I leave for bootcamp tomorrow.

[RedSceptile]

Well tomorrow morning I'm leaving for bootcamp. I know they say bootcamp is different for everyone who has experienced it but there are some definite similarities. I'm just wondering a bit for those who have gone or have family or friends who have if they could possibly leave any advice.

My bootcamp is for the Marines and I'm not scared or nervous I'm just really excited as I had to wait for a Med Waiver from BUMED for an injury. Physically I'd like to say I'm in great shape I max out at between 22-23 pull ups (even though yesterday at my last mandatory IST I did 19 -_-) and hit the 100 crunch mark in roughly 1:15 with a sub 10:30 mile and a half time. I guess the only thing is if anyone has any advice for the mental aspect of bootcamp and being away from loved ones. I know Giordano isn't as bad as deployment but still it'd be my first real experience outside of my year at UConn.

Lastly not really that imperative but I'd like to become either Guide or Squad Leader down on the Island. I know that those two positions bear the most responsibility as a recruit down at bootcamp (specifically guide) but they're definitely what I'm striving for. Anyone been guide or squad leader and haveany tips on how to get it or how to prove you deserve it? I know there's the obvious push out and work the hardest but anything else?

Thanks for any responses/support guys!

[joshuar9476]

Re: I leave for bootcamp tomorrow.

best of luck to you wherever boot camp may take you ...

[Cusefan]

Re: I leave for bootcamp tomorrow.

.

Lastly not really that imperative but I'd like to become either Guide or Squad Leader down on the Island. I know that those two positions bear the most responsibility as a recruit down at bootcamp (specifically guide) but they're definitely what I'm striving for. Anyone been guide or squad leader and haveany tips on how to get it or how to prove you deserve it? I know there's the obvious push out and work the hardest but anything else?

Thanks for any responses/support guys!

Goodluck!

I was a Fire team leader in the Army, not in Basic though. I would just do what you have to do, just listen to the NCO's, and do your best. The drills will put the most qualified person in that position so just fire on all cylinders at all time.

That being said, it's not a big deal. Everything you accomplish in bootcamp will be forgotton once you get to your unit. Army Basic is a joke since you choose your MOS so there is not really a incentive to bust your A$$.

Focus on learning and doing the small things right and you will be fine.

[dickey1331]

I would just lay low and do what you're told. It's just boot camp so no point in trying to be the best. No need to put any more pressure on yourself.

If the Marines have any required knowledge make sure you learn it. Like the 11 general orders. My boot camp had a mid and final exam that was required to pass.


Do you really care where I sent this from?

[Weeks]

Re: I leave for bootcamp tomorrow.

Good luck bro. I've never been to bootcamp or anything, but I know that if I had to go tomorrow I would be extremely nervous, so its good that your excited.

I know someone who went and they said you get past the phsyical aspect pretty quickly, the hard part is the mental and being able to do things with close to no sleep for days.

[RedSceptile]

Re: I leave for bootcamp tomorrow.

Yeah I mostly got my general orders down thanks again guys. I know I won't have to worry about the physical so I'm just trying to prep myself for the mental games they'll Olay on me down there. Everyone says receiving week is hell as the first 3 or so days you like don't sleep and are completely disoriented. Just trying to have that mindset!

[Gotmadskillzson]

Re: I leave for bootcamp tomorrow.

You don't want to be guide leader in boot camp. Because if anybody in your platoon messes up, YOU are held responsible and some times YOU are the only one punished for others mistakes. And then their other times your platoon is punished and your made to stand there and watch them pay for your mistake. That crap will get old real quick.

Plus guide leader is usually reserved for the highest ranking person in your platoon for boot camp. I remember my guide, nobody liked his butt because he always messed up, got the times wrong, directions wrong etc. As the weeks went by we got tired of paying for his mistake and we beat the crap out of him.

[Buckeyes_Doc]

Re: I leave for bootcamp tomorrow.

Do what your told, listen and follow direction, leave your ego at the door, and you'll be fine. Boot camp is much more mental than it is physical. Your drill instructors will do a of things to test how you perform under pressure and stress, this is to prepare you for combat. Good luck on your future in the Marine Corps.

[TheBadazz]

Re: I leave for bootcamp tomorrow.

Good Luck, Man!

[Segagendude]

Re: I leave for bootcamp tomorrow.

My advice is the same as I was told when I entered the Navy:

Keep your eyes and ears open, and your mouth shut.

It's gonna be different than anything you may have experienced thus far.

Good luck man!

[seasprite]

You don't want to be guide leader in boot camp. Because if anybody in your platoon messes up, YOU are held responsible and some times YOU are the only one punished for others mistakes. And then their other times your platoon is punished and your made to stand there and watch them pay for your mistake. That crap will get old real quick.

Plus guide leader is usually reserved for the highest ranking person in your platoon for boot camp. I remember my guide, nobody liked his butt because he always messed up, got the times wrong, directions wrong etc. As the weeks went by we got tired of paying for his mistake and we beat the crap out of him.

This, lay low. Trust me, I was the AROC during my time in boot and got beat to **** for what other knuckleheads would do.... Trust me, your division will be loaded with them. The toughest part of the first three weeks is just getting used to everything. After you get past that initial hump, it's a piece of cake. Good luck to you and thank you for answering the call to service.

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[Caveman24]

Re: I leave for bootcamp tomorrow.

good luck bro

[ABR173rd]

Re: I leave for bootcamp tomorrow.

Well tomorrow morning I'm leaving for bootcamp. I know they say bootcamp is different for everyone who has experienced it but there are some definite similarities. I'm just wondering a bit for those who have gone or have family or friends who have if they could possibly leave any advice.

My bootcamp is for the Marines and I'm not scared or nervous I'm just really excited as I had to wait for a Med Waiver from BUMED for an injury. Physically I'd like to say I'm in great shape I max out at between 22-23 pull ups (even though yesterday at my last mandatory IST I did 19 -_-) and hit the 100 crunch mark in roughly 1:15 with a sub 10:30 mile and a half time. I guess the only thing is if anyone has any advice for the mental aspect of bootcamp and being away from loved ones. I know Giordano isn't as bad as deployment but still it'd be my first real experience outside of my year at UConn.

Lastly not really that imperative but I'd like to become either Guide or Squad Leader down on the Island. I know that those two positions bear the most responsibility as a recruit down at bootcamp (specifically guide) but they're definitely what I'm striving for. Anyone been guide or squad leader and haveany tips on how to get it or how to prove you deserve it? I know there's the obvious push out and work the hardest but anything else?

Thanks for any responses/support guys!

Best advice I can give you is to play the game. Right now boot camp seems like a big deal but in the grand scheme of things it will be an after thought later on. Don't buy into all of the "hype" commercials, you're going to get out of it what you put in. When/if you get put into a leadership role just remember "when in charge, be in charge." Being the platoon Guide or a Squad leader isn't going to define you as a soldier. Because you do have some college you will probably be given the opportunity at least once, when you get fired remember it's only boot camp and it's part of the process. All of the "games" have a purpose, always be where you're supposed to be doing what you're supposed to be doing. Don't fall asleep during fire guard, and don't steal from your peers.

Don't quit and find some squared away individuals and stick with them, you'll meet some good dudes there (not all, but some). Aside from that, enjoy yourself, if you're in good shape everything should be pretty easy physically.

[hioh631]

Best advice I can give is understand its all a game. Play along and you will be fine.

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[The 24th Letter]

Take Care bro