Every year tens of thousands of people apply to join the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force (RAF).
Most applicants focus heavily on the recruitment process – medical checks, fitness tests and selection interviews.
But once you actually arrive at basic training, the reality of military life often surprises people.
To see what soldiers themselves say about preparing for service, we looked at advice shared in a discussion thread where serving and former personnel were asked one simple question.
“What is ONE piece of advice you’d give before joining the military?”
The answers revealed several common themes that many recruits only discover after they arrive at training.
Here are ten pieces of real advice worth knowing before you begin your journey.
If you’re still early in your application journey, it’s also worth understanding the timeline. Many applicants underestimate how long the recruitment process can take.
Read our guide here: How Long Does It Take to Join the British Army, Royal Navy or RAF?
1. Get Used to Being on Your Feet All Day
One of the biggest surprises in basic training is how much time you spend standing and moving.
Many recruits go from a sedentary lifestyle to 20,000–30,000 steps per day almost overnight.
Your day can include:
- walking between training buildings
- collecting and organising kit
- drill practice
- physical training sessions
- inspections and lessons
If your body isn’t used to it, fatigue hits quickly.
Preparation tip
Start increasing your daily activity now. Walking, hiking and simply spending more time on your feet will make the first few weeks much easier.
2. Cardio Matters More Than You Think
Strength is important, but many soldiers emphasise that cardiovascular fitness carries you through training.
Marching with kit, running between locations and long training days all require endurance.
Some recruits struggle early on simply because their cardio fitness is behind their peers.
Preparation tip
- steady running
- loaded walks (rucking or tabbing)
- interval training
A balanced fitness approach is best, but strong cardio gives you a major advantage.
3. Learn Basic Life Skills Before You Arrive
A surprising issue mentioned by several soldiers was recruits arriving without basic personal skills.
Examples included people who had never:
- ironed clothes
- shaved properly
- maintained their kit
- managed their own hygiene routines
In training, these small tasks happen under time pressure, so learning them beforehand reduces stress.
Preparation tip
- practice ironing shirts and trousers
- learn how to shave properly and quickly
- organise personal kit and daily admin routines
4. Good Admin Makes Life Easier
Military training involves a lot of small organisational tasks.
Examples include:
- maintaining equipment
- preparing kit layouts
- remembering timings and orders
- keeping personal admin organised
Recruits who ignore the small details often end up rushing or getting into trouble.
Preparation tip: Develop the habit of paying attention to detail, completing tasks early and keeping equipment organised.
5. Your Mindset Matters More Than You Realise
Basic training is designed to push you outside your comfort zone.
Many experienced soldiers emphasise that success often comes down to mental resilience rather than pure ability.
During training you will:
- feel tired
- get shouted at
- make mistakes
- occasionally want to quit
Those who maintain a positive mindset usually adapt faster.
Related reading: The Biggest Challenges Applicants Face When Joining the Military
6. Avoid Negative Influences
Several soldiers warned about something many recruits don’t expect: negative people inside the military.
These can include individuals who constantly complain or encourage others to disengage.
Sometimes these are people who have been turned down for promotion or opportunities and, rather than trying again, become disillusioned and apathetic.
Common behaviours include:
- always being late
- constant complaining
- discouraging others from putting effort in
Morale spreads quickly in military environments.
Choose your circle carefully.
7. Don’t Let Other People Decide Your Career
Some soldiers pointed out that people who are leaving the military often become very negative.
Their experiences may be valid, but they are not necessarily your experience.
You should form your own judgement based on:
- your personal goals
- your trade or branch
- the opportunities available to you
8. Take Every Opportunity
Many experienced personnel advise new recruits to make the most of every opportunity available.
Military life can provide benefits and experiences that many people never access outside service.
Examples include:
- professional courses
- adventurous training
- discounted sports
- educational allowances
- deployments
- battlefield studies
- specialist qualifications
Related reading: What Is the Armed Forces Gap Year Scheme?
9. Stay Connected to Life Outside the Camp
Some soldiers emphasised the importance of maintaining links outside the military environment.
Joining sports clubs, gyms or volunteering in local communities helps maintain balance and perspective.
It also makes the transition back to civilian life easier later.
10. Leave Your Ego at the Door
Training environments can be blunt and direct.
Instructors may use harsh language and criticism as part of the training culture.
Recruits who take everything personally often struggle more than those who understand the context.
Professionalism, humility and integrity matter far more than protecting your ego.
Final Thought
Preparing for military training is about far more than simply passing the fitness test.
The soldiers in this discussion highlighted something important:
Success in the military often comes down to mindset, organisation and daily habits.
If you arrive prepared physically, mentally and practically, you give yourself a huge advantage.
Also read: The Biggest Challenges Applicants Face When Joining the Military
Prepare With Purpose
If you’re considering joining the British Army, Royal Navy or Royal Air Force, preparation before training can make the entire journey easier.
Armed Forces Mentoring exists to help recruits:
- stay motivated during long recruitment timelines
- prepare physically and mentally for training
- understand the realities of military life
Because the goal is not just to join the military, but to arrive ready to succeed.
Prepare With Purpose.
