--- title: "5 mistakes newbies make right after boot camp" description: "When you finish boot camp, the work is far from over. Before you celebrate, learn from the pros and avoid these common screw ups." date: "2021-01-14" modified: "2021-01-14" authors: - name: "Team Mighty" job_title: "Author" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/teammighty/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/popular/5-mistakes-newbies-make-right-after-boot-camp/" categories: - "Basic Training" - "Join the Military" --- # 5 mistakes newbies make right after boot camp ![]() Most of us feel on top of the world after we graduate from boot camp. After spending several weeks being yelled at and told what to do every second of the day, you think you're now finally free. --- Now that you've learned how to make your rack like a true expert and you can perfectly don your uniform with your eyes closed, you think you've got things all planned out. The truth is, you don't. These are 5 mistakes that newbies make when they're fresh out of boot camp. ### Related: [5 things you should know before diving into a 'contract marriage']() ## 5. Poorly plan your diddy moves Servicemembers can make some pretty nice bank if they move their stuff to their first duty station themselves. Since the military pays you for moving all your gear based on its poundage, many newbies spend tons of time trying to tack on everything they own — but often fail to plan a proper route. ![]() ## 4. Drink yourself broke Since we can't drink alcohol during basic training, we tend to make up for lost time and gulp down as much as we can during our first weekend of liberty. E-1s aren't millionaires, but you'd never know it by the number of beer cans and vodka bottles they go through. That's cool and all... but that's a 12 dollar beer. ## 3. Thinking boot camp made you an amazing fighter We understand that boot camp *does* teach recruits certain levels of self-defense and ground fighting. This training doesn't make you a black belt, so be careful not to pick a fight with someone who *actually* has a black belt after drinking a few pitchers of liquid courage. But I just graduated from a self-defense class... ## 2. Getting that motivated tattoo That is all. ### Also Read: [5 ways Marines are like ancient Spartans]() ## 1. Buying crap you don't need on credit It seems like boots walk around with this huge invisible sign hanging around their necks that tell salespeople you're new to the military. They also know that you get a guaranteed paycheck every few weeks. So, they'll convince you that you need their expensive products with no money down — they tend to leave out info about the massive APR. ![]() Can you think of any others? Comment below! ## Author Team Mighty's experience encompasses intel, special ops, military history, tactical expertise, aviation, gear, and weapons. Authors on Team Mighty include veterans, spouses, and active and reserve service members from every branch of the military, as well as former CIA employees.