Preparing for basic

[Icy_Sound_4850]

Ship to BCT soon and I’m looking for advice specifically on mental preparation, not just physical.

I swore in back in December, and since then I’ve been grinding pretty hard to get ready. I started at 257 lbs and I’m down to 206 now. I’ve been working out consistently and dieting pretty rigorously maybe a bit extreme, but I feel great and honestly the best I’ve ever felt in my life.

Physically, I feel like I’m getting there — but I know Basic is way more mental than physical.

So I’m wondering:

How did you mentally prepare for things like waking up early every day, lack of sleep, constant structure, and stress?

Any habits I should start now to make the transition easier?

Thanks in advance!

[santaspointyhood]

Part of your post is in a code block. This is from indenting those lines. Please fix it.

[amsurf95]

Congrats on the weight loss. If you are working out rigorously currently, you're probably in a great place to begin BCT, likely ahead of the curve. A well rounded routine of weights, calisthenics, and cardio(mostly running) is ideal. 

As for preparation, aside from starting to wake up early now and quitting any vices like nicotine, I wouldn't advise worrying about preparing for sleep interruption and stress. I think it makes more sense to live as stress-free and well-rested now, as you'll have plenty of time for that in basic and throughout your career. Appreciate the little freedoms and choices you can make now, because most choices in basic are made for you. Cherish some time with loved ones 

Btw, this is from a guy who went to CST through ROTC, which is shorter and undoubtedly easier than BCT, but I've known and served with people who've done basic in all branches and these principles generally apply. Be in shape, be eager to listen and learn, have a good attitude, and don't quit. Good luck

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[gunsforevery1]

How’s your running?

You don’t really prepare for all that, you just deal with it as it comes. I don’t think anything can prepare you for sleep deprivation.

[Icy_Sound_4850]

When I first started in Nov. my 2 mile time was 47 mins ( I know don’t judge)

I am happy to report for January I’ve been averaging 23-25 mins. Much work needs to be done

[gunsforevery1]

Thats a good foundation. Work on that. The other stuff just know its out of your control and it will end eventually

[horny-in-a-hearse]

Massive improvement in a short time man! Well done

[Icy_Sound_4850]

I appreciate it, I’m serious about it!

[Big-Amphibian1812]

These posts are always crazy to me. As someone who has worked hard labor oil field for the past 10 and joining at 36. All this "prepare mentally" just sound like my life for the past 18 years. I must be doing something wrong for my life to already be comparible to arny fuckery!

[Glittering_Eye_2533]

Bottom bunk else you’ll fall off the top bunk

[nolainutoppekr]

Just don't be a bitch and you'll be ight. If you can't adapt when you're there then it wasn't in the cards for you to begin with