Preparing for Military Basic Training
Your Complete Guide


BOOKS - top
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 while eating and in the classroom. Some things are not applicable for boot camp, such as looking 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 - top
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 - top
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 - Top
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 - top
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 - top
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 - top
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 - top
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 - top
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

