Problems with shipping out. . . Any thoughts?

[knightsaer7th]

Hi guys and girls, I'm one of the new poolee's that was supposed to ship out on oct. 30th, well. . . it seems I got delayed to nov. 27th. The issue was that I was calling my recruiter to know at what hotel I had to be in and at what time (about 4 days before I was suppose to ship out) but with no luck, I couldn't find anyone at the offices and he didn't answer his cellphone. I finally found him today and he told me that he lost his cell phone and that the offices were closed on the days I called. He also told me that they would not ship me out until I could do 2 pullups. I understand that this is part of the IST requirement, a part that I haven't been able to do and I was mentally preparing to expect fall into PCP since for certain reasons it's been hard for me to get in shape. But I don't know what I should do right now since I know I cant survive economically till nov. 27th.

I'm currently unemployed looking for a job, (current unemployment rate is almost 60% here that's why it's been so hard to find a job). Spending 60 dollars in gas to go PT everyday with my recruiter is killing me also, and to boot I lost my MOS he tells me I have to pick another job now. I admit that many is these issues are my fault I wont go blame my recruiter for it, he's been more than helpful. But I'm so confused I don't even know where to start (well, get a job, obviously is my first, but I'm working on that). I don't really want to quit this it's not an option. But I'll practically be on the street before nov. 27th. . .Can they really forbid my to ship out at MEPS if I dont meet the IST? Also is there a way I can ask for another opening? I know they don't guanrantee MOS's but I would like to be in the same field. . . Thanks in advance for any information guys!

[Achped]

I'm not trying to belittle you in any way, but two pullups is the easiest requirement in the book, even moreso than situps in my opinion.

Just run, run run run run, until you lose some weight, even if you don't have a pullup bar (which you can find real cheap, or just run to a public park and use one there).

Sounds like you're doing too much complaining/worrying and not enough solving.

Again, not trying to offend you, but how long did ti take you to write that?

My 1.5 mile time was at 15:40....in two months I dropped it by four and a half minutes. There is a guy here who lost 80 lbs to be able to enlist. There is no reason why you can't get two pullups...how long have you been DEP'd in?

[knightsaer7th]

Well, I was just explaining the situation, I still do my excerises, I don't quit on that, and yeah maybe I did ramble on too much about my problems, but my point was that if they can really forbid me to ship out because of that, I know that PCP is something I must struggle to avoid, but my mayor point was the 3 last questions I asked. For me pulls ups aren't easy, well in fact nothing physical for me is easy but I don't quit I PT 2 times a day with my recruiter. And like I said it's more of an economical pressure I can't afford being delayed. Ohh damn there I go rambling again. Anyway back to the point I appreciate your opinion Achped, I just needed to know those last 3 questions I asked. . . Oh and by the way the short answer for your question is. . . "not long" :P

[Barret]

I'm sure you would not have wanted to go to Boot without the 2 pullups requirement out of the picture. We all know Boot Camp sucks, but i've talked to Marines that say PCP is horrible.

Also: If you follow certain pullup workout routines, (Armstrong method comes to mind) I'm sure you'll be able to go past 2 pullups before the 27th comes up. Just DON'T overexert yourself, and get hurt.

[PooleeJon24]

I guess odd things happen, but I find that really weird that you just couldn't get a hold of your recruiter. From what I heard, the week before I leave I'm going to be close contact with him. But anyways, I know what your saying with the pull-ups. My IST isn't good at all, but the pull-ups are my worse. I can usually get around 60 sit-ups and the running I usually just barely make it, I think 13 minutes last time. But for some reason the pull-ups. Sometimes I get 1 or none and then other times I can get 3. Like the first time we had a poolee function and I was embaressed to go. Anyways...just keep it up. Your recruiter will get you to where you need to be if you let him. He doesn't want to send people in that'll go straight to PCP. Let me know how things our going.

