Basic.

[carrieb23]

Anyone here get their ship date changed? Mine only moved a day but I was thinking, Holy Cats, that's almost a whole week of reception. Seems kind of long. Does reception go through the weekend or just on the week days?


Getting nervous. The summer will go fast.

[qcomer]

Anyone here get their ship date changed? Mine only moved a day but I was thinking, Holy Cats, that's almost a whole week of reception. Seems kind of long. Does reception go through the weekend or just on the week days?


Getting nervous. The summer will go fast.

Reception personnel doesnt operate on weekends. They need time off ya know;) lol.

You will still be in reception, mostly cleaning and going through tiny drills though. Maybe some marching or formation drills.

[fmmetermover]

Shipping tomorrow, I will update if I can

[knave]

I just graduated last weekend from Alpha Co 2/39, here's a brief report.

The chow hall is not that bad, pretty repetative but not bad at all.

Each company will have different policies, I know that Bravo got to watch lots of movies on the weekends, and that Delta got to sleep in to 0700 on sundays, one or two of the companies got their cell phones on saturdays and /or sundays. Foxtrot had combatives practice every morning with their PT.

Alpha-Echo have the newest barracks, with big open bays, decent latrines and showers/laundry. Pretty new and clean. I was impressed. PT is done in the rubber pits or track although running can take place anywhere.

Training was fun, try not to miss anything. Avoid sick call...and do PT on your own!

[guard_girl]

Hey guys, I graduated from Jackson 9 May 2009 so I thought I'd share some thoughts for the guys getting ready to go.

First off, you're gonna want to quit the first few days you get there, because you'll be in Reception. I can honestly say the only time I ever felt like going AWOL was the third day there. Reception will ****, but it ends eventually and you'll get over it. Barely.

When you actually get to training, you'll get smoked alot, but it isn't that bad once you realize that that's really all the have on you. The psychological impact of hearing "Half right, FACE" is alot worse than the actual smoking haha and besides, just like everything else, it ends eventually and you'll get over it.

You're actual experience will vary alot from company to company to platoon to platoon and even DS to DS. You're not going to have the same experiences because, for instance, C Co 1/13 is different from F Co 3/60 where I was. So any advice or insight I can give you is more of a general overview than an in-depth briefing.

You're gonna really learn how much you take for granted right now. I remember how excited we were when we got to White Phase and were allowed to buy the overpriced Gatorades from the vending machine in the company area haha it was like Christmas.

Keep up the positive attitude you have right now and you'll do fine. Just look at every day with the mindset of "Today I get to learn (insert whatever. First Aid, M16 marksmanship, Land Nav) while all my friends are at home eating Cheetos and porking fat chicks", as my DS used to say. I had the most fun of my (admittedly short) life at Basic, even when it ******.

Basically, you're gonna love it. (Even the gas chamber, hooah!)

P.S. I forgot to mention: The chocolate peanut butter that comes in the Roast Beef and Vegetable MRE is like heroin in prison. People will give anything for it, along with Skittles and M&Ms. You'll see.

thanks for the advice thats some of the best advice ive seen on here i leave for basic 20090825 2 weeks and im excited:D

[LoneStarSoldier]

I graduated on the 21st of August, 2009. What beckstcw said pretty much hit the nail on the hammer. Those of you shipping soon will have to get used to a lot of heat and even mor humidity.

Get used to sweating A LOT. Even when you're not doing anything you'll be sweating, and your eyebrows will eventually fail and sweat will get into your eyes. Remember: attitude is everything. With the right mindset, you can do ANYTHING.

Before you go, encourage as many family and friends to write you as possible. Phone calls will be scarce, and every letter will help you stay motivated. Get used to not having your cell phone/iPod, drinking gatorades/sodas, or eating anything you want to for a long time. Even if you find yourself in a laid back easy Company, it's always better to hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

Pay attention and remember at all times where you are. BCT IS NOT summer camp, there are rules, and major consequences for breaking the rules. DONT EVER fall asleep on Fireguard, NEVER go ANYWHERE without your weapon, do what you are told to do.

In BCT you'll have assigned squad leaders and a PG in charge of the Platoon. You're either going to love or hate these people. Whichever one it is, don't make their job harder than it already is, even if they **** at it. Help them as much as you can (mainly just doing what you're told and doing the right thing) and don't give them any grief.

In BRM, listen very carefully to what you are told so that you, your battle buddies, and your Company Cadre don't get shot or killed. Remember that you're firing real weapons, with real rounds that ****. Be careful.

Always remember that whatever doesn't **** you makes you stronger. Getting smoked will ****, but eventually you'll get used to it. 50-60 other people are enduring it with you, tough it out and it will be far easier. Also, don't cheat yourself on PT. The PT is designed to help you pass the APFT with flying colors, but if you do crappy push-ups during morning PT and simply walk when you do Ability Group Runs, you're not going to pass the APFT and you're not going to graduate.

I was in C Co. 1/13, and I will always remember what the Batallion Sergeant Major told us one of the first weeks there in a briefing he had for us. "There are three things to remember to be successful here at BCT and in the Army: 1.) Do what you're told 2.) Stay motivated 3.) Strive for excellence in everything that you do.

ABOVE ALL: Push yourself to do the best you can do, charge head-on into the challenges that will make up almost everyday, help out your battle-buddies, trust in your leadership, and maintain a positive attitude. Remember that Basic doesn't last forever, and when you walk out onto that field to graduate, you'll feel on top of the world.

Good luck, be STRONG.

[13Tartilleryman]

shiping oct 27th 2010

[jester]

Shipping 20101122

[FutureGuard]

Ship date 20110601, anyone else going around that time look for one of the youngest people there and you about found me :p

[bigtex]

Has anyone who did basic at Jackson tried the new PT tests that are replacing the APFT (APRT and ACRT)? I ship 20110905 for BCT and want to know so I can start training for either the new one or the old one. Also, just out of curiosity- how long is the FTX at Jackson?