Is it best to prepare now for bootcamp so I wont piss of the DIs?

Question

What did you do when you were sent to bootcamp? Were you in shape, out of shape?

I plan on being a U.S Marine. Should I prepare myself? Should I teach myself to be a good swimmer, a good runner and a good marksman etc?

Answer 1

Yes.

You should definitely be in good physical shape, if your recruiter didn't tell you this then you might want to consider someone else.

If you fail the PFT your first week of boot camp you will be sent to the Phycial Conditioning Platoon(PCP), which will get you in shape to start training. You could be in there for weeks, and from what I hear it isn't exactly a walk in the park. This time doesn't count against your training either, you won't actually start your 13 weeks of boot until after you leave PCP.

At the very least you should be able to run 3 miles comfortably, do 50 pushups easy in 2 minutes, 10-15 pullups, 70 crunches or so. You can swim every now and then just to switch up your workout, but you won't be swimming enough in boot camp to really worry about it. You also don't need to worry about being a good marksman before you get there, they will teach you everything you know.

If you really want to be in good shape before boot, which would help out a lot, then you should aim for a 300 on the PFT. 3 miles in 18 minutes, 20 pullups, 100 crunches in 2 minutes

You should worry more about learning the 11 general orders, all of the termanology that they will be using in boot camp, the rank and insignia for both officers and enlisted, the rifle creed, and how to drill.

There is probably more that I am forgetting, but if you do all these things you will be a well prepared recruit going into boot.

If you haven't signed up yet, you will get a "Making of a Marine" book or something like that once you go to MEPS and sign up. It has all this information in there, although the workouts are kind of amature.

For the physical side of things I would look through these books by Stew Smith and find one that fits you best:

http://www.stewsmith.com/

Answer 2

You want to get in the best shape you can, physically and mentally. My advice. RUN. Concentrate on running. Because no matter how far you can run they will push you to run further.
I wouldnt worry too much about weapons training, you will get that in time. The main part to prepare yourself with is your physical shape and the best way is to do a lot of jogging. Get with your recruiter, he might be able to give you more advice.
When i went into the Army i practiced for 6 months beforehand. I got to where i could run close to 10 miles a day. And you know what? It still was hard when i got in! The physical part is one thing, the mindgames they play with you are a whole other issue you really cant prepare for.

Answer 3

Any physical training that you can do will help prepare yourself. In addition, get a crew cut now. The Di's love to see the guys with long hair and initially use them as the "example" for other things. By cutting your hair now, you eliminate that possibility. Dress conservatively when reporting also. Not a tie and suit, but clean, neat, not torn clothing. Again, the Di's job is to find fault with you, to use you as an example for the others. By eliminating some of the obvious ones, you stand a better chance at being the "trainee" rather than the "example of what not to be".

Answer 4

Congrats on joining the marines. Many people on here will say it was dumb too. But I am not one of those. You will get to serve your country, and see the world. Yeah you might be in harms way but thats what the job does. You will have memories and stories for a lifetime. You will also be apart of a group who can do anything, and will be remembered always.

Boot camp is as hard as you make it. Sure it is tough physically. I would just run, run, run. If you are used to running it will be alot easier. Also throw in some pushups, situps, and pullups. All they are going to do is yell to break you down, then build you back up again. Don't take it personally, it is there job. They have to make sure you are ready. It is more mentally demanding then physically, know how to fold t-shirts perfectly. Most of all have fun, you will meet alot of great people from all over. Good Luck and enjoy. Thanks much

Answer 5

First of all, I commend you on training to become a Marine. I have two cousins who are Marines and they love what they do. Second, I don't know how different Marine BCT is from Army BCT, but I do know running is a big part of it. Start running a little every day. When my husband went through Army BCT, the hardest part was the run. You work on that, everything else will follow. It doesn't hurt to be in shape.

Answer 6

You have to realize that the DIs will not be "pissed" at you. They are simply instilling the "listening" trait in your head. They yell to get your attention. They yell at you, so EVERYONE knows what mistake you made and won't make the same one.

Get in shape. Run, do pushups, situps and pullups. Learn the rank structure. The Army, at one point in time, had a booklet that we carried around with us in BT. It showed a variety of tasks that we had to learn. I'm sure the Marines have something similiar. Get one, if you can. The more you know about the USMC, the better. You will still be yelled at, but...

Good luck

Answer 7

Yes, to all. If you have good physical endurance the training will go better for you. Get into good shape. Part of the training is designed to break you down as an individual so you can be remade as a Marine. Prepare yourself psychologically, as well.

Answer 8

To not piss of the DIs, prepare to do what you are told regardless of whether it makes sense or not. It would be personally helpful to get in good shape. They will teach you marksmanship, trust me. Just be ready to get yelled at for things that seem silly. Get punished for stupid reasons. You will probably be confused a lot, but you will get used to being yelled at after a while.

Answer 9

Make sure your fit.Keep your kit clean & boots polished.Lock your lockers.If you have a spare 5 minutes,work on your kit.If you do what you suggest & teach yourself shooting,ect,you'll make yourself out as a smart arrse & that's you marked. Apart from that,the is nothing on earth you can do to stop pi**ing of a D.I.
As one RAF D.I told me,they "Break you & then they make you".
Good luck.

If you want to be a US Marine,
Look at
www.leatherneck.com

Answer 10

Learn to stand up straight, keep your mouth shut, do plenty of push ups, sit ups, and be able to run at least two miles. Expect to be pushed to the breaking point, and then don't break!