Surviving BOOTCAMP

[JMontilone]

Im not shipping to Parris Island until May 24 but any good advice on surviving 13 weeks of hell?

Thanks:banana:
Jenelle

[Jesse]

Don't let them beat you mentally....

Physically, let them do what they will, but mentally... just remember why you joined in the first place....

ANd learn to shave and shower fast... ;-)

[showershoe26]

Very true!

Most people prepare physically and forget about the mental challenges that lie ahead. There is a lot of memorizing and alot of screaming, try to prepare as well as you can!

Oh yeah, and good luck!!!

[CplCrotty]

My Dad (USMC 1946-48) gave me the best advice when I departed for recruit training, that dark morning in May of 1983:
"Take what you are doing seriously, but don't take yourself too serious." In other words, don't let the mind games get to you and you will be okay.

[cmbell]

You guys worry too much about Boot camp just go and go with the flow day by day..

[namgrunt]

Of all the things I underwent at MCRD-SD, the most important one, in my mind, was rifle markmanship training. That is what you will be when you graduate, A Marine Rifleman. All the other MOS's come after Advanced Infantry training.
To this day, I use the BRASS procedure when firing any firarm. To hit your target before he (or she) hits you, is the essense of survival in combat. No amount of 'bang, bang, shoot-'em-up' noise will kill your enemy. ONLY well placed rounds will do the job.

Learn to become 'one' with your piece. It will become an extension of you, and you will become the guidance system for it. It is a symbiotic relatioinship. Keep it clean and operational, and it will keep you operational in return. Its almost a Zen thing, don't ya know.

What you learn with your personal weapon can be transferred to other weapons systems, like M1A Abrams tank guns, or Hellfire missiles, if you become a pilot. Learn them. Become one with them. Seek perfection in their application.

Semper Fi!

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

I like how Poolees give advice about boot. If they haven't been there, how could they be in a position to give advice???

I will answer the question though.
1. Don't show up not able to pass a PFT. Notice, I said PFT and not IST.
2. Pray you don't get hurt.
3. Don't be an idiot.
4. Have fun, you only get to do it once.