Great question! My DS went in very mentally and physically prepared, yet was shocked at how difficult it all was, especially the first week. He said it was like drinking water from a fire-hydrant. The first three weeks were exhausting, isolating and boring due to how much the new cadets needed to learn and master before they could advance to the 2nd half of Beast. Not being able to chat or socialize made it very lonely for him, but he understood why it had to be this way because otherwise it would have been impossible to get everything taught in 3 weeks.
So, I think my son learned that social interaction is very important to him. He rocked the physical component but was not prepared to lose the ability to talk and interact with those around you, except in your room, and you were only in your room for 4-6 hours a night so there was no time to chat.
But, he said the rigid discipline that was instilled in them during Beast 1 laid the foundation for them to safely learn all the important soldier lessons in Beast 2, so it was all worth it.
Good luck to all of you gearing up for this summer’s Beast Barracks.
I was so worried about my son after our first 3 minute phone call. He sounded very down and discouraged, which was very alarming, I was not prepared for that at all! But a good friend of mine said “your son is fine, he is just uncomfortable. He will find ways to make everything more efficient in the weeks to come. He is fine, don’t worry”.
And she was so right.