Camping Out Ideas - Tips on Surviving USMC Boot Camp?

Tips on Surviving USMC Boot Camp?

Other than getting into shape before I show up, what can I do to prepare and what tips do I need to survive when there?

Public Comments

I think you've already survived the most difficult part in that you made the decision to join up. Congratulations and thanks for your future service! Again, THANKS!
Do EVERYTHING you are told to do and do it as FAST as humanly possible.
My brother's recruiter says don't receive any car packages because you'll get "raped." I asked why and he said "uhh Marines don't really get care packages." joking? im not sure. . .
Be prepared for getting harassed everyday, and playing the DI's silly mind games.
You'll get a lot of more "concrete" answers than this--al useful. But here's my 2 cents worth: Any "boot camp" military training (including the Marines) is going to throw something at you many people aren't ready for: You will be put in unfair and unreasonable situations--deliberately. This is less about making you "tough" than it is to prepare you mentally to function effectively even when it is ridiculous and unfair. Becaus THAT ability--to respond effectively when in an insane situation--is what makes the difference between a live veteran and a cross in a cemetary. Anybody can get in good shape--and its important. But attitude is why Americans win.
Try to do some marching...it's not like you won't pick it up on your own, but it's something you can get a grasp on now and may be to your benefit in boot. I was actually promoted to 1st squad leader the first time because of how well I drilled. So when you're up in the front, you set the tone and everyone else copies your steps. Of course, get into good shape. Other than that, I don't really think there's something people can do to prepare for the mental aspect of boot. Take the worst stressed out moment of your life, then multiply that 10x. First phase SUCKS. When you get "dropped" from the processing DI's to your permanent DI's, all hell is going to break loose and you're going to freak a bit. When we got dropped, the senior DI came out of his hut, and gave us a speech about what he expects from us and how we are supposed to perform. Then he says, "Recruits, let me introduce you to your junior DI's" and seriously, all hell will break loose. One of our juniors started throwing footlockers at us...big heavy, green footlockers. Honestly, I was scared to death at first. Just keep encouraging yourself in your own head that first phase will eventually be over. I rather liked 2nd and 3rd phase. For 2nd phase, we went up to Pendleton. Among other things, you spend a good bit of time at the range learning how to properly shoot. It was also during this time that our junior DI's first started to treat us like human beings. 3rd phase is just plain fun if you ask me. You're well on your way to becoming a good soldier. The DI's let up a little bit. You get fitted for your dress blues and alphas. You know you're about to graduate soon and you know the worst of boot is already over. During 3rd phase they are really building you up, instilling much confidence. No, My, that is a fact. If you get a care package, the DI's will single you out and give you all sorts of shit for it. Everytime one of us received anything except a letter, we were put on fire watch. And that sucks cause you gotta do FW for at least an hour and it eats into your sleeping time which is already in short supply. I'm sure all DI's do it a little differently, but the recruiter was absolutely correct.
CONFORM as best as possible, as quickly as possible. Do everything you are told as quickly, as fast, as efficient and as vicious as humanly possible. Do not stand out from the crowd (your platoon) unless it is in a good way - i.e.: as a leader (the Guide). Don't speak unless spoken to, don't play grab-ass with your platoon mates, learn quickly and get it right the first time. Get used to paying for other's mistakes, as the entire platoon will pay for one recruit's mistake. Habitual mistakes by the same recruit will single that recruit out, and the platoon will not have to suffer because of him - he will get "special attention". In regards to physical conditioning - Run... a lot. Do a lot of pull ups (they get easier with time). Push ups will coincide with pull ups (same muscle groups). Eat right to shed pounds and size, and get used to drinking a lot of water.
Josh had some good answers the only thing that I can add is hustle. Ever time something needs to get done do it quick. When you are learning combat skills or anything else for that matter go all out. DI's like to see you going all out on every exercise. Learn to drink water and fast. The first time I had to drink a canteen full of water in like ten seconds I puked, Seriously. Most of all have fun, people think I am crazy because I tell them that I had fun. But if you do not let the mind games get to you that bad you can have some fun.
Besides all the great answers above, I can suggest that during your first 2 weeks there you will wonder if you are crazy and wonder if you made the worst choice of your life. It's an insane environment at first, and you will question what in the world have gotten yourself into. Everyone does this. Good luck to you and thank you for your future service.
The best online resource for everything USMC is http://www.marineparents.com You will find a MOUNTAIN of information about boot camp, links to other USMC sites, message boards for RECRUITS (poolees, potential recruits, family and friends of recruits... everybody is welcome and they will share SO much information with you!!) You'll find answers to most of your USMC questions right there... and they have been acknowledged by USMC Command, due to the information and support they provide, and on their dedication to maintaining Operational Security. Oh.. and don't forget to email that link to your folks... they'll want to hook up with other parents whose kids are in boot with you... so they can meet up on Family Day and Graduation Day!
Most of the above is great advice! The one thing my husband said to me about his experience at boot camp was to keep in the back of your mind......A lot of it is a mind game...They don't REEEAALLLY know your girlfriend/wife or mother or who/what they are doing.....Also remember...In order for them to make you and the other recruits into a team they have to take away your individuality and rebuilt you all.......