View Full Version : A Couple of Questions Before I Leave
taysmith35
07-18-07, 02:16 AM
i ship of on july 30th and i have a few questions. first, im not that great of a swimmer. i can keep myself above water and swim, but i cant swim underwater very well, or float in one spot. is this going to hold me back at all? also i am really aiming to be the best in my platoon. is there any advice anyone can give about getting to guide or squad leader? i know all my general orders and greetings and score a 285 pft (im working on the running). finally, when i enlisted i got a newer "packet" with information. and it doesnt contain some language (ex: hat = cover) i should learn before i leave like the old ones. does anyone know of a site or just maybe list some of the words so i could learn them before going??? thanks for any help!
cdogg0311
07-18-07, 03:42 AM
there is a book that they sell at books a million that have all the marine corps terms in there like a wall = bulkhead and floor = deck etc. i cant remember the name of the book but as soon as i find it i will let you know.
Covey_Rider
07-18-07, 04:54 AM
Hey my best advice is to do a search of all the threads that have been made already. There is a post that I made about being guide and excelling in boot camp and I know that there is another post with a link to all the terms that you'll use. I wouldn't really worry to much about it though because they'll break everything down barney style anyways to make sure that you know the terms.
Covey_Rider
07-18-07, 04:56 AM
http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48154
Here's the post that I made...Hope it helps.
Chumley
07-18-07, 07:49 AM
Leaving in about 12 days for boot camp - Cool!!!
The Guide and Squad leaders are going to be standouts in your platoon. The initial few days it will be assigned randomly. However, squared away recruits will be singled out almost immediately the first day or two. If they are any good, they may remain. They will work the Guide and Squad Leaders exceptionally hard, to send the message that leaders (in the USMC and in life) will be required to work exceptionally hard in life to earn the forefront position and keep it, so don't shy away if you want to be the best. Just keep working, and don't be ashamed if you don't make it; keep your focus. Remember, you may think you are good now but you are about to test yourself like never before. At least 50 percent of your platoon is as hungry as you are to succeed and the other 50 percent are no slouches. To get to the top percentile will require more determination than you ever knew you had. Only teamwork will get you there, as much as this sounds like individual effort.
As for the swimming, you are going to have to work on it. You obviously don't have much experience swimming, so get to a pool in the next week and get comfortable. You can still be Guide or Squad Leader and not be a good swimmer, but you will have to pass the basics at least. If you want to be amphibious, get in the water! Your fears of swimming will not pass until you spend some time there. PS - stay in the shallow end - don't be stupid and jump in the deep end until you figure it out. Underwater swimming is simple - don't breathe! Work on very short underwater tests, just a couple seconds at first, (in the shallow end!) It takes practice to stay down more than 15 seconds, so don't push it, build up to it.
Good luck!
Chumley
taysmith35
07-18-07, 10:01 AM
thanks a lot for all the info, i was searching the forums but couldnt find it...whats the basic level of water training consit of? thanks again!
Marine84
07-18-07, 11:15 AM
thanks a lot for all the info, i was searching the forums but couldnt find it...whats the basic level of water training consit of? thanks again!
Just be prepared - get your a$$ in a pool and get comfortable. Practice with a lot of clothes on cause you'll probably have to jump in with a lot of gear on at some point. The "basic" used to be (20 years ago) just float for 5 minutes and you qualified 2nd class (I believe) but, I'm sure it's more than that now.
If you aren't comfortable in a pool, you might as well back out now! If you ARE comfortable in a pool, QUIT STRESSING and go practice. It's pretty simple!
Chumley
07-18-07, 11:16 AM
I can't speak specifically of what today's training contains - been out for too long now. They will instruct you and you will either follow instructions or drown - they will pull you out if so. Do not wait until you get there - go practice now - just figure out how to dawggie paddle yourself around ( again - shallow end ), and get used to holding your breath underwater - they will take care of the rest. Practice "bouncing" off the bottom...meaning hold breath, go under then push off bottom and resurface, exhale and take a good breath, bounce back to bottom - repeat, repeat, repeat. That's one exercise they will show you. If you struggle too much the instructors will put you in a group of remedial swim beginners. Go practice! If you really want this, you need to put in the extra effort now - don't procrastinate. Bring someone along that can pull you out, especially when you are ready to try deep end! You might be able to ask a lifeguard or an experienced swimmer for some pointers too. Here's one tip: If you are getting assistance from a lifeguard or another swimmer, DO NOT struggle; you could drown both of you.
