People are always wondering what will happen when they get to Basic Training. After Basic, they wonder what will happen at the next level of training. Then, of course, what will happen at their first assignment.
When you look at the military from the outside, you think about how difficult it must be. You might imagine that it is an impossible task and you could never do it.
This is not true, at all.
Military Life Isn't as Mysterious as You Think
If you want an understanding of the military, then all you need to do is observe the world you are in now.
Watch how people treat one another. Take yourself out of the equation. Be an observer.
Notice how teachers or bosses treat students or employees. How do these students and employees treat each other?
What you see is what basic training will be, and all of the other levels of your career. The only difference is the set of rules that are in place.
The rules are easy to follow because they are explained to you in such a simplistic way. There is nothing complicated about Boot Camp or Basic Training.
What makes it scary to approach are all of the hyped-up stories you hear from people. People try to make it sound like some sort of nearly impossible task.
Why do they do this? To make themselves look like something big. "Look at what I did. I'm awesome."
People do this all the time in order to validate themselves to others. It isn't necessarily bad; it's just something we do as humans.
The Same People, Different Uniforms
Remember what I wrote earlier about observing the people around you? That is what you will experience in the military. From day one and beyond.
If you go into it knowing that you are being reconditioned, brainwashed, etc., then dealing with it becomes easier. Just follow. Observe the similarities of your new environment and compare them to your time as a civilian.
The same idiots have different names and faces.
This includes the people training you. Of course, you don't want to let the people training you know that you think they're idiots.
Some of the people will be great and inspirational. Emulate them. They also know that they're working with idiots, but won't let on to it.
The entire process of entering the military is made to be simple. It might not be easy every step of the way.
Once you see the morons that get in, you will remember this article and laugh.
Follow Instructions, But Think for Yourself
All of the old-timers who tell you to just keep your mouth shut and do what you're told are correct.
BUT don't lose your ability to think for yourself.
DO NOT lose your individuality by becoming a mindless robot that will blindly follow orders.
At first, during the initial training stages, you just need to pretend you are a mindless dolt.
Never Forget Your Oath
Never forget your oath. You are there to Protect and Defend the Constitution of the United States against enemies both foreign AND Domestic. That is the first and most important part of the oath.
If the officers appointed above you are not upholding that first part of the oath, then they are in violation and are not truly leaders of the United States military.
They must be dealt with. No matter the cost to your career.
Stay true to yourself, maintain confidence, and confront fear. Strength will come from within, and becoming a great person can happen by using the military to learn about yourself and others.
A Book Everyone Should Read
A book that helped my military and civilian career was How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
It's an old book, but it taught me how to get people to want to give me what I needed. Even high-ranking NCOs and officers.
Understanding people and learning how to communicate effectively are useful skills in the military and civilian world alike.
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Additional Military Preparation Resources
- Military Basic Training: What to Expect and How to Prepare
- Questions to Ask Military Recruiters
- 10 Steps to Basic Training Success
Originally published October 2013. Updated October 2026.