SDI wife here

[Marine84]

Will - yes, there is a way you can get better at your pullups - PRACTICE DOING THEM! DUH! How can you get better at a pullup by doing a pushup?????? It's a no brainer, kid - practice PULLING UP!

[boomer0351swife]

Another thing that Boom and I talked about today........Have your bills squared away and a way to pay them figured out BEFORE you bring yourself to MCRD. Don't wait till your mother writes you to tell you about late notices you are getting before thinking about it. HAVE A PLAN FOR ALL THAT STUFF!!! You will get to go to the bank if you need to once a month.......but have your info ready!!!!!!! DO NOT make your mamma do everything.......MAN UP!!

Also if you have unpaid tickets or court coming up or the IRS is looking for you......DO US ALL A FAVOR and take care of that before they issue a warrent or something. SDI's get really PO'd if they have to deal with something like that because YOU didn't.

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

boomer'swife makes a great point, but her advice extends far beyond boot camp. Platoon Sgts. don't like to have to deal with your bills or other dumb problems any more than a SDI does.

[Kildars]

You're allowed to go to the bank once a month? During Bootcamp? Did I read that correctly?

[boomer0351swife]

If you need to, but believe me, I am sure it will cost you, because you have to ASK to go, which is why I say, fix yourself and have a plan before you get here!!!

[GySgtRet]

Read and head what this lady is saying. Do not ask what she is saying she is in the Chain of Command here. This information is from The Senior Dill Instructor at Parris Island.

[boomer0351swife]

Learn how to swim some before you get here............ The term MARINE implies water does it not??? I still can't believe how many recruits don't know how to swim when they come to the Island..........

[cplbrooks]

Boomerswife, how many recruits knew how to swim in your boot camp platoon? How did you do in your swim qual?

[His_angel]

I'll put it this way. Not only did I know how to swim when I got to boot but I had spent 3 summers on swimteam. Swimming and swimming with uniform on, boots, pack and weapon was a whole different animal. Not sure how those who didn't know how to swim before boot passed. We had those who did though. But it was a challenge even knowing HOW before I got there. I definately agree that it's best to know how beforehand if at all possible.

Angel

[FooDawg]

I'll put it this way. Not only did I know how to swim when I got to boot but I had spent 3 summers on swimteam. Swimming and swimming with uniform on, boots, pack and weapon was a whole different animal. Not sure how those who didn't know how to swim before boot passed. We had those who did though. But it was a challenge even knowing HOW before I got there. I definately agree that it's best to know how beforehand if at all possible.

Angel

It was that much harder? Thats insane. Good to know though. I assumed the extra weight was a lot harder, but not like you explain. I've had the ability to swim my whole life, so I cant even comprehend the swim qual being tough, but thats just because I dont know personally how they make it tougher. Good to knwo though from experience of others that the extra weight definately makes a huge difference. Thanks so much for the insight His_Angel. Im sure this knowledge is appreciated by all us wannabes.

[cplbrooks]

It isnt hard at all if you relax while in the water and listen to and then apply what the instructors tell you. Its so simple that its hard. Panic is what gets most people. Most of the recruits that had a hard time were from the cities (not counting so. cal.) or midwest where swimming pools were not as common. If you are not a strong swimmer then it would behove you to take a swim course before going. 50% of our platoon drops were from the swim qual. The other half came from the rifle range. They dont drop you from boot camp, they just drop you back a cycle to do it over again if you cant qual with your platoon.

[boomer0351swife]

Couldn't have explained it any better.

I was never in the USMC, that would be my husband. I am just trying to tell you guys what the probs are as they come up this cycle so that you will be READY for what lies ahead. He has always been a good swimmer, so for him it wasn't a prob. As far as city kids, there is always the YMCA or somewhere like that they can go and practice. It usually takes a lot more effort for a non-swimmer to pass than it does for a swimmer with even limited abilities. Non-swimmers usually DO panic and that just isn't fun for them at ALL, not only do they have to overcome their fear of the water, they have to learn to swim AND pass. Alot to do in the 4 days they give you before they recycle you to the next company.

[His_angel]

It was different and thus challenging. There were those who did not know how to swim that did pass. If you already know how to swim then put on some boots, jeans and shirt and try swimming that way. I enjoyed swim qual. Just wasn't quite the breeze I had imagined. I don't want to make it sound impossible or harder than it was. I was just thankful that I did have good swimming skills versus some of those who didn't know how to swim at all.