10 Things I Wish I’d Known About Basic Training

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On April 28th, my son was driven from Florida to Alabama where he was sworn into the Army one last time and shipped off to Basic Training.

My son and I are very close. He is by no means a Momma’s Boy, but we have a great mother-son relationship.

These are the things I wish I’d known before the day he left:

1. Do extensive research. I knew that Basic Training was going to be 10 weeks of pure hell for him. That was something that was expected and given. Now, looking back, I wish I had learned more about the actual step-by-step process.
2. When the recruiters give you a list of what to pack and tell you not to bring a single thing that’s not on the list, if you’ve done your research that is not necessarily true. I wish that I had sent envelopes, paper, stamps, and a pen with my son. Those were not on the list, but acceptable to bring. I’ll talk more about that in the next one.
3. Reception. Learn what Reception is, and warn your SIT (soldier in training) what it entails. Reception lasts for around 1–2 weeks, and occasionally up to a month. This is the worst part. These young adults spend this time filling out paper work, standing in lines, getting their uniforms etc. etc. But, the majority of the time is spent silent. Waiting. With nothing to do but think and worry and…