Basic Combat Training: Reception - GDS Episode 006

Disclaimer:  These are educated guesses as to how things may go for you based upon my experience at Fort Jackson Reception and how they operated.

Here are some topics I didn't cover in episode 006.

Packet

You will probably receive your Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills Book, Initial Entry Training book (aka "Smart Book") and hand sanitizer.  The smart book and sanitizer may end up being an inspectable item you will need to keep on you throughout your entire stay in Basic Combat Training.  (The sanitizer is provided because you will not always have the luxury of washing your hands with soap and water).

Amnesty Brief

If I recall correctly, the amnesty brief is basically a brief on what you are allowed and not allowed to have with you during the remainder of your time at reception battalion (and even at your BCT company for the most part).

Post Exchange (PX)

You will have an opportunity to go to the post exchange to purchase some basic, but necessary items just prior to shipping to your actual BCT company.  Here are two links to two (downloadeable/printalbe) tables that Fort Jackson provides on their website in accordance with Army Regulation (AR) 612-201.  

• "What to bring list" - Items Future Soldiers shoudl wear or bring to Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) on ship day.
• "What to buy list" - Items to purchased at Reception Post Exchange (PX).

Moment of Truth

The moment of truth is where the future soldiers are asked as a whole if there is anything that you lied about, "failed" to share or admit during the enlistment process or what have you.  You aren't expected to admit these things in front of others, but it' s just a final chance for you to come clean privately before attempting to move forward with training.

Phone Call

As far as I know and from what I've read, you are strongly encouraged to bring your mobile phone with you when you ship as it will be your secondary means of communication with family (apart from writing letters--the primary means of communication).  Bring it with you and use it as much as possible if allowed while you're at reception!  Drill sergeants will most likely return you mobile phone to you once each phase to make a super-short phone call to family.

That is all for now.  If I come across further informationt that needs to be added here, or if have a topic that you feel should be addressed for BCT Reception, please email me at godavidstrong@gmail.com.

Recommended nutrition guide to prepare for Basic Combat Training

Recently I bought some fitness equipment (Pro Fit) and along with it came a nutrition guide that I read quickly and realized matched the combined nutritional advice given to me by both my recruiter, online research and MFT (Master Fitness Trainer) at my unit.  

Here are some simple eating recommendations that I tried and recommend.  This should help reduce fat and tone your body (ASSUMING you are doing regular day exercise; weight training and cardio alternated every other day).

• Prepare yourself to eat three square meals a day at least a month prior to shipping (as this is how meals will be during BCT & AIT)
• Avoid snacking at night.
• Whatever you eat, make it count.
• Eliminate any and all refined sugars and sweets (including fruit juices)
• Reduce (dare I say eliminate) caffeine intake and increase water intake (should be half your body weight in ounces).
• No alcohol!
• No energy drinks!
• Consume all heavy starches (bread, pasta, rice) and fruits by 3pm.
• Eat fresh fruits (no canned, nor dried fruits)
• Take a multi-vitamin everyday by the dosage recommended on the bottle if not more than instructed.
• Maximum amount of time between meals should be no more than 3 hours (give or take)
• Protein always first choice then carbohydrates to be added.
• Limit (not eliminate) sugary condiments such as salad dressings.
• Have protein and carbs in the morning and afternoon meal.
• Have protein and vegetables in the evening meal.
• No fried foods.
• If you like nut mixes, I recommend Planters "Nutrition South Beat Diet" mix.  Limit yourself to a handful on any given day.

Good sources of...

Proteins

• Fish
• Chicken
• Lean steaks
• Lean Ham
• Tuna
• Salmon
• Egg Whites

Carbohydrates (Every carb should be 1 cup or less)

• Steamed brown rice
• Steamed wild rice
• Whole weat pasta
• Oatmeal (not instant)
• Beans
• Sweet Potato (never fried)

Vegetables

• Broccoli
• Snow Peas
• Peppers
• Lettuce
• Eggplant
• String Beans
• Spinach
• Cucumbers

Researching Red Phase - GDS Vlog 017

I am currently re-acquainting myself with what was covered in Red Phase of Basic Combat Training and trying to combine that knowledge with my actual experiences. The true reason I've put this off for so long is because covering the topic of the Phases of BCT with the level of detail that I've been using in my other videos makes for a really daunting task. So I'm trying to pick the most important parts that I believe will be most helpful and cover them in my video.

Work, Fitness, Direction Commission & Red Phase Video - GDS Vlog 016

Here is a relatively quick catch-up video on what has gone on with me since my Vlog 015.  If you can't remember, just watch the last vlog below.

