Basic military training: Be prepared when you report for duty
For many recruits, the first weeks of military training are the toughest. Everything is new and unfamiliar. You’ll find it easier to settle in if you’re prepared.
Recruit school is approaching and with it comes a certain amount of uncertainty: What will I be facing in the coming months? You’ll be faced with a whole host of new experiences: the daily routine, the uniform, the food and the dormitory. Being well prepared will help you settle in a bit faster and make the start easier.
Military boots
You’ll probably already have heard Be sure to wear your military shoes in beforehand. You’ll be glad you did when you start out on your first march! Special blister plasters also help against blisters on the feet. And: A thin nylon sock under the socks prevents the socks from rubbing against the skin and causing blisters.
Positive mental attitude
It may sound like a cliché, but it’s true that your mood can make a big difference. If you tell yourself several times a day how awful a situation is, you’ll find it bad. Try to approach new tasks with curiosity and an open mind. You’ll see that time passes faster when you have a positive attitude. Making plans for what you want to do after basic military training can help keep your chin up. Are you perhaps planning a trip? Anticipation can help you overcome strenuous phases.
Physical training
Depending on the military role you’re training for, the training will be more or less physically demanding. Nevertheless, being physically fit when you report for duty is sure to make the start of your training easier. The army has developed an app with a fitness program tailored to military requirements. Or you can simply keep doing the sport you enjoy.
Packing list
You’ll be sharing a dormitory with a lot of other young men, so be sure to take ear plugs in case your neighbour snores. Headphones can also be a blessing if you want to switch off – or if ear plugs don’t work. There’ll always be times when you have nothing to do during your basic military training. Play card games to combat boredom, or download a Netflix series. Last but not least: take snacks with you - to tide you over until your friends' and family's food parcels arrive. For information on what else you’ll need for basic military training, see the army’s official packing list.
