I Just Joined The Army...

[Mirus]

I just joined the Army Reserves, specifically the 377th Chem Co. I'll be a Chemical, Biochemical, Radiological and Nuclear Specialist. I have a few questions for those of you hookah smokers out there who are in the various armed forces... I start Basic in March, and I was wondering what I should focus on more: the running, or the working out? And is there anything you can say to a Drill Instructor that won't get you in trouble? And do you have any other basic tips for me?

A few points I'd like to make of my experience so far: If you want anything done in the military, it's not going to get done. Or if it does, it will take a lot of standing around doing nothing to start. Recruiters will lie to you. NCOs will lie to you, but only about promotions. For the most part, they beat around the bush or just act like they didn't hear you. If you don't have a uniform, because you haven't been to basic yet, but they still want you to go to your base for your weekend a month, you'll be doing a lot of standing. Doing nothing productive. Just standing. MRE's are better than Banquet microwave meals, which means if you're like me and poor, they are AWESOME. You learn to like coffee if you don't already.

And a tip from me to anyone going to their first drill weekend: Do NOT have one of those 'talks' with your girl the night before. Those talks don't end till 2am and then you have to be up at 5am to get to base to stand around all day.

So please, even if it's not to do with my questions, please give me your advice, tips or comments.

[Dr. B]

I'm not too familiar with the PT regiments aside from what I hear from friends but don't worry, this post isn't entirely useless.

If he doesn't catch this thread, knowing he stays out of the serious forum, catch Arcane in chat. He's all about smoking and staying in shape and is military himself.

'Gratz on the commitment.

[Deutsch am Herzen]

the pt isnt bad at all. you could potentially do nothing until you leave and still do fine. ive been in almost 4 years. and no, you cant say anything to a drill sgt and not get in trouble. haha. for the first couple weeks at least. but if you do work on anything, run. the other stuff will come easily. either way, they're gonna make you do it everyday; so youll improve alot.

i feel ya on the drill stuff. its boring as shit. im an mp and its all the same standing around. i cant imagine what its like with chemical. although, my buddy is chem. from what he says, its nothing different. same stuff every month.

i wouldnt stress at all about basic, if you are. its gonna suck at first (depending where you go) but it'll probably one of the best times you'll have. it was for me. if you wanna know anything else just ask. i pretty much own the reserves. hahaha.

E-4 mafia is where its at. lol

[Amn_sinclair]

well im in the air force so cant give you exact ideas. but its really all about running when you get at running the other things get pretty easy on their own. in regards to being able to say somthing and stay out of trouble thats not really possible. Your best bet is to stay under the radar. if you can make it through half of basic without your instructor even knowing your name its a big plus.
stay away from the vegi omlet mre. put salt on most of the stuff and its that much better. when you go to a drill weekend try and get help from someone on marching. that is one thing that will keep you under the radar is knowing what your kind of doing when it comes to marching. thats all i can really think of right now ill post more if i can think of anything

[Mirus]

We didn't do much marching in drill, just a couple of formations. But Chem itself is kind of self-sustaining and keeps itself busy, which I like. I've already been running pretty much everyday for the last two weeks. And Deutsch, I'm going to Fort Lost in the Woods, if you know where it is. I think you should, because the other guy joining with me did his MP AIT there. I'm actually looking forward to it.

And I stay away from anything that involves eggs. I can barely eat them when I cook them myself, why would I trust something else? Ugh.

[omgitsjimmy]

can you pass the APFT? which part is your weakest? For me I could max the pushups and sit ups pretty easily, but my run sucked so its the only thing I work on

[Mirus]

That's the only thing I can't do. 2 miles in under 16 minutes. So that's what I'm focusing on for now.

[Deutsch am Herzen]

yup, i know exactly where that is...unfortunately. lol. theres literally nothing out there, atleast when i went there wasnt. haha. you lucked out with the date you're going. no heat or snow. i ended up goin in the summer. an i thought that was hot at the time...nope, theres much hotter places.

basic is cake tho, as long as you're at the right place at the right time and in the right uniform, you'll be fine. especially with the "new" army basic. haha. but im sure youve heard people at your unit make fun of it.

[Mirus]

Yes, yes I have. Also heard a few stories about some of the stupidest people in the world doing outright stupid things. Like a chick pouring out her water instead of drinking it during Hydration Station.

