How do I mentally prepare for UK military basic training?

Mental preparation involves building emotional resilience, managing stress, and strengthening mindset. FORGE by ACSIS Life Coaching offers a free guide to help you get mentally fit before training begins.

What is the FORGE guide by ACSIS?

FORGE is a free downloadable mental fitness programme designed by veterans and coaches at ACSIS. It helps recruits prepare for the psychological and emotional demands of basic training across the Army, Navy, RAF, and Royal Marines.

Is FORGE suitable for officer candidates?

Yes. FORGE supports both enlisted recruits and officer cadets preparing for Sandhurst, Cranwell, or Dartmouth by building leadership-level mindset and resilience.

Can I use FORGE if I have anxiety or stress history?

Absolutely. FORGE is especially helpful for recruits who want to manage stress better, reduce overthinking, and stay focused under pressure.

Where can I download the FORGE guide?

You can download FORGE for free at https://www.acsis.co.uk/forge-mental-fitness-for-recruits. No sign-up or payment required.

Preparing for the Military

How to Prepare for Military Basic Training (Beyond Press-Ups and Kit Lists)

ACSIS

Jul 4

3 min read

Four people in military uniforms smile against a neutral background. Text: FORGE - Foundations Of Resilience, Growth & Endurance by ACSIS Life Coaching. — FORGE - Foundations Of Resilience, Growth & Endurance by ACSIS Life Coaching.

Thinking of joining the British Army, Royal Navy, RAF or Royal Marines?

If you're trying to prepare for military basic training, you’ve probably searched things like:

“How to prepare for Army basic training UK”
“What to expect in RAF Phase 1 training”
“Royal Marines fitness plan”
“How hard is Navy Phase 1?”
“Best tips for surviving military basic training”

Most answers focus on physical training plans, kit lists, and fitness tests.

But here’s the truth:

“Most recruits don’t fail because they’re unfit. They fail because they’re unprepared mentally.”

— FORGE: Mental Fitness for Recruits, by ACSIS

Why Mental Preparation Matters More Than You Think - How to Prepare for UK Military Basic Training

Basic training — whether at Catterick, Pirbright, Winchester, Lympstone, Raleigh, or Cranwell — isn’t just about drills and fitness.

It’s about:

Questioning your identity
Being shouted at in front of 40 people
Feeling homesick, exhausted, and judged
Losing control
Wondering, “Am I cut out for this?”

And if you haven’t trained your mindset — you’ll crack before your legs do.

FORGE: The Free Mental Fitness Guide for Recruits

FORGE is a free downloadable PDF designed by veterans and coaching experts at ACSIS Life Coaching. It’s for anyone preparing for:

Army Phase 1 training
Sandhurst officer selection and commissioning
Royal Navy: Dartmouth & HMS Raleigh training
Phase 1 at RAF Halton or IOT at RAF Cranwell
Royal Marines Commando training at Lympstone

This isn’t just advice. It’s a mental conditioning programme that covers everything no one talks about.

🧠 What’s Inside FORGE?

🔹 The hidden mental demands of training

From identity shock to public exposure, FORGE explains the emotional rollercoaster ahead — and how to ride it without falling off.

🔹 Tactical breathing drills

Used by elite military and first responders, this technique helps you calm your nervous system in seconds.

🔹 Mental rehearsal scripts

“Your brain can’t tell the difference between what you imagine and what you experience. That’s why rehearsal works.”

FORGE walks you through how to rehearse key moments — inspections, drills, even failure — so you respond, not react.

🔹 Daily resilience habits

Including the 3-Line Daily Debrief to prevent emotional overload and the Battle Plan SOP for when you want to give up.

🔹 Values under pressure

You’ll identify and internalise your core values so you stay grounded even when the uniform strips your identity.

🫡 Who Is FORGE For?

Future recruits waiting for their basic training start date
Anyone Googling “am I mentally ready for the military?”
Physically fit individuals who still overthink or panic under pressure
People with a history of anxiety, stress, or trauma entering a high-stress system
Officer cadets who want leadership-level emotional control