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Basic Training |
I fully intend to do very well at boot camp... simply making it through is not enough.
However, I am being told and reading various things about boot camp being somewhere to not stand out. For instance if they ask for a volunteer, not to volunteer even if you can do it. Not to answer group questions even if you know the answer. They are saying the more you stand out the more will be expected of you... which I would assume to be a good thing...? Also have been told to scale back on the initial tests or whatever they have us do, because people apparently try really hard at first and then have to "live up to it" later... but ummmm... isnt that kind of the point?! Im just a little confused about this, I was assuming the safest thing to do would be give 110%... not intentionally slack off to avoid responsibility... am I missing something??? |
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"Joining the Military" Forum Mod |
No, I don't think so. It's just like anything else in life, you get out of it what you put into it. The Army probably has awards you can receive upon graduation from basic training like honor graduate. This would look good in your service record. And as for volunteering, well, I can't speak for the Army, but I know Coast Guard Company Commanders (the equivalent of Army Drill Sergeants) like to see recruits who will step up to the plate and take responsiblity. Sometimes they will even force recruits who are trying to hide out into the fore front. If I had been more of a hard charger when I was a recruit, I probably could have been in the honor guard. I would have gotten to participate in off base ceremonial activites and missed a week where recruits ran the galley, which was no fun at all. So give it your all, 110% like you said, and I think you will be really proud of yourself at graduation from Army Basic. Good luck. |
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"Never Quit!" |
It's a tricky line to walk. Yes you want to be as invisible as possible (ie, if your DS doesn't know who you are at the end of BCT, you did it right). HOWEVER, you should also do your best. Always give it your best and then some.
Doing well in BCT means passing your PT tests, not going to sick-call unless you REALLY need to, qualifying at the range (try to be a first-time GO), and not falling out of runs. That's it. Basic is easy. The "secret" is to be where you are supposed to be, at or before the appointed time, in the right uniform, and doing what is required (or better). Too easy. As for volunteering... Again, a tricky question. Most of the time when you volunteer (at least in my experience) for something, the detail might suck, but it will be better than what those who didn't volunteer get stuck with. On one occasion that I volunteered, it turned out that it was for "Soldier Appreciation Day." That was where 10 people from each platoon in the company got bused to a local church where we were treated to live music, all we could eat pizza, candy, soda, and ice cream. We were also given use of their phones to call home. So in that case, it was a good choice. People who get in trouble (don't adapt well to Army life), are sick-call rangers, don't pass PT tests, and continually fall out of runs during BCT are the ones who appear on the DS' radar. Don't be that guy. Good Luck! Matt SPC, US Army 15U |
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"Joining the Military" Forum Mod |
Well, Matt brought up a good point, and I'll expand a little on it. About the volunteering, you do need to keep a happy medium and not overdo it. You wouldn't want to draw undue attention to yourself by saying "Pick me!" "Pick me!" everytime they need volunteers. It's just that I believe that the "Don't volunteer for anything" mode of thinking isn't necessarily the case and too many people think that it's the bottom line.
Nobody likes "sick bay commandos", but if you really need to go, then go. It's better to nip a medical problem in the bud that to have it become worse and cause you to be put back in training. I've seen this happen to recruits who ignored medical problems. And finally, yeah, it would be nice to leave with a rifle or pistol ribbon or expert medal. Or like I said earlier, any other award you could receive. |
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Basic Training |
Thanks!!!
So what you are saying is do my best...quietly?!  Thats tough... but Ill try! |
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"Never Quit!" |
It's hard to explain, but once you get there and get a feel for your particular platoon, you'll figure it out. Good Luck! Matt SPC, US Army 15U |
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Member |
I think Matt and Retired said it best. It is a fine line to walk, dont be the ultimate brown noser but dont make yourself look like an average soldier if you really are a superior recruit.
My brother was a 13F at Ft Sill and he tried to stay as low key as possible, he volunteered for duties he knew he could tolerate no matter how bad because knowning is better than not knowing or getting stuck with crap. On the Fitness side my brother did not hold anything back and he was rewarded greatly with ribbons, BCT medals, awards, and he represented FT Sill in the Army Fitness Competition and he was and our family were very proud of him. This is your life your career your military file. Again dont overdo it and wind up hated by your peers but dont pigeonhole yourself to stick status quo. I mean if you know you would rather do first fire duty instead of last and they ask for volunteers, do it. Now if you prefer the latter then maybe dont. But remember its just as bad to be unknown than to be well known. IF the DS passes by you in formation and quizzically wonders who the hell you are because he doesnt remember you in any particular way, he may think maybe he isnt pushing you enough because he has no recollection of it =) |
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Basic Training |
Thanks!!!
