Before they ever set foot on the bus to Basic Combat Training, your Future Soldier is expected to arrive ready—physically, mentally, and with a solid foundation of discipline. That means building endurance, strength, and healthy habits starting now. You don’t have to be a personal trainer or nutritionist to make a difference—you just have to be present, informed, and encouraging. Here’s how you can help keep them on track toward long-term health and Army readiness.
Understand the Physical Demands They’re Preparing For
Basic Training is no walk in the park—it’s early-morning PT, timed runs, endless push-ups, core work, ruck marches, and obstacle courses that test grit as much as muscle. The Army’s standards are real, and showing up unprepared can mean injuries or delays. Ask your Future Soldier what they’re working on—whether it’s shaving seconds off a run or knocking out more push-ups—and let them know you’ve got their back. Your encouragement is fuel for their drive.
Respect Their Routine and Help Create Structure
Discipline is the heartbeat of Army life, and you can help them build it now. If they’re waking up early to train, meal prepping, or sticking to a strict schedule—support it. That means giving them space and time for workouts, helping them maintain a consistent sleep schedule, and encouraging a weekly training plan they can stick to. Structure now turns into habits that will carry them through the toughest days at Basic and beyond.
Create a Supportive Food Environment
Nutrition is just as important as training—and you can help set them up for success. Keep the kitchen stocked with lean proteins, veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats. Reduce the pull of junk food, soda, and sugary energy drinks. If they’re headed out, pack snacks that align with their goals. When you grocery shop or cook together, treat it like part of their mission prep. This isn’t about restriction—it’s about fueling the future.
Encourage, Don’t Pressure
Accountability is powerful—pressure is not. Your role is to motivate without making them feel judged. Use words that inspire like, “You’ve been so consistent lately—proud of you,” “What can I do to help you crush your training this week?” or “How’s the program going? Anything you want to tweak?” When they feel supported instead of scrutinized, they’ll push themselves even harder—on their own terms.
Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
The road to readiness will have bumps—missed workouts, rough runs, or days where motivation dips. That’s normal. What matters is momentum. Celebrate the wins, big and small—whether it’s faster run times, finishing a brutal training week, or swapping soda for water. Small victories add up, and having someone recognize them makes all the difference.
Last Call: Be Their Biggest Cheerleader
Your Future Soldier is training more than just their body—they’re training their mindset, their resilience, and their confidence. By supporting their workouts and nutrition now, you’re building a foundation that will carry them through the grind of Basic Training and beyond. Show up with encouragement, not control. Focus on effort over perfection. Because behind every strong Soldier is someone who believed in them—long before they marched across that graduation stage.
I’ll be back next week with more updates and guidance. Until then, Hooah!
SGM Kris Broadus, U.S. Army (Retired)
