2 answers
Aiden
Student
Elyria, Ohio
2
Questions
Asked
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Why did you choose the Marines?
Im looking into the marines and just want some advice on basic training and what helped you get through it.
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2 answers
Jacob Sandage
Correctional Specialist
13
Answers
Camp Pendleton North, California
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
What helped me get through recruit training was the brothers to my left and right because you will soon understand how strong the bond will be regardless of if you are holding a grudge against someone. You all go through the same hardship and struggles and you do everything together as a unity.
You should bring a small bible with a lot of pictures in it with you when you go to recruit training. They will not take that away from you because that is a part of you, but it needs to be small enough to be put inside of a little bag that you will soon receive. Bring a phonebook full of numbers of your families numbers and addresses so you can mass send a bunch of letters back home so you can receive mail every now and then. Because I promise you it feels different when everyone gets letters except for you, it hits deep. Make sure you bring at least 20 dollars when you go to MEPS so you can eat at the airport before going!
Now all the items to bring are covered.. Let me get into more detail about going through the hardship. It is near impossible to quit, the weeks before the next ahead of you are going to be the ones more struggling to handle because it was meant to be mentally challenging for you to even think about going back to day 1 in recruit training. I promise you the finish line is the only line you should think about considering achieving.
(my story) One day I went to dental and one lady at dental doing my teeth asked me how was my experience so far and I was open and honest and I said it is challenging for the most part. She told me this and I never forgot it, she told me "You may struggle through a lot and that's okay, you have brothers with you from your left and right and all of you share the same struggles. Make sure you hang out with those who have positive so everything can feel somewhat like home even if its a slight feeling one it."
Always attend church if you want to listen to music more and get away from the squad bay for a moment. It gives you more spirit and it will push you on the next Sunday and further more.
During Grass Week you will learn how to shoot your weapon, I recommend you learn everything from that week and don't mess around because it is very easy to drift away and do other stuff because of your boredom. If you know how to shoot a rifle before the marines then throw everything you learn out the window because you need to be retaught to shoot past the 500 line. Nothing looks better than having a expert rifle shooting badge because that's what the marines is all about!
The crux is simply easy if you keep singing in your head brother... Gaslight yourself and you will make it out perfect.
Bring a (small) bible with pictures of your family or letters
Bring a (small) address book filled out with your families information
Attend Church on every Sunday
You should bring a small bible with a lot of pictures in it with you when you go to recruit training. They will not take that away from you because that is a part of you, but it needs to be small enough to be put inside of a little bag that you will soon receive. Bring a phonebook full of numbers of your families numbers and addresses so you can mass send a bunch of letters back home so you can receive mail every now and then. Because I promise you it feels different when everyone gets letters except for you, it hits deep. Make sure you bring at least 20 dollars when you go to MEPS so you can eat at the airport before going!
Now all the items to bring are covered.. Let me get into more detail about going through the hardship. It is near impossible to quit, the weeks before the next ahead of you are going to be the ones more struggling to handle because it was meant to be mentally challenging for you to even think about going back to day 1 in recruit training. I promise you the finish line is the only line you should think about considering achieving.
(my story) One day I went to dental and one lady at dental doing my teeth asked me how was my experience so far and I was open and honest and I said it is challenging for the most part. She told me this and I never forgot it, she told me "You may struggle through a lot and that's okay, you have brothers with you from your left and right and all of you share the same struggles. Make sure you hang out with those who have positive so everything can feel somewhat like home even if its a slight feeling one it."
Always attend church if you want to listen to music more and get away from the squad bay for a moment. It gives you more spirit and it will push you on the next Sunday and further more.
During Grass Week you will learn how to shoot your weapon, I recommend you learn everything from that week and don't mess around because it is very easy to drift away and do other stuff because of your boredom. If you know how to shoot a rifle before the marines then throw everything you learn out the window because you need to be retaught to shoot past the 500 line. Nothing looks better than having a expert rifle shooting badge because that's what the marines is all about!
