Wheres My Poop-Debunking a Famous Basic Training Myth

Ok this is the grossest article I have ever written, but I just received a question on the white powder myth and thought this subject should be addressed.  A recruit going to basic training next month asked me: “SGT Volkin, I have heard of white powder being put into recruit’s water at basic training, why does the military do this?” – Jeremy

Jeremy, the military does not do this, it is a myth. This common myth, that the military puts white powder in the recruits water, is reasoned by the fact that the military needs to constipate recruits so when they are training in the field they don’t need to use the bathroom. This is not true. There is so much more to learn to survive basic training; let’s try sticking to the facts.

There is some truth to this answer though. When I went through basic training in the Army, I didn’t go to the bathroom for weeks. Why? Because I didn’t have to go. My schedule was so packed with stuff to do and my body was so taxed by the daily workouts that my body was utilizing all of the food I was putting in my mouth. The basic training fitness program is a day in and day out exercise regimen and with the lack of snacks and extra meals you get at basic training; you can imagine how taxing it could be on one’s body.

SGT Michael Volkin is the author of The Ultimate Basic Training Series