During my basic, we actually had a trainee fall from a tower and land on her neck, becoming momentarily paralyzed. It was pretty horrifying to me as a recruit, but our Drill Sergeant got a team together to get her onto a stretcher and get her to an ambulance. I was one of them. It took the medical training to a whole different level. She made a full recovery, and was able to graduate on the next class.
Praise God. For those newly joining the Army soon, the drill sergeants are soft squishy people, too, and shed the cap from time to time, we promise. They just don't always show it.
In my basic I knew 2 guys who both fell wrong when doing combatives, pinched a specific nerve in their leg and lost most of their feeling in their leg. One guy lied through his teeth about it said he felt fine so that he could still graduate basic, and he did. The other guy told them and was medically discharged. It makes you realize how fragile the human body really is
Last word from my DS: "If you mess up here you will get yelling from me. But if you mess up on the battlefield you will get blood on your hands or your body. Now I am calling you soldiers. Good luck soldiers" Never forget it.
Here’s my advice to make it through BCT: 1. Don’t volunteer for anything. 2. Make sure you AND all of your battle buddies equipment is secured in your lockers. 3. Follow instructions and do what you’re told. 4. Don’t get caught sleeping until lights out. 5. Don’t get caught talking out of turn. 6. Don’t get caught with contraband. 7. Never leave your post. 8. Don’t make enemies with your battle buddies. 9. Respect everyone. 10. DON’T VOLUNTEER FOR ANYTHING. Follow all of that and you’ll be fine.
Also don’t leave your damn TP out of your footlockers. Don’t SIT on the bed until it’s close to lights out. Accept that a drill sgt will most likely give you nickname if you stand out even a little bit. Realize that your 1st sgt and Cpt are there to say things and leave most times.
A few tidbits from my own personal Army BCT experience: 0. Pay attention during reception. Make sure the clothing and boots you are issued fit you. It is better to speak up right then and there than to march off with boots or headgear that are too small and try to resolve it later. Some of the civilian workers are helpful, and some aren't. Either way, make sure everything fits! 1. I could not tell you what any of my Army Drill Sergeants looked like for at least 2-3 weeks. You see them in the periphery. The booming voice and DS headgear are unmistakable, but you never look at them directly. 2. During shakedown, all your stuff will be kicked into piles with other people's stuff. You will end up with stuff that isn't yours, like boots that are two different sizes, and uniforms with someone else's name. 3.. The food in the DFAC is always very good and filling. But EAT FAST or you will be throwing most of it away. Like 2 minutes fast. Forget about passing the condiments and table manners. Look at your plate and eat. FAST. We had dinner at like 1600. By 2100 you are hungry again, but too tired to care. 4. Lock your wall locker. Unsecured wall lockers will have all the contents thrown out in a pile. Foot powder, mouthwash, shaving cream all over. Everyone who is near you will get smoked too. You won't be given time to clean it up. But it still has to be cleaned up. This may mean sneaking around quietly in the dark after lights out. If it is still there in the morning, stand by to stand by! 5. Stay with your battle buddy, and don't get left behind. Early on, I was the last out of the DFAC, and I got delayed by another company entering after we were done. I exited the DFAC, and my company was gone. I didn't know where to go, as there are rows and rows of buildings that all look exactly the same. I tried to ask a different Drill Sergeant for help but he yelled at me to go away. Learn your surroundings and the signs, etc. 6. You WILL be put into situations where there is no solution, no matter how smart or fast you are. This is where you either get frustrated and give up, OR keep working the problem with relentless moto until they tell you to stop. Hint: Do the second thing. 7. The human mind has an incredible ability to adapt to new surroundings and challenges. There are inevitable moments of regret and despair early on in BCT, but they will pass and you will settle into your new life before you know it. 8. Before you know it, you are graduating. For us, the long march back from the 3 day FTX culminated with a bonfire and short ceremony where we were told we had made it and had become actual soldiers. The reward was basically a big breakfast and enough time to eat it, which was a HUGE luxury. 9. With all of the above said, would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY. It is a transformative experience and you are made a better person for it. I hope this anecdotal information is useful to anyone considering military service. GOD BLESS AMERICA.
