- 1). Physically prepare your body. Having a strong core is going to be an important part of easing the transition into the physical strain basic training will place on your body. Core muscles such as the abdominals, chest, upper thighs and back/buttock should be heavily trained before your first day of training. This will make the running and other physical exercises easier and generally lead to a more pleasant and prepared experience. Working out beforehand will mean that your body will not go through the severe breakdown in the first few weeks that others will who has not been exercising seriously.
- 2). Learn to work as a team. If you have a problem with sharing responsibility, then you should overcome this issue before entering basic training. During many exercises and drills in Marine basic training, you will be faced with the task of shared responsibility. The problem this will present is that some may not be as advanced is certain areas as others and eventually you may be in this position too. When this happens, it is a test to see if you will stick together as a team to achieve your goals such as confidence courses even if your weakest member may present problems.
- 3). Take care of business. Too often before a new Marine recruit leaves for basic training they fail to get their household affairs in order. Avoid embarrassing and interrupting breaks in your training by taking care of personal matters before you leave. Let your family members and friends know that you will not be able to contact them everyday and that as soon as you can make contact you will. Taking care of personal and financial business to the extent that you can before leaving will release a lot of stressful weight from your shoulders and allow you to be more focused on the new training you are receiving without nagging distraction.
- 4). Ride the bench. Although this may seem like it is a simple directive, it is easier said than done. What it means is to refrain from causing problems that will get you into trouble while in basic training. Your drill instructors will already be looking for reasons to correct you; do not give them a reason to be harder on you than necessary. Keep your mouth closed and learn your job. Also help others who need help because, more than likely if you don't, you will get in trouble later on if it is not resolved.
- 5). Stay occupied. Trouble usually presents itself when you have nothing to do, so stay occupied in basic training by checking and rechecking your materials to make sure they are in line with the directives of the drill instructor. Drill yourself on newly learned material even when it is not required during your free time, so that what you have learned will stick more effectively. Write your relatives and friends when you are allowed. You will have some free time during basic training and if you use it wisely, and advise those around you to do so as well (both vocally and through your example), you are more likely to avoid any mishaps.