Sure, I'm more than glad to share! CBT is really interesting because before you go, if you're like me, you're probably stressed just thinking about it. I remember I was so worried I would be hazed until I dropped dead. Now, having seen it from the other side, I can tell you it is nothing to worry about. That said, you should take it seriously and do your best, because they will teach you many of the fundamentals.
For starters, the hardest part: boredom. I'll be 100% honest, 2017's beast was a joke, most have been since 2016. 2020 (with hindsight we lead hooah) will most likely have it harder because USMA is more than tired of my class's (and those before us) shenanigans. I was dropped for pushups a whopping total of two times, for just 5 regular count pushups. When we messed up, we wrote letters about what we did wrong (or lines which were repeating the same ' I messed up' sentence 500 times... seriously like elementary school). You will be bored, you will be sitting around between briefs and training events, and that's going to be the hard part. 6 weeks seems like a long time when you're leaving home at 18 for the first time.
My second tip: Don't take CBT too seriously. When I showed up I was legitimately afraid because I had heard all sorts of horror stories. It's not that bad at all. PT at 5, training on and off all day, some sports in the afternoons, and you'll be done by 8ish and in bed by 10. If you can step back and frame it for what it is, you'll see it isn't some big deal. By all means, do take it seriously, but not too much. When you have a bad day, shrug it off, West Point is about learning to overcome failure. Make friends. My beast squad and I still talk, and a number of them are my closest friends. It's been years and we still joke about the dumb stuff we did (and boy were we dumb). When you have time off, go chill in a friend's room. New Cadets are allowed to move around within your hall (or at least that's how it was for me) and you should take advantage of the down time to build relationships with your peers. Beast is so much easier when you're close with your squad. If you get yelled at, take it in stride. Even as a cow I get lit up by officers or NCOs periodically, just take it with a stiff upper lip, "hooah roger sir" and move out. Don't let the yelling mess with your head. I had peers who struggled a ton, they were constantly stressed and considering leaving, but they were taking this whole gig for more than it is. CBT is meant to introduce you to USMA and train you on the most basic of tasks. I know for 2020 and onwards there is a big push for better military training. Expect to spend plenty of time at Camp Buckner, expect to ruck a ton, but also expect to have fun doing stuff your peers outside will most likely never experience.
Now, consider this. Those leading you? They're 20 year olds most likely, they are tired out of their minds. They probably feel like crap because they sleep less then 4 hours a night, and have been doing so weeks before you even showed up. They abuse caffeine like there is no tomorrow, and from experience let me tell you, caffeine on an empty stomach is a quick way to feel awake and nauseous. When you're not around, their Chain of Command is up their *** about their performance. They're afraid of doing poorly, because a bad leadership detail grade will destroy their class rank (my friend earned a C as beast cadre and dropped 200). Your leader's grades are forcibly distributed, someone has to get a poor grade. They're just as stressed as you. They want to go home as bad as you. Shoot, many will have Significant Others waiting for them and they're as desperate to board a plane to go on leave as you are to finish. Why do I tell you this? Because you can make their life hell, or you can help. If you keep yourself squared away, and you hold your peers to that standard, then your Squad Leader's job gets easier and your life gets better. Be early for every formation, always be in the right uniform, keep your room clean, all basic things you can do to help your squad succeed. If someone is struggling in your squad, help them! When your SL is getting lit up all the time behind your back they will and can turn that anger on you. If you stay motivated and execute like they expect, their life is easier, your squad looks like a pack of straight studs, and bam everyone is happier.
As for preparation, go out and run. I was slow as a snail when I showed up and it sucked for the first couple weeks. You'll run either ability groups or interval sprints. The hills will hurt you though, so practice those while you can. Aim to at least run your two miles under 15 minutes. Do pullups as well. I showed up able to do only 8 or so and I was always embarrassed when my peers starting cranking out 10+. Basically, be in good shape. You won't face getting kicked out unless you're just in awful condition, but your peers will immediately start to dislike you if you can't keep up.
I know this is a huge block of text, but CBT is important and I want to provide the most candid explanation that I could. If you got more questions about particular parts of beast, ask away.
