Guide In Boot Camp

[CJames97]

Good morning Marines, my name is Cameron James. I am a Poolee enlisted May 18th, 2015. My ship date is June 13th, 2016 to MCRD San Diego, and I am signed on a 0600 Communications Contract.

I have read read similar threads about this topic, but most simply talk about the benefits of being Guide in Boot Camp. But my question is, what exactly does the Guide do? I know that he/she carries the guidon, leads formations, etc. What are their other responsibilities? How does a recruit become Guide in the first place, and what must they do in order to hold the spot besides "be the best."

If anyone has any advice, or a link to a thread, it would be much appreciated. I would like to become guide, and hold the position until graduation.

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• Guide at Boot Camp?

[Tennessee Top]

Guide is the senior leadership position in the platoon. When the DI's are not around, the guide is responsible for everything their platoon does or does not do. When the guide speaks, it's just like their DI's speaking.

Squadleaders are responsible for their individual squads but the guide is responsible for the entire platoon. As such, the guide must lead from the front (with the guidon).

In the beginning, the Senior Drill Instructor (SDI) normally asks if anyone has prior service, ROTC, or other experience, and then picks from those. After that, the guidon may be handed to other recruits for myriad reasons (to give someone else with leadership potential an opportunity to lead the platoon for instance). So, it's not always just being the best. Guides are fired often (doesn't take much). My platoon went through 3 different guides in the same day. My niece rotated between guide and 4th squadleader at Parris Island (she was guide 3 times and graduated a squadleader as well as meritorious PFC). She said the female DI's had their favorites so let those girls be guide even if they didn't deserve to be.

Never was a guide myself. Didn't want the attention. My goal was to just survive bootcamp and be as low key as possible.

[Beastmode1607]

You'll lead the platoon pretty much, I was a squad leader. If you're going in a Pvt you will probably come out as PFC. You and your squad leaders are going to get FUDGED up all the time but if you really want it, do this. When you get to MCRD SD or PI, you won't sleep for a few days, but within those few days (when you guys aren't busy, maybe when y'all are eating "sack-nasty" chows) ask your DI about being Guide. Your receiving DI's will be the nicest DI's you'll see in 3 months so don't be scared, eventually they'll ask you who wants it, ask before the DI asks...

[CJames97]

Thank you Marines, I appreciate the advice!

[Tennessee Top]

And if you believe the receiving DI's are nice...I've got some beachfront property in Idaho on sale real cheap! I'm sure you've watched some youtube videos about receiving already.

[madsox]

Well, Top, he did say the receiving DIs are the "nicest" which is relative. So, compared to the Drill Instructors who pick up the platoon? Yeah, I could see saying the ones in receiving are nicest...

Still doesn't mean any of 'em are nice, just some are less terrifying than others!

[HarleyUSMC]

They'll cycle through squad leaders and guides at the beginning until you start seriously drilling. You'll take the blame for everything and pay for the mistakes of others. If you can keep the position through the cycle, you'll get to lead the platoon through a couple drill competitions, represent your platoon in pugil sticks, wear your dress blues on graduation day, get inflated pros and cons, and possibly end up on the meritorious board for LCpl if you're already a contract PFC. Good luck.

[Tennessee Top]

This is my niece as guide when she was at PI:

[Tennessee Top]

Meritorious PFC out of bootcamp:

[Tennessee Top]

Honor grad/meritorious LCpl out of MOS school:

[Rocky C]

So what ever ended up happening Top ? Did she get a MED SEP from her injuries ?

[Tennessee Top]

^^^still waiting on BUMED (sounds familiar doesn't it). She is still at CamLej but working in the Bn CP (not in her MOS as an electrician).

[Rocky C]

LOL yes it does. Thank you for the update.