boot camp info

[jameson]

here is the post i am posting into 4 military geared newsgroups...

Hi all;
I hope this is a relevant newsgroup to post this in, if not, then
please forgive the post.
I have a friend of whom I have known for many, many years. We have
gone to one another for help on everything. He recently has decided to
join the U.S. Military. He is looking at the Navy, but he isn't 100%
sure yet. It isn't relevant to this post anyway. He has come to me for
advice, of which I have none since I have no experience in this field.

His only fear, it seems, is boot camp. The guy doesn't know what to
expect first of all. Secondly, he is scared that he won't have what it
takes to make it through; mentally or physically (both of which I am
sure he is able). I would assume this is a normal fear.

This got me thinking. And I started to think that perhaps there are
MANY OTHER kids who may want to serve their country, yet the fear of
boot camp may prevent them from doing so. I thought that since I am a
part-time writer, that I could write a pamphlet, or short book, or
even a website on tips or advice on getting through boot camps (mind
preparation, physical demands, maybe some pre-boot camp exercises,
etc).

The only Military background I have is that my dad was in the Air
Force (plane mechanic) and my brother was in the Navy (Sea Bee), so I
was hoping perhaps some of you folks in this newsgroup could help my
friend, and potentially many other young men and women who are
thinking about joining our armed forces.

Please feel free to post some advice or tips to this newsgroup. They
would be much appreciated. I am sure that certain Military boot camps
may have some activities that are to remain secretive. I understand
this if this is the case. I am sorry if my post seems to broad and
general.
Thanks so much in advance!
James

[Airdale @ NC.rr.com]

On 15 Jul 2004 18:51:40 -0700, (jameson)
proclaimed:

>His only fear, it seems, is boot camp. The guy doesn't know what to
>expect first of all. Secondly, he is scared that he won't have what it
>takes to make it through; mentally or physically (both of which I am
>sure he is able). I would assume this is a normal fear.

The purpose of boot camp is to make people think and respond as a
group rather than individuals, learn respect for authority, partially
weed out the controlled substance abusers, determine physical and
mental abilities and get in shape. He needs to have a desire to
succeed in what ever he pursues.

[M. J. Powell]

In message >,
writes
>On 15 Jul 2004 18:51:40 -0700, (jameson)
>proclaimed:
>
>>His only fear, it seems, is boot camp. The guy doesn't know what to
>>expect first of all. Secondly, he is scared that he won't have what it
>>takes to make it through; mentally or physically (both of which I am
>>sure he is able). I would assume this is a normal fear.
>
>The purpose of boot camp is to make people think and respond as a
>group rather than individuals, learn respect for authority, partially
>weed out the controlled substance abusers, determine physical and
>mental abilities and get in shape. He needs to have a desire to
>succeed in what ever he pursues.

And he should realise that, despite all appearances to the contrary, the
instructors want ALL their trainees to pass. They do not want any to
fail.
It took me some time to realise that.

Mike
--
M.J.Powell

[Jim McCartan]

Anyone can get through boot camp if they are willing to listen, obey
and work very hard.

[Leanne]

"Jim McCartan" > wrote in message
om...
> Anyone can get through boot camp if they are willing to listen, obey
> and work very hard.

Before I left home, I was told to keep my eyes and ears open and my mouth
shut. The mouth thing is what gets a lot of people in trouble.

Leanne
USMC ret

[Matt]

(jameson) wrote in message >...
> here is the post i am posting into 4 military geared newsgroups...
>
> Hi all;
> I hope this is a relevant newsgroup to post this in, if not, then
> please forgive the post.
> I have a friend of whom I have known for many, many years. We have
> gone to one another for help on everything. He recently has decided to
> join the U.S. Military. He is looking at the Navy, but he isn't 100%
> sure yet. It isn't relevant to this post anyway. He has come to me for
> advice, of which I have none since I have no experience in this field.
>
> His only fear, it seems, is boot camp. The guy doesn't know what to
> expect first of all. Secondly, he is scared that he won't have what it
> takes to make it through; mentally or physically (both of which I am
> sure he is able). I would assume this is a normal fear.
>
> This got me thinking. And I started to think that perhaps there are
> MANY OTHER kids who may want to serve their country, yet the fear of
> boot camp may prevent them from doing so. I thought that since I am a
> part-time writer, that I could write a pamphlet, or short book, or
> even a website on tips or advice on getting through boot camps (mind
> preparation, physical demands, maybe some pre-boot camp exercises,
> etc).
>
> The only Military background I have is that my dad was in the Air
> Force (plane mechanic) and my brother was in the Navy (Sea Bee), so I
> was hoping perhaps some of you folks in this newsgroup could help my
> friend, and potentially many other young men and women who are
> thinking about joining our armed forces.
>
> Please feel free to post some advice or tips to this newsgroup. They
> would be much appreciated. I am sure that certain Military boot camps
> may have some activities that are to remain secretive. I understand
> this if this is the case. I am sorry if my post seems to broad and
> general.
> Thanks so much in advance!
> James

It's pretty simple, really.

If the drill instructors tell you to do something, do it. As quickly
as is humanly possible. Realize that it won't be quickly enough, at
least the first few times. Do it *exactly* the way they told you to.

If they tell you to say something, say it loudly. Attach "sir" before
and after. Realize it won't be loud enough.

Show a genuine interest in learning as much as possible. As a
previous poster said, they want you to pass, but you have to want to
pass, too.

Realize you're going to be screamed at. Realize whenever you or
anyone else screws up, you're all going to pay a penalty.

Matt
former Marine
(ex-Marines are dead)

[Larry]

"jameson" > wrote in message
om...
> here is the post i am posting into 4 military geared newsgroups...
>
> Hi all;
> I hope this is a relevant newsgroup to post this in, if not, then
> please forgive the post.
> I have a friend of whom I have known for many, many years. We have
> gone to one another for help on everything. He recently has decided to
> join the U.S. Military. He is looking at the Navy, but he isn't 100%
> sure yet. It isn't relevant to this post anyway. He has come to me for
> advice, of which I have none since I have no experience in this field.
>
> His only fear, it seems, is boot camp. The guy doesn't know what to
> expect first of all. Secondly, he is scared that he won't have what it
> takes to make it through; mentally or physically (both of which I am
> sure he is able). I would assume this is a normal fear.

Every moment of every day (during boot camp) he needs to remember that it is
temporary. Let 'em 'get in your face' and do whatever they want- play the
game and do exactly what you are told to do.

Just remember:
1) Time is on your side- it will soon be over.
2) It's NOT the Navy- it's just Boot Camp.


Larry
AECS (AW/SW/MTS)
USN 'Retired'
20 years if gettin 'em off the pointy end
AND safely home again!

[jameson]

thank you all so very much. Very helpful info. I know my post may have
had some folks rolling thier eyes due to its simplicity, but I am
certainly grateful for your information, and more importantly, your
service.
-J