Army Life Unpacked: Training Hacks

Polishing boots the night before. Folding your tops with a piece of paper. Talc in your socks.

It might sound a bit unusual, but these simple tricks can make a big difference during basic training. While training can be challenging, there are plenty of ways to stay organised, save time and make your life easier.

Favourite basic training hacks to help you stay one step ahead include:

Put your kit away, straight away

• After a long day, it can be tempting to leave things until the morning. But taking a few extra seconds to put your kit back where it belongs can save you a lot of time later on.

Polish your boots the night before

• Want a better shine? Apply your boot polish the night before and leave it to set overnight.

• In the morning, all you need to do is brush them off and bring back the shine. It’s a simple way to save time when you’re getting ready for the day ahead.

Fold your tops using a piece of paper

• Here’s a trick you might not expect... place a piece of A4 paper inside your T-shirt while folding it. You’ll end up with a stack of tops that are all the same size – a great way to keep your room inspection ready.

Pre-talcing your socks

• When you’re spending time in the field, looking after your feet is important.

• Adding a little talc to your socks before you pack them can help keep your feet dry and more comfortable. Some soldiers also pack talc in a small sealable bag, making it easy to use without carrying a bottle around.

These are just a few of the simple hacks that soldiers use during basic training. Small changes can make a big difference - helping you stay organised, prepared and focussed on the next challenge.