Sgt. Michael Volkin - 20 Feb

2013 by Michael Volkin

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the
publisher.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Volkin, Michael C., 1976
The ultimate basic training guidebook : tips, tricks, and tactics for surviving boot camp /
Sergeant Michael Volkin. Sixth edition.
pages; cm
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-1-932714-11-1
1. Basic training (Military education)United StatesHandbooks, manuals, etc. 2.
United StatesArmed ForcesMilitary lifeHandbooks, manuals, etc. I. Title.
U408.3.V64 2011
355.540973dc23
2012043915

Published by
Savas Beatie LLC
989 Governor Drive, Suite 102
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

Phone: 916-941-6896
(E-mail)

Originally published in a private edition in 2004
First Savas Beatie edition 2005

2013: Sixth edition, first printing
ISBN-13: 978-1-932714-11-1
EPUB ISBN: 9781611210101

Savas Beatie titles are available at special discounts for bulk purchases in the
United States by corporations and other organizations. For more details, contact
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www.savasbeatie.com for additional information.

Proudly printed and bound in the United States of America.

This book is dedicated to the men and women of the United States military.

Thank you for your service and commitment to America.

Please Note:

The fitness program presented in this book was not designed by a licensed physician. You should consult with a physician before beginning any fitness program or exercises discussed in this book. All forms of exercise pose some inherent risk, even for people in top physical condition. The author, and everyone who contributed to this book, advises readers to take full responsibility for their safety and know their limits and limitations. The statements (and illustrations) in this book are the opinion of the author.

I llustrations

Photos, charts, tables, and figures have been placed throughout this book for the convenience of the reader.

Foreword

In keeping with military protocol, I will give you the Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF). Boot campor basic trainingis hard work. It takes focus, commitment, energy, physical stamina, mental agility, and willpower to succeed. The events and activities you will accomplish during basic training will reveal your true inner strength. Movies, television, and word of mouth have created an aura of suspense, mystery, apprehension, and even terror about what military life is like during those initial weeks in the service. What many recruits do not know is that the best way to ensure your success is by reading, studying, and following the advice contained in Sergeant Michael Volkins book The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook.

Volkin heard the call to arms in the aftermath of 9/11, when the college graduate with a Masters Degree in science decided to enlist to defend his country. Once he began the rigors of basic training, he realized that he could have prepared for much of what he was forced to endure had he known in advance what would be expected of him during basic training. During his year in Iraq, he collected information from other recent recruits, and when he returned home, reduced hundreds of pages of notes into a simple, step-by-step guide to assist every young recruit, in any branch of service, on how to prepare and train for their upcoming basic training experience.

In 2006, I assumed command of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix V in Kabul, Afghanistan with a mission of training 90,000 members of the Afghan National Army and Police Force. The command included over 7,000 personnel from the US Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines, along with soldiers from thirteen other countries. We conducted training in over 350 different locations and my experience reinforced on a daily basis the universal application of the information found in Volkins helpful book.

Pay attention to Sergeant Volkins instructions. He devotes a substantial amount of attention to physical fitness, and he is absolutely right: being fit will help you become a successful soldier. Volkin stresses the difference between civilian fit and military fit, and his book includes a step-by-step process for the transition to the latterbefore you set foot in basic training. He also breaks down what will happen there, so there should be few surprises. Knowing what to expect, when to expect it, and how to master it before arriving at basic training is your key to success.

The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook will alleviate at least some of your fears, point you in the right direction, and give you peace of mind as you prepare for one of the great challenges of your life. When you graduate from basic training, the pride of accomplishment and confidence you will feel will stay with you for the rest of your days.

Good luck, and thank you in advance for making the decision to serve a cause greater than yourselfYour Country.

Brigadier General Douglas A. Pritt
Former Commander, 41st Infantry Brigade

Preface

I knew absolutely nothing about the military when I entered basic training. I had no military family history and no prior desire to ever join the military. It was on the tragic morning of September 11, 2001 that I realized what I was taking for granted all these years. Freedom, as wonderful as it is, is an uphill struggle, and comes with an enormous responsibility. It wasnt so much a decision, but a calling, that I joined the militarythe Army Reserves.

I departed for basic training without an ounce of military knowledge one month after September 11, 2001. However, I used this lack of knowledge to my advantage. I took notes on everything, with the ambition that no recruit would have to go through basic training like I did, with no knowledge of what was in store for me. I listened to hundreds of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines share their advice, tips, and tricks on surviving basic training. When I was deployed shortly after basic training to serve in Operation Enduring/Iraqi Freedom, I had the time to organize the notes, add to them, and assemble the most practical basic training guide ever written.

This book is straightforward, short, and easy to understand. Take advantage of the fitness routine in this book. Many hours of research and trial and error went toward creating the program. I believe there is no other fitness program that can get you in shape for basic training faster.

Bring this book with you to basic training. I hope you find this the most helpful book you have ever read.

Acknowledgments

There are many people to thank who have made this book possible. Special thanks go to Jerry Volkin, my publisher, Theodore P. Ted Savas, Sarah Keeney, Lee Merideth, Major General Brandt, Jon Allen, Yadhira Whittington, Joey VanBeek, Brian Vandenover, Misti Mokros, Kristina Gibbs, Ned Phillips, and the many other military personnel who shared their advice, opinions, and good cheer.

Photos in this book were taken in Iraq during Operation Enduring /Iraqi Freedom. These photographs belong to Jon Allen, copyright 2004 (), and are reprinted with permission.

Introduction

During World War I, President Woodrow Wilsons staff developed an eight-week course for military recruits. This course, known as basic combat training, taught new recruits basic survival skills for combat situations. After many decades of trial and error, modern basic training is well developed today to physically challenge incoming recruits, test their mental toughness, and get them ready for military service in the finest army the world has ever known.