Some Questions, regarding USMC!

Michael_T

NU '26
Joined
Oct 29, 2020
Messages
692
Hello to all!

I am seeking some advice to those who may have gone through USMC bootcamp, or even those who may be able to assist in answering my questions.

As many on this forum may know, I did enlist with the USMC, and I have my Ship-Date set for August 29, 2021. I plan to do a Logistics MOS.

Furthermore, I was concerned about a couple of things… For example, I’ve read about sickness at Parris Island, nearly at least everyone gets sick at least once, since obviously many people are coming from the around the world to the same place. My main concern with this, is I’ve heard cases as bad as people getting pneumonia, ring-worm, etc, and being held back due to missing required training, etc. How true are these, are they exaggerated? Is there anything I can do to “protect” myself from these situations?

Finally, I’ve read many things about injuries, I’ve heard that the USMC holds you at bootcamp, if you are injured and you stay until you are healed, and hence pushed-back for your graduation. I’ve head something as bad as people staying at MCRD Parris Island for up to a year, due to healing and be able to complete training appropriately. I know it depends on how bad your injury may be, but also again is there anything I can do to really protect myself from these situations.

One further question, when is the Confidence Course held? What happens if a recruit cannot complete it? Any advice?

It’s my utmost goal to complete the 3 months, and get out as soon as I can. I don’t think anyone “loves” to stay there, and I don’t plan to be one lol.

Any advice would be appreciated.
 
I'm not a Marine but joined the Navy and they dressed me like one. Oh, and I know a little about Navy/Marine Corps medicine. The sign over the road leading into MCRD Parris Island reads, "We Make Marines." You'll have no choice in completing the confidence course. You'll complete it.

Recruits do get sick and injured. Some are held back to heal or get well. The large majority graduate on time, however. Pneumonia might put you in the hospital. A cold will not. You'll continue to train and become a Marine. Not everybody gets sick. That's an exaggeration. Ringworm? So what! Wear shower shoes. Use soap and water between your toes and cracks and crevices. Dry well in those dark and moist spots where fungus dwells.

Where are you "reading" and "hearing" about all this? Find other sources. Stay positive. You're letting the negative live rent-free in your head. Stop it. Do things that will prepare you for success. PT every day. PT, it's good for you, good for me. Eat right and study the history of the Navy and Marine Corps. Know the rank structure and insignia of both. Learn what the collar device of a Navy Chief looks like and not just the dress blue patch insignia they will teach you. Know the heroes of the Corps. Daley, Butler, Basilone, Lejeune, Mattis, and the most revered of all, Chesty Puller. Know the organization of an infantry battalion down to the fire team leader. Know the basic parts of the rifle you will spend long hours with in your hands on a hot rifle range. The more you know and better physical condition you are in will be less you have to worry about.

Keep a positive attitude up to and including the day you get off the bus and step on the yellow footprints. When things get tough, and they will, stay positive and remember the reason you are there. And that reason is not to become an officer. It is to become a basically trained Marine.
 
Holy Crap Doc! Not sure I could have put it better myself.….. I probably would have been more short and sweet, well maybe not sweet I’m told I am an acquired taste. Everything Doc said is on point but let me tell you to really hit the PT. Do more than necessary, it will prepare you mentally. Another thing I can tell you for sure is that you will learn at PI that you have the ability to do a lot more than you believe. Get after it. Don’t over think this, don’t worry about injury and illness. They want you to graduate on time. And don’t forget you are there for one reason to obtain the title Marine.

Who is the father of Marine aviation? A.A. Cunningham

Just an example of the knowledge Doc has mentioned and will never leave your skull. Many many years down the road.

You join the Marines for one reason and one reason only and that is to become a Marine. You WILL understand this upon graduation.

Here is the answer to completing boot camp or any other difficult task ahead of you. MINDSET

Mine was this in boot camp. I will only leave this place in one of two things , Dress Blues or a body bag. Don’t ever quit!
 
You are making a somewhat informed choice to join one of the elite combat services in the world. The emphasis on combat and preparing for combat. Despite your claim you don’t want a combat mos.

Your logistics mos will not be a safety net around you.

the least of your concerns should be ringworm or a cough. And yes as a logistics person you may well be in direct combat some day. And there’s is no easy way to prepare for that.

