Future Soldier Michael David

I have wanted to join the military since I was 18, but something always ended up coming up that made me change my mind.  I recently enlisted in the Army and I am shipping out in November of this year, and will be the Army's next great Combat Medic.  When I first walked into the recruiting command none of the recruiters there believed that I was serious about joining because of my appearance.  I weighed 265 lbs and was 42% body fat, but I knew that it was something that I was absolutely determined to do.  Since April 1st of this year I have lost 70 lbs and 27% body fat.  I cannot wait to ship and I know that this is the best decision of my life.



Before



 Ready for BCT!



Future Soldier Stephannie Martinez

Martinez, Stephannie a photo by Official Army Future Soldier Center on Flickr.

My name is Stephannie Martinez , my MOS is 31B Military Police. I decided to join the ARMY because ever since I was in JROTC I could tell that I was a born leader and this is what I wanted to do. Now I leave in about 5 months or so and I'm super excited to start my career as an active duty soldier. This is something that I have been working so hard to get and now that I'm so close to it just makes me even more motivated to go into basic and kick some butt!

Future Soldier Naomi Hernandez Bristol

Bristol, Naomi Hernandez a photo by Official Army Future Soldier Center on Flickr.

Name: SPC Bristol
MOS: 68X (Behavorial Health Specialist)

I decided to join the Army because my grandfather was in the Army, my father was in the Army, and my husband is in the Army; I wanted to continue that tradition because of personal pride and to give back service to my country.

I'm most excited about beginning this new chapter in my life....to experience something and do things that never in my life I would have ever thought of doing. I'm nervous about BCT, but I know with the right attitude and mindset going into it, I, as well as many others, will accomplish that stage and become US Army Soldiers. HOOAH!!

Future Soldier Erin Ellison

Ellison, Erin a photo by Official Army Future Soldier Center on Flickr.

Erin Ellison
11X Airborne

I joined the Army to better myself and to better my future and to protect the American way of life like all those before me have. It will be an honor to wear the uniform and serve America. God bless!

Future Soldier Allyson Scott

Scott, Allyson a photo by Official Army Future Soldier Center on Flickr.

Name: Allyson Scott
MOS: OCS, then 31A

I joined the Army to be part of something bigger than myself where I am able to help my fellow Soldiers. Also, joining felt right to me because I am able to give back to my Community and Country.
I am excited to start my journey in the Army through BCT, and then OCS. I am a little nervous for OCS, but I know the experience I will get from OCS will help me better lead and teach my fellow Soldiers.

Nutrition

We get a lot of you Future Soldiers asking about exercising and diets.  It is best to get with your doctor and/or a nutritionist/dietician for the best results.  Here are some good starting points for nuturition.

One thing that you have to do is hydrate.  You have to stay hydrated for your body to perform.  Whether you are running, working out or just sitting around, hydrating is very important.  If you are thirsty your body is already starting to dehydrate.  You also don’t want to drink too much water either.  Another part of good nutrition is eating the right foods for what you are doing.  You may want to look into high protein foods, vitamin enriched foods and good fats.  Some examples of high protein foods would be fish, beans, chicken, egg whites and beans.  Foods that will be vitamin enriched are veggies, whole grain breads and assorted fruits.  Here are two examples of good fats, fish (omega 3 fatty acid), nuts (almonds, peanuts, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, pecans, cashews).