Dos and Donts for Basic Combat Training

I meant to post this on here earlier.  Anyway, this is just a quickfire video on some basic dos and donts while at basic combat training.  In fact, they may seem like non-sense now, but the things I address in this video are based on common mistakes made by my battle buddies and I throughout basic training.

Take heed!

HOOAH!

"Civilian to Soldier: Enlistment - Chapter 1" Short Film

This is a short film on my first 12 months since I enlisted on February 5th, 2010.  While I have been enlisted for just little bit over a year, I've only been a soldier for two months of that time.  A lot has happened--more than I was able nor wanting to share in Chapter 1 of this film.  Chapter 2 may cover more of what I left out.  For now this is the first part of my story and the goal is to continue this film project until the end of my enlistment in 2018.  The vlogs and episodes that I make time to create will provide supplemental insight into what being a soldier has brought me.  

So far this process of sharing my experiences online has been extremely rewarding in terms of the community that has begun to surround it and the feedback.  All of you who have followed my journey and have even chosen to take up a similar journey, be it in the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine Corp are amazing.  I am inspired and I hope to inspire more to take up the cause for a country--although not perfect-- that remains a great light in a very dark world.  America is my home and it is my country.  Who will defend it, it's people and it's Constitution if no one volunteers to do the hard work?  Many are called but few will answer.

What to buy once you get to basic training (BCT) - GDS Episode 004 Part 2

This is a continuation of Episode 004, which covered what to pack for shipping to basic training.  This video goes through mostly suggested items or additional items you should purchase for your convenience while in basic training.  Some of these items are actually required, but you'll often hear me suggesting that you buy extra of a lot  what is gone over in the video.

Things to pack for Basic Combat Training - GDS Episode 004 Part 1

When it came to packing for Basic Training I will confess that I was the one that overpacked because I wanted to be prepared.  I found it hard believe that packing one day's worth of clothing and basic hygiene products was going to be sufficient, but trust me when I say that the packing list I'm about to share with you is probably exactly what you need.

Some of the things that you will see listed below were not listed in the video because they were thought of long after the video was created.  So if you're reading this, lucky you! lol

My packing list:

• Pack one day's worth of clothes, including a jacket (males you may wear boxers for now, but that will change after reception).
• Bring all basic hygiene products.
• If you have prescription eyeglasses, bring them.
• Photo ID (driver's license and/or military ID
• Social Security Card
• Birth Certificate (probable)
• Debit Card
• Checkbook (optional)
• Credit Card (optional)
• Any required medications
• Cash not to exceed $50
• Combination Lock for your temporary stay at reception battalion
• Extra copy of enlistment contract (optional, but recommended)
• Packet from recruiter
• Sharpie markers (to put your name on everything you own)
• Any religious reading material you feel you need.

I hope this benefits you and brings some reassurance.  And as usual, for any questions or concerns hit me up by commenting on this post or emailing me at godavidstrong@gmail.com.

Inside Tips for Surviving BCT and AIT

Before I begin, I plan on addressing all of these tips in a more organized fashion in a video very soon, so look forward to it. :)  The reason I'm addressing this here first and not in a video is to provide an immediate answer to a question that was asked of me on my Go David Strong Facebook page.

Christopher  Rodriguez is shipping to basic on January 5, 2011 and this is what he asked:

Your page really helped me, just dropping by to say that I leave for Fort Jackson in 8 (1-5-11) days and after I'm going to Fort Lee for AIT, any tips for BCT and any tips for Fort Lee?

Well, I had to think a little, but then I just started typing and before I knew, a lot of memories started coming back to me and I found I had a lot to say--in no particular order mind you. 

Here is my answer to Christopher

BCT

Be prepared to possibly stay awake for several hours beyond your normal wake hours at Reception.  And yet, don't get too comfortable there either because you can.  When you ship to where you will be training everything will change drastically.

Don't EVER, NEVER, EVER go anywhere without a battle buddy!  I'm being nice when I say this.  Don't be that guy...at BCT nor AIT.  Don't do it.  Some sergeants are eagerly foaming at the mouth to slap you with an Article 15 for not having a battle buddy.  Also when you address an NCO or Officer, have a battle buddy.  No exceptions!!!