This thread sounds , a little like boot camp fear rising it’s head , or a little buyers recourse.

Neither are completely abnormal.

But you don’t want to be thinking about all the things you might not be good at. That fear can grow and become not a motivator but a weight that can make it a lot harder.

instead you should be posting a daily update as to what you did that day to get better and stronger.
 
Indeed, you are not thinking positive. Yes many people do get injured during Boot Camp but most of them end up making it through. Don't worry too much about that. A good way to prevent that is to condition your self physically before Boot BUT doing so wisely. Don't over exercise, stretch, and stay hydrated. You will find out that many injuries are due to poor stretching and not enough hydrating.
 
I got a sinus infection at Parris Island. Just ran over to the BAS, got antibiotics and sudafed and kept the bottles in my cargo pocket during all training. At one point a Drill Instructor made me take out those bottles and shake them like maracas and dance around while they laughed at my expense. Nobody in my platoon had any serious infection.

One recruit did snap his femur in half during a road march out to the training area. He ended up getting held back of course. Not sure whatever happened to him. We did see him a week or two before graduation on crutches. Sickness happens, injuries happen, and obviously more serious injuries will hold you back. Best you can do is get in shape prior to shipping to minimize such chances of injury.
 
If you're planning to start exercise tomorrow. . . or after Thanksgiving. . . etc.
STOP and go out and run NOW. I don't care if its raining, I don't care if its cold, just go and do it every day. And build up QUICKLY as your DI is not going to start slow and ramp it up gently.
 
When in doubt on what to do... exercise. Run, core, upper body.

With everyone carrying a library and all the world's knowledge in their phones and devices, the world has become more complex. It used to be urban myths and (if you were lucky) word-of-mouth from someone who had gone through the experience. Now you have lots of stuff to look at - some legit and some BS. Filtering between the two can be tough.

Besides physical weakness, the next thing that gets people in trouble is lack of mental toughness. Embracing the suck, pushing past your "limit", focusing on the goal, are all ways to get past the mental aspects. Minutes may seem like hours, but time does march on and before you know it you move on to something else. Get to the next hour, the next meal, the next night, and before you know it you will be graduating.
 
Stop researching. Seriously.

Start hardcore training. Seriously.

Not kidding. Being in your best physical shape is what will BEST help you stay healthy, and not get injured. I would highly suggest going out for track this spring. Winter workouts will start soon.

Abs of steel. Running. Lifting. Swimming. Cardio. Exceptional nutrition. Get busy. Stop looking around the Internet. Boot camp is tough. Get yourself ready.
 
Crap is going to happen your entire life to include boot camp. Power through it, you can do it! Mindset, Mindset and Mindset. Make your own luck! You can do whatever you put your mind to. Marine boot camp, BUDS, Recon Indoctrination, Plebe summer, Masters degree, PHD …….. the list is endless, get after it! YOU can do it with the right Mindset. I have come from nothing and made a nice life for myself and my family. Don’t set any limitation. Guys and gals have done it before you, IT is doable.

HOW DO YOU EAT AN ELEPHANT? ONE BIT AT A TIME.
 
Best advice I can give is to realize no matter how bad things get, just know that it won't last forever. That visit to the quarterdeck will end. That road march WILL end. You WILL graduate... and eventually you won't be a boot anymore.
 
Holy Crap Doc! Not sure I could have put it better myself.….. I probably would have been more short and sweet, well maybe not sweet I’m told I am an acquired taste. Everything Doc said is on point but let me tell you to really hit the PT. Do more than necessary, it will prepare you mentally. Another thing I can tell you for sure is that you will learn at PI that you have the ability to do a lot more than you believe. Get after it. Don’t over think this, don’t worry about injury and illness. They want you to graduate on time. And don’t forget you are there for one reason to obtain the title Marine.

Who is the father of Marine aviation? A.A. Cunningham

Just an example of the knowledge Doc has mentioned and will never leave your skull. Many many years down the road.

You join the Marines for one reason and one reason only and that is to become a Marine. You WILL understand this upon graduation.

Here is the answer to completing boot camp or any other difficult task ahead of you. MINDSET

Mine was this in boot camp. I will only leave this place in one of two things , Dress Blues or a body bag. Don’t ever quit!
That bolded is tattoo worthy.
 
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