There are quite a few "Surviving..." articles here on CadetStuff.org. You'll find them on Hawk, Blue Beret, etc. However, I noticed that there are no articles that help you survive the first step: Basic Encampment. So I took it upon myself to write that article.

However, there are a few problems. Encampments are as different as the Cadets at them. Some are small, some are large, some are strict, some are laid back, some are spent mostly in the classroom, while others are more "hands-on"... You get the picture. So I've done the best I could to compile a list of guidelines based on my experiences at two basic encampments and a couple of SAREX's. I hope they help.

Packing: It's important to pack correctly. First: always use duffel bags, never use suitcases. Granted, while at basic encampment you are most likely not going to be lugging around your bags, there are a few good things about duffel bags. First of all, there is always more room in a duffel bag. Duffel bags expand and can be stretched quite a bit more than a suitcase can. Second, when you are searched for contraband a duffel bag is easier to repack. Chances are the staff is not going to fold your clothes and put them back where they were. You will be thankful at the end of the encampment when you walk out with two compact duffel bags rather than two cumbersome suitcases. Trust me on this.

Packing again: Bring what's on the gear list and only what's on the gear list. While this may seem like common sense, things can get crazy; especially when you have that brand-new pocket knife you want to show off. Anything that is not on the list is liable to be taken from you at the very beginning of the encampment, and if you try to sneak it through and get caught with it later, you are in for a world of trouble. While Your Mileage May Vary®, generally encampment contraband includes: food of all types, cell phones, knives with blades longer than 3 1/2 inches, any illegal items (guns, porn, drugs, etc), money over $50, computers, gaming devices, radios, and so on. The list can go on forever, but you would be amazed at what people try to sneak through.

Get settled as quickly as possible If you don't know what flight you are in when you get there, try to figure out as soon as you can. You don't want to be left behind or be in the wrong flight if they decide to go out and do an early inspection. Don't choose a bed in your barracks as soon as you get there, because it is likely to change if you are being assigned based on your position in the flight. Just find a staff member (preferably an NCO staff member, as the officers tend to delegate to them), and figure out where you have to be and what you should be doing.

Don't just be another cadet From experience on encampment staff, I can guarantee you that if you act professionally and stand out from the other Cadets in a positive way, you will be noticed in a positive way. Almost every cadet that shows up shy and withdrawn in the first day or so. Even small things like sounding off, using your "yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir", and volunteering to be guidon bearer go a long way towards earning Honor Cadet of your flight. In fact, volunteer for just about anything you can, whether it be kitchen duty, latrine duty, or to relay a message to the commander when the flight sergeant is busy. Work actively to get noticed and you will. Just make sure that it is in a positive way, otherwise you'll be seen as immature, annoying, and difficult. HINT: Making up a jody exclusively for your flight tends to earn you brownie points with staff members.

Get along with your fellow Cadets, This is a given, but nonetheless there will be one outsider in every group. You are going to be with these people for about a week, maybe more. Avoid fights or arguments, however correct you believe you are. If you don't resolve a fight yourself and the staff have to come in break it up, they won't care who's right.

Give 100% Encampment truly is one of those experiences where you get as much as you give. While you can go to encampment and shuffle along, doing only what is necessary to pass, you rarely will feel like you accomplished anything. Give just a little extra on your running, study even when you don't have to, and make that salute just a little bit snappier. You'll feel that much better about it when you're done.

Don't complain. This is a biggie. One of the MOST annoying things that staff members hear is the whining of a Cadet who was told he would have night watch. Question an order only if you are unsure of what you are supposed to be doing or if the order is compromising the safety of you or other Cadets. An order that you may feel is unfair might be for your own safety. If you feel like you are being treated unfairly, then ask to speak to the commander or flight sergeant privately when there is some free time. Most of the cases where a Cadet is being treated unfairly is a misunderstanding, and can be cleared up quickly without being a big incident.

Get a good night's sleep. Encampments aren't usually very sleep-depriving at all. Yes, you will get up early for PT, usually before the sun is up. Yes, you will have to pull up to an hour of night patrol at least once during the encampment. If you can't handle this, then maybe encampment isn't for you. However, nearly all first-time cadets will have difficulty sleeping at some point, especially if it is your first time away from home for that long. I suggest that if you believe you are going to have a hard time sleeping, try this at home: Take everything except the mattress cover, a sheet, and a thin blanket off your bed. Make sure there is only one pillow in your bed. Put a fan in your room to make it a bit colder than is comfortable, and turn on your radio loud enough to be slightly annoying. Then practice sleeping like this. If you can get through a night and feel somewhat rested in the morning, you'll do fine.

Showers. Showers for most encampments are not the best of experiences. Chances are that they will be a bunch of nozzles hanging off of a wall in a tiled room. Yes, there will be multiple people showering with you. You are going to have to trust me, though, strip down for your showers. Don't snicker. Some people like to wear their underwear or a bathing suit into the showers. This is a bad idea, because you will have no idea how bad your thighs are going to chafe. You will feel it every time you march, walk, sit down, and it will generally make your entire encampment experience miserable. Everyone who is showering with you will be made the same way you are, and will have nothing more to hide than you do. Don't let false modesty spoil your entire encampment. You will regret it later.

Be informed While a basic encampment is designed for lower ranking Cadets, make sure that you are knowledgeable before you get there. It will be that much less that you will have to learn. For instance, some encampments require you to learn your chain of command all the way up to the President of the United States. Also, it's surprising how many Cadets come to Basic Encampment and have no idea how to perform even basic drill. You will probably be drilling a LOT. For us, it was the main way to travel. If you aren't familiar on drill movements such as "To the Rear", columns, or flanks, then you should study up before you get to encampment. Your flight sergeant will love you for it. On a side note, be willing to give ground on certain customs. Often, encampments go by a very strict set of rules, and you may learn a drill movement differently, or be told a different distance from which to salute an officer. Don't argue, just correct yourself and go with that for the rest of the encampment. When you get back home, you can decide with your squadron which way you will go on the matter.

That's what I think are the main points that you should know before you get to encampment. I'm not going to give it all away, because encampment is a learning experience, and the best way to learn is to mess up. At some point during encampment, you will mess up. Don't let it get you down, though, just keep moving. Savor every memory that you will earn, and learn as much as you possibly can. When you get back to your home squadron, you will then be able to share your experience and valuable learned knowledge with those at home. After it's all over, you'll be tired, craving sugar and soda, and want to sleep in a real bed, but you will never forget the fun you had at your first basic encampment.