The majority of recruits who ship out to boot camp are just a few months removed from graduating high school. They are, for the most part, still pretty wet behind the ears and haven’t had experience with the amount of structure they’re about to be exposed to.
We get it — recruits are flustered upon entering the intense world of boot camp. Don’t feel too bad; many newbies these make simple mistakes during their initial training.
Related: 5 ways troops always screw up a simple formation
1. Forgetting their lefts and rights
It’s a simple mistake, but in boot camp, any time is a crappy time to have a brain fart.
2. Not shaving properly
The military instills the value of paying close attention to detail. Leaving one, single hair uncut before a boot camp inspection is, in fact, a big deal. However, it’s not unheard of for the military to teach classes for those newbies who have never been clean-shaven before.
3. Not hydrating enough
Drinking water is one of the most important elements to staying healthy. Unfortunately, many recruits are so used to pounding sodas and energy drinks that they tend to forego water and end up falling out of simple hikes.
It’s probably because they don’t like the taste of high-quality H2O.
Also Read: 6 dumb things veterans lie about on the internet
4. Calling their drill sergeant “sir”
Unless you’re in Marine boot camp, where the first and last thing out of your mouth must be “sir,” you should always address your training instructors by their rank or proper title.
In the event you call one of them “sir,” you’re probably going to get the same response:
“Don’t call me, ‘sir.’ I work for a living.”
5. Taking a dump during morning clean up
Recruits are responsible for cleaning their squad bays and restrooms every day. There’s always one person who has to use the “head” during cleanup or right afterward.
Nobody will like that recruit — at least not for the rest of the day.