Military Veterans, Help Needed

I agree with the everyone else. That is more than enough to prepare you for basic training.

I did nothing to prepare for Army Basic Training and performed pretty well. I was in the best shape of my life when I got out of there. It was also the best experience of my life. For years, I dreamed about doing Basic Training again just because it was such a unique experience and I loved the mental and physical challenge.

My husband just did a lot of running and he did mostly okay (he's Navy). He did say that the pull-ups were an issue for him, so it's probably good that that's on your list.

Thanks for wanting to serve. Like others have indicated, you're ahead of the curve. I was in the army and the eight week basic was one of the best period in my life. I couldn't run for... but after basic I was doing two mile run in less than 14 minutes and over 100 pushups/sit ups in two. I started basic completely out of shape and overweight. It's amazing what one can do given the right environment. Put on a few after separation :-(. Just don't let the mind games get to you.

glickman1 wrote: »

I'm enlisting in the Air Force and will ship out to basic in Summer of 2016, the mental challenge is something I'm absolutely chomping at the bit to get started with. However, the physical portion is gonna be a problem.
How should I train ahead of time? Would regular 5 mile runs, push ups, pull ups, and crunches along with standard weight training be proficient?
I have time on my side, but I plan on making the most of it

It's been a while since my husband was in basic but I know he prepared with regular runs, push ups and sit ups... I think what you have been doing should be sufficient! I know the current AFI fitness standards can be found on their website http://www.afpc.af.mil/affitnessprogram/

Hope this helps. My husband is a recruiter and I know he helps inform his enlistees of what different fitness programs would be best for them to be prepared. You may want to ask your recruiter what areas he thinks you may need to work on.

You've got a good program and should be fine. Note that you are entering a community where your fitness level will be a good portion of your performance evaluation. If you consistently perform high this will help you tremendously, open up new options, and earn respect in the community. My personal favorite guide (heavily biased):

http://www.sealswcc.com/PDF/naval-special-warfare-physical-training-guide.pdf

Yep, I agree. Your training plan sounds fine. Aside from the APFT (running, pushups, situps), our PT sessions were mostly running (hills, sprints, and formation runs) and body weight movements. The most common way to get smoked was pushups. That's the one thing I wish I'd done more of before Basic.

Unless it's changed from when I went through Basic Training for the AF, your final exam in basic will basically be a 1.5 mile run, timed. You have to complete it in 12 minutes. Basic is 6 weeks (unless you get washed back). For most average fit people, this is easy. Your suggested fitness plan will prep you well for the physical part of AF basic training.

Something to keep in mind: There will come a time during basic training when someone will come around and ask if anyone in your flight wants to tryout for pararescue/special ops. Details here:

http://www.military.com/military-fitness/air-force-special-operations/air-force-special-tactics-fitness-training

I doubt you want to do that, since you're going after CS post-enlistment. But if you're super-fit it is an option. We had two guys in my flight (of 50 guys) tryout. One guy didn't get past the swimming test. The other dude was super-fit; he missed the requirements by one pullup. They told him after basic he could come back any time and test again.

One other thing, and this has nothing to do with fitness: Don't rely on the AF, or any branch, to school you for the real world. I have BS in Computer Science. I went into the AF, scored really high on tests, and worked in electronics. But almost nothing I learned in AF tech schools and training prepared me for what I would end up doing later on.

If you want to get a CS degree after enlistment, my advice is just enjoy your time in the AF, save your money, don't get in trouble financially and use your G.I. Bill to go to college after. Especially don't get into trouble financially so that when re-enlistment comes up after four years, you don't feel compelled to re-up. This happens to lots of guys who intend to go to college after their four years is up. They get bogged down in bills and credit cards and they re-up because they feel like they have to. Stay frugal. Think about what comes next for you.

Don't expect any of your credits from military training/technical school to transfer to a college. Don't expect anything you learn in tech school or your job to transfer as well. If it does, gravy. But don't expect it.

Since you're on delayed enlistment, you probably don't have a specified job yet. If that's the case, you'll be given a list of jobs during basic (one of those days about halfway through the 6 weeks when you're sitting in a classroom). You'll get to pick three choices. From those three, the AF will assign you wherever they need you. You may not end up working on computers at all. Military owns you once you're enlisted and will use you how they see fit, where their need is.

Good luck. It's challenging.