Originally Posted By Mad_Max1611:
Im a 200lb, 6 foot, somewhat out of shape 23 year old. Got a 97 on the asvab, and work as a machinist. Joining the guard as an 11B to hopefully then tryout for 18B in 20th Group. I was wondering if anyone has some tips for me before I ship. Things such as can I wear my watch? If I wear boots all day already should I still focus on that or will I be ok? What will my first couple days be like? Anything would be appreciated.
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You can start running. You'll probably lose a good bit of weight in Basic because of lack of food/time to eat it. You can bring your watch with you, but I don't think you'll be able to wear it during basic. They'll let you buy a crappy watch. You won't want to wear your watch at Benning unless you want it full of sand.
You'll be at 30th AG for like a week. It's actual purgatory(maybe hell) where you stand in lines and get issued gear. Then the Drills pick you up and march you, carrying all your new shit, to your CP. I wouldn't worry too much about prep. Basic is very well run generally and Drills will teach you everything you need to know. I joined at 24; you'll find it easier being older. A lot of the kiddos go insane being away from home for the first time and the various stressors you go through, but just sit back and enjoy the ride.
I forget what its called, but theres a series on youtube about Basic that goes through every single thing you'll do. I watched this before I went and found it to be very accurate, and it was nice knowing there were no surprises. Search for that.
If you're really bored though, find "The blue book" online and start learning that shit so you don't have to see it for the first time there. You'll get one at 30th; it has everything you'll learn in Basic in it. Start memorizing the ranks, the Soldiers', and the Infantryman's Creeds.
And don't worry about SF or even talk about it there. You can train for Selection afterwards.