What are the things you wish you knew before enlisting for BMT?

My honest advice as someone who struggled a bit at first. Prepare your body AND set your expectations low for comfort. I went in unfit and the first two weeks were miserable, playing catch-up on fitness while exhausted. Don't be me, start running and doing push-ups and pull-ups months before. Mentally, know that homesickness is normal and it fades, the first book-out you'll tear up a little, that's okay. Learn to work as a section, your performance affects the whole group so pulling your weight earns respect fast. Small practical things, extra foot powder, good socks, and eat properly at cookhouse even when tired because you need the fuel. It's tough but temporary, and honestly you come out more confident and independent. I did.

ORD-ed a while back, here's what I wish I knew going into BMT. One, get your fitness up before you enlist, especially running and upper body, the fitter you are on day one the easier everything is and the less you get smoked. Two, it's more mental than physical, the tiredness and routine wear you down, but everyone's in the same boat and you adapt faster than you think. Three, don't book out expecting comfort, learn to find small wins, a good meal, a laugh with your bunkmates. Four, look after your feet, blisters and foot rot are real, powder and proper socks matter. Five, the friendships you make suffering together are genuine. It feels endless in week one but it flies. You'll be fine lah, everyone survives.