The difference between successful people and unsuccessful people is successful people will do whatever it takes. A leader teaches others to succeed, by word and by example. C
MGySgtSki
07-18-07, 11:47 AM
If you're able to open it, here's the MCO on swimming. Should be everthing in there you need to know. If you can't open it, let me know and I'll post the various levels and what is required for each.
http://hqinet001.hqmc.usmc.mil/i&L/Pages/LP/LPC/1/docs/Misc%20Publications/Swim%20Qual%20Order%20MCO%201500.52B%20W%20CH%201. pdf
S/F
taysmith35
07-18-07, 05:42 PM
i got it opened...thanks a lot for everyones help, i just got back from swimming haha. i will be practicing everyday until i leave...so hopefully it will help me pass the 12 days fast!
Chumley
07-19-07, 10:31 AM
Glad to hear it taysmith35! Now, got off the F***in' computer and get back in the pool - Swim 'til I GET TIRED. Get used to that line (: Ooorah!!!
Chumley
07-25-07, 09:25 PM
Yo Smitty,
Are you fish-like yet? Getting excited or what? How's the swimming?
Smitty
sparkie
07-25-07, 09:45 PM
Float for 1 hour 'dead mans crawl, Swim 75 yards with 14 lbs tied around your neck. Jump at 60 feet holding your jewels. thats how to rate 1st class as I remimber it.
Marine84
07-26-07, 07:45 AM
Jump at 60 feet holding your jewels.
LOL! Are you serious? Why did you have to hold onto them?
sparkie
07-26-07, 09:20 AM
We were taught to hold on to them and stick two fingers up our noses. Water can hit pretty hard when jumping off a tall ship. The force can blow your sinuses out.
taysmith35
07-27-07, 06:10 PM
Yo Smitty,
Are you fish-like yet? Getting excited or what? How's the swimming?
Smitty
sorry havent been on much been in the water too much ;) yeah i got help from one of my friends and i can tread water pretty well and can swim around for minutes in deep water without drowning so im pretty confident i'll survive in the water (i didnt join the navy haha) 3 days to go....cant wait to prove myself!
Chumley
07-27-07, 11:27 PM
Good job! Swimming is important to Marines - we are AMPHIBIOUS after all. Never quit, never fail! Good luck in boot camp Smitty!!!
C
thewookie
07-28-07, 07:46 AM
I can't speak specifically of what today's training contains - been out for too long now. They will instruct you and you will either follow instructions or drown - they will pull you out if so. Do not wait until you get there - go practice now - just figure out how to dawggie paddle yourself around ( again - shallow end ), and get used to holding your breath underwater - they will take care of the rest. Practice "bouncing" off the bottom...meaning hold breath, go under then push off bottom and resurface, exhale and take a good breath, bounce back to bottom - repeat, repeat, repeat. That's one exercise they will show you. If you struggle too much the instructors will put you in a group of remedial swim beginners. Go practice! If you really want this, you need to put in the extra effort now - don't procrastinate. Bring someone along that can pull you out, especially when you are ready to try deep end! You might be able to ask a lifeguard or an experienced swimmer for some pointers too. Here's one tip: If you are getting assistance from a lifeguard or another swimmer, DO NOT struggle; you could drown both of you.
The difference between successful people and unsuccessful people is successful people will do whatever it takes. A leader teaches others to succeed, by word and by example. C
Great post Chumley! I love the "follow the instructions or you drown" That's a classic! It's true, they have no compassion for you at the pool until you take a gulp or two. Get in the pool now and get comfortable, don't wait until boot camp, that's not a good time to get comfortable at anything!
All this swimming talk...it brought back a sea story from when I was on the USS Midway.
In 1980 we were heading out to sea and collided with a Panamanian cargo ship. Their ship sunk, we suffered a 100' gash in the side of the ship, above the water line. At that time we didn't have any idea how bad the crash was or where the damage was, ie: above water line or below water line.
