Boot camp in the Army or Marine Corps sure looks like a scary experience from what we see in the movies, right?
The fact is, you are going to get yelled at in boot camp no matter what you do; it’s part of the experience of transforming you into a military man or woman. So, get used to this, ladies:
However, if you know a few essentials before you arrive on post, your boot camp experience will be a little bit easier. A lot of these tips involve learning military basics before you arrive on the base.
Here are the things to remember:
1. Get Into Shape
There are some seriously misinformed people out there who think that the purpose of boot camp is to get into shape. No! One of the purposes is to get you into better condition, for sure. But if you arrive at Quantico out of shape, you are in for a world of hurt. Your drill instructors will see you’re slow and weak and will be merciless.
Do a lot of running, pushups and sit ups. Try to work up to at least 30 miles of running per week, 200 pushups and 200 situps per day.
2. Learn to March, and Other Basics
If you know anyone who has been in the service, you should have him or her teach you how to march, turn, face and salute properly. Another good idea is to have the person teach you how to make your bed properly with hospital corners. Having your bunk and living quarters immaculate is very important in boot camp.
You might learn things slightly differently at home than in boot camp, but it will help that you already have some of these military basics down.
3. Learn Rank Structure and Military Basics
Whichever service you are entering, make sure you know the rank structure for both enlisted and officers. You are going to be hit with all sorts of learning tasks in boot camp. The more you know when you arrive, the easier it will be.
Read up on the branch of the military you are entering. Learn its history and its heroes. You are going to have to learn it in boot camp and you’ll surely be tested on it.
Every Marine, for example, learns of the heroics of General Chesty Puller (below), the most decorated Marine in American history, and the only Marine who got five Navy Crosses. The Marine Corps reveres this man. Marines in boot camp learn this military cadence: “Chesty Puller was a good Marine and a good Marine was he!”
So you should learn a lot about him before you arrive at boot camp.
4. Don’t Stand Out
This is not the environment to express your creativity in your appearance. When you are going to boot camp, already have your hair cut short and wear conservative clothes. You do not want your drill instructors to notice you in any way. Blend.
5. Only Pack What They Tell You
Your military branch will send you a very specific list (this IS the military after all!) of what to bring and not bring with you. Stick to the list! If you arrive with extra stuff, it only will be confiscated and you’ll experience your first ass-chewing from your drill instructor.
6. Do What They Tell You
This is not the place to develop your creativity. It’s the military. Do precisely what you are told, when you are told, and how they tell you to do it. Get creative and feel the drill instructor’s wrath.
7. Being ‘On Time’ Means You’re Late
Make sure you are at the place you were told to be five minutes early. And God help you if you are actually late.
8. Volunteering Is For PTA, Not Boot Camp
Generally you are better served in boot camp to be as invisible as possible. Ideally, your drill instructor will barely know your name. So don’t volunteer for anything.
Conclusion
Always keep in mind that boot camp is a head game. The drill instructors don’t really hate you. It’s their job to tear down your civilian self and transform you into a military man or woman. It’s really not personal.
Follow these guidelines and you will get through boot camp a bit easier. But it’s still going to be tough 
And remember, after you’ve been screamed at, even your drill instructors have a soft side:
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