[Arcane]

k...i might be the wrong person to talk about fitness, but PT is the military is a joke...just run...and then run some more...until you get good at running. and when you're good or even great at running, eat hamburgers and pork chops while still being good at running. you'll be fine after that. this goes for a majority of the army, air force and navy...i haven't experienced the marine pt program yet...but, i'd imagine they may have something positive going for them. i haven't met a fat marine yet!

as for basic....just shut up and do what you're told...and don't volunteer for anything. that's the best advice ANYONE will ever give you.

i can't really comment on our Reserve counterparts (unless you're an IMA or fully active...it's not the real military), but there's good and bad NCOs....just like there's good and bad supervisors in a civilian job. however, you're right "hurry up and wait" is a big part of your career early on. it never fully goes away, but it gets better the more years you put in.

and the only thing i know about a drill weekend is from a girl i used to date....apparently, it's the 1 weekend the reserves/guards have to do their job....and most of that weekend is spent asking us Active Duty people, how to do it. Edited January 14, 2010 by Arcane

[delSol_si]

hmm, this a really interesting topic, im glad it came up. i have been thinking about joining the military once i am done with my accounting degree. I have heard so many stories about joining the military that sound hard,but good. Half the people i talk to that have joined got mad or upset and quit after a few weeks to a month (most of these were lazy asses), the other half said it was the best experience in their entire life and that they learned a lot from it, that is taught them an amazing amount of self discipline and all that stuff, i have heard that the army will wip you into shape if you let it and don't give up.

i really have no advice for you on this one because i have never been, but i am interested in updates when you have them. as for the standing around and waiting, it doesn't surprise me, i assume the government controls the military since they fund it and the government is great at developing pointless things to do (that is NOT meant as a joke). I do realize that standing around could possibly teach you discipline, but from what i can tell, there are a lot of other, better ways to teach a person discipline while getting something accomplished in the mean time.

good luck, i hope it goest well for you. i can't even imagine having to take orders from someone who i can't say ANYTHING to without getting in trouble.

[Deutsch am Herzen]

[quote name='Mirus' date='14 January 2010 - 03:44 PM' timestamp='1263509086' post='445392']
Yes, yes I have. Also heard a few stories about some of the stupidest people in the world doing outright stupid things. Like a chick pouring out her water instead of drinking it during Hydration Station.
[/quote]


What?!? nobody ever does that....haha. i think i probably drank my water like once. all i can say is you better not let them catch you. i remember one guy had to drink like 3 canteens. then the DS threw it on the roof of the other company's barracks on the 4th one. haha.

[Mirus]

The DS bought a 5 gallon gas container from the PX and filled it with water and told her she couldn't have her canteen back til she was done with that.

[Scrappydoo]

[quote name='Mirus' date='14 January 2010 - 06:26 AM' timestamp='1263439610' post='445177']
I just joined the Army Reserves, specifically the 377th Chem Co. I'll be a Chemical, Biochemical, Radiological and Nuclear Specialist. I have a few questions for those of you hookah smokers out there who are in the various armed forces... I start Basic in March, and I was wondering what I should focus on more: the running, or the working out? And is there anything you can say to a Drill Instructor that won't get you in trouble? And do you have any other basic tips for me?

A few points I'd like to make of my experience so far: If you want anything done in the military, it's not going to get done. Or if it does, it will take a lot of standing around doing nothing to start. Recruiters will lie to you. NCOs will lie to you, but only about promotions. For the most part, they beat around the bush or just act like they didn't hear you. If you don't have a uniform, because you haven't been to basic yet, but they still want you to go to your base for your weekend a month, you'll be doing a lot of standing. Doing nothing productive. Just standing. MRE's are better than Banquet microwave meals, which means if you're like me and poor, they are AWESOME. You learn to like coffee if you don't already.

And a tip from me to anyone going to their first drill weekend: Do NOT have one of those 'talks' with your girl the night before. Those talks don't end till 2am and then you have to be up at 5am to get to base to stand around all day.

So please, even if it's not to do with my questions, please give me your advice, tips or comments.
[/quote]

More people have problems with running, so I'd concentrate on that. Going into basic already being able to to pass the PT test will signficantly reduce your stress. Advice for dealing with Drills---don't make eye contact, give short answers, try to be as low profile and "non-attention getting" as you can be. Don't worry, there will be enough dumb asses and attention whores and approval seekers, if you quietly learn what you need to learn, you will be fine.

