[revwardoc]

Mech28, the first thing you have to know is, "its their game and their rules so just play along." For each bit of static you give them, they will give you a lightning bolt up your butt. Every time you question an order, they will show you the advantages of dropping and giving 20, many, many times. Don't fight them; you can't and won't win.

LEARN THE MANUAL, FRONT AND BACK, SIDEWAYS, UPSIDE DOWN, BACKWARDS AND FOREWARDS!! You will be constantly asked to quote regulations, know them! If you don't you'll find yourself automatically doing pushups even after discharge.

When you're out on the drill pad, think heel beat. My Basic flight got so good with the heel beat our TI called us "Rolling Thunder". Whenever we were out on the pad other TI's would march their flights over to watch us.

It's the TI's job to make you feel lower than whale-crap. Don't take it personally. They like to make sure everyone feels that way and will go to any length to make sure you do, too.

When speaking to the TI, begin every sentance with "Sir" and end every sentance with "Sir". They love that.

Help your fellow Airman. If he's having a tough time learning, take him aside and teach him. If one fails, you all fail (and pay the penalties).

JerryD also gave you some good advice. Pay attention to it.

If you don't smoke, don't start just because it seems everyone else is smoking. They're the ones who will pay in the long run.

It will be over before you know it and you'll be a better man for it.