Originally Posted by
Zulu 36
I think you will do just fine. Your physical fitness is up there nicely (this is usually the big stressor on new recruits - it shouldn't be for you). Use the search function here and Google to look up the Marine knowledge you will need to learn in boot camp. The more you know before you go, the less stress you'll feel. Your recruiter should have a handbook for you too.
If you know you're cool in PT and have a good grip on the basic knowledge, the rest of the head games become easier to deal with. Drill Instructors are professionals at head games. You will never out think them for the first two phases. By third phase you should know the recruit business well enough to anticipate what your Drill Instructors want and be a little bit ahead of the game.
The first couple of weeks have a purpose. It may seem senseless, chaotic, but don't let that fool you. The purpose is to unscrew your head, flush out the civilian nastiness, and re-screw your head back on ready to be refilled the Marine Corps way. Believe me, some things you learn in boot camp, you will still do 30-years later. Silly little things like always stepping off on your left foot when walking, hating (fearing) to be late to anything, avoiding carrying things in your right hand (so you can salute).
Also, by third phase, if you are a good recruit, doing well at PT, drill, knowledge, etc, the Drill Instructors will start to lay off you a tad to concentrate on the problem children. The faster you prove yourself, the faster the personal stress eases a bit.
As Commdog7 said, by third phase you will start to really respect your Drill Instructors because the light bulb will have come on in your head about how hard some of this stuff is, and yet they can do it and more - seemingly with ease.
By third phase, most of the crap just flies past, you don't even notice anymore. You just automatically correctly respond and there you are.
Also, I'm jealous. My Drill Instructors NEVER taught me how to do a sock-bun. :(