United States Army Basic Combat Training, Fort Jackson | 2023 (1st)

I just graduated basic training 2 weeks ago I remember questioning why I’m even here and how stressful and struggling it was at first but you’ll get through it I promise you go earn your right to be called a soldier ❗️❗️❗️

Great advices: 1.) Avoid creating unwanted attention. 2.) Observe everything around. 3.) Be a team player. 4.) Don't quit / Never give up.

That bus ride through the woods is identical to my experience at Fort Jackson 25 years ago. Heads down, eyes closed so that you have no idea what the route is from Reception to your Company area. We threw all of our bags in a pile just like you see here. When we went back to retrieve them a few hours later, it was pitch dark already. One difference though is that all our bags were exactly the same, as everything was in the big sea bags or the smaller green laundry bags. The only way to identify your bags was the black stenciled sharpies you used to write your name on. At night you can forget about locating your own bag. When we started the shakedown, it was complete chaos because no one had their own stuff anymore. The Drill Sergeants walked up and down the rows kicking and throwing stuff all over the place. It is impossible to avoid having your issued equipment mixed up with everyone else's. But fear not, young Private. This is just the first of many situations that you will be placed in where there is no way to win. That first night is LONG, and nothing will go right. The secret is to just keep going, don't get frustrated, don't whine, don't quit. You will eventually get everything sorted out. It is an experience you will remember clearly for all your days. Within 1-2 days, things start falling into place. You are kept busy, constantly challenged, and will be bone tired by lights out. Exhaustion trumps anxiety, and you will sleep soundly when you finally get to your rack. There won't be time for pity parties or whining. Before you know it, it will all be over. You will almost certainly be stronger, more organized, and squared away in general. Good luck!

Basic Training was the most fun I never want to have again

My Dad was in the Army. He told me that they will have you do push-ups, sit-ups and alot of running. They will yell in your face, but that's to make you tough and strong. Also you do alot of marching and drills. He also told me that the tear gas thing aint no joke.😆 Rest forever Daddy.❤️😇

I graduated from basic in November, seeing them struggle brings back memories. It’s difficult in the moment but when you realize you did all of that, it’s funny. My recruiters weren’t lying when they say it’d be hard but when your done with everything it’s fun

This brings back memories, I did my basic at Jackson almost 30 yrs ago! At the moment, you'll think its the hardest thing in the world....looking bk on it & watching this video, I just LOL. Proud of these Warriors, they'll always have a upper hand on the majority of society that can't handle hard times! Hooah!!

10 months into my army career, had airborne in contract so after a long 5-month AIT and another month at jump school I'm officially at my duty station. Man, this brings back great and awful memories. What an experience!

Is there an online course???🤔

Thank you all for your commitment and dedication. Future warriors! From a prior Marine S/F

I was drafted into the U.S.Army during the Vietnam war. Nobody failed basic training during that period, the Drill Sergeants “fixed” it so everybody graduated basic training. Uncle Sam needed body counts in the ‘Nam!

I leave for BCT in Fort Jackson in three weeks. This video was very informative, thank you for making it. The anticipation is just building and building for me!!

Graduated in 1998. Best times. I'm retired now and miss everything about being back in. Congrats to all these soldiers.

My daughter is there now I'm so FUCKIN proud of her

Ah basic training. It gets easier day by day and you end up enjoying it when you graduate. Drill sergeants are there to help you and remember that they are also people doing their jobs.

to anyone who is interested: the reason trainees flap their arms like a bird after going through the gas chamber, is because its not actually a gas. its more like a powder, and is activated by moisture. you stand in the chamber and perform various exercises to produce sweat that activates it. it feels like a bad sunburn. from there, the drill will go to each individual tell them to remove their mask, and breathe in, or sometimes receite the soldiers creed. when you are leaving, flapping your arms knocks all the loose powders off of your clothes. you dont want to get back to the bay and have that powder get on your bed or other uniforms.

USMC '62-74. I'm 79 now and miss it. Don't know if I'd do it all over again being 79. I get a greater feeling knowing that the younger generations want to fellow in my footsteps. And what a breath of fresh air it is to meet um. A friend of minds granddaughter is a Marine fighter pilot his father was a member of VMF 214, 'Black Sheep Squadron' WWII. To all my brothers and sister veterans 'Thank you for you're service God Bless you Happy 4th. semper fi

Bringing back old memories basic training was a once in a life time experience. In hindsight it was FUN!

I went through Basic Training over 40 years ago when they still did the "shark attack" or as we called it "Shock Treatment" and I still vividly remember that bus ride, and the dash to get off the bus...you didn't want to be the last guy off the bus. I was the guy that unfortunately (for me, at least) stepped on the DS boots while exiting the bus...I mean he was standing right there... Thankfully I was not last off the bus too...That day and the weeks that followed are forever etched in my mind and made me the man I am today. God Bless The US Army and the dedicated men and women who serve to protect America...."THIS WE'LL DEFEND"

I did basic at Ft. Jackson in 1980. We didn't get an indoor graduation, ours was outdoors. Less than an hour after graduation I was on a bus headed for Ft. Gordon for AIT.