Books

Essential reading

The Essential 55, Ron Clark, Amazon, https://a.co/d/dBEQrjw [Read this to clarify how you behave in a group setting. Understand proper behavior eating and in the classroom. Some things are not applicable for boot camp such as looking at someone in the eye.]

How to win friends and influence people, Dale Carnegie, Amazon, https://a.co/d/gIweok0 [This is a classic book describing basic social interaction.]

Games People Play: The Psychology Of Human Relationships, Eric Berne, Amazon, https://a.co/d/6NwoJqT [This is the best explanation of the nature of human interaction. Understanding this will help you deal with stressful interactions.]

Unofficial books, usually available on Amazon

A Family's Guide to the Military For Dummies, Sheryl Garrett, Sue Hoppin, Amazon, https://a.co/d/1WyCr4B

Army Basic Training–Pocket Guide, Collin Turner, Amazon, https://a.co/d/deamMS2

ASVAB for Dummies, Angie Papple Johnston, Amazon, https://a.co/d/94Zt7Y8 [There are many books about ASVAB, look at them all]

Basic Training for Dummies, Rod Powers, Amazon, https://a.co/d/250D3Hn

The Coast Guard Boot Camp Survival Guide, Julian Miyata
https://survivecoastguardboot camp.com/download-the-coast-guard-boot-camp-survival-guide-pdf Need to pay for the guide

Joining the United States Army: A Handbook, Snow Wildsmith, Amazon, https://a.co/d/dXsxQTW

Joining the United States Navy: A Handbook, Snow Wildsmith, Amazon, https://a.co/d/b5E6M40

Joining the United States Air Force: A Handbook, Snow Wildsmith, Amazon, https://a.co/d/c1NpAql

Joining the United States Marine Corps: A Handbook, Snow Wildsmith, Amazon, https://a.co/d/9g0KGdD

Joining the United States Coast Guard: A Handbook, Snow Wildsmith, Amazon, https://a.co/d/iYQjXj9

Navy Boot Camp: A Straightforward Guide by a former Recruit Division Commander (Navy Drill Instructor), D E Sawleht, Amazon, https://a.co/d/c7dw6ut

The Ultimate Air Force Basic Training Guidebook: Tips, Tricks, and Tactics for Surviving Boot Camp, Nicolas Von Wormer, Amazon, https://a.co/d/7WZVujE

The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook, Michael Volkin, Amazon, https://a.co/d/0GmULVy

The Ultimate Marine Recruit Training Guidebook: A Drill Instructor's Strategies & Tactics for Success, Nick Popaditch, Amazon, https://a.co/d/blbsS5y

Surviving Marine Corps Boot Camp: The Ultimate Guide to Preparing for Marine Corps Recruit Training, Mark R Perna, Amazon, https://a.co/d/9GqNZnG

United States Navy Boot Camp: The Complete Survival Guide for the Worst Eight Weeks of your Life! (The United States Navy!), Malcolm E Rockwood, Amazon, https://a.co/d/hOw4tIc

Official DoD Publications

Army

The Soldier’s Blue Book: The Guide for Initial Entry Training Soldiers, TRADOC Pamphlet 600-4, https://adminpubs.tradoc.army.mil/pamphlets/TP600-4.pdf

Soldier’s Guide, TC 7-21.13, https://armypubs.us.army.mil/doctrine/index.html

Navy

Blue Jack Manual, https://www.survivorlibrary.com/library/blue_jackets_manual_2002.pdf

Air Force

Air Force Handbook 1, AFH1, https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/afh1/afh1.pdf

Marine Corp

Guidebook for Marines, Amazon, https://a.co/d/bFQ5IjG

Coast Guard

Recruit Training Pocket Guide, https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Portals/3/Documents/TCCM/Documents/RTPocket.pdf

Coast Guardsman’s Manual, Amazon, https://a.co/d/fEKdvzx

Helmsman: United States Coast Guard Recruit Handbook, Not available for download, sometimes on Amazon

Websites

Official Army site: https://www.army.mil

Official Navy site: https://www.navy.mil

Official Air Force site: https://www.af.mil

Official Marine Corps site: https://www.marines.mil

Official Coast Guard site: https://www.uscg.mil

Official Army recruiting site: https://www.goarmy.com [The official U.S. Army website offers detailed information about enlistment, boot camp, and Army careers.]

Official Coast Guard recruiting site: https://www.gocoastguard.com/apply-now

Official Navy recruiting site: https://www.navy.com

Official Air Force recruiting site: https://www.airforce.com

Official Marine Corps recruiting site: https://www.marines.com

Official Military One Source https://www.militaryonesource.mil/

Official Navy boot camp Information https://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/

Basic training articles: https://www.military.com/search?keyword=basic+training [A commercial magazine with many articles about boot camp and the military.]

