Surviving BMT

[Rabbit69]

Okay guys, I survived MEPS and took the oath of enlistment. I ended up listing Weather, Pharmacy, Photography, Fuels, Pest Management for my possible ASFCs. I'll be putting Technical Applications at the top next Thursday after I take the EDPT test.

Now I could use some advice to get into shape for BMT. I'm in decent shape considering I have pretty much sat on butt for the last 8 years or so with little to no physical activities. I'm 5'10" 135 with about a 31" waist. I've been improving my running every week I'm up to a mile and a half in about 12.5 minutes. I probably need the most help with push-ups since I max out at 35 now. Sit-ups are no problem as I do 50 in just over a minute and can pretty easily do around 70 in 2 minutes.

I managed to lift the full 100 pounds at MEPS, but it took me a few close tries. I'm sure a little of it was due to just getting blood sucked out of my arm, but nevertheless, this worries me that I stuggled to lift that and am still pretty sore from the attempts a day later. Aside from the running, push-ups, and sit-ups, what should I do to give myself a head start on BMT? Warhawk would be nice, but I may not have the genetics for that. I mainly just want to get yelled at as little as possible and eventually graduate.

[Bunit2]

I would start practicing the push ups and sit ups at home. Perfect pushup is good way to get your push up count up. I can tell you now that you are going to have to be able to do at least 45 push ups in order to pass the PT test in BMT. If you can't pass the PT test at some point, expect to spend an extra week in training.

[Rev Mike Large]

Yeah, you're gonna be ok with the run time and the situps. Work on your pushups and other things to improve your upper body strength. Also, get used to running 2-3 miles or so at a time, because other than when they are timing you at the beginning and end, you'll be running at least that kind of distance several times a week or more.

People get yelled at in basic far more for shitty drill movements and jacked up reporting statements, etc. than they do for being less than a stellar athlete. So brush up on your knowledge and your mental part and do the things mentioned above for the physical aspect and you'll be fine.

[Rabbit69]

When they time your running, what kind of surface is it on? Is it cross-country, track, bit of both? Hilly or flat?

[Rev Mike Large]

I haven't been there since `95, but I think the timing when I went was on a measured route on the streets. I know from going to Lackland TDY a few times since then that they have nice running tracks with the forgiving surfaces around there now, so maybe that's where you test for time? Maybe someone who's been through BMT recently can confirm that?

Anyway, welcome to the club -- good luck in BMT. When do you ship?

[BRUWIN]

Now I could use some advice to get into shape for BMT. I'm in decent shape considering I have pretty much sat on butt for the last 8 years or so with little to no physical activities. I'm 5'10" 135 with about a 31" waist. I've been improving my running every week I'm up to a mile and a half in about 12.5 minutes. I probably need the most help with push-ups since I max out at 35 now. Sit-ups are no problem as I do 50 in just over a minute and can pretty easily do around 70 in 2 minutes.

.

Dude...you have a 31 inch waist so all you have to do is show up. One thing you'll want to do when you get there is let the MTI know you won't be deploying much cause the wife doesn't want you too just so he has a heads up. Probably as soon as you get off the bus....when your going through the "pick'em up, put'em down" routine...just raise your hand and let him know at that that point that you were strictly recruited for non deployable type duties only. It's also a good time to ask him about a Florida or warmer climate type assignment if that's your preference.

[Rabbit69]

Heh, I don't need any sarcasm BRUWIN, I get enough of that at home. Though I would prefer Hawaii or Guam, Florida wouldn't be too bad...

I don't have a deployment date yet, but since finding a temp job is probably out of the question given the market, I might as well spend my time getting in shape.

Thanks for the helpful replys.

[BigBaze]

You don't have to polish boots or iron uniforms anymore so I guess you will be doing a lot of marching and learning about things like being a warrior, which apparently we all are now. Since you have a 31" inch waist you will be able to walk your mile and a half and still get in the 80's Good luck!

[Smeghead]

I mainly just want to get yelled at as little as possible and eventually graduate.

Be the gray man and keep a good attitude. In my flight the only people who got yelled at regularly were the screw-ups and the element leaders/dorm chief. My dumbass made myself stand out by helping someone haveing trouble run. After that I was made an element leader and got threated with recycle every day. Thinking back, blending in with the crowd was probably a better option :)

Keep your attitude positive and try your hardest at every task given you'll do fine. I saw people who completely sucked at certain things but they never gave up trying. They graduated just fine.

I wouldn't worry about the PT stud standards. I've never seen anyone care about how you did in BMT once you get to the operational Air Force. Make it through BMT. Don't screw up in tech school and get to your first base.

The military is the easiest job in the world. Everything you have to do and everything expected of you is written down. The quicker people see that, the easier their life is. It took me about 4 years of screwing up to realize that, but once I did life got so much better.

Good luck.

