Im going in US Marines in 1 year and 1 month when I finish HS. do you have advice or tips? Thanks and God bless...
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Marines advice
- Thread starter Creative Chad
- Start date
BourbonFromHeaven
Well-Known Member
Hi,
Alot of people are just gonna suggest doing mad PT and to become the biggest phyical stud you possibly can be, becuase Basic is going to be the most grueling time you have ever experinced up to that point.
However, in reality, the physical fitness is just a part of it. With a year plus to go, I wouldn't worry about PT at all. About 3 months out of your ship date, I would get on a program to start getting your body use to the daily excercise.
Here's a little secret. You can go into Basic Training in poor phyiscal condition and graduate like everyone else. It's all about the heart, becuase the Corp is gonna work with you and not gonna leave you by the wayside. You go to basic training with the right frame of mind, motivation and firm determination on being there, and you will graduate, regardless if you came in not being able to do pull up number one.
Instead, I would focus on living up the civilian life. I wouldn't work if you can help it and spend time with your familiy and doing things you have always wanted to do (Within reason) becuase once you enlist, your life is going to change dramaticaly. Unless they come with you, you won't be able to see your family as often as you would like to.
Track down former Marines, young and old and talk about their time in the Corp, the good, the bad and the ugly. You can gain alot of insight from someone who competely hated the service as much as you can from a retired Sergeant Major.
Read up on Marine Corp history. I'm not a Marine, but the ones I have encountered are feircly proud of the Corp heritage and are most often not, self proclaimed history buffs.
Investiage the various Corp MOSes and try and find a job that suits you. I'm not up to snuff about how the Corp lets enlistees choose their occupation, but I'm sure you have a choice in the matter.
That way, when you walk into the Recruiter's office, there is no doubt you wanna be there and can get started on your paper work right away.
Alot of people are just gonna suggest doing mad PT and to become the biggest phyical stud you possibly can be, becuase Basic is going to be the most grueling time you have ever experinced up to that point.
However, in reality, the physical fitness is just a part of it. With a year plus to go, I wouldn't worry about PT at all. About 3 months out of your ship date, I would get on a program to start getting your body use to the daily excercise.
Here's a little secret. You can go into Basic Training in poor phyiscal condition and graduate like everyone else. It's all about the heart, becuase the Corp is gonna work with you and not gonna leave you by the wayside. You go to basic training with the right frame of mind, motivation and firm determination on being there, and you will graduate, regardless if you came in not being able to do pull up number one.
Instead, I would focus on living up the civilian life. I wouldn't work if you can help it and spend time with your familiy and doing things you have always wanted to do (Within reason) becuase once you enlist, your life is going to change dramaticaly. Unless they come with you, you won't be able to see your family as often as you would like to.
Track down former Marines, young and old and talk about their time in the Corp, the good, the bad and the ugly. You can gain alot of insight from someone who competely hated the service as much as you can from a retired Sergeant Major.
Read up on Marine Corp history. I'm not a Marine, but the ones I have encountered are feircly proud of the Corp heritage and are most often not, self proclaimed history buffs.
Investiage the various Corp MOSes and try and find a job that suits you. I'm not up to snuff about how the Corp lets enlistees choose their occupation, but I'm sure you have a choice in the matter.
That way, when you walk into the Recruiter's office, there is no doubt you wanna be there and can get started on your paper work right away.
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WOW, I could not disagree more. You don't want to wait until you're about to ship to begin a PT program. Simply put, you willbe behind. Sure, there will be plenty of people in your platoon that are far from being ideal recruits. Some of them will not be in even decent physical shape. But, being a Marine means aiming to be the best. You don't want to be even close to middle of the pack. That's just wrong!