Real military is different from standing around on weekend drills. There is STILL a lot of nonsense, but things get done, you feel a part of the team. My secondary MOS was NBC, it is a good job you can follow into Hazmat Fire Department, Industrial Hygiene or contractor jobs for the military when you complete your service. I hope that helps! Congrats and good luck! Edited January 16, 2010 by Scrappydoo

[Scrappydoo]

[quote name='omgitsjimmy' date='15 January 2010 - 12:26 AM' timestamp='1263504410' post='445369']
can you pass the APFT? which part is your weakest? For me I could max the pushups and sit ups pretty easily, but my run sucked so its the only thing I work on
[/quote]


HA! I was the opposite, I maxed sit ups and run, could barely do 10 pushups when I joined. I still hate pushups.

[liquidglass]

[quote name='Scrappydoo' date='16 January 2010 - 12:40 AM' timestamp='1263620418' post='445763']
[quote name='omgitsjimmy' date='15 January 2010 - 12:26 AM' timestamp='1263504410' post='445369']
can you pass the APFT? which part is your weakest? For me I could max the pushups and sit ups pretty easily, but my run sucked so its the only thing I work on
[/quote]


HA! I was the opposite, I maxed sit ups and run, could barely do 10 pushups when I joined. I still hate pushups.
[/quote]

Well you're also female (not meant as an insult) little fact: Women are genetically inclined to have 25% LESS upper body strength than men.

But from the waist down they can kick ass lol

[Chreees]

[quote name='liquidglass' date='16 January 2010 - 02:31 AM' timestamp='1263630691' post='445790']
[quote name='Scrappydoo' date='16 January 2010 - 12:40 AM' timestamp='1263620418' post='445763']
[quote name='omgitsjimmy' date='15 January 2010 - 12:26 AM' timestamp='1263504410' post='445369']
can you pass the APFT? which part is your weakest? For me I could max the pushups and sit ups pretty easily, but my run sucked so its the only thing I work on
[/quote]


HA! I was the opposite, I maxed sit ups and run, could barely do 10 pushups when I joined. I still hate pushups.
[/quote]

Well you're also female (not meant as an insult) little fact: Women are genetically inclined to have 25% LESS upper body strength than men.

[b]But from the waist down they can kick ass lol[/b]
[/quote]

Yes they can... They use their massive leg-power to kick you straight in the sack. And they have excellent aim as well. Very rarely do they miss...

[Jacob Shock]

Im gonna enlist as infantry full time within the year.

[liquidglass]

[quote name='INCUBUSRATM' date='16 January 2010 - 06:51 AM' timestamp='1263642709' post='445807']
[quote name='liquidglass' date='16 January 2010 - 02:31 AM' timestamp='1263630691' post='445790']
[quote name='Scrappydoo' date='16 January 2010 - 12:40 AM' timestamp='1263620418' post='445763']
[quote name='omgitsjimmy' date='15 January 2010 - 12:26 AM' timestamp='1263504410' post='445369']
can you pass the APFT? which part is your weakest? For me I could max the pushups and sit ups pretty easily, but my run sucked so its the only thing I work on
[/quote]


HA! I was the opposite, I maxed sit ups and run, could barely do 10 pushups when I joined. I still hate pushups.
[/quote]

Well you're also female (not meant as an insult) little fact: Women are genetically inclined to have 25% LESS upper body strength than men.

[b]But from the waist down they can kick ass lol[/b]
[/quote]

Yes they can... They use their massive leg-power to kick you straight in the sack. And they have excellent aim as well. Very rarely do they miss...
[/quote]

Well bud, I wouldn't have any experience in that department....but thanks?

[TizaNabi]

[quote name='Mirus' date='14 January 2010 - 05:26 AM' timestamp='1263439610' post='445177']
I just joined the Army Reserves, specifically the 377th Chem Co. I'll be a Chemical, Biochemical, Radiological and Nuclear Specialist. I have a few questions for those of you hookah smokers out there who are in the various armed forces... I start Basic in March, and I was wondering what I should focus on more: the running, or the working out? And is there anything you can say to a Drill Instructor that won't get you in trouble? And do you have any other basic tips for me?

A few points I'd like to make of my experience so far: If you want anything done in the military, it's not going to get done. Or if it does, it will take a lot of standing around doing nothing to start. Recruiters will lie to you. NCOs will lie to you, but only about promotions. For the most part, they beat around the bush or just act like they didn't hear you. If you don't have a uniform, because you haven't been to basic yet, but they still want you to go to your base for your weekend a month, you'll be doing a lot of standing. Doing nothing productive. Just standing. MRE's are better than Banquet microwave meals, which means if you're like me and poor, they are AWESOME. You learn to like coffee if you don't already.

And a tip from me to anyone going to their first drill weekend: Do NOT have one of those 'talks' with your girl the night before. Those talks don't end till 2am and then you have to be up at 5am to get to base to stand around all day.