This was an awesome comment! My son is currently going through BCT at Fort Benning. Next week, February 10 is his turning green ceremony and I can't wait to to see him! He is doing well, or so he says, every time he calls. Wish he could have read this comment before he went.
Thank you for your service. This gave me a new perspective 9n basic training / boot camp. I love my father all the more for having served 20 years on the Army. Go Army!.
I wish this “documentary” actually captured what BCT is really like. This made it look soft. I went through last year and it most definitely wasn’t like this.
Was thinking about joining the Navy or Army all throughout high school, but after I graduated I was diagnosed with a heart condition... which meant no military 🤷🏾♂️ . It feels extremely good to watch young recruits become soldiers, puts a smile on my face
Not true. you could join if you get clear by a Medical Waiver. and by the healing process. you should not quit on your dreams. I'm in the process of joining the Army. December 2021 I'm taking my Asbav
Be glad that you avoided the military. The propaganda got to your head during high school. I despise the fact that the military goes onto high school campuses to prey on young teens and fill their heads with bs
@Barnacle Boy I agree I've meet alot of bad ass women when i was in I was just stating from a different point of view but because most guys are dicks they have to deal with so much more bs then they should
@Matt None that is true which is why historically men have done the fighting. Bringing women into men’s spaces always changes the dynamics. This who equality thing is really new. If we were still swinging swords I doubt society would be pushing for females to go into combat roles. That is why I think the physical standards need to be the same for males and females.
Bro in my basic at Jackson they put me against a female and I decked her ass. They teach you that you don’t see gender. They have to hold their own just like we do. I served with some damn strong woman.
Fuck modern fucking days men are no longer as tough as before even the millitary im not saying they are not tough they have balls of steel and are tough but back in the days they were much tougher “The more you sweat in training the more you bleed in war”
TheJoyousDays yeah it does . And you have to deal with grown ass men in your platoon that your assigned to that act like little kids and can’t act straight .
I'm sure there is a good reason, but Army Basic training looks like the boy scouts now?? I went in 1982 at Ft. McClellan. They never stopped smoking us , yelling day and night , no one wanted to smile we were miserable the first few weeks, it was called shock treatment phase. Out of 172 92 graduated. We were constantly being shuffled as people were being dropped etc etc.They mentioned it was going to get softer , but man after this video I couldn't believe how these soldiers in basic were casually talking and waiting around??? Like What??? In 1982, my Basic training was very close to the Marine corps training, there was intensity , screaming all the time. Day and night. Our Drill Sergeants were in shape. These drills look like they need to go on a diet. We didn't have to say Drill Seargent 10 times when responding , it was just sergeant yes sergeant no sergeant. Basic Training does look fun now. It makes me worry a little about the Army's training methods. Like Kindergarten. Piece of cake.
I went through boot camp at FLW in 1983.....I know for a fact it was harder as far as the Drill Sergeants smoking us and swearing and intimidation etc.....we were also segregated as far as females and males not bring together which was good for many reasons.....but I will say that they are getting better/more training then we got back then.....
@ Joshua Butler, im 54, i went in in 85 Ft. Knox Kentucky and i too sr would go back in at the age i am now if they would let me, those were great days and I miss the team work. ARMY
Lmfao dude and I thought MEPS was bad 😂 reception was a week of meps... basic was 10 weeks of reception, and AIT was like college for people that shouldn’t be in college.
Damn I was there 8 months ago lmfao. 14G. If you are nervous about it, don’t be. Just do the right thing, keep your head low and focus on why you arrived at basic. Y’all got this.
@GhostFaceInter you’ll have fun! Just say yes drill sergeant or no drill sergeant and memorize your info and you’ll do great! Don’t be a bitch either in the bay. People are stupid but don’t throw punches. That’s how you become a holdover.
@@justanothergrunt9053hey I'm going to join after I graduate in May is there any thing u recommend like practice workouts or anything? so I can be fully prepared because I want to join.
@@outsmokeu1933 My Comment got deleted. Not sure why so I will shorten it. Focus on running (15 miles a week), push-ups (200 a day), squats (at least 135lbs 15x5), deadlift 210 (15x5), pull-ups (at least 30 a day). Cardio will kill you, you will be hungry. Don’t try and be a bad ass. I injured myself in AIT after basic. Get into the real deal and get hurt, otherwise it will hold you back. Good luck.
