Anyone have some serious tips about BCT in Fort Jackson?

I'm leaving for Fort Jackson on the 24th of January for BCT. I already know the basics like keep your mouth shut and do what you're told rule. But does anyone have anything to really focus on. Like I heard that bringing cotton balls and Q-tips are good for cleaning your rifle. Another person told me to buy icy-hot at the PX when I get my advance pay card. He said that it may make the barracks smell like spearmint but your body will thank you in the morning or when you get up for fire-watch/guard or whatever. And cough drops for the sore throat that you, not may, but WILL be getting.


And what about Victory Forge? Any tips for that? I hear it's one of those "Don't give up on yourself and you wont fail" type of challenges. Yeah, I know I could search for that answer online but it's better if someone who's done it actually tells me. They don't sugar-coat, aka bullsh*t, what it's like.


By the way, will my sarcastic "Jack-***-ism" get me "special" treatment?


Wish me luck...or a miracle.

Anyone have some serious tips about BCT in Fort Jackson?
Good Luck in basic! Unfortunately I can't really give you any good info. My husband and I are stationed about about 30 minutes away. Just a warning.. it may be January but this is South Carolina. Last week I was wearing shorts and now its 30 degrees outside. It totally screws with my sinuses. Anyway, my husband says.. "Do NOT under any circumstances volunteer for anything."





Don't worry. You'll be fine.
Reply:Basic training is all a mind game. Take things in stride, and don't worry about the constant harassment you get from DI's and you'll do fine.Keep this in mind, regardless of what branch you're in, the DI's will always give you so much to do that it is physically impossible to accomplish what they ask you to do. What they are looking for is team work among you and your fellow recruits to pull together in a united effort to complete the job. They know what they assign you to do is impossible, but they want to see a unified team effort. If you can show the DI's that, you will be ok.
Reply:I did my basic at Jackson. I don't know if its easier or not than other places cause thats the only one I went to . You can bring a minimum of health items such as q-tips. You wont get your rifle until 4 weeks into BCT and will have cleaning equipment given to you. With your advance pay card you can buy everything yo need at "Reception battalion" which is the worst part of BCT due to how boring it is. you can also buy cough drops when you are told you can buy them. We weren't allowed to have them when we first got there. If you dont take things personally, go with the flow, and try not to fall asleep, the time will go fast (you will always be busy) and you will look at it as enjoyable. Unless you are a superman now, you will coe out in the best shape you've ever been. I lost 20 lbs and could knock out 80+ pushups for the test like it was nothing. Just take it seriously and you'll be fine. Afet the first 3 weeks (red phase) it gets better.





One more note. Bring things to correspond with (pens, paper, envelopes, stamps) that will give you something to do on fire watch, and help relive some stress.





Good Luck!!
Reply:drink water!!!! don't worry, it will be easier than you think. it is mainly mental.
Reply:you mean fort relaxin jackson. ha. make sure you have a sense of humor when you get out of basic because that place is a joke.

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