Rod Powers 
Basic Training For Dummies 

The easy way to prepare for basic training

Each year, thousands of young Americans attempt to enlist in the
U.S. Armed Services. A number of factors during a soldier’s
training could inhibit successful enlistment, including mental
toughness and physical fitness levels. Basic Training For
Dummies covers the ins and outs of this initial process,
preparing you for the challenges you?ll face before you head off
for basic training..

You’ll get detailed, week-by-week information on what to expect
in basic training for each branch of service, such as physical
training, discipline, classroom instruction, drill and ceremony,
obstacle courses, simulated war games, self-defense, marksmanship,
and other milestones.

* Tips and information on getting in shape to pass the Physical
Fitness Test (PFT)

* All-important advice on what to pack for boot camp

* Other title by Powers: ASVAB For Dummies Premier, 3rd
Edition, Veterans Benefits For Dummies

Whether you join the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or the
Coast Guard, Basic Training For Dummies prepares you for the
challenge and will help you survive and thrive in boot camp!

Table of Content

Introduction 1

Part I: The Basics about Basic 7

Chapter 1: Forewarned Is Forearmed 9

Chapter 2: A Day in the Life of Basic Training 19

Chapter 3: Training for Military Jobs 27

Chapter 4: On the Firing Line (Weapons Range) 35

Part II: Getting Ready for Basic 49

Chapter 5: Getting a Head Start on Military Ranks 51

Chapter 6: Doing Things the Military Way 67

Chapter 7: Mastering Military Law and Justice 79

Chapter 8: Fit to Fight: Getting in Shape for Basic Training
89

Chapter 9: Hup, Two, Three, Four: Understanding Military Drill
107

Part III: Heading to Basic Training 119

Chapter 10: Packing Right by Packing Light 121

Chapter 11: One Last Trip to the Military Entrance Processing
Station (MEPS) 131

Chapter 12: Arriving at the Base 139

Chapter 13: Getting Picked for a Basic Training Job 149

Part IV: Basic Training Life, Branch by Branch 159

Chapter 14: Army Basic Combat Training 161

Chapter 15: Air Force Basic Training 181

Chapter 16: Navy Boot Camp 201

Chapter 17: Marine Corps Basic Training 221

Chapter 18: Coast Guard Basic Training 247

Part V: Wrapping Up Basic Training 261

Chapter 19: Graduation Week 263

Chapter 20: Getting Your Just Rewards 273

Part VI: The Part of Tens 283

Chapter 21: Ten Ways to Prepare for Basic Training 285

Chapter 22: Ten Ways to Make Your Drill Instructor Happy293

Chapter 23: Ten Ways to Get in Shape for Basic Training 299

Appendix A: Punitive Articles of the Uniform Code of Military
Justice (UCMJ) 307

Appendix B: Military Enlisted History 313

Index 353

About the author

Rod Powers, a recognized expert in all U.S. military matters, is the author of ASVAB For Dummies and serves as a military guide for About.com.