In addition to these things, there is some basic stuff you can learn that will help. Your recruiter should have given you information that had most of it in there. If not, it isn't difficult to find. Anyway, you want to learn the General Orders, the rank structure, the 14 leadership traits (JJ DID TIE BUCKLE is the way to remember it), and as much as you can about Marine Corps history. Sure, you can learn that stuff on the Depot if you want, but it is easier if you know it ahead of time. Then, you will be a step ahead, and that is ALWAYS good when you have DI's yelling at you all day.
If you have any more questions, send me a message. Having been there myself, I may be able to make it a little easier for you. Plus, there are some websites I can direct you to that have tons of information for you.
Semper Fi
In addition to these things, there is some basic stuff you can learn that will help. Your recruiter should have given you information that had most of it in there. If not, it isn't difficult to find. Anyway, you want to learn the General Orders, the rank structure, the 14 leadership traits (JJ DID TIE BUCKLE is the way to remember it), and as much as you can about Marine Corps history. Sure, you can learn that stuff on the Depot if you want, but it is easier if you know it ahead of time. Then, you will be a step ahead, and that is ALWAYS good when you have DI's yelling at you all day.
If you have any more questions, send me a message. Having been there myself, I may be able to make it a little easier for you. Plus, there are some websites I can direct you to that have tons of information for you.
Semper Fi
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BourbonFromHeaven
Well-Known Member
JamesBell said:
To be fair, I said 3 months out, to start a PT program. The kid (Remember, thats exactly what he is at 16) has atleast a year before he can enlist, which I think could be better spent, enjoying his youth, rather then becoming some kind of devil pup.
Another reason is, I see young guys all the time, "training up" before their ship date and getting hurt. They don't understand the idea that PT is progression based, and will throw 40 pounds in a backpack and start sprinting up and down hills where they either get hurt or loose all motivation.
I think finding a sinsear desire to be a marine would do him better then worrying about if he'll impress his DIs with the number of hanging pull ups he can do.
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You are correct that he needs to be careful and avoid injury. But, three months isn't long enough for the average playstation playing young person of today to get into proper physical condition for the rigors of recruit training. He doesn't need to PT like a wild man at this point, but a simple running plan combined with push ups, sit ups, pull ups, and other body weight exercises would be a proper plan for him, or anyone else.
I guess I just have known too many people that ended up in the Physical Conditioning Platoon or Medical Rehabilitation Platoon at recruit training because they thought boot camp would GET them in shape and that they didn't need to do the work ahead of time.
I guess I just have known too many people that ended up in the Physical Conditioning Platoon or Medical Rehabilitation Platoon at recruit training because they thought boot camp would GET them in shape and that they didn't need to do the work ahead of time.
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MrJim
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Former Jarhhead here...
(I will have been out 20 years this fall)
In the early 80's it was all about running. Marine Corps seemed to like to run everywhere all the time. If you are not physical now then certainly don't wait until then or even just 3 month before. JamesBell is correct-I spent some time in MRP/PCP for injury-I should have been better conditioned and the recruiter should have evaluated better beforehand.
If you haven't learned humility you need to get some. You must empty yourself and let them reform you if you want to be successful in this. I often try to talk the boys around me out of enlisting (PM if curious) but if determined then you have to empty yourself-otherwise you will have a very hard time of this. USMC is absolutely the best at this business and you have to let them do their work. It is like Christianity in a sense where you must allow Christ to be your master (you cannot serve both God and Mammon). In the same way if you want to not only survive but excel realize they are the new master. We are literally talking life and death here.
Realize that EVERYTHING they do is for a reason, even if it doesn't make sense. There are hundreds of examples I could use-here is one: There was a "game" (everything was called a "game". Once a DI asked if anyone knew how to play Pac-Man. Some sap raised his hand and the DI gave him his pack to carry) the DI's called volcano. Each recruit had 3 pairs of footwear under the rack-boots/running shoes/shower shoes. They would have us all (80 of us I think in the beginning) take all three pairs and toss into big pile in middle of floor and give us 3 minutes to clean up the pile and get the footwear put away. Now everything is stamped with your name. What does everyone do? Why go look for your name of course! Now with 240 individual shoes and 80 kids climbing all over looking for their stuff do you think it got done? No. The goal that the DI's were trying to teach was to work as a team. Just get 6 shoe items, get them under the racks, and sort them later. What seems painfully obvious now was last thing on our minds because everone was experiencing the "take care of yourself" instead of accomplishing the mission. There are lots of things but hey-you gotta experience this stuff for yourself.