Several of the guys in our squadron were not wearing their life vests in the middle of this whole thing...alarms going off, nukes on the hangar deck, people running around, etc. It was a mess. The guys said wearing the life vest is a joke as if the boat sank it would create such a vortex that everything would be pulled down with it....so why be uncomfortable if it don't matter?
Lesson, don't bother to learn to swim as you're going to drown anyways, lol. I don't know how true their viewpoint was but I guess if you're not far enough away it could pull you down with it.
Zulu 36
07-28-07, 04:29 PM
I remember a news story (I want to say from about 10 years ago), about a young Marine who fell off of an amphib ship in the Indian Ocean area. It was night, no one saw him go over, and he wasn't missed until morning muster many hours later.
The Marine survived by using his drown proofing training. He floated for at least 12-hours (I don't remember the exact time, but it was a while) before being rescued by a fishing vessel. The fishermen took him to shore and to the local cops who got him to an American consulate.
So the training can come in handy.
I tell you that deal we did with the trousers and making them a floatation device, that was the $hit and worked well.
sparkie
07-28-07, 08:54 PM
Just Gotta be cotton, Who knows what their wearing now..... Spandex?
taysmith35
07-28-07, 09:45 PM
2 days.....gettin pumped :D
Chumley
07-29-07, 05:39 AM
Good luck tay! I've never been to MCRD Hollywood, but I'm sure it'll be a life changing experience. (: Do us proud. Keep focused on the end goal and you will get through everything that comes your way. One day at a time!
Chumley
Marine84
07-29-07, 09:09 AM
Yeah.........you'll be sunnin' and funnin' during your stay at MCRD Hollywood. There will be lots of sunshine and "outside" time in the sand and surf and you'll feel relaxed and comfortable with the ocean breeze and the swaying of the palm trees. You'll be close to an airport too so you can watch the planes come and go and think to yourself every time one takes off that the ONLY way you'll leave on one is in your Marine Corps uniform!
The rest of the time you're going to be too damned busy to think about it.....................HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Tay, have fun in bootcamp man, its going to be a blast. Don't give in mentally as thats how they will try to get to you...gettn' into your peanut.
That PI vs SD thing is something that has gone on forever, it doesn't matter where you go, just go and come back with the same title we earn on either coast...US Marine.
Oh yea, don't forget your suntan lotion and I hear they allow you to use your MP3 player at SD too...hehe.
sparkie
07-29-07, 09:28 AM
I heard the the 2nd weekend liberty in Tijuana was fun for you hollywood types.
Sparkie, I sware I saw one of the cutest little honey's I've seen in a long, long time when we went to TJ one time. It was while I was in El Toro, as I didn't go to MCRDSD, lol.
She worked in one of those small little stores that sold gifts...my oh my did I fall in love with her...to this day I still remember her. And of course as you know Sparkie, I've had my share of hot women, as I am an Air Winger...NICE!!!
sparkie
07-29-07, 04:54 PM
Are you a real man if you can make a lot of women happy in your life, Or is it that you can make one woman happy for her entire life?
Do your thing...Air Wing!
taysmith35
07-29-07, 08:01 PM
welp this is my last post on here...if i post before october 26th its not good hahaha...thanks everyone for all your help and i'll be thinkin about them planes leavin for sure while the drill instructors making a sand cookie out of me!!! talk to you all in a loooong 13 weeks :D
tay
Are you a real man if you can make a lot of women happy in your life, Or is it that you can make one woman happy for her entire life?
Do your thing...Air Wing!
???? Sometimes Sparkie you really throw me off with your responses to my posts.
FWIW, I'm 47 and have been married to the same lady for 27 years...again, my posts about the Wing and chicks are jokes man....jeez.
:confused:
sparkie
07-30-07, 08:50 AM
Thats the whole idea,,, You know I'm a little off...And you know you are not supposed to take me seriously. So stop it ;] I'm just a lovable little fuzzball, Brother.
See, this time you put a ;] so now it makes sense...haha. Gotcha brother.
We were taught to hold on to them and stick two fingers up our noses. Water can hit pretty hard when jumping off a tall ship. The force can blow your sinuses out.
We did the same thing but some of the guys got confused and stuck their two fingers up their butts, not their nose...hehe.
:D