As a female currently enduring the wonders of BMQ, I can tell you that aside from being physically weaker than the boys, you will probably have the same struggles as a majority of the guys.
Breaking down everything I have experienced as a female so far:
Physically: it's tough. Not everything is, and I definitely am one of the weaker people in my platoon, but it is quite tough. Push-ups, carrying around a 7.7lb rifle everywhere, having to stay awake even after 80 minutes of intensive drill... it's really demanding. Just remember that you have to give it your all. I can't do 25 push ups, so obviously I cannot do 25 diamond push ups during punishment pt. But as long as I'm clearly trying, the instructors half heartedly yell at me and then leave me alone. Trust me, you'll get in shape while you're there, but if you weren't able to do 25 push-ups before you got there, 12 weeks isn't going to fix that. They're aware of this, so do your best to get in shape before hand, but done sweat the small stuff if you aren't a super soldier when you arrive.
Mentally: You will be tired all of the time. And you're a girl so everyone will notice this. You get used to being tired. And by that I mean you start to just expect to be tired and you deal with it. My advice is to not waste your time in the morning putting on make up. The farther you go in your weeks, the more likely it is you'll sweat it all off anyway.
Periods: They suck. And they'll suck more while you're there. Carry whatever products you use in your combat pockets, along with your pain killers (but don't tell the guys you have those, they will pester you for them to no end). Your schedule will also probably get screwed up, but as long as you have your products in your pocket, you will be fine. You get 5 minute breaks to run to the washroom, so just try to be quick.
The Platoon: Okay, so being surrounded by guys for 12 weeks where the first 5 you're one of the only girls they see, can go one of two ways. You can be their friend, or you can be the object of their fantasies. Just... try not to flirt too much. There may be 50+ males and 5+ females. Some of those guys may start having feelings for you and if you pay too much attention to one particular guy, rumors will spread. Sounds stupid, but I've seen it happen. Other than that, it's pretty awesome. You gain so many new brothers and sisters, and they're really what make the while experience worth while. The sexual jokes really escalate the longer you're their though... word of the wise: do not date people on your platoon. Just don't. 12 weeks is a very, very long time to deal with rumors and heartache and pettiness.
Men outside the platoon: You will get stared at as you walk away, people will probably hit on you at the mess, you will always be noticed and generally all of the boys will be nice to you. Just goes with the whole "Garrison Goggles" thing. If you don't know what that is, you will learn very quickly. Just enjoy it for what it is, but remember no fraternizing is allowed on base.
Girls on your platoon: I think this really depends on who you're grouped with, but it can get really passive aggressive at times. If you're more popular with the guys (or less) jealousy can arise and make your time a living hell. Cliques form, people will whisper behind your back, and ultimately it will feel like high school all over again. But still, they will have your back when it gets rough, and it's not always like that. It's also really fun, like a group of sisters. It's just how things go.
That's pretty much all I've got for you. Just treat every minute of the day like a new minute of the day. Try not to hold grudges and your time there will go a lot faster.
Breaking down everything I have experienced as a female so far:
Physically: it's tough. Not everything is, and I definitely am one of the weaker people in my platoon, but it is quite tough. Push-ups, carrying around a 7.7lb rifle everywhere, having to stay awake even after 80 minutes of intensive drill... it's really demanding. Just remember that you have to give it your all. I can't do 25 push ups, so obviously I cannot do 25 diamond push ups during punishment pt. But as long as I'm clearly trying, the instructors half heartedly yell at me and then leave me alone. Trust me, you'll get in shape while you're there, but if you weren't able to do 25 push-ups before you got there, 12 weeks isn't going to fix that. They're aware of this, so do your best to get in shape before hand, but done sweat the small stuff if you aren't a super soldier when you arrive.
Mentally: You will be tired all of the time. And you're a girl so everyone will notice this. You get used to being tired. And by that I mean you start to just expect to be tired and you deal with it. My advice is to not waste your time in the morning putting on make up. The farther you go in your weeks, the more likely it is you'll sweat it all off anyway.
Periods: They suck. And they'll suck more while you're there. Carry whatever products you use in your combat pockets, along with your pain killers (but don't tell the guys you have those, they will pester you for them to no end). Your schedule will also probably get screwed up, but as long as you have your products in your pocket, you will be fine. You get 5 minute breaks to run to the washroom, so just try to be quick.
The Platoon: Okay, so being surrounded by guys for 12 weeks where the first 5 you're one of the only girls they see, can go one of two ways. You can be their friend, or you can be the object of their fantasies. Just... try not to flirt too much. There may be 50+ males and 5+ females. Some of those guys may start having feelings for you and if you pay too much attention to one particular guy, rumors will spread. Sounds stupid, but I've seen it happen. Other than that, it's pretty awesome. You gain so many new brothers and sisters, and they're really what make the while experience worth while. The sexual jokes really escalate the longer you're their though... word of the wise: do not date people on your platoon. Just don't. 12 weeks is a very, very long time to deal with rumors and heartache and pettiness.
Men outside the platoon: You will get stared at as you walk away, people will probably hit on you at the mess, you will always be noticed and generally all of the boys will be nice to you. Just goes with the whole "Garrison Goggles" thing. If you don't know what that is, you will learn very quickly. Just enjoy it for what it is, but remember no fraternizing is allowed on base.
Girls on your platoon: I think this really depends on who you're grouped with, but it can get really passive aggressive at times. If you're more popular with the guys (or less) jealousy can arise and make your time a living hell. Cliques form, people will whisper behind your back, and ultimately it will feel like high school all over again. But still, they will have your back when it gets rough, and it's not always like that. It's also really fun, like a group of sisters. It's just how things go.
That's pretty much all I've got for you. Just treat every minute of the day like a new minute of the day. Try not to hold grudges and your time there will go a lot faster.