So please, even if it's not to do with my questions, please give me your advice, tips or comments.
[/quote]

nuke 'em

[Bsw]

I'm active duty Air Force, and pretty much all that I can think of has been said.

Run, run some more, and run even more. I hate running so that was my hardest problem, I went into basic running 14min 1.5 mile, came out running a 9:15(or so) 1.5 mile.. Now I'm back to like.. 12 min 1.5 mile lol.

But, don't make eye contact, dont get caught doing anything stupid, dont do stupid things, listen, keep a low profile, TRY to keep your DS from remembering you name although (if army is like air force basic) your DS will know it by like the 3rd week..

Keep your "area" in order, and perfect and NEVER volunteer for anything in basic... But yes recruiters lie, and NCOs (before you go to basic) will be cool and nice and then order you around after basic.. well at least thats how it is here although I am active duty so I don't know how it is for reservists.

But good luck, and yes basic is easy, but at the same time, its sucks in parts of it...

[Scrappydoo]

[quote name='liquidglass' date='16 January 2010 - 11:31 AM' timestamp='1263630691' post='445790']
[quote name='Scrappydoo' date='16 January 2010 - 12:40 AM' timestamp='1263620418' post='445763']
[quote name='omgitsjimmy' date='15 January 2010 - 12:26 AM' timestamp='1263504410' post='445369']
can you pass the APFT? which part is your weakest? For me I could max the pushups and sit ups pretty easily, but my run sucked so its the only thing I work on
[/quote]


HA! I was the opposite, I maxed sit ups and run, could barely do 10 pushups when I joined. I still hate pushups.
[/quote]

Well you're also female (not meant as an insult) little fact: Women are genetically inclined to have 25% LESS upper body strength than men.

But from the waist down they can kick ass lol
[/quote]

HA! TRUE! I've always been at the bottom for upper body strength!

[Punx Clever]

I'm on a completely different path than what i've read here so far... but here goes:

I just graduated from Purdue with a degree in Mech E. I was on a 4 year NROTC scholarship. As of now, I'm an ENS.

As far as PT tests go, they are a joke once you figure them out. Running will get you the most of what you need for every aspect of the test... endurance. Only reason hitting 92 push in 2 minutes is hard is because you get fatigued. Same with sit. On the other hand, doing 2-minute drills on pushups will improve your pushup schore (again, same for sit). Currently I max push and sit with a 9:45 mile-and-a-half (8-somethin is an elusive time).

The question is: Do you really want to be fit, or do you just want to pass the test? If it's the former, a good, all around workout plan is a must. Get on it and stay on it. Every aspect of your daily life will improve... temperament, mental capacities, sleep, and all around feel-good-ness. If it's the latter, I've seen it done, and took a few semesters just like that. Focus entirely on push, sit and run (for you marines out there, scrap the push and insert Pull-ups). It'll get you where you "need" to be, but your NCO's will be able to tell. The real studs out there will max their scores, but the best part is they work hard at everything. I suggest working hard at everything (pt, knowledge, skills, general non-dougebaggery) and being the best you can. All the people in the ROTC unit who didn't... well, they aren't officers now.

As for drill, nervousness is the big killer. There's been more than one time I got to watch two newbies standing there after a left or right face looking at each other with absolute terror because one of them got nervous and screwed up... and when the other looked at the one that screwed up he forgot whether he did it right.

Unlike one comment, I do consider the weekend warriors to be military. They are reserve, and thats how they work. Doesn't change the fact that they will still eventually be called out to the shit and have their lives in danger too.

Do your job, do it well. Sure there is a lot of time wasted, people yelling for no reason, whatever. In the end, it's still your job, and, believe it or not, it will at some point be life-or-death for your or your comrades.

[johnp]

Run. A lot.
Doesn't matter which service. Your pushups, situps, pullups, etc will increase rapidly during basic. Your endurance will not increase so fast, so get a head start.
Basically what everyone else said.
Don't worry so much if you get noticed in basic-just make sure it isn't for doing something stupid. That's the part that will suck. All services push attention to detail (with reason....) and failure to do so will bite you.

Good luck, and may I never be in a bad way and need to call an NBC unit.

[jbt90]

Remember in basic training that the military is not like that. Its a very stressful time, and some guys in your platoon might not handle it well. It's nothing like what you see in the movies, sure there is some yelling and what not, but as long as you don't mess up allll the time you will be okay. At the end you really learn to appreciate your DS and the entire experience in general.

Also, thumbs up to you for joining the military, its a big step and isn't an easy one to make. I wish you the best of luck.