[Rabbit69]

Thanks for the advice Smeg. I was wondering whether it would be a good idea to even stand out in a good way. I've always been the volunteer and "help the underdogs" type but I think I can keep the itch to do those things contained until after BMT. I love learning so really look forward to tech school, even if it is just to be an exterminator with stripes. I've always said if I could get paid to be a career student I would do it. I just wish I had gotten my act together a few years sooner and joined at a time that I wouldn't be the oldest guy in Air Force BMT.

[sigecaps]

Don't worry so much about strategizing your way through BMT. Focus on your PT, always display a can-do/positive attitude, and everything will follow. Many people think, my girlfriend had the same mentality, that if only if they had known X, then the TI wouldn't have yelled so much at them. Negative. The TI's is intentionally setting out to create an extremely stressful atmosphere, and he is looking for any mistake however minor to jump all over you for it. And believe me give him enough time, he will find it. TI's do this because we can't have people in the military who can't deal with stress, and they do it because they are building up your tolerance to stress. Yes, you can build stress endurance just like you can build cardio endurance. Go in knowing this, accepting this, and you will do fine. Just don't let the TI know you know his secret. lol

[Rabbit69]

Not having a job, sueing my ex-"employers", trying to get by financially on my wifes minimal income, and living in an area where over 700 people applied for one janitor job should be pretty good practice for stress endurance.

Another question for you guys. I'm going to sell my motorcycles to avoid having to move them later. Would it be wise to sell my car as well and just worry about getting a new(well used) one once I get through tech school? I'm not paying anything on it(I can't stand debt), but it's not worth much either.

[smarg]

Dude...you have a 31 inch waist so all you have to do is show up...

Busted. Bru, are you a beer-gut slob? :confused:

[BENDER56]

Not having a job, sueing my ex-"employers", trying to get by financially on my wifes minimal income, and living in an area where over 700 people applied for one janitor job should be pretty good practice for stress endurance.

Another question for you guys. I'm going to sell my motorcycles to avoid having to move them later. Would it be wise to sell my car as well and just worry about getting a new(well used) one once I get through tech school? I'm not paying anything on it(I can't stand debt), but it's not worth much either.

The AF will ship your stuff to your first assignment and I don't know the current rules but I've shipped motorcyles as part of my household goods before. They will ship your car as well. As an E-1 -- E-3 with dependents you'll be authorized to ship up to 8000 lbs of household goods at the AF's expense. You should get briefed on this in BMT.

[BRUWIN]

Busted. Bru, are you a beer-gut slob? :confused:

I don't drink anymore....and I haven't for over two years. But listening to you sometimes makes me wish I still did.

[BRUWIN]

Not having a job, sueing my ex-"employers", trying to get by financially on my wifes minimal income, and living in an area where over 700 people applied for one janitor job should be pretty good practice for stress endurance.

Another question for you guys. I'm going to sell my motorcycles to avoid having to move them later. Would it be wise to sell my car as well and just worry about getting a new(well used) one once I get through tech school? I'm not paying anything on it(I can't stand debt), but it's not worth much either.

I would just pull up to your new BMT squadron on one of your motorcycles....there's no rule against it. Might want to yell over to your MTI that you'll be needing a reserved parking spot.

[Death Panda]

Rawr, I know all about survival.

It may get cold now and then, but make sure not to hibernate. We can move to warmer areas when the seasons change and there will always be more food sources. Make sure to consume pounds of bamboo at least because of the low nutrients, or find berries or even fish if you can. If you are worried about the shape you are in, wait until mating season and then get into shape. You need to conserve your energy and work out as little as possible otherwise.

Also, stay away from colors. I tend to sport a nice neutral coat, but for some reason people still pay attention to me. Learn from my mistakes.

So...Neutral Colors, Conserve Energy, Eat Food, and Don't Hibernate.

[BigBaze]

Rawr, I know all about survival.

It may get cold now and then, but make sure not to hibernate. We can move to warmer areas when the seasons change and there will always be more food sources. Make sure to consume pounds of bamboo at least because of the low nutrients, or find berries or even fish if you can. If you are worried about the shape you are in, wait until mating season and then get into shape. You need to conserve your energy and work out as little as possible otherwise.

Also, stay away from colors. I tend to sport a nice neutral coat, but for some reason people still pay attention to me. Learn from my mistakes.

So...Neutral Colors, Conserve Energy, Eat Food, and Don't Hibernate.


Holy shit this is the funniest damn post!:)

[Smeghead]

Holy shit this is the funniest damn post!:)

Really? :rolleyes:

[BigBaze]

Really? :rolleyes:



Sorry couldn't help it, but that just cracked me up, that is some imagination!:)

[Rev Mike Large]

... more like some really good weed

[Silver Fox]

If you have an ounce of back bone at all you'll be just fine.

[OldAirDog]

Just remember that when the Military Training Instructors are yelling at you it's because they really care and want to be your friend...they just can't show any favortism so go with it. You will know that everyone wants to be your friend and who knows the MTIs might invite you to their house on the weekend for barbeque. Also, remember anything they tell you is optional...oh lastly, always ask why...they love that! Cheers!