Basic Training Primer >> DOs and DON'Ts

[humint]

I'm putting together a primer for new recruits on Basic Training -- a sort of Do's and Don'ts for newbies. If anyone has any suggestions or interesting tid-bits to share, please post or email me at [email protected]

I'm looking for the following:

How to prepare
What to bring
What not to bring
What to do on course
What not to do on course
What to watch out for
What to expect
Anything else?

 

[ackland]

Never say " But Mcpl when I was in cadets we did it this way." :mg:

 

[Michael Dorosh]

What not to do

a) Don't ride down to parade on your skateboard while in uniform.

 

[ackland]

What not to do

a) Don't ride down to parade on your skateboard while in uniform.

??? have you seen this? 

 

[dutchie]

How to prepare - run, do push-ups and sit-ups.The recruiting Officer/NCO should have advised them.
What to bring - kit list will be given to recruits w/ joining instructions
What not to bring - anything that is not on the kit list
What to do on course - the recruit will be told what to do by sect comd's.
What not to do on course - see above.
What to watch out for - 'Who here has a motrocycle licence?'
What to expect - lots of work, not much sleep, lots of fun.
Anything else? - stop asking questions.

Everyone has to go through basic. Don't try and make it easier for them, they should find out these things on their own. Why should they have all the answers served up to them? What's the fun in that? It is the job of their instructors to train the recruits properly, prepare them properly, and generally sort them out. Don't mess with the system.

 

[Pte. Bloggins]

What to watch out for - 'Who here has a motrocycle licence?'

Or the ever-favoured 'who like ice-cream?'   ;D

Oh, and if anyone ever tells you to do something, tell them to f*ck off. 

 

[Michael Dorosh]

??? have you seen this?  

Many years ago on my own basic; he didn't pass the course. I saw him at a barber shop about a year later; he was all buddy buddy with me, wanted to "grab a beer" and tell me about his career as a Loomis guard.  He bragged about the "piece" he got to carry.  That was in the days before Ninja Snipers, though, so I guess he had to brag about something...

 

[ackland]

LMAO.  ;D

Had a guy on my course come in waering just the linner from th old 3 seasons jacket and tried to argue with the MCpl that it's ok he did in cadets. He passed but got out a year later.

Another example of what not to do.

Don't question when asked to go get the box of Radio Frequecies or the BFA for the Carl G

 

[dutchie]

.....or a box of grid squares
or a can of white and black checkered paint

 

[Michael Dorosh]

.....or a box of grid squares
or a can of white and black checkered paint

Tartan Paint is used in Highland Regiments to paint the Last Post.

 

[Pte. Bloggins]

box of Radio Frequecies

HAHA that's awesome...never heard that one before

 

[ackland]

LMAO  ;D

SIG really?

thought that was as old as " get the BFA for the 76mm" Now not applicable witht he death of the cougar

 

[Pte. Bloggins]

Nope lol

Guess people don't think we newbies are as guillible as we used to be 

 

[Foxhound]

DO bring a camera - small one that uses actual film, and extra rolls of film.   Years later you'll be very glad to have pics of youself and your buds.   (Plus you can say you have it for daytime recce patrols.     )

 

[ackland]

Nope lol

Guess people don't think we newbies are as guillible as we used to be  

Well looks like I should have instructed on you BMQ I could have had lots of fun with your gulability lol ;D

 

[humint]

Caesar:

It's not about cheating the system.

It is, in fact, about priming the recruits so they do well.

And, above that, it is about producing a document/brochure that will create interest and encourage a person to apply/join.

Recruiting is all about selling the product, especially when you have five other units in the immediate area you have to compete with. If I can sit someone down, and give them all the info they need to make a sound decision about joining, than I have a better chance of getting a quality person in the unit's door and on course. 

I've also noticed that US and Brit websites have loads of info on what to expect and do's and don't on Basic. And, let's be honest, their recruiting activities are far more advanced. It's time for us to step up to the plate.

All that said, I still appreciate the input.

 

[jonsey]

What to watch out for - 'Who here has a motrocycle licence?'

Could someone explain this to me?  Is there something wrong with a motorcycle licence?

 

[BDTyre]

What about the keys to the drop/landing zone, or batteries for the chem lights?

 

[PPCLI Guy]

Or the brass magnet to pick up the empty casings?

Or the key to the Parade Square?

 

[Michael Dorosh]

Could someone explain this to me?  Is there something wrong with a motorcycle licence?

It's an old army gag.

Sergeant:"Who here knows how to drive a motorcycle (or likes to eat ice cream, or whatever)?"

Recruit (thinking he is going to get some special treat): "Me, me, me!"

Sergeant: "Good, here's a mop, go clean the shitter."

It's just a way of getting a volunteer for a crap detail without saying that he needs a volunteer for a crap detail....I hope I'm not in trouble for revealing that little secret.  I seem to recall that I actually heard it used once much earlier in my career - it's kind of neat to see it discussed here - didn't realize it was so universal.  Must be a Secret NCO Guild or something.