Boot Camp for the Brain?

March 29, 2009 6:42 PM

Where can I learn about "boot camp" mental training?

It's been popular for several years for people to enroll in "boot camp" style physical fitness courses for physical conditioning. Where can I learn about resources for the mental conditioning to get through rigorous military training and the other stresses of military life? I don't mean as in depth as what they go through in the horrors of war, post traumatic stress etc --and I don't mean to minimize those in any way. But what I'm curious about is any exercises, mottoes, etc, that those enlisted use to get through the rigors of their training. Sort of like sports psychology. Anecdotes or actual books appreciated.

Also, modern Western references would be appreciated, as opposed to a Civil War manual or the Art of War etc.

posted by sweetkid to health & fitness (8 comments total)

Three anecdotes that I've heard from military friends and family...

* Boot camp is designed to keep you off balance. They're waking you up earlier than you're used to. They're yelling at you. Some of the directions will contradict one another. This is a deliberate strategy to drive you to rely solely on what the drill instructors are telling you. Don't think. Don't ask why. There are reasons, but they don't matter to you right here and right now. Just do what you're told. Because...

* ... the drill instructors are trying to help you. Seriously. They're not yelling at you because they think it's funny. They are trying to break you down so they can build you back up again. Because...

* ... besides the indoctrination to the idea of always answering to authority, the purpose of boot camp is to get you to realize that you can do more than you think you can. Most people literally cannot imagine themselves capable of running a mile (or more) in boots with a backpack and a rifle. It's just not something that's on the average person's radar screen. But most people can do it; they just don't realize it. Getting that lightbulb to flip on ("You know, I can do this...") is a huge realization to most people.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 7:59 PM on March 29 [1 favorite has favorites]

Just do what they tell you, best you can. It really is that simple. Don't try to invent any clever shortcuts, or mentally bitch about how something is stupid or trivial or "not really like it's going to be out there." Also, don't get overwhelmed and panicked (sometimes you'll be rushed to do too much in too little time - on purpose). Just do the next thing. Then the next. Etc.

Practice saying this: Ok, lets go. The instructors tell you you've just wasted a bunch of effort doing something "wrong" even though it's exactly like they told you the first time, and now you have to do it all over again even though you're exhausted? Ok, let's go. No sense getting angry; that won't help. In fact, that attitude will serve you well long after boot camp. Your bosses stop fucking with you on purpose, but people still screw up. Sometimes they screw you by accident. Focus on the "now what" not the blaming and getting mad.

The people who don't make it aren't too dumb, too weak, too clumsy - there are lots of all of those types in the military. The ones who fail mostly are just the ones who can't give in and just do what they're told, like they're told, without haggling or trying to get away with something.
posted by ctmf at 10:05 PM on March 29

Seconding what ctmf and Cool Papa said.

It's theater. Knowing that doesn't help, but everyone has their part to play, and it's all designed for training. Doesn't feel like it most of the time, but even the heavy hat is looking out for his recruits and is trying to train you and help you.

Check out the movie "Ears Open, Eyeballs Click" (Trailer)
(After seeing it for the first time two days after Marine Corps OCS, I went to a POA just hearing some of the DI's...).
It's about as open a public film ever taken at a Marine Corps Recruit Depot. (If you watch carefully, you can see recruits playing "games" in the background of a few scenes.)

I think it may help future posters if you mention why you're looking for this, or what it'll be used for--- are you doing a research project/just-curious, or are you getting ready to go to boot?
posted by Seeba at 10:45 PM on March 29 [1 favorite has favorites]

those enlisted use to get through the rigors of their training

Lie back and think of England.

The way to get through basic training is to just suck it up. And that's more or less how I ended up approaching a lot of stressful situations I was faced with while in the Army. Don't just bitch about it, go do what you gotta do.

The whole point, to me at least, was always to teach you mental toughness by making you physically tough. With increased physical capability comes greater confidence, and a greater belief in yourself as someone who can accomplish what needs to be accomplished. That belief is what you need to succeed.

All the crappy parts -- suck it up, and drive on.

Wasn't really joking about "lie back and think of England" though. I used to sing Christmas jingles in my head when I was on my millionth set of pushups of the day. And I've never even celebrated Christmas.
posted by lullaby at 11:07 PM on March 29

Drill Sergeant: Gump! What's your sole purpose in this army?
Forrest Gump: To do whatever you tell me, drill sergeant!
Drill Sergeant: God damn it, Gump! You're a god damn genius! This is the most outstanding answer I have ever heard. You must have a goddamn I.Q. of 160. You are goddamn gifted, Private Gump. Listen up, people...
Forrest Gump: [narrates] Now for some reason I fit in the army like one of them round pegs. It's not really hard. You just make your bed real neat and remember to stand up straight and always answer every question with "Yes, drill sergeant."
Drill Sergeant: ...Is that clear?
Forrest Gump: Yes, drill sergeant!
posted by exceptinsects at 12:50 AM on March 30 [1 favorite has favorites]

I think it may help future posters if you mention why you're looking for this, or what it'll be used for--- are you doing a research project/just-curious, or are you getting ready to go to boot?

I'm curious, and was also looking for specific exercises and mottoes, for sort of willing one's way through tough times.
posted by sweetkid at 3:50 PM on March 30

My husband's getting out of boot camp in two weeks. I'll ask him then and try to report back for you.
posted by itesser at 4:52 PM on March 30

"The only easy day was yesterday."
posted by Cyrano at 7:15 PM on March 30 [1 favorite has favorites]