@@outsmokeu1933 I tore all of my ligaments in Poland and the system doesn’t give you the help you need. I am big on fitness and my left leg is 2/3 the size of my right know. Stretch and stay healthy. You are in charge of your health and NEVER play sports in the military. You will get hurt.
This is insane to me. I joined in early 2006 and there was no smiling and talking amongst ourselves unless we were alone in the barracks doing cleaning or something else. The drill sergeants here are so calm. I'm actually kind of jealous.
Don’t be jealous because they edit those videos to encourage people who want to join army but afraid of taking a step. I guess it’s harder in real life
My heart left with my son yesterday as he left MEPS and went onto the bus to the airport ....... Please pray for all our soldiers. Thank you for this video ....This is one scared and sad Momma........ I love my son & Pray for him and all soldiers!!!!!! GO ARMY I LOVE YOU HAYDEN
I right there with you. My son left for Basic Training Feb 11. Miss him terrible but he and his platoon are doing very well. Trust that he is in good hands. Army Strong.
@Man In The Arena they've softened up, they now have stress cards, my nephew told me and i almost passed out, i told him if anyone said anything about stress, the whole platoon got smoked and the stress was gone.
KORN 1999 the classic stress card meme. It’s not even true. The closest thing we got to a “stress card” was a card that told us what to do if we feel stressed. It pretty much just said things like “Drink more water” or “make sure you don’t eat like crap” or “physical exercise can improve mood.” Or “talk to a battle buddy” or “talk to a chaplain if you’re into that” it’s pretty much a nicer way to tell us to go fuck our selves and deal with it after training if we were “stressed.” Not a get out of training card
Graduated basic in 18. Now I'm a Sgt going into ALC for SSG. My advice is just keep going. You will get tired and want to quit or just be depressed, but that's all part of turning you from a civilian to a soldier.
My best friend is at fort sill right now just starting basic training. Beyond proud of him! Thank you to all the men and women who have served and are currently serving
There is no such thing as Relaxin Jackson..... Graduated in May.... Nothing was relaxin about Infantry Drill Sgts shaping us into Soldiers. I'm a beast at 34 yrs old... Having a Professional Career already (I'm in the US Army Reserves) I literally lost 30pounds from BCT and AIT Training. If you are a Bay Boss, PG, or Student first...There was nothing relaxin about FT Jackson.
I'm sure there is a good reason, but Army Basic training looks like the boy scouts now?? I went in 1982 at Ft. McClellan. They never stopped smoking us , yelling day and night , no one wanted to smile we were miserable the first few weeks, it was called shock treatment phase. Out of 172 92 graduated. We were constantly being shuffled as people were being dropped etc etc.They mentioned it was going to get softer , but man after this video I couldn't believe how these soldiers in basic were casually talking and waiting around??? Like What??? In 1982, my Basic training was very close to the Marine corps training, there was intensity , screaming all the time. Day and night. Our Drill Sergeants were in shape. These drills look like they need to go on a diet. We didn't have to say Drill Seargent 10 times when responding , it was just sergeant yes sergeant no sergeant. Basic Training does look fun now. It makes me worry a little about the Army's training methods. Like Kindergarten. Piece of cake.
There have been instances when I cried in basic training releasing inner frustrations I had with trying to qualify for riflemanship in White Phase. And that gas chamber was no joke. I coughed and heaved so hard salivating while flapping my arms coming out of there. I literally had saliva dripping from my gas mask when I took it off. That's how heavy I salivated. And I threw up a little 😞. Tear gas smells like Death. It causes a burning sensation in the throat, eyes, and nose, and makes you cough really hard. And I had hard laughing moments as well at the things my roommates and sometimes drill sergeants said.
@@TewifyingUwU Did you still make it through despite getting injured? Getting injured and stress fractures was one of my biggest fears in basic training.
I was deployed for Army basic Training to Fort Bliss TX, OSUT facility in 1986, and the Drills were alot more brutal, they screamed at us horribly and intimidated us beyond belief and the training was more brutal, you were not allowed to relax and they pounded military bearing into our souls, but when we graduated we were made into proud fighting soldiers and were later treated with respect as long as we respected our superiors.
