How should I present myself at boot camp in order to NOT draw attention?

Question

I know if you have a strong personality, you are just going to draw attention to yourself, and that is never good in boot camp.

Being too much of something, whether it be quiet,cocky,conceited,eager and so on so forth can get you all the wrong attention from your DI.

Answer 1

Don't complain

Don't start any drama

Try not to get hurt

Do what you are suspose to do

Don't sneak anything in

Don't sneak to use the phone

Work hard

Make sure your wall locker is locked

Don't have any hair issues

Go with the flow and give 100%!

Answer 2

And remember that first and foremost training is about learning to work as a team. If a buddy needs a hand, give him one. If someone is struggling never mock, always encourage him. When prepping for inspections and the like, pull your weight.

Training staff  can  spot the 'so long as I'M alright' guys a mile off, and they NEVER run out of imaginative ways to make their life a misery.

Answer 3

Just go with the crowd. Grit you teeth and put up with everything that gets thrown at you (metaphorically and literally). In the end, you'll either feel like a stronger and more developed person or you'll be a crippled mess. Take the pick

Answer 4

go with the other fish and dont cry alot dont get an attitude or you will be quickly put in place but its proven that you will get yelled at alot either way just do as your told with no lip

Answer 5

Exactly what he said go with the crowd. In the civilian world individuality is influenced. In the military it's not so. Be able to handle everything that is thrown at you no matter how dumb it is ( yes they will have you do really dumb stuff) it's part of the game. Those 8-13 weeks whatever your going into is trying to make you regret your decision but in the end it's to make you be proud of your decision. Be strong, be tough, but don't speak unless asked and don't do anything dumb and you'll be fine.

Answer 6

What I did was keep my mouth shut unless I was asked a question.  If they say fold your clothes this way then thats how you do it.  Don't question any of their tactics even if you do not agree with them.  The only time I would ask a question is if I was signing paperwork (anything you sign will go in your record for your career so think about that).  Try to be in decent shape when you go in that way they do not notice you for your lack of physical ability.  Do not get mixed in with anybody that already has their attention.  This will also draw attention to you even if you aren't doing anything.

Answer 7

Do not ask questions or volunteer for anything.  Say quiet and follow all orders.  There is a time and place for everything; so you can talk and joke around but only during the small time frame when you are free (before lights out, fire guard, around graduation, etc.).  

Basically your goal is that at the end of basic training, your DI will have to look at your name tag to remember your name.

I did this and I never got myself or anyone else in trouble.  Also, I found it to be much more enjoyable and informative when someone isn't yelling at you and when you can actually perform the tasks instead of doing push-ups.

Had I been a troublemaker, I probably would would have not enjoyed my time there, made less friends (rarely will your stupid decisions affect only yourself), and probably would have learned less.  Although, I'd be damned good at push-ups by the end of it.