Help Hints for Annual Training

By OC Joseph M. M. Land, Jr., USAC
Admissions and Scheduling Officer, National Cadet Training Center. 

Preparation

1. Start drinking less soda NOW. By reducing the amount of sugar your body intakes now you will avoid having to go through “withdrawals” while at camp.

2. IMPORTANT!  Be sure to study the Basic Cadet Training Handbook.  This will give you a ton of information prior to camp. 

3. Stencil everything you bring and make sure you wash it all at least once before you pack it. This insures that the stenciling won’t wash off. I recommend buying a stenciling marker from a base exchange. You don’t want to end up having to wear socks you “think” are yours. Eww.

4. Start waking up relatively early to get your body ready.  If you adjust your daily routine to waking up early now then it won’t be such a dramatic change once camp starts.

5. You should also be running and exercising to be ready for camp. Make sure you do these early in the morning after you wake up so your body is adjusted for camp. Also, if you are looking to lose some pounds before camp start exercising a little before you eat and about an hour before you go to bed, this helps lessen your appetite as well as increase metabolic activity while you sleep.

6. Make sure to bring an address book with the addresses of your friends and family because at camp you WILL have to write to somebody. We don’t care if it’s your girlfriend/boyfriend but try to make sure the envelopes aren’t too embarrassing. For your own sake.

7. Get a good pair of insoles for your boots. They will help reduce the number of blisters you receive and in turn make your time at camp that much more enjoyable.

8. Make sure that you bring an address book you don’t mind people from camp putting their info in. You’ll make a lot of friends at camp if you bring this they can be friends for life.

9. If you wear contacts bring a pair of glasses. You are not allowed to wear contacts on the firing range. It is unauthorized, dangerous (risk of gun powder getting under your contacts and messing up your eyes), and you won’t shoot as well.

10. If you wear glasses, bring an extra pair if possible. Don’t wear your good pair on the Obstacle course or during PT in case they fall off and get stepped on.

11. Make sure you bring extra of all the essentials. You don’t want to have to borrow someone else’s underwear do you? Also extra brigade T-shirts are a good idea…we wear them a lot during camp. You can never have too many boot blousing bands.

12. Have a good motivated haircut before you arrive at camp.  Ladies, be prepared to do something about your hair. Cut it, pin it, tape it…whatever will get you into formation as quick as possible. Army Cadets should never be told they need a haircut.

At Camp

1. At camp, there are no “he’s” and “she’s” other then for separate barracks and requirements for the PT test. You are all recruits. Fraternization between genders in strictly off-limits and if you are caught you could be sent home. Remember that we are professionals and represent the U.S. Army in everything we do while in uniform.
   

2. Wearing shower shoes is a must. Wear them or another form of footwear at all times. If you don’t, you will contract Athlete’s foot or worse. Believe me they are not called shower shoes for no reason.
   

3. The first few days are tough, don’t take it personal. A lot of people get nick names while at camp, try not to get offended by them.
   

4. Get GoldBond Medicated Body Powder or equivalent. Rub your feet down with this before you put on your socks. This keeps your feet from getting moist from sweating and greatly reduces the amount of blisters you contract. This stuff can make surviving camp so much easier; make sure you have enough to last you.
   

5. Make sure you take a shower and brush your teeth every chance you can. Don’t be shy. People will notice you less if you take a shower with them then if you reek next to them in ranks.
   

6. If you are someone that is so inclined to attend religious services, attending Church Call can really help you last the upcoming week. Whatever your religious beliefs just remember to believe in yourself, with enough faith in your own abilities you can overcome any obstacle.

7. Make sure you use teamwork throughout camp it will make everything go easier. Never make your bed alone, always have someone help you and you in turn go help them. Two heads are better then one and three are better then two. This technique is so much quicker then doing it yourself.

8. Watch what you eat at camp, don’t eat too much but make sure not to eat too little…it could lead to serious heath issues. Don’t be alarmed if you don’t make use of NCTC’s fine restroom facilities for the first few days. Because of the nervousness and stress of being at camp your body tenses up making it so you don’t feel the need to go to the restroom. Though, if you go too long without having to “go” make sure to tell your Troop Handler or report to sick call.
   

9. Have fun. Annual Training isn’t easy, it’s not meant to be. But, you will make friends that can last a lifetime. Have fun, learn new things and find out what you are made of. 

Just remember that the job of the Drill Sergeants, Troop Handlers and any Cadet NCO is the safety of our troops.  So don’t worry we might push you hard but we are still always looking out for you. Your safety and well-being are our number one priority as Cadet leaders.  Let's all look forward to a great Annual Training!