Scared--Out of Shape

[Anonymous]

Hi! I go to MEPS next week, and I am not really worried about the tests so much as the physical and basic. I am determined to be the best damn soldier possible--I want to be a linguist. But I have a few questions. Where do most linguists get stationed? How do I get in shape? I am ashamed to say that I am severly out of shape--pushups the max I can do are about 10, situps about 25-30, and I absolutely don't run. I know that has to change and I am willing to do what it takes to get better--but how do I do it? Right now I am doing about ten pushups, 20 situps, and walking a mile. I do the situps and pushups three times a day. I am a person that is determined and I have determined to be the best recruit in basic--I just need help figuring out what to do to be that way. I also would like to know if they do rectals, pap smears, etc and just what they do at the physical? I would appreciate any support I can get because I don't have the support of my immediate family.

Thanks--Jasmine

rebajoy18@hotmail.com

[Anonymous]

sounds like the same problems im having and wondering the exact same things, i need advice too, i just seen a video my mom bought for me about the gas chamber, thats what im most worried about at this point, it looked so awful. when do you to basic and where......im going to flw on june 30 or so, let me know

G_i_Jessie@webtv.net

[Anonymous]

You are doing just fine on the physical part, though I suggest you start running as much as you can - you absolutely don't run? Well, you'll learn...quickly.

Linguists get stationed depending on the language learned. Farsi, for example will get you Ft Gordon and Ft Polk...with random trips to the desert along the way. Korean will get you...Korea, Ft Lewis, and Hawaii for the most part.

MEPS...what a joy. You'll get to duck walk in your underwear in front of some 90 year old man. Yes, they will do a pelvic exam on you - not a full pap, just look and make sure nothing is visibly wrong. They will go over range of motion, some flexibility, they are just trying to make sure that nothing is immediately wrong with you that would hinder you at basic.

One quick way I've found to help build up pushups and situps is this: Every hour, drop yourself and do 10 good pushups and 20 situps. You won't completely strain yourself this way all at once and it does work. Plenty of people I know at work do that now. Good luck.

nmdreamcatcher@hotmail.com

[Anonymous]

If you don't run, you've already started well with the walking. One of the methods we used to build my soldiers up for running that is quite effective is this. Every other day, not every day or you'll tear down what you built up, walk 50 feet, then do a full out run 50 feet, walk 50 feet, then run 50 feet. Do this for a half hour. On alternate days run for 1 mile until you build up endurance then stretch the distance. After the first mile run, the next time you go out, go a little further. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER with any of these exercises though is to stretch thoroughly before you begin (at a minimum five minutes, max 10) and to cool down and stretch (same time limits) when you are done. Cool down is very important, don't just drop to the ground exhausted (which you will be) walk until you breathing steadies and your heart beat slows down, then stretch. If you don't do this you can cause injury.

If you follow this and don't give up when you hit the wall (that's were you convince yourself you just can't go on) you'll be pleasantly surprised how quickly you will build yourself up. If your running by yourself, count cadence, it takes your mind off the pain and steadies your stride. Even listen to music, your body will naturally take up the rythm.

Remember although the military expects you to achieve certain times, the goal is endurance.

[Anonymous]

I will try that--though I am not sure I will be able to do that on days I work or am in class. Are there any excercises I need to do? What about stretches? What kind, which ones, etc? I have been in college two years and with taking 18 hours and working 40-50, I haven't had time to do much besides, eat, sleep, study, and class. I am determined to be the best I can be---but I need advice on what to do---my recruiter is mainly concerned with getting me through MEPS before he starts working on my physical abilities. What about hair in basic? Do you have time to write letters? Is it hard to learn to shoot the M-16 well(I have never handled a gun in my life)? What should I take with me to MEPS & Basic? Are there any days off in basic (sundays)?

Right now I have my insurance with student discounts, and a "multi line" discount because I have a burial insurance(pays for the burial if I should die). I get a lower cost insurance because I have it under my parents' and my name--so what happens to that between when I join and when my army insurance covers me (when basic starts right?)?

Thanks so VERY much!!



rebajoy18@hotmail.com

[Anonymous]

First word of advice, the military's days are long and start quite early. If you start a daily exercise program now (which you'll be doing anyway in the military) I think you will find the exercise will enhance you mental faculties. A good regimine takes approximately 45 minutes, so get up early in the morning and do it. Don't make excuses, just do it. In the military the effective range of an excuse is zero. Remember that. You're in college, so go to the library and get a book of stretching exercises. They are very easy. Look for ones the concentrate on stretching the hamstring, muscles that support the shin, and ones to forestall tendonitis. Also a couple for the arms, neck and shoulders. This are real quick stretchings, but the prevent injuries.

I had and have long hair. I recommend you cut it for basic for many reasons. l. time factor, 2. hygiene, 3. it just gets in the way. You're young it will grow back. You will have time to write letters home, in fact they insist on it and set time aside for just that purpose. There are days off in basic, but you as a platoon must earn them. Can't help you with the MEPS, it didn't work that way when I joined. As for basic before you go they will give you a list of what you can bring. Don't bring anything else, it'll just get locked away or thrown out.

The M16 is a sweet weapon. If you take care of her, she'll take care of you. She makes a loud noise and has a slight kick. Do not be afraid of her, respect her. Even if you have never fired a weapon, if you pay attention in your weapons course they will instruct you in everything you need to know. The main thing is relax, the weapon is not your enemy. Most women prove to be excellent shots even if they have never fired before.

As far as insurance goes, if you want to keep it up it's not a bad idea. I kept a separate insurance coverage besides my military insurance. One of the reasons I did this is because it was so costly to transfer my military insurance once I got out and in some cases it's not transferable to the civilian sector. Many benefits that were established long ago aren't enough for today's burial costs, so I would recommend you maintain the one you already have. This will sound morbid, but if you should die will on duty, the circumstances of your death will dictate what you are allowed. If it is during combat it's a whole different game, they cover everything. This is more a monetary policy than anything else.

Hope this was of help to you.

[Anonymous]

I appreciate the advice. What kind of cut should I get for my hair? I have no problems cutting it--from what I understand there isn't time to mess with it anyway. I am going to Meps tomorrow--will let ya'll know how things go. Keep me in your prayers please.

Jasmine

rebajoy18@hotmail.com