There are many things you can learn before you leave for Basic Training, but most of it will need to be learned once you get there. There is no way this web site can teach you how to fire an M-16 rifle, for example. These Do's and Don'ts have been compiled from many sources, and many people. Most are anonymous tips and tricks for Basic Training. Some may apply, and some may not. Use this list at your own discretion.

• DO NOT take food from the D-FAC (dining hall), you wll be caught.
• DO NOT drop your weapon, or refer to it as a "GUN".
• DO NOT forget your Smartbook, it is smart, you are dumb.
• DO NOT try to cheat with the water thing, they check your canteens and it keeps you hydrated.
• DO NOT stand, sit, sleep, jack around with, hide things in, put your legs on, write on, or pretty much do anything to your rack after it is made, IT WILL GO OUT THE WINDOW.
• DO NOT try to duck out of PT or smokings by hiding in an empty room, ditch, or anything like that. You'll only make it worse on your platoon.
• DO NOT defecate in the urinal if the stalls are full. (this has happened)
• DO NOT sleep on fire guard. EVER!!.
• DO NOT point you weapon anywhere other than UP AND DOWNRANGE.
• DO NOT run out of the NBC chamber. If there is an issue with your M40 mask, TELL YOUR DRILL SERGEANT.
• DO NOT talk in the D-FAC (dining hall). You will be done eating.
• DO NOT eat the snack foods (cake, ice cream, pie, soda). If you have time for sweets, you have time for PT.
• DO NOT play ****-around on the firing range or the demo range. EVER!!
• DO NOT attempt to take bullets, shell casings, demo wire, C4, grenade spoons, grenade pins, or ANYTHING from the firing/demo ranges. THERE IS A SHAKEDOWN TO MAKE SURE.
• DO NOT try to smuggle anything from your MRE's into the barracks, NO HOT SAUCE, CANDY, MATCHES, OR HEATER ELEMENTS.

• DO shower when told to. No one is going to look at you. Basic Training is not a time to be modest. The other recruits are going to feel exactly the same way you do. This is no time for modesty. just do it.
• DO listen to your drill sergeants. They know what they are doing. They are highly skilled soldiers, and their job is to teach you.
• DO your Dime and Washer drills. This helps with STEADY POSITION, one of the 5 fundamentals of marksmanship.
• DO go to church, even if it is not your religion, denomination, or whatever. You NEED to get out of the barracks or you will go stir crazy.
• DO shave EVERY DAY. Your Drill Sergeants will check.
• DO your laundry. A dirty uniform will get you in hot water.
• DO wake up for fire guard and perform your duty in a military manner (memorize your General Orders).
• DO follow RANGE COMMAND on the ranges.
• DO police your rounds on the firing range.

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