The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook

How to prepare—mentally and physically—for life in the armed forces.   Making the transition from civilian to soldier can be tough. Knowing what to expect can help. In this guide, Michael Volkin, who enlisted in the US Army after 9/11—and found himself unprepared for the new world of the military with its unknown acronyms, demanding exercises, and other challenges—provides valuable information about the process. During his own basic training, he began taking extensive notes, and while serving in Iraq he interviewed hundreds of other soldiers—in order to put together this book in the hopes of making things easier for future recruits in any branch of the armed forces.   The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook offers:   Step-by-step instructions and solutions Helpful charts and graphics A special eight-week fitness program specifically designed to improve your fitness test scores Study guides A list of what to bring (and what not to bring) to basic training And much more