One last thing-stay away from guns. Let them teach you from scratch. Our top shooter was a kid that had never picked up a rifle. Once again they were able to take person empty of all firearm habits and train him into a top shooter. It wasn't until we got the new M16A2 was I able to shoot Expert-I blame the ancient A1 rifles we had (though I managed Expert with the .45-though frankly I'd have rather taken my chances with my K-Bar than that tired old pistol).
Best of luck to ya kid...
(I will have been out 20 years this fall)
In the early 80's it was all about running. Marine Corps seemed to like to run everywhere all the time. If you are not physical now then certainly don't wait until then or even just 3 month before. JamesBell is correct-I spent some time in MRP/PCP for injury-I should have been better conditioned and the recruiter should have evaluated better beforehand.
If you haven't learned humility you need to get some. You must empty yourself and let them reform you if you want to be successful in this. I often try to talk the boys around me out of enlisting (PM if curious) but if determined then you have to empty yourself-otherwise you will have a very hard time of this. USMC is absolutely the best at this business and you have to let them do their work. It is like Christianity in a sense where you must allow Christ to be your master (you cannot serve both God and Mammon). In the same way if you want to not only survive but excel realize they are the new master. We are literally talking life and death here.
Realize that EVERYTHING they do is for a reason, even if it doesn't make sense. There are hundreds of examples I could use-here is one: There was a "game" (everything was called a "game". Once a DI asked if anyone knew how to play Pac-Man. Some sap raised his hand and the DI gave him his pack to carry) the DI's called volcano. Each recruit had 3 pairs of footwear under the rack-boots/running shoes/shower shoes. They would have us all (80 of us I think in the beginning) take all three pairs and toss into big pile in middle of floor and give us 3 minutes to clean up the pile and get the footwear put away. Now everything is stamped with your name. What does everyone do? Why go look for your name of course! Now with 240 individual shoes and 80 kids climbing all over looking for their stuff do you think it got done? No. The goal that the DI's were trying to teach was to work as a team. Just get 6 shoe items, get them under the racks, and sort them later. What seems painfully obvious now was last thing on our minds because everone was experiencing the "take care of yourself" instead of accomplishing the mission. There are lots of things but hey-you gotta experience this stuff for yourself.
One last thing-stay away from guns. Let them teach you from scratch. Our top shooter was a kid that had never picked up a rifle. Once again they were able to take person empty of all firearm habits and train him into a top shooter. It wasn't until we got the new M16A2 was I able to shoot Expert-I blame the ancient A1 rifles we had (though I managed Expert with the .45-though frankly I'd have rather taken my chances with my K-Bar than that tired old pistol).
Best of luck to ya kid...
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BourbonFromHeaven
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Hiya,
3 months would have been my guesstimate, however, I'm not a fitness guru
took me about 6 months total for Infantry OSUT (Army ) and I was 20 pounds overweight.
Thats all I would ever reccomend. Get your body use to the pain.
I was one of those people. I wouldn't wish Phyiscal Conditioning Platoon on my worst enemy! hehe, if only I had the work ethic then as I do now.
3 months would have been my guesstimate, however, I'm not a fitness guru
took me about 6 months total for Infantry OSUT (Army ) and I was 20 pounds overweight.Thats all I would ever reccomend. Get your body use to the pain.
I was one of those people. I wouldn't wish Phyiscal Conditioning Platoon on my worst enemy! hehe, if only I had the work ethic then as I do now.