It is the proudest moment when you go from being trainee to soldier by your drill sgt. It was for me, Goodluck to you all getting ready to go. Rely on, and be there for your battle buddies and you'll get through easily. 😎
Good luck I am doing split ops that means I did basic last summer and doing my infantry ait this summer it sucks but in the end it’s worth just have fun with it and learn and I might see you there I am leaving on the 20th to go back
@@jamesdouglass800 you're gonna be in a pog BCT company, you wont be with the infantry dudes lol. Yourr basic is gonna be easy af. Literally every signal guy that has went to Benning has told me it was too easy. Yall get phones and shit now too.
We are thankful for all military personnel from all branches of the US Armed Forces, Reserve and National Guard Components across this Nation and Territories! Truly Second to None worldwide HOOAH 🙏☝️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
@@brandiryan90Pallo wish him luck and to write to him often. It gets lonely in BCT without letters and phone calls are very rare unless it's an emergency.
@@themysticsupreme5946Boyscout, yup you are correct. BCT was so lonely when I was there. My family didn't write much and I didn't call them until I was done with BCT.
Hes getting smoked, runnin his ass off, gettin yelled at being told hes doin everything wrong even blinking wrong. I promise u this, who he was when he left wont be who he is when he gets back. Did my stint of hell at Ft. Leonardwood MO, A35th Eng batt, 1st Eng Bridgade OSUT (12B)
@@alexworsham5358Nodal Network Systems Operator / Maintainer is a very important function in battle field readiness and success to every operation. Pay attention in Signal Corp AIT because the guys in the shit will need those comms for CAS/MedEvac/Evac/QRF
I started mine in June of last year, they don’t show all the screaming and stuff in this one and what some of the trainees went through, it’s what you make of it though and what you learn from it
Alright future soldiers . I Kno things are way different now but I'm sure it will challenge you. Keep your head up . Listen to your NCO'S . Never quit. .. Welcome to the brotherhood. SSG. Mac. 1999-2012
I would actually love to ask some questions from a decorated soldier. I've always wanted to serve in the army and have always wanted to travel around the world and help out wherever I can, I'm a certified welder who wants to go into that field but I have been doubting if I can stand even basic training and boot camp cause I've heard so many stories of people leaving or not being fit for it. Any tips?
@@midmin375 .... I was a recruiter for the Army at one point also. The job of " your recruiter" is to ensure that you are ready to enter basic training. If you are alittle behind on something ....he or she will work with you. I ran with my future soldiers . Push-ups situps. I taught them rank structure ...lots of things . ITS THEIR JOB to assist you. Give your local recruiter a call ...set up an appointment. And good luck trooper. 💪
@@milkbag1 Wow...im devastated. You have obliterated me with pure intellect. How could i let this happen? Its not like i just saw the video for the first time or anything and came across you having a brain aneurysm in the comments. I must now take my own life as i have dishonored my family.
My Nephew goes to Army Boot Camp this coming Monday. I expect him to do exceptionally well at it, as he’s been well informed on exactly what he can expect. He’s going to be an outstanding soldier.
Thank you for his service. Mention it to him. He wont have a problem. The video shows that it is a lot easier now than years ago. Our training years ago was totally different . He will be ok . Good luck and thank him for all of us.
I just graduated BCT at Fort Jackson 2-60 and currently at AIT 42A i must say BCT is mentally Challenging than it is physically. Its mind over matter. Looking back now, I cant believe i made it through but guess what set your mind and tell yourself you can do it. Others have done it, many will do it and so can YOU. Shout out to all my Army family.
biggreenleaf For one thing, coed basic training, scopes on rifles, protective eye wear to name a few. I think post 9-11 they made some changes and/or add more
Steven Rahn it’s also important to not touch your eyes, nose or mouth as that will reactive the CS crystals and make them burn like hell. CBRN soldier here!
Our Sergeant made us volunteer, after ending CBRN training, to enter the gas chambers without masks, for a 'last man standing'. Still remember the tears of acid burning my cheeks, but fun as hell nonetheless.
@@Downtime_videos no i read it, and your comment correctly. When a DS says "volunteer" they mean "if you choose not to, then its going to bite you in the ass later" .. So "made us volunteer" simply means either do it, or pay the price later. At which point you know to just do it.
