Gomer Pile...

[Jesse]

I am going to be leaving for Basic at MCRDSD on April 6, 2004.

I like to consider myself in pretty good shape. I am able ot do all things required of me to get in. (2 pull-ups, 60+ sit-ups, and 11 minute 1.5 mile) however, I worry about not being physically gifted enough and hurting my platoon.

As for at home, during pool functions, I am about middle of the road when compared to everyone else, and I guess I am just looking for encouragement/help regarding this mindset, and how to overcome this, being that I need a much better PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) then I have now, and am wondering if anyone can help.

Thanks.

[Pel]

Read the books Keeping Faith, and Making the Corps

[showershoe26]

Hey gomer,

From what I have found out about the marine corps,they will not let any one fail, and those who feel unsure about their abilities will found out quickly that will receive all the help and motivation they need.

Your times are not that bad, and in fact are a little better than mine. You've still got thirty days keep working on a good fitness program and you'll be just fine!

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

Shower Shoe, please show proper respect to the Marine Corps by nor using lower case letters. And it is not true that they will not allow anyone to fail. My platoon started with 64 people and graduated 27... and several of those people did not start out in the platoon. Clearly, many do fail... usually not that many, but it happens. That is why you EARN the title, it is nor freely given.

While the times may be good enough to get you in, or even better than other people.... this is not what you should be aiming for. Excellence is key in the Marine Corps. You should be shooting for a 300 PFT. Oh, and 2 pull ups will not be looked upon kindly by your Drill Instructors. Unfortunatly Jesse you didn't give us much warning to help you, but there is a ton of info out there about how to make your scores better. Try this program starting TODAY and see what you can do about getting better.
http://webpages.charter.net/bert/reconron.html

[showershoe26]

Echo Four Bravo,

I appologize for not using capital letters when typing Marine Corps. I meant no disrespect.

Furthermore I was only trying to tell Jesse that it has been stated (at least to me) on numerous occations that drill instructors will do everything in their power to get you to do your best.

They cleary want to see you succeed....... not fail.

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

You are correct. When I reread the post, it looks as if I was being harsh, which was not intended. I was just trying to make the point that several people do fail. You are correct though, the Drill Instructors will do everything they can to get you through training. Many times it may not seem like they are trying to help, but they are. When it comes down to it, they look better if more people make it. Shows they are building Marines well. If too many people fail it appears that they are not building future Marines well enough.

[gatormatt]

You should definitely try using this system.

http://www.4mcd.usmc.mil/AOP/OSOHyattsville/PT%20Prep%20Guide.htm

The Armstrong Pull-up Plan was especially helpful to me last year. I went from 12 to 20 pullups in about 4 weeks. I'm pretty light (145ish pounds) the increases were probably a little easier than would be for a 180lb guy.
Hope this helps

Matt

[Jesse]

thanks everyone, i will definately try this and get those scores up... no trying on that part... They will come up...

[Sender]

Jesse,

To find out more on what you will be doing while you are there at MCRD San Diego, CA, just go to this web address: http://www.mcrdsd.usmc.mil/ this should answer a lot of your questions that you are asking.

Also a quick reminder to all who read this post. Drill Instructor is also calpitalized as well as Marine. We are the maker of Marines and we have earned our title just as we earned the title of US Marine.



Good luck, God speed and remain Semper Fidelis,

SSGT Arcides, A H USMC DI

[DevilDog99x]

Always strive for the best possible. Never give up and work hard a possible before, during, and after boot camp. Remember, the Marine Corps is the best of the best. So, give all you got and then some.

[reddog4950]

Originally posted by DevilDog99x
Always strive for the best possible. Never give up and work hard a possible before, during, and after boot camp. Remember, the Marine Corps is the best of the best. So, give all you got and then some.

Just remeber when somethings seems impossible , means you just haven't done it "YET". If the Corps wants it done , it will be done. Semper Fi Reddog4850

[jasultan]

I was 27 when I shipped out, weighing about 179lbs, I graduated weighing 135lbs. I hate running, with a passion, but believe it or not my best run time was in boot camp 21:40, with stress fracture in my left ankle, that I twisted on black Friday and it bothered me through out boot camp. At warrior break fast my senior drill instrcutor asked me " Sultan, long time coming. Do you know why your are able to earn the title?" No Sir. "Because you have heart Sultan and that is what it takes" Get in the mental mind frame that the quickest way off the depot is graduation. The sooner you progress, the right things you do, including being a team player, the better, it will be for you. Keep your head up and think about erning the title of a MARINE. That is the only thing that kept me going. Everynight I laid in my rack and thought about quitting next day, and every morning I was nope can't give up yet. Being the one of the older recruits I was able to understand the process of molding civilians into MARINES. Everything in training has a purpose. The drill instructors will do whatever to train you, to make sure you pass all the qualifications. Ask any MARINE, the values learnt at boot camp will stay with you forever, there will be days when you would like to go back and do it all over again and there will be days when you would absolutely hate it. The chills going down your spine when you hear the MARINE CORPS HYMN on graduation day is worth it.......IN THE END IT WILL BE UP TO YOU..WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT.
SEMPER FI
LCpl Sultan

[usmc4669]

Pel who are you? You're not a Marine, are you a poolee, Marine Corps brat, mother, father sister or brother?

Jesse Just do your best while you are in basic, believe me you will learn to excel while you are there. Don't worry about coming out at the top of your platoon just finish and give that 110%, when you think that you can't go the full yard, take a deep breath and do it, then you will become a Marine