On a recruit course, there is a distinct emphasis on uniformity. It never pays to be an "individual".
You may be allowed to wear a hydration system during the FTX phase, but don‘t be surprised if it‘s not allowed on the morning inspection while in quarters.
And remember that the standards go up as you progress through the recruit courses. If you think BMQ might have been too anal (by which I mean "regimented", sorry if I offended anyone! ha ha) then BIQ will take that a level up. They expect you do to certain things and work as a team moreso than on BMQ, when the ideas are first introduced. The DS will not want to teach you how to suck eggs, in other words, show you things you should already know, like keeping yourself squared away and looking the same as like buddy.
Later courses may be more relaxed, until you get to PLQ, where, I am told, they turn up the standards yet again, and for good reason: you will have to enforce them, as a leadership NCO.