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daveleau
In all you do, do it for Christ and w/ Him in mind
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You know your body and what it would take to get to the point where you can run 5 miles in 40 minutes in hot climates (5 8 minute miles consecutively). That is a decent goal to set that will help you a great deal in boot camp.
The posters above are right to say that the mental aspect is as big as the physical aspect in military training, especially that of a US Marine. But, there isn't a whole lot that can be done to prepare for that other than talking to former and current Marines and by reading books. These things will help you to know what is coming, which is the best way to prepare mentally. As for physically, if you blow it off until 3 months prior, you will likely injure yourself during the preparation and be unsuccessful. Start early and work up slowly. Make PT part of your life now, because it is going to be a daily part of your life throughout your career as a Marine. It doesn't stop at boot camp graduation. Start slow and work your way up. Lifting wieghts is less important than stamina, so running is the best place to start.
The posters above are right to say that the mental aspect is as big as the physical aspect in military training, especially that of a US Marine. But, there isn't a whole lot that can be done to prepare for that other than talking to former and current Marines and by reading books. These things will help you to know what is coming, which is the best way to prepare mentally. As for physically, if you blow it off until 3 months prior, you will likely injure yourself during the preparation and be unsuccessful. Start early and work up slowly. Make PT part of your life now, because it is going to be a daily part of your life throughout your career as a Marine. It doesn't stop at boot camp graduation. Start slow and work your way up. Lifting wieghts is less important than stamina, so running is the best place to start.
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Semper Fi Menno. I would be interested in seeing why you advise many young people not to enlist. I really think it would be a good threat to have on this board. Personally, I tell almost everyone that they should serve, but to pick the branch carefully. I love the Corps and everything it stands for. The days I woke up and put on the green uniform were the best days of my life. But, I know that it isn't for everyone. Some fit better in the Navy, Army, Air Force, or even Coast Guard. But the lessons you learn, you learn for life. And lets face it, other than Marine Corps boot camp, where will you ever learn something as useful as the 14 leadership traits or the General Orders for Sentries.
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My brother is in the Marines- went through basic last summer. He said it was the most physically demanding as well as mentally challenging thing he has ever been through. He said a lot is mental. They will make you feel terrible. You should definatly start training early because being a Marine is being the best.
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Deacon
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http://forums.military.com Is a great place...go to the Marines Discussions and go to the Wannabe Forums. You'll find your answers...be cautious though...they eat their young.
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HumbleSiPilot77
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Military.com is heck of a good place, I have more than 1000 posts there already, they have even forums for branches.
Anyway, kid, do a lot of PULL-UPS... We don't have them for PT in the Army, (not for a PT test) but you will be doing a lot of pull-ups... Get those squared away...
Anyway, kid, do a lot of PULL-UPS... We don't have them for PT in the Army, (not for a PT test) but you will be doing a lot of pull-ups... Get those squared away...
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MrsGnomeCrusher
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BourbonFromHeaven said:
It's better to start training and condition way before three months. The better condition your body is in before heading off to boot, the less stress on the body. Therefore he'll be prone to less injuries during bootcamp. I was determined not spend one more day on PI that I didn't have to. Being in better physical condition can help you get through boot without a problem.
Chad--don't aim to be just another face in the crowd. Aim to be the best and be a leader.
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I would also advise a visit to www.letherneck.com. As long as you stay in the wannabe forums and act half decent you will learn from many that have been there before you.
And for pure PT advice visit www.getfitnow.com Much of this information is geared towards young men wanting to be SEALs, but it will apply to you as well.
And for pure PT advice visit www.getfitnow.com Much of this information is geared towards young men wanting to be SEALs, but it will apply to you as well.
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Quantos
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One other bit of advice
Dont go in there with any attatude, you'll regret it.
FYI:
Sign up in your Junor year if possable, that 1 Year Junor - Senor will should count twords you contract.
Dont go in there with any attatude, you'll regret it.
FYI:
Sign up in your Junor year if possable, that 1 Year Junor - Senor will should count twords you contract.
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