The crux is simply easy if you keep singing in your head brother... Gaslight yourself and you will make it out perfect.
Jacob recommends the following next steps:
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
472
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hello Aiden,
Though my personal experience doesn't include serving in the Marines, I can share some useful tips on getting ready for basic training, gathered from Marines and other military branches:
1. **Physical Readiness:** Since basic training demands a high level of physical fitness, concentrate on enhancing your strength, stamina, and cardio health. Regularly include activities like running, push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups in your workout to gear up for the upcoming physical tests.
2. **Mental Resilience:** Basic training also tests your mental strength, demanding discipline, resilience, and adaptability. Start preparing your mind by using stress management methods, cultivating a positive attitude, and setting achievable targets for yourself.
3. **Obey Instructions:** Pay utmost attention to your instructors' directives and execute them promptly and precisely. A keen eye for detail and the capability to obey orders are vital for succeeding in basic training and military service.
4. **Team Spirit:** Foster a sense of unity and camaraderie with your fellow trainees. Support each other, communicate efficiently, and collaborate to surmount challenges as a unified group.
5. **Hydration and Nutrition:** Proper diet and hydration are key to sustaining energy levels and performance during basic training. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking ample water and nourish your body with healthy food to bolster physical and mental stamina.
6. **Flexibility:** Be ready to adjust to new surroundings, schedules, and expectations during basic training. Stay versatile, open-minded, and eager to learn from your experiences.
7. **Dedication:** Basic training can be physically and mentally exhausting, but remaining dedicated to your goals and motivations will help you endure the hard times. Keep in mind why you opted for a career in the Marines and stay on track with your goals.
8. **Ask for Help:** If you're finding things tough, don't hesitate to ask for help from your instructors, fellow trainees, or military support services. Seeking help when required is a mark of strength and can help you tackle challenges more effectively.
Remember, basic training is meant to test you and ready you for military service, but it's also a chance for personal growth, development, and self-realization. Stay determined, stay inspired, and embrace the journey that lies ahead.
Though my personal experience doesn't include serving in the Marines, I can share some useful tips on getting ready for basic training, gathered from Marines and other military branches:
1. **Physical Readiness:** Since basic training demands a high level of physical fitness, concentrate on enhancing your strength, stamina, and cardio health. Regularly include activities like running, push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups in your workout to gear up for the upcoming physical tests.
2. **Mental Resilience:** Basic training also tests your mental strength, demanding discipline, resilience, and adaptability. Start preparing your mind by using stress management methods, cultivating a positive attitude, and setting achievable targets for yourself.
3. **Obey Instructions:** Pay utmost attention to your instructors' directives and execute them promptly and precisely. A keen eye for detail and the capability to obey orders are vital for succeeding in basic training and military service.
4. **Team Spirit:** Foster a sense of unity and camaraderie with your fellow trainees. Support each other, communicate efficiently, and collaborate to surmount challenges as a unified group.
5. **Hydration and Nutrition:** Proper diet and hydration are key to sustaining energy levels and performance during basic training. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking ample water and nourish your body with healthy food to bolster physical and mental stamina.
6. **Flexibility:** Be ready to adjust to new surroundings, schedules, and expectations during basic training. Stay versatile, open-minded, and eager to learn from your experiences.
7. **Dedication:** Basic training can be physically and mentally exhausting, but remaining dedicated to your goals and motivations will help you endure the hard times. Keep in mind why you opted for a career in the Marines and stay on track with your goals.
8. **Ask for Help:** If you're finding things tough, don't hesitate to ask for help from your instructors, fellow trainees, or military support services. Seeking help when required is a mark of strength and can help you tackle challenges more effectively.
Remember, basic training is meant to test you and ready you for military service, but it's also a chance for personal growth, development, and self-realization. Stay determined, stay inspired, and embrace the journey that lies ahead.