Stand at Parade Rest when addressing your drill sergeant [at attention for an officer] or any NCO for that matter and end all your sentences with "drill sergeant". LEARN YOUR RANKS AND INSIGNIAS!  This will affect how you are to address any given soldier (namely soldiers of higher rank than you) that passes you by in the hall or elsewhere.  You can easily find you and your battle buddy/platoon/company pushing or low crawling because you failed to address the presence of an NCO or Officer. Call at ease when you see a drill sergeant enter a room or company area only when there is no drill sergeant present, or if a higher ranking NCO enters the room. (ie.  Your Line Supervising Drill Sergeant usually outranks the rest of your drill sergeants.  So hypothetically, if Staff Sergeant Bickler is present with your platoon, and then Sergeant First Class Marks enters, you call "at ease" and get at the position of at ease PRONTO!  The latter also applies to when your First Sergeant shows up).  Remain at the position of at ease until the command to "carry on" is given.  When your company commander shows up and you're the first to see him or her, call your plantoon or company (depends on who all are present) to attention and salute (only outdoors--salute indoors and you will push), "Good morning/afternoon/evening Ma'am/Sir".  Do NOT drop your salute until he/she returns the salute and then drops his/her salute.  Then remain at attention until he/she gives you the command to "carry on".

Study your butt off with your "Smart Book".  You can never learn enough.  It will seem like it is totally pointless, monotonous and boring, but the information within it will be revisited again and again throughout your Army career, especially when you want to move up rank.  Learn it NOW!  And besides, the information will help you improve and grow in Army knowledge.

NEVER fall asleep on fireguard duty, and know your general orders like you know your date of birth as well as the Soldier's Creed.  Do your special duties while on fireguard duty and do not slack off.  Your bay/barracks will be inspected each morning by your drill sergeant.  If your sleep bay is jacked up, you and/or your platoon, or the fireguards (that were supposed to cover whatever is lacking) will be smoked.  Count on it!  Aaaand there will be times where your drill sergeant will do some "character building" corrective disciplining, just to set an example even when everything is done correctly--even perfectly.  Just accept it and move on.

Don't be a sickcall ranger.  Sickcall Ranger - (noun)  a private that attempts to avoide PT or unpleasant training during BCT or AIT by going to sickcall and/or the TMC (Troop Medical Center) almost daily.  Yes these pitiful excuses for a private exist, and they suck!  They ruin it for those that are truly in need of medical attention.  Don't hang around Sickcall Rangers or they will drag you down.

AIT

As for AIT, the same customs and courtesies for NCOs and Officers apply, so no need to belabor the point again.  At Fort Lee, you will be living in what we call "TRADOC Land" aka strictly by the book.  Army Regulation reign supreme at  Fort Lee and you need to be in compliance at all times, in terms of proper uniform and where you are to be, AT THE RIGHT TIME.  Remember this and never for get it:  Fifteen minutes prior is considered "on time".  Arriving at or just before the time you are to report is considered late and you will be declared FTR (failure to report).  When you are FTR you may find that you have additional duty to do at your company for being late, and/or you may lose your weekend pass.  Don't be that guy!

PT is a bit more your responsibility during your down time.  You may find that PT won't be as consistent as you'd like and it will be up to you to remain fit enough to pass your PT tests.  

If the number of people carrying STDs could be illustrated on a map at Fort Lee, you'd see a the post lit up in red for people that are burning.  Don't be that guy that got it on with the loose female [or male] while away on pass at the hotel.  It happens and it's embarrassing.  

Now because Fort Lee is so by the book, do all that you are told as much as possible because for whatever reason they love issuing Article 15s to privates who just can't get right. lol

At AIT you will have an NCO assigned to you as your Platoon Sergeant, however, you will have fellow student leadership over you as well who literally carry--to a degree--the same authority as your NCOs.  Listen to them, even when you want to beat them, kill them, shoot them down range, etc.  Yes, student leadership can take their power to their heads and abuse it.  That's okay, get them fired. If you think you can do better, speak up.  Every company has a comments box [or at least they should] where you can anonymously address an issue.  I'm not kidding.  If you don't like something, speak up!

Do all of these basics and you'll be golden.  But let me leave you with the best advice of above all.  Grow a HUUUUUUUUGE amount of patience and humility.  AVOID taking things personally.  When you're punished by smoking, consider it the most merciful thing to have happened, because there are worse forms of punishment that are hard to recover from let alone reverse.  

That's all I can think of right now.  ...actually there's more, but I don't want to overwhelm you nor ruin the surprises IET has to offer you. LOL! I pray the best for you and If you have any questions, feel free to email me at godavidstrong@gmail.com.

Take care!

-David

Plotting and planning + new look and approach

I promise you that I am working hard for you guys to bring some much needed content with useful Army information both about Basic Combat Training, AIT and more. I for one know the immense cluelessness or mystery there is to what Initial Entry Training is like prior to getting there. So I'm working hard to bring you high quality work. Please be patient with me as I work out my technical setbacks with my cameras and will do my best not to disappoint, especially in light of a new year.

Additionally, Go David Strong is getting a slight overhaul in look and direction, so hang with me if you like what I've done so far. Hang in there, namely you future soldiers! Tracking?

Hooah!