Maximize your RSP experience.
I seem to be getting a lot of PM's about what to expect at RSP drills, so I guess I'll just start up a thread on maximizing your experience. By the way, I'm not even beginning to pretend that I'm an expert on this topic. I just want to provide any help I can to help people make the easiest and most enjoyable transition they can from civilian life to military life.
First thing everyone should do is scan the whole RSP thread. Cadre have different ways to run their drills in every state, so everyone will have different experiences. Second thing everyone should do is scan every forum on the rest of this discussion board--you should not only read every thread that relates to the questions you may have, you should also follow every link that someone provides within that thread that may take you to a website that may go into further detail about what was discussed in that forum, which leads me to the next step. Research every other military website available on the world wide web. The best place to start outside of this discussion board is military.com.
For those that are about to attend their first RSP drill: You will be designated Red Phase. In this phase you'll cover general information that is similar to information that any other large organization will have their new employees cover such as sexual harrassment and, in this case, the history of the ARNG. You will also cover other general information such as direct deposit, insurance, beneficiaries, etc. Chances are you may get the opportunity to go through 1-1-1 (1 minute sit-ups, 1 minute push-ups, and 1 mile run), and chances are your first whole two days of RSP drill may consist of covering more clerical formalities.
Understand that RSP is not BCT. RSP drills are designed to show you what your strengths and weaknesses are and what level of fitness you need to be at by the time you ship. If you pass the 1-1-1 great but if you fail all or even just parts of the 1-1-1 that doesn't mean they discharge you and send you home. Worst case scenario is you may get smoked and yelled at. But at the end of the day they will talk with you about what you need to do to improve your fitness as well as encourage you to stay motivated. They will also cover social issues with you such as staying away from bad elements back in your community and whatnot.
One of the best things about being in red phase is you're mixed up with everyone else from white to gold phase. Learn what to do and what not to do by observing how the Drill Sergeants and NCO's work with white through gold phase personnel. While you're in red phase you may be given a 'battle book' which is a thick binder full of various materials that cover a broad spectrum of ARNG material from enlisted and commissioned officer ranks to Guard benefits and a card with the Warrior Ethos and soldier's creed printed on it. It would behoove you to memorize the Warrior Ethos and Soldier's creed as well as the 1st and 2nd general orders.
Basically you're supposed to be given a break during red phase but when you come back for your 2nd RSP drill you will be designated white phase and the heat will be turned up unless you're 'broke' or have a profile, which means you're injured, which means you'll basically be sitting around doing nothing. On the other hand, if you goof off too much the NCO might decide to make you perform whatever duties you're capable of doing regardless of your injury.
Best thing to do is to start running, doing sit-ups and push-ups now. Even if you can only do 1 push-up and 1 sit-up and run a couple yards before getting winded. You have to start somewhere. If you have any knee injuries, then your best bet is to do as much low impact fitness as possible in the beginning. The elliptical and stationary bike are the best places to start. Also, you need to invest in some really good running shoes--not basketball shoes, hiking shoes or tennis shoes. I cannot stress strong enough how important it is to work on developing a breathing rhythm when you run.
Salt and sugar are your enemies. There is no substitute for drinking water. Stop drinking sodas and fitness drinks now. Stop smoking now. Stop drinking now. You will be amazed how drastically your level of fitness will change once you start eating healthy, well-balanced, small meals. In fact, I live primarily on a liquid protein and mega vitamin and nutrient diet with a few solid meals sprinkled in here and there. When you completely eliminate junk from your diet, keep your digestive system flushed, and take in a healthy diet your endurance will increase substantially, you'll require less sleep, recover quicker from a strenuous workout, and make significant gains with each workout.
Originally Posted by Fidd's Green
