How to Train for the Transition Into the Military
When you join the military, you are making a commitment to do what your country needs you to do to keep your homeland safe. This requires mental and physical discipline. Your official transition to life in the military starts with heading off to basic training. By preparing yourself in advance for the rigors of basic training and military life after basic training, you will find life in the military much easier.
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Instructions
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Find out as much as you can about the branch of service you join, including information about your job, which is also known as a rate or military occupation specialty. This will help you to prepare for your life in the military.
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Accustom yourself to eating three meals per day. While you are in basic training, you won't eat any snacks. You will only eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. During the day, you will drink only water. Once you are out of basic training, you will be able to eat more often; however, because of military height-weight standards, you still need to choose your foods carefully so that you don't gain a lot of weight.
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Wake up early. Your days begin early in the military, sometimes as early as 2 or 3 a.m. if you have special training that day. You won't be able to take any naps until after you have completed basic training.
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Brush up on your study skills. Throughout most of your time in the military, you will have to take tests. During basic training and job-specific training, you will take a lot of tests. Once you have completed your schooling, you might have to take tests to advance in rank.
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Exercise every day. While you are in basic training, you will have to exercise daily, including walking or marching everywhere you go on base. After you are out of basic training, you will still have to exercise and pass physical fitness tests. Walking, running, swimming and strength training exercises are ideal.
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Learn how to budget your money. In the military, you are paid twice per month. Once you get out of basic training, you have to know how to get your bills paid and make sure that you have enough money to last until your next payday.
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Practice patience. Throughout your military career, you will have to deal with your superiors giving you orders. In some cases, your superiors might be gruff. Learning how to keep your mouth shut and follow orders will help you to advance.
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Set your priorities. Essential activities, like sleeping, showering, eating, standing duty, studying and showing up for all appointments, have to take priority over optional activities like writing home, going out and spending time with friends.
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Develop a positive attitude. Life in the military can be discouraging sometimes. Harping on the negative aspects of military life can lead to depression and could affect your duty performance. Instead, focus on the positive and remember that the negative aspects are usually short-lived. For example, you are away from your friends and family with only limited and monitored contact during basic training; however, once you are out of basic, you will have more freedom to contact them.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are in the Delayed Entry Program, you have the opportunity to learn a lot about your branch of the military from recruiters. Pay attention to what you learn. The information can help you get through basic training and might help you to advance your military career.
If you use tobacco products or if you drink alcohol on a regular basis, stop doing so as you can't use these products while you are in basic training. Some bases also have restrictions on these products now.