[RomanNose]

Man sounds like I'm in almost the same situation as poolee jon, except I'm not in danger of being on the streets or anything. I was suppose to leave earlier as well but was held back because of pull ups, I'm gettin there though but until then I need to find a freakin job in the meantime, so poolee jon I know how you feel, well almost anyways. Just keep working out and looking for a job until then

[hawks]

"I was mentally preparing to expect fall into PCP"

Why mentally prepare for PCP when you could physically prepare for success?

[PooleeWill]

"I was mentally preparing to expect fall into PCP"

as the user stated above im going to also ask this why would you want to go into boot camp unprepared (and why the negative attitude)? I mean atleast do a little running before leaving, and also start doing more pushups those will help your pullups.

[Camper51]

I was mentally preparing to expect fall into PCP

Why in the H*LL would you ever prepare to fail???????

Why not put all of that energy into preparing to PASS your PFT and everything else you will encounter in bootcamp.

PCP (Physical Conditioning Platoon) is NOT the place to spend ONE single day of your time in bootcamp. You need to get in and out ON TIME with your original platoon.

I am sure you have heard about all the horrors of boot camp drill instructors, well why would you want to spend additional time in FAT BODY platoon if you don't need to. Just remember the Drill instructors (YES, drill instructors) in PCP are there to get your butt in shape so you can join and continue with a regular platoon. That means CONSTANT PT, CONSTANT HARANGUING about getting in shape and no slack given until you are qualified to join a platoon.

Do you really WANT that? Of course you don't so stop preparing for it and prepare instead to PASS your PFT requirements from the moment you enter bootcamp...

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

I understand that it can be difficult to do the pull ups. I disagree that it is the easiest part of the IST. When I first decided to enlist I could do 100+ sit ups (we didn't do crunches back then, 80 sit ups was the goal). I could do the run in about 11:00. But I couldn't do pull ups. I had never really tried, it is something you have to learn to do. I have learned that being strong isn't always the key. I could get about 11 reps with 225 on the bench press, but was lucky to get over the bar one time on a pull up. You simply have to get your own bar and practice. They are cheap, easy to install, and will get you over the hump quickly. Once you can always get 1, you are home. Getting more is easier than getting the first one.

[WanderWannabe]

I've been DEP'd in for two weeks, and went from 3 pullups to 5. Not a huge improvement, but I still have 2 months. You can do it, but only if you want.

Now, my run time is too embarassing to mention now, so I too need work. But I'm sticking with it, and I am a lazy SOB. You can do it.

[knightsaer7th]

What I meant when I was mentally preparing myself was, that since I thought I was shipping out in a couple of days and I basically knew I couldn't do my pullups, I was like; "Oh well guess I'll fall into a PCP", well not anymore since I got delayed. I'm too stubborn to quit, that's not really the issue My IST is still horrible, and I know what u mean PooleeJon24 seldom times I'm able to pull off 1 or 2, more often I do none. I appreciate all the input, I really do. I gotta find out what can I do about my MOS, is there any way to at least get the field guaranteed, or do I have to pick something completely different? 0231 was the only MOS I was really interested in, I don't really know what to do about that.

[gregba02]

Well if you cant do 2 pull-ups...Its ok, but don't put yourself down. I recommend you start lifting weights...

[MC88]

There is a Poolee in my station that ships out Nov. 27 as well he's overweight and the recruiters put him on a diet just eating tuna fish right outta the can. In 2 weeks he has lost 15 pounds, he also runs every other day. Im sure you can pull through this and make it just start working out more!

[Marine84]

OK son I'm gonna break it down for you (and you REALLY sound like someone else that had this VERY same problem). I'm being REALISTIC when I tell you this, not MEAN so.................don't get your panties in a wad if I say something you don't like.

If you can't do 2 freakin pullups ain't no need for you to even worry your little head about the changing MOS thing cause you won't even make it off MCRD with the Title!

Seems like you've gotten another "break" by being postponed - this should be your wake up call to get your a$$ in gear. Why in the sam hill would you even want to go through the front gate KNOWING you're going to fail? Even if your get thrown in PCP, do you think they're going to work with you INDEFINITELY before they send you home? I don't understand!