I finished my training at Leonard wood very recently, I assume that there are a lot of people watching this that are preparing to ship for basic and are looking to see how it's going to be, I did too. The one thing I didn't realize until I was there for a bit is that everything except the specific graduation requirements can be completely unique to your company, I started in a quarantine environment and that company was completely different than the one I ended up in
I did Army Basic in 1990, we had a soldier named DAY... He got us smoked Daily. We supported him and got him through basic. Instead of being upset, we got stronger and helped the weak DAY
It has been well over 25 years since I've through Ft. Leonard Wood, but if I'm ever given the opportunity to go through it all again, I'd jump right into it in a heart beat!
Basic Training sure has changed since I was in 1984 to 1990, had my Basic training at Fort Sill. Bayonet Training there also, I remember the D S would say there are two different types of Bayonet Fighters, "The quick and the Dead". You was either quicker than your enemy or you was dead in Bayonet Fighting that is. In every life or death situation, you can use that piece of advice to survive. I went on several tours of Duty. I used that piece of advice drilled into my head to survive the firefights. The generation now going into the Army or any armed forces can use that same piece of advice, it will save there butts.
Thank you drill Sargeants for your service and commitment. God bless you for what you do to make our Army #1 across the world. This we'll defend. Your professional and moral standards is exceptional. Women thank you for you service. All battles keep up the great work.
I was in 1982. Doesn't this video look a little soft? compared to what we went through?? How do these guys fight?? No intensity , the drills are out of shape, the Privates are laughing talking while on the courses . Holy Sht!!!
@@michaelm9649 Piss off, ....grandpa. You were PEACE TIME army. I don't care how "hard" your basic was. You're not a combat vet. You're not a killer. You weren't in Vietnam, you weren't in the Iran Iraq war. You didn't get any. So beat it. If you were sent to war like my guys were in 2007, during the Surge, you'd have pissed your pants in that demon that's Baghdad. So fuck off and stop belittling the training "these days". You're a has been
Wow. These kids look so much younger than when I went into the Infantry. No worries, it is just a thing. Loved the hand grenade throwing part, but more should be spent on chucking one in through a window or a slightly open door. That was my combat experience. A big airborne salute to all new soldiers. I am so proud of you.
Decided to watch this just to at least get a rough idea of what I'm getting myself into. Despite only showing what is, undoubtedly, the best parts of training, I'm ready for the worst parts of it. Eye on the prize, and that prize is the honor of being a soldier in the United States Army. I leave March 2nd for BCT, wish me luck!
I went through BCT at Fort Dix ,10-14-68. The drill sergeants were all Viet Nam veterans and crazy as hell. This documentary is tame compared to what we endured, but by the end ,graduated 12/22/68 , we would have walked through HELL for these guys. My company broke the proficiency park record and the training field first sgt treated us to Wild Turkey in the day room. WETSU. I still sing to my grand babies a marching cadence we used “the prettiest girl I ever saw was sipping bourbon thru a straw etc. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
For those who take issue with the newer, kinder BCT I will say that while it was tougher when I went through, they pretty much made sure that even the weakest trainees had a chance to recycle. That was before 9-11. My drill sgt. told me that it was up to the permanent duty units to either get them up to speed or chapter them out. I suspect that hasn't really changed. No matter how tough or easy BCT is, it will he the standards of the permanent duty units that these recruits will have to meet. I was in a few units that each and every day made BCT seem like the easy part and I was in a few that made it seem like the hardest part.
