Navy bootcamp

[mandi1027]

Hi....I just joined the Navy last month, I leave for boot camp 20060306, any advice for females joining the Navy(or the military in general)?

[Field_Sailor]

LIsten and do what yo're told. That goes for everyone, Man and Woman.

[SR-25]

What is the longest run in Navy Boot?

[Grimmy]

Congratulations on your choice to serve your country Not enough young people are as standup as that in this time of trial.

While in basic training just remember:
1. Dont take it personally. It is your instructor/trainer's job(s) to introduce you to a whole new reality. You'll learn the basic habits and behaviors necessary to exist in close proximity with others and how to survive in times of stress. It's not easy stuff but it's all good stuff.
2. It doesnt last for ever. That is, unless you find you really do enjoy the life and wish to make it a career. Still, while in basic training you'll feel like it's never gonna end. It does tho, eventually
Just remember that, when the going gets tough. Once you're thru bootcamp and thru your specialty school and in the fleet, you're a Sailor! And, you'll never have to do that "I wonder what it would have been like if I'd have joined up" like so many civilians do once they get older and slower and maybe start regretting some chances missed.

[Cmfone]

Also, volunteer for some of the jobs, alot of the Company Commanders (that's what we called them in 92) will apreciate some body who steps up, and some times go a little easier on the yelling towards those who volunteer. But do your job, they won't hesitate to fire a person not doing there job.

[Batgirl]

I can't comment specifically on the US Navy bootcamp experience, but more generally I would echo what FS and Grimmy have said above. My training experience so far has been the most physically and mentally demanding challenge I've ever faced. The first lesson I learned was to keep my mouth shut, listen and do what I was told. Whether you're male or female, it doesn't make any difference. You're all treated the same and if you screw up, you're told very clearly and directly what it is you got wrong. As Grimmy says, don't take it personally and listen to your SNCOs. You quickly learn that everything – from the constant fatigue you feel, the endless hours spent burnishing your boots, square bashing, gruelling PT etc is done in order to concentrate your mind and test your self discipline. There will be times especially during the initial few weeks where you'll feel like you've been hit by a truck but you'll also feel a strong sense of pride at what you're achieving during your training. I don't know if you'll be back here before your training starts but best of luck to you and if you have any other questions, do post them.

[Field_Sailor]

Pay attention, learn what you can. Trust me you'd be surprised what you can teach someone down the line, or how knowing how to tie a line, or rope, will help you later. Pay attention.