Things to Do to Get Ready for Basic Training

You will need to go away to basic training if you are a new recruit. It is really easy to forget some things that you should do ahead of time. By the time it hits you that you have forgotten them, it will be too late. Here are some things that new recruits usually forget:

You should take regular postal addresses for any person that you will want to write to while you are away at basic training. You should have enough stamps and envelopes that will last you for nine weeks.

You will need nine weeks worth of pre-paid phone cards. Buying them on-base could cost more, so it will pay you to get them ahead of time.

Taking your entire wardrobe with you is not necessary. You won't use it anyway while you are at basic training. You will probably lose a lot of weight while you are away at basic training, so your clothes probably won't fit when you get out anyway. One bag with one or two outfits will suffice, along with any personal neccessities you might need.

If you take medicine, you should have the original prescription bottles with you when you go to the base. They should have your name on the bottles. Be sure that you have documentation from your physician so that you can take it to the base with you.

Be sure to take enough soap, shampoo, razors and deodorant with you that will last at least a couple of weeks Be sure to pack these personal items so that you do not have a problem passing through airport security.

While you are away, it would be good to have a friend or family member than can pay your bills You can also look into setting up automatic bill pay if you cannot get someone to pay bills for you. In order to save money while you are away, you should cancel your cable or satellite television and newpaper subscriptions, along with any accounts that you won't use while you are gone.

It is good to give a two-week notice to your current employer. In this way, you can use them as a reference later in life and you will want to leave on good terms.

Be sure to take a copy of your recruiting contract with you when you go to the army base. This is a good rule to follow throughout your military career.

Other men who have been through basic training should be able to help you with some survival advice.

When you get to basic training, it is important to be well rested and ready for work, so don't go out and party before you leave. (You will probably not get a lot of rest for a few weeks.)

The most important thing you should do is to take some quality time for your family before you leave.

Your recruiter will probably provide you with a checklist to follow. Make sure that you have read all of the material they have given you and follow important instructions thoroughly. By the time you arrive at basic training, you will not have the opportunity to remember anything you might have forgotten. It is important to have everything you might need to get through the next nine weeks.

Diane Hamments is a freelance author who writes on various subjects including Navy Rings,Collectables and Army.