Prepping Before Enlisting in the Military

I'm seriously considering joining the military after high school and want to start preparing. What things should I focus on to be best equipped for basic training and beyond? Any tips from those who've already enlisted?

Joining the military after high school is a decision that requires significant preparation and discipline. Here are some areas you might want to focus on to be best equipped for basic training and military life:

1. Physical Fitness: Basic training will challenge your physical endurance and strength. Ramp up your exercise routine with emphasis on both cardiovascular and strength training. Activities such as running, push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups are particularly relevant as these are exercises often focused on in basic training.

2. Mental Strength: The military will test your mental resilience. Learning stress management techniques, developing problem-solving skills, and exercising mental stamina (discipline, patience, and focus) can greatly assist in withstanding the rigors of military life.

3. Understand Rank Structure: Familiarize yourself with the military hierarchy and ranks. Having a basic understanding of these before going into basic training could be beneficial.

4. Learn Basic Military Knowledge: The military uses its jargon and has specific traditions and etiquette. Spend some time learning the basics about things such as saluting, the phonetic alphabet, and military time.

5. Follow Current Events: The military does not function in a bubble. Understanding current events, particularly those related to the military, can make you an informed candidate and give you an idea of where you could potentially be deployed.

6. Speak with Veterans or Current Servicemembers: If possible, speak with individuals who've already been through the experience, asking them about their experiences, the challenges they faced, and how they overcame them.

7. Basic Life Skills: Ensure that you're familiar with basic life skills like doing laundry, making a bed, and mending clothes. These may seem small but can be incredibly beneficial in military life.

8. Clean Up Your Social Media: Nowadays, everything can be checked - and that includes your online presence. Try to clean up your social media by removing inappropriate posts or images, and consider setting your profiles to private.

These tips should help you have a stronger foundation going into basic training, and eventually, your military career. Best of luck on this journey!