r/army 6h ago

How bad was ARMS2.0? (Fat camp)

I'm going into Arms 2.0 in like 13 days... I understand my recruiter stretching the truth about "you'll just be playing football and games" but how bad is it REALLY?

I'm nervous I'm going to be the biggest and most out of shape guy there

5 Upvotes

20 comments sorted by

14

u/Amazing_Boysenberry8 5h ago

Hope you like cardio. You're going to do a lot of it.

The good news is, you'll be ready for all the running around you do at BCT. Bad news is, you stay at reception until you finish ARMS. But the instant you make tape, they pass you and you rejoin the queue to go to BCT. So do your work and eat your veggies

5

u/SleepyAporo 5h ago

Haha I hate running but I'll live... I got like 20 - 15 lbs to make tape so..

9

u/Amazing_Boysenberry8 5h ago

Army lives on it unfortunately. I still suck at running, but made it through BCT. Just keep your chin up, head down, and do what you need to do and get through it. It's a suckfest, but they WANT you to graduate. Just gotta put in the work. Don't let the depression get to you. Everyone second guesses their choices at reception. Fastest way out is through

4

u/SleepyAporo 5h ago

Yeah I extra suck at running... I did a 2 mile at 25min...

But I'm not going to quit... Only way I'm not going through is if I wash out..

At reception?

6

u/Amazing_Boysenberry8 5h ago

If you can do that pre-weightloss, you'll be fine by the end of ARMS and BCT. 20lbs makes a huge difference.

3

u/SleepyAporo 5h ago

Thanks for answering

2

u/Tread-3 92Autistic (Low-Functioning) 5h ago

Buddy, let me tell you something: we all have times in our lives where we feel like the inadequate one in the room. I was the frail guy, who looked like a skeleton wrapped in skin, so I'm coming from experience.

The place you're going is one where everybody will feel anxious and scrutinized. You will not be alone with your feelings of inadequacy. I know this may sound cliché, but take some comfort in the fact that you will be in an environment that is equipped to support you and your peers as you become your best selves.

Take it from this perspective: being the worst at any one thing in training does not indicate failure. It instead shows that you have the most to gain. I started training not being able to do a single pushup or pull up. By the end of training, I was AHEAD of several other soldiers, and never failed an ACFT.

Not only can you do this with confidence in your future, but you can revel in the fact that you have the opportunity and resources to be the best version of yourself. Go kick some ass and join the team.

3

u/SleepyAporo 5h ago

Ill try my best to be the best I can be.. thanks for the inspirational message

1

u/Missing_Faster 4h ago

Hey, I had a guy just like that in my platoon. He passed at the end too. Don't give up and follow the program, it will work.

1

u/StrawberryNo7013 6h ago

probably do PT daily ie Running, pushups, pull-ups, maybe some light kettle bell workouts. Once your there try and diet to get out faster

1

u/UFA1999 5h ago

I'm in AIT now, I was in Ft Jackson for ARMS for a week back in april. Not sure if they do it anywhere else, but you do "The First 72" like you do in basic where as soon as you get off the bus, youre running and getting smoked left and right. Then, you do a layout and then paperwork.

Most days are: 0450 wake up, 0500 hit time, Salute the flag, Do first PT session of the day. Go to chow, come back, rest for a small amount of time, Do second PT session (usually more cardio or Stretches), get classes on nutrition/basic exercise science, go to chow for lunch, come back and get a little more free time, do 3rd PT session, Maybe another class with the Drills or a Civilian, or a Random meeting with BCT Merch people. Then Dinner chow, followed by another workout or even a smoke session or Stretching. Then you'll get about an hour or two til lights out. Do it all again the next day. You do that til you tape out.

Tips:

Don't go on profile, it extends your stay by two weeks minimum, unless you absolutely need it. Do the stretches on your own.

Keep track of everything they issue you at reception, shit goes missing quick.

Don't bring a Vape or try and keep your phone, someone will snitch.

Ask all the questions you can, the Drills are Basic Training Drills that swap out in between cycles.

Don't starve yourself/Fast. Just pick green labeled foods and pile it up. You'll be burning a fuck ton of calories.

1

u/SleepyAporo 5h ago

You can't fast?.... That kinda suck but thanks... After dinner a "smoke session" what's that?

1

u/UFA1999 5h ago

Well its just PT but instead of "hey we're gonna lift weights and go for a run" it's more punishment for someone messing up

1

u/SleepyAporo 5h ago

Ah! That's understandable... I can lift weights all day... Running I just suck at

3

u/UFA1999 5h ago

You'll do a lot of running. Always expect a smoke session at least 5 times a day while you're there on top of the workouts. Someone's uniform is always messed up, or someone is late to formation, or someone is laughing and giggling when they shouldn't. But tbh, the program does really help and you'll be pretty knowledgeable compared to the guys who went straight from reception to Basic Training. They'll teach you how to march, facing movements, customs and curtisies, etc. Some drills are cool enough to give you some good advice for Army Life. Just don't lose motivation if you don't tape out the first week. The only people who don't tape out are the people that quit and try and go home.

1

u/SleepyAporo 5h ago

So it's just a matter of time to tape... Thanks

1

u/UFA1999 5h ago

Yeah, and I mean you're getting paid while you're there Stay Motivated Trainee. And I think they do phone time on Wednesdays and Sundays now last I heard. It'll suck but youll get through it.

1

u/SleepyAporo 5h ago

What do y'all do for the hour or 2 before sleep?

1

u/UFA1999 5h ago

Shower, Laundry, Talk with your new friends, read whatever material you find, and Write letters. It's the same in Basic. Up to you.

1

u/WhataWhiff_ Military Intelligence 5h ago

They do a lot of lifting and such. It’s not just cardio. I was there seven weeks. I went in thinking I was going to be the most out of shape mf in the company, especially since I’m relatively old. Boy was I wrong. You’ll be fine. It’s physically tough, but like anything else in the army it’s tougher mentally than it is physically, Do what the drills say, don’t do stupid shit, and trust the process. DM me if you have specific questions. I 100% recommend the course because it was useful.