Basic Training for Dummies

Description

The easy way to prepare for basic training Each year, thousands of young Americans attempt to enlist in the U.S. Armed Services. A number of factors during a soldier's training could inhibit successful enlistment, including mental toughness and physical fitness levels. Basic Training For Dummies covers the ins and outs of this initial process, preparing you for the challenges you?ll face before you head off for basic training.. You'll get detailed, week-by-week information on what to expect in basic training for each branch of service, such as physical training, discipline, classroom instruction, drill and ceremony, obstacle courses, simulated war games, self-defense, marksmanship, and other milestones. Tips and information on getting in shape to pass the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) All-important advice on what to pack for boot camp Other title by Powers: ASVAB For Dummies Premier, 3rd Edition, Veterans Benefits For Dummies Whether you join the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or the Coast Guard, Basic Training For Dummies prepares you for the challenge and will help you survive and thrive in boot camp! Basic Training For Dummies® Table of Contents Introduction About This Book Conventions Used in This Book What You’re Not to Read Foolish Assumptions How This Book Is Organized Icons Used in This Book Where to Go from Here Part I: The Basics about Basic Chapter 1: Forewarned Is Forearmed Brushing Up on Military Missions Building a G.I. from Scratch Making the Basic Training Experience a Little Bit Easier Getting There Is Half the Fun Getting Specific about Each Branch’s Training Juggling Basic Training Jobs Taking a Shot at Weapons Training Gearing Up for Graduation Basic Training Does Not a Career Make Basic Training Can Be a Rewarding Experience Chapter 2: A Day in the Life of Basic Training Getting That Morning Wake-Up Call Calling Home Just a Little Off the Sides: Haircuts Cleaning Up: Showers Hearing from Home: Mail Call Hitting the Sack: Lights Out Gathering for Instructor Time Surviving Inspections Meeting Your Battle Buddies Going on a Sick Call Getting Shot (the Medical Kind) Payday! Chowing Down Chapter 3: Training for Military Jobs Leave/Vacation After Basic Army MOS Training Air Force Job Training Navy Rating Training Marine Corps Training Coast Guard Training Chapter 4: On the Firing Line (Weapons Range) Discovering the Weapons Used in Basic Thinking about Weapons Safety Home, Home on the Range Part II: Getting Ready for Basic Chapter 5: Getting a Head Start on Military Ranks Becoming Familiar with Military Ranks Basic Training Chain of Command Chapter 6: Doing Things the Military Way Discovering How Sentries Act Getting the Lowdown on Customs and Courtesies Following Reporting Procedures Making Sense of Military Time Chapter 7: Mastering Military Law and Justice Why a Separate Military Justice System? The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ): The Basis of Military Law Administrative Sanctions Basic Training Punishments Chapter 8: Fit to Fight: Getting in Shape for Basic Training The Importance of Being Fit Fitness Factor: Knowing What You Can Do to Get in Shape Nutrition Factor: Practicing Good Nutrition and Eating Habits Medical Factor: Taking Care of Your Medical Needs Chapter 9: Hup, Two, Three, Four: Understanding Military Drill The Importance of Drill Understanding How Drill Commands Work Exploring the Different Types of Drill Part III: Heading to Basic Training Chapter 10: Packing Right by Packing Light Your First On-Base Shopping Trip Essentials to Never Forget Items to Avoid Bringing Chapter 11: One Last Trip to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) Getting the Scoop on MEPS Getting the Medical Okay Signing a New Contract Taking the Final Oath Saying Farewell to Family and Friends Figuring Out Who’s in Charge Leaving on a Jet Plane Figuring Out How Long You’ll Be at Basic Training Chapter 12: Arriving at the Base The Big Arrival Bus to Basic: In-Processing Settling In: To the Barracks You Go Shots, Dental, and Drug Testing, Oh My Chapter 13: Getting Picked for a Basic Training Job Discovering the Pros and Cons of Leadership Jobs To Volunteer or Not to Volunteer: That Is the Question Figuring Out How Instructors Choose Their Leaders Looking at Leadership Jobs Scouting Out the Other Basic Training Jobs Part IV: Basic Training Life, Branch by Branch Chapter 14: Army Basic Combat Training Red Phase: Training Week 1 Through Week 3 White and Blue Phases (Training Week 4 through Week 9) Chapter 15: Air Force Basic Training Introduction Phase: Zero Week and Week 1 Predeployment Phase (Weeks 2 Through 5) Deployment Phase and the BEAST Post-Deployment Phase (Weeks 7 and 8) Chapter 16: Navy Boot Camp Getting Started: Weeks 1 and 2 Weeks 3 Through 8 The End Is in Sight: Closing Weeks Chapter 17: Marine Corps Basic Training Checking In at Recruit Receiving Getting Acclimated to Your First Few Days of Real Basic Training Hitting the Books: Classroom Training Getting Physical in the Marine Corps Looking Forward to the Highlights of Weeks 4 and 5 Series Officer Inspection The Crucible: The Mother of All Events Meeting the Core Graduation Requirements Chapter 18: Coast Guard Basic Training Arriving at the Airport Launching into Your First Few Days Jumping in: The Real Basic Begins Studying Up! Classroom Training Getting into a Routine: Weeks 2 and 3 Weeks 4, 5, and 6 Winding Down: Week 7 Monitoring Your Behavior with Performance Trackers Getting Reverted Worshipping During Divine Hours Making It to the Final Week Part V: Wrapping Up Basic Training Chapter 19: Graduation Week Army Graduation Events Air Force Graduation Events Navy Graduation Events Marine Corps Graduation Events Coast Guard Graduation Events Chapter 20: Getting Your Just Rewards Army Basic Combat Training Awards Air Force Basic Training Awards Navy Basic Training Awards Marine Corps Basic Training Awards Coast Guard Basic Training Awards Part VI: The Part of Tens Chapter 21: Ten Ways to Prepare for Basic Training Discover How to Address Instructors Memorize Military Ranks Get in Shape Get a Haircut Open a Bank Account Gather Your Important Paperwork Memorize Your Basic Training Chain-of-Command Master Military Time Memorize Your Service’s Core Values Know Your Social Security Number Chapter 22: Ten Ways to Make Your Drill Instructor Happy Always Tell the Truth Always Use the Proper Method of Address Leave Your Drill Sergeant’s Stuff Alone Don’t Make Excuses Help Out Those Who Need It Follow Directions to the Letter Avoid Eye Contact Be Serious at All Times Remain Absolutely Motionless at Attention Dress Conservatively Upon Arrival Chapter 23: Ten Ways to Get in Shape for Basic Training Write Down Your Goals Develop a Stretching and Warm-Up Routine Familiarize Yourself with Current Military Fitness Standards Join a Workout Program or Get a Fitness Buddy Practice Good Nutrition Test Yourself Meet the Military’s Weight Requirements Stick to Your Workout Plan Don’t Overstress Your Body and Prevent Injuries Stay Positive Appendix A: Punitive Articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) Appendix B: Military Enlisted History Army Enlisted History Creation of the Super Grades Air Force Enlisted History Navy Enlisted History Marine Corps Enlisted History Coast Guard Enlisted History Index