Nah some of em are mine boy the part with the helicopter those were Charlie 1-31 drill sergeants just graduated 2 weeks ago from this shit, kinda miss it
I’m not even going to lie, my least favorite part of basic was dealing with the broken people. Carrying extra rucks for the people (mostly females) who were on bullshit profiles for “hip pain” or “lower back pain”, and watching every single one of them wear their Class A’s on graduation day. I think the US army is far too lenient on who they allow to join. Joining was the greatest decision I ever made, although I met some people with NO business in the army. I think the first two weeks of basic should be where anybody has the option to leave. Why would anybody who can admit “I don’t want to be here” be obligated to be in the military? I went to basic at Fort Jackson, Delta 1-13. Drill sergeants aren’t the big, scary, awful people you see in the videos and I think this video is a good representation of the actual tasks completed in basic. But they leave out a LOT of the standing around 😂
I went to Army basic training in the early 1990's at "Ft. Lost in the Woods (Ft. Leonard Wood). We wore "BDU's (camouflaged combat uniform)...I love the smell of "STARCH" in the morning with (highly shined) black combat boots. It was 8 weeks of Hell...(when Drill Sergeants could put their hands on you) of "GETTING SMOKED" at all hours... of intense physical training and discipline (in this video I see a lot of disorganization and trainees "shooting the shit" like "kids at summer camp). I remember a morning, where it was 19 degrees outside, and it was snowing. The Drill Sergeants had all the trainees go outside with our "paper thin" grey PT shorts and grey PT shirts on, as we did "FRONT...BACK...GO's." As we went from our backs, to our fronts the cold was so intense that my body experienced extremely sharp pain... until it went completely NUMB because the snow on the ground melted from our warm bodies causing it to turn into water... covering us in a pool of water... as it froze and thawed simultaneously. We were out there, in 19 degree weather, in about 2 inches of snow for 45 minutes, which seemed like a lifetime and that is only ONE experience I'm sharing... out of countless we endured. After serving honorably for 14 years, and being separated because of service connected injuries I incurred while on OEF status (and I'm a proud Wounded Warrior) I'm an author writing books about my Army Military Intelligence career, which will narrate everything... a complete autobiography which will include not only my Intelligence experience, but also... the training experience as well.
This shit is nuts when i went through basic in 2005 we got a rifle like 2 days after we got to our unit. We didnt turn it in for 20 weeks until the day before family day.
I remember back in 2009 seeing the lights of the Barracks at the bottom of that last hill and knew that long death march was almost over lol. The ceremony at the end where our Battery commander pulled the sword out of the fire and told us all that we have become solders and I put on that beret was one of the proudest moments of my life 2nd to the birth of my daughter
I just Finished BCT , I was part of Echo Battery 1/19 and I met most of these drill Sgts and the 1SG this was the best experience of my life and I genuinely enjoyed it all.
The right place at the right time in the right uniform with a positive attitude you will be fine. Retain everything that you learn because you will use those tactics when you deploy.
It's a low crawl. you drag your gun through the dirt on a low crawl. It's fine if your dust cover is closed and you have a mag in. They didnt have mags in, probably because they were going to clean them too.
@Lui well I guess that's true, but regaurdless they r supposed to be taught to keep them up. And as I recall, there were still bullseyes we were supposed to shoot after the low crawl. Then some weapons would jam...
We cleaned our weapons every day, from week 1 to week 10. If one person's weapon didn't pass inspection, everyone had to go outside, drag their weapons through the mud pit (TIME FOR THE DRAG!), and do it all over again. One night, someone got sick of cleaning weapons and informed our SDS of their displeasure. We dragged again, then cleaned our weapons in the front leaning rest. It was awesome.
At 11:32, did the DS actually say “There you go!” in a cheerful voice after the girl pulled the pin? Yikes, if basic is anything like this, it’ll be a breeze for me...
Joshua Rowlett aye man I heard reception is like meps but 10x worst😭 congrats on making it to boot camp🤞🏽 if you’re watching videos like this it means your ready brother ‼️
I see myself getting cheated on already at this moment and I am not even at basic training yet. I don't leave until November. It's been days since I last talked to him. It's almost like we don't talk anymore.
Wow...I went BCT in the 90s, I remember a lot of yelling, four letter words and pushups along with training. They look like they're having too much fun.
I would say yes! Know that this is all about teamwork and trust so you have to be able to work with people. It will be hard but not so hard that it is impossible to pass! Any questions feel free to reply again and I would be happy to answer them ! Best of luck to you in the future!
I went to BCT in December of 1973 . It was fxxking cold 🥶 and snow on the ground every day for 9 weeks. The DI’s had a field day with us 7 days a week until Feb 74. I went to Tank school at Ft Knox in the winter 🥶 it was cold and snow ❄️ every fxxking day. That’s why I hate snow to this day. Now 30 years later I live in FL and it’s hot 🥵 every fxxking day and I love it 😻
