Please bear in mind that in boot camps, the training is not confined only to physical fitness. You may find it hard to believe - but it is only ten percent physical fitness and ninety percent mental alertness. Attending boot camps is an endurance test. Remember you have no options other than holding on. There are two things during boot camp training - things that you want to do and things that you have to do. Self-discipline is very important and you must understand what you have to do and how to do them. These tips may sound harsh but harsh but that's boot camp training is all about.

If you are a new recruit, your drill instructor will make the rules for you. Never be impatient or attempt to argue with your instructor. There will be too much regimentation and even if you are right you cannot and will not win. You might have heard from others about boot camp training but never give the impression you have prior knowledge about boot camps. Boot camp training is somewhat different for each individual and no matter whatever you know, the fact is you do not know.

It is the responsibility of the drill instructor to do his best to make all the recruits in the camp think and act as a team. There is no place foe ego in the boot camp and your job is only to implicitly obey all instructions. You will have to cease being selfish in order to help the team accomplish a task or a mission. The "WE" factor is far more important than the "I". If you see some of your buddies struggling, assist and motivate them. If you help them they will probably reciprocate when you are in need.

Try to be cautious when volunteering to do certain tasks. You may be rewarded but you will find yourself responsible not only for your performance but for the performance of others next to you. Training is hard and some times you may think that volunteering for a task might help you. It may help but it could bruise your ego and demoralize you as well. It is different if you are picked for a task when things will be different.

Please understand that there is a purpose for everything that happens during boot camp training. Even if a task appears completely stupid or useless, it may not in the end be so. Quite a few things happening in the boot camp may not be logical and therefore do not try to find answers for everything that happens in the boot camp. You need to have a high rank to know the purpose for the things that happen during your training. Remember to stay focused all the time. You are not there to analyze or question the things that go on but to pass the boot camp training. Here are a few tips to survive in the boot camp.

Avoid eye contact. It is difficult for a Drill Instructor to intimidate you if you are looking away. Bear in mind that no matter how traumatic things seem, your stay at Boot Camps is only temporary and you will win back your freedom soon. Never ever attempt to volunteer to do anything as that can prove suicidal. Speak less but keep your eyes and ears open. Doing push-ups (you'll do plenty of these) with your fingers spread and your palms off of the deck is easier than doing them with your fingers together and your palms flat. Never ask the Drill Instructor "why?" - remember it is not your job to question "why/" but only to do and die. Never smile or appear cheerful within sight of a Drill Instructor. You have no right to be happy in boot camp and if a Drill Instructor sees you gleeful he will soon take steps to put you back into gloom.

When you have to say something to a Drill Instructor, make sure you employ very few words. You cannot afford to be voluble before your Drill Instructor. Eat quickly in the mess halls during lunch recess. Drill Instructors will occasionally abruptly terminate the time allotted for dining and you well end up starving. Make damn sure your boots fit. Foot trouble in boot camp can cause serious problems - like not graduating with your platoon.