Army Study Guide: https://www.armystudyguide.com [A comprehensive resource with study materials, practice tests, and forums for those preparing for boot camp and military exams.]

National Veterans Foundation: https://nvf.org [Offers support and resources for veterans and their families, including transition assistance and counseling services.]

Marine Corps Parents: https://rp.marineparents.com/ [Support organization]

Military career information: https://myfuture.com/military/

Veteran TV: https://www.veterantv.com/

Veteran Community https://veteran.com/

Coast Guard Recruit: https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/TraCen-Cape-May/Training/RecruitTraining/

Recruiting information run by the DoD: https://www.todaysmilitary.com/.

ASVAB Career Exploration Program: https://www.asvabprogram.com

Military career information: https://usmilitary.about.com/od/theorderlyroom/u/career_info.html

Military career information: https:/www.todaysmilitary.com/careers Magazine about the military

Online Communities and Forums

Reddit military group https://www.reddit.com/r/Military/ [A message board where you can ask questions and get advice from current and former military members.]

Facebook Groups–Army Basic Training Support Groups https://www.facebook.com/groups/ Various Facebook groups offer a space to connect with other recruits, share experiences, and seek advice.

Airborne Forums https://www.airborneforums.com [This group is about Army airborne and special forces where you can discuss training issues.]

Stars and Stripes https://www.stripes.com/ [The semi-official news for the military]

Wikipedia

United States Army Basic Training https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army_Basic_Training

Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recruit_Training_Command,_Great_Lakes,_Illinois

United States Air Force Basic Military Training https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force_Basic_Military_Training

United States Marine Corps Recruit Training https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Marine_Corps_Recruit_Training

United States Coast Guard Training Center Cape May https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Coast_Guard_Training_Center_Cape_May

Support Organizations

USO (United Service Organizations) https://www.uso.org [Provides support for service members and their families through programs, entertainment, and care packages.]

Military OneSource https://www.militaryonesource.mil [A Department of Defense resource offering confidential help, advice, and information on a wide range of military life topics.]

American Red Cross Military Support https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/military-families.html [Offers emergency communication services, financial assistance, and support to military families.]

Operation Homefront https://www.operationhomefront.org [Provides financial assistance, housing, and family support services to military members and their families.]

Mental Health and Wellness

Veterans Crisis Line https://www.veteranscrisisline.net [A confidential, free resource for veterans and service members in crisis, available 24/7.]

Military Mental Health Resources https://www.militaryonesource.mil/confidential-help/mental-health-resource-center [Offers access to mental health care, counseling, and support services for military members.]

Real Warriors Campaign https://www.realwarriors.net [A program dedicated to promoting psychological resilience and seeking care for mental health issues among service members.]

Fitness and Preparation

Army Physical Readiness Training (PRT) Program https://www.armyprt.com [Detailed guides and resources on the physical training program you'll encounter in boot camp.]

Stew Smith’s Fitness Programs https://www.stewsmithfitness.com [Tailored workout plans and advice from a former Navy SEAL to help you prepare for the physical demands of boot camp.]

Couch to 5K https://www.c25k.com [A beginner-friendly running program to help you build endurance, perfect for those preparing for the PT tests in boot camp.]

Navy Prep https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2023-04-21/navy-sailors-recruits-fitness-course-9878715.html

Podcasts and YouTube Channels

Mentors for Military Podcast https://mentorsformilitary.com/ [Features interviews with veterans, active-duty military, and experts on topics related to military service and preparation.]

Jocko Podcast with Jocko Willink https://jockopodcast.com/ [Hosted by a former Navy SEAL, this podcast covers leadership, discipline, and mental toughness—skills essential for boot camp.]

YouTube–Nate Talks To You https://www.youtube.com/user/NateTalksToYou [Offers candid advice and insights on boot camp, military life, and what to expect from a veteran’s perspective.]

YouTube–Life Is A Special Operation https://www.youtube.com/user/specialopslife [Covers physical and mental preparation for military life, with a focus on special operations training.]

YouTube–Boot Camp-Making a Sailor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDwLsrmDBF0

YouTube-All Hands Magazine https://www.youtube.com/@AllHandsMagazine

YouTube-Army Drill Sergeant Rates 11 Boot Camps In Movies And TV | How Real Is It?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYCV5Ot4pcQ

The 5 Shifts of Manhood https://open.spotify.com/show/2vJHmWhhcMQRXtTruuFWTJ

Preparing for Military Basic Training: Your Complete Guide

Reference Material