MWSA Book Review

“The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook – Tips, Tricks, and Tactics for Surviving Boot Camp”

Author:  Michael Volkin

Publisher:  Savas Beatie

Reviewer: Bill McDonald – President of the MWSA

Where Was This Book in 1965?

I always felt that my basic training experience back in 1965 would have been much better had I known something about what I was going to endure. Now, modern day military recruits have at their finger tips, “The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook” for surviving “boot camp;” and this is no exaggeration! Author, Sgt. Michael Volkin, has done a very creditable job of capturing all the needed information to survive basic training.

He gives you insights on how and why things happen, and what you can do ahead of time to prepare yourself for that experience. I guarantee that if you follow his advice, as outlined in his book, that basic training will be much easier physically and emotionally for you. The keys from his many words of wisdom are to be prepared and to expect the unexpected.

This book is an absolute must for new basic trainees. It can make all the difference between failing mentally or physically and successfully enduring the training. Good photos illustrate physical exercises that will prepare you for the physical needs of basic. The guidebook also gives a good overview of what you should expect to happen from the time you arrive at your basic training facility and reception to graduation week. It takes you step by step through the whole program of training. More importantly, he gives the recruit some good personal advice on how to keep a low profile and stay out of trouble with your “Drill Instructors.”

For those of us “old school” veterans from Nam or before – it is interesting to note that your DI can no longer physically hit you and kick you or punch you. Gone are the good old days of brutal and unrestrained training; but it still doesn’t mean that it is any easier to complete. There are those physical elements of running and push-ups and sit-ups that will always continue to challenge new recruits.

Sgt. Volkin has broken his book into logical chapters that are both easy to read and understand. If you are going into the military you will find this book even more helpful if you get your hands on a copy and read it prior to reporting. It will give you an edge over others. Your confidence will also be enhanced because you will actually be ahead of the game and will know more than the average recruit.

I enjoyed reading the book and I am not going back to basic training any time soon! The MWSA gives this book its TOP RATING of FIVE STARS!

I personally endorse this book for all those going into the military. It is a must read!

MWSA's 2006 Gold Medal Award for Reference