That clarified a little... I was really wondering about the whole DS not knowing who you are thing... So they tell you most of the time what you are volunteering for? |
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Member |
*** Navy Disclaimer ***
I tried the "fly below the radar approach" when I went in. That lasted about 4 days and I was stuck on staff (Yoeman). After that it wasn't that bad. I had enough "extra duties" so I didn't volunteer for anything, but it had its perks as well. I was 23 when I went in. Not a PT stud at all, most of my scores were in the "had a pulse", "Could hear him breathing" range. Other than my staff duties I can't recall doing anything extra. Just managed to stay out of trouble and helped some of the younger guys manage. Kept my mouth shut (hard when I had spent the better part of the first 23 years perfecting the art of being a smarta$$). In the end I was Company and Division Honorman and Navy League Outstanding Recruit. I swear they must have just thrown names in a hat and I got lucky 3 times.... Do your best, keep the lips closed unless you're asked something, pay attention to detail, don't let others screw things up for the whole company. You'll do fine.... |
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Member |
No not always sometimes they just ask for volunteers as Matt said, you just take your best shot, you can kinda feel it out. Dont volunteer to be the crossing guard is all im saying. But FMR pointed out a good point keep your lips closed, dont take anything personal, do as you are told, and the most important thing is when you are address and speak make sure you are heard, sometimes DS seem deaf and if you are low toned or quiet you will repeat and probably drop. Speak loud enough to be heard when you are addressed other than that dont speak at all just be where you need to be when you need to be there. |
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Truth lies in the depth On warning for candidate bashing. 10 days. Expires 24FEB2008 Silent_Surface  |
The main thing is keep your eyes and ears open, and your mouth shut, unless the DS is speaking to you. Don't be the first one in line for something and also don't be the last one in line. When someone goes ahead of you, watch what he does right, and watch what he does wrong. WATCH everything that's going on around you. Yes, it's sometimes good to volunteer for stuff. You have to have half a brain and figure that out as it's happening.
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Boot Camp Forum Moderator |
Your Drill Sergeant's approach is going to be very simple. Reward good behavior, correct bad behavior.When I was a Drill Sergeant, I always had a list of trainees who need some extra work to do, and they got put on the appropriate details. Asking for volunteers was my way of allowing a motivated soldier to be rewarded for stepping forward and taking a risk.
There are rewards for excelling, and in order to get them, you have to stand out and be noticed. That's how you get promotions and rewards, you have to take the chance that you might fail, or that it might not work out the way you want it. As it was already said, don't volunteer all the time, but take that chance sometimes. It will eventually pay off. |
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Basic Training |
My attempt to fly under the radar lasted about 4 minutes LOL. First, I was 6'1" so I was taller than most of my platoon. Second, my last name is George, a name easy to remember. Third, I was missing an item during shakedown.
But never take that attention personally. Like IronErik say, the DS's do what they do for your own good. One drill sergeant in particular pushed me all the way through basic training, almost like a father figure. I still got a lot of respect for him to this day. I doubt he remembers who I am now, but I'll never forget him. Sometimes the "extra motivation" can be a good thing. |
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Member |
yeah my standing out really went slow. First i was a hold over for an injury at reception so i was one of 3 placed in a platoon with soldiers and DS's who didnt know me like they knew the other 150 soldiers. Second i was the only MI soldier in there and i was an E4 and my MOS was for interigations. My name was difficult to say (last name is italian)and im in my late 20's. When we did intro's i also mentioned i came from a military family and one of my uncles is a full bird i have 2 that are majors and one capt. Plus about a half dozen tenured family members on the enlisted side.
The DS's looked right at me and said "oh hell no that kids is CID" and they kinda have treated me as such and never let it go. Do your best and try not to be too big of a stand out or two big of a hider. Standing out for PT or MAC or BRM is great. Standing out for Contraband or always volunteering isnt. They will always ask for a "Highly Motivated Soldier" and they say it should be everyone coming but nothing says that you shouldnt be a little slow to react. We had one kid who the very first night broke fireguard protocol and let the DS in without following the rules. The kid got smoked and was then allowed to stay up the rest of the night for all the fireguard shifts. The next day in EO class training he was dozing off and the DS asked him what was wrong he said and i quote "I was up all night and didnt get enough Rest DS". The DS volunteered to give him rest checking to make sure several times that he was sure he didnt get enough and really wanted all the rest she could give him and proceeded to send him to the back of the class room to take all the "front leaning rest" he wanted. He also pissed his pants that same day as well. Lets just say he is the gump hero at BCT so far. |
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