You're a little worried about boot camp after signing up for the Marines.It's a big thing to take on.boot camp will test you both mentally and physically.If you are ready to learn discipline and work as a team with your fellow recruits, you can survive.
Step 1: If you don't know how to swim, learn it.
If you can't swim, you will most likely be kicked out of boot camp.Getting through boot camp involves passing a swimming exam.You can learn to swim before camp if you don't pass the first time.You fail your training and aren't advanced into the Marines if you wash out.
Step 2: If applicable, overcome your fear of heights.
A part of boot camp is rappelling.If you know that's going to be a problem for you, you might want to take a few classes before boot camp so you're prepared.The better off you will be, the more familiar you become with heights.It can be helpful to expose yourself to your fear.If fear is overwhelming, you may want to work with a therapist.
Step 3: Arrive in good shape.
You are making it harder on yourself if you are not in good physical condition when you arrive at boot camp.You don't want to fail in the middle if you make it because you will be in good condition by the end.To improve your physical condition, do regular cardiovascular exercise and strength training.You need to work out everyday to build up muscles and strength.You're likely to run into exercises such as pushups, plank, sit-ups, chin-up, and running at boot camp.Eat well.Focus on fruits, vegetables, and lean dairy.Feed your body good fuel to build up strength.
Step 4: Accept the new routine.
The Marines try to level the playing field at boot camp.Everyone will dress, eat, sleep, and clean the same way.You might not be able to tie your shoes or shower the same way.You have to accept new ways of doing things.It may be difficult to adjust at first.If you find yourself overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths and just take it one step at a time.
Step 5: Become friends with fellow recruits.
Making friends along the way will help you survive boot camp.You can rely on each other for support as you suffer through it together.Being in the Marines means being a part of a team, so the sooner you start acting like your life depends on those around you.
Step 6: For an example, look to your drill instructor.
Your drill instructors will try to show you how to act, dress, and speak.Take a cue from them if you don't know what to do.You don't have to order people around like them.You should model your dress after them, as well as how they carry themselves and project their voices when speaking.
Step 7: Don't get in trouble if you pay attention in class.
You will learn about the history of the Marines during your basic training.Your drill instructors will expect you to be awake and attentive in class, because you'll be spending some hours in the classroom.If you drift, you'll get into trouble, which means punishments like training.Pushups, running, and plank are some of the things that Incentivized training involves.
Step 8: Live by the Marine's value system.
You will have to live by the value system of the Marines.You'll be expected to adopt the value system when you're in boot camp.To know how to act and what's expected of you, listen closely to what the drill instructors say.It's important to respect yourself and those in authority in the Marines.You must be respectful even if you disagree.
Step 9: Discipline can be taught.
If you're willing to learn, the Marines will teach you discipline.When you have time, work through the things that need to be done first, such as shining your shoes, scrubbing the bathroom, or working on your laundry.If you don't get those things done, think about the consequences.You could end up doing kitchen duty or training.Make sure these things are done before you do anything else.
Step 10: Stay in your drill instructor's good graces by following the rules.
You will need to follow a few extra rules in boot camp if you want to stay in the Marines.You can be washed out if you don't follow those rules.You will have a place to be at all hours of the day, so be ready for a set schedule.Smoking and drinking are not allowed in boot camp.One of the main rules of boot camp is to listen to your superiors.
Step 11: You don't want to get in trouble if you keep quiet.
The more you say, the more likely you are to get in trouble.To your drill instructor, keep anything you say short and to the point.You say "Aye, Sir" when you get an order to do something.When you're asked a question, "Yes, Sir" or "No, Ma'am" is what you say.When an order is given, you never say yes or no.Something during basic training.When you get out of Basic Training, Sir is no longer used.Sergeants work.When you pass Boot Camp, you don't call your drill instructors Sir.Only Marine Corp recruits who are in Basic Training are allowed to call anyone higher than them Sir.You call enlisted men and women by their ranks.
Step 12: Refer to yourself in a different way.
You use third person instead of personal pronouns in boot camp.You will say things like "This recruit agrees" instead of "I agree."You are emphasizing that you are becoming part of the whole.It helps you realize that you're part of the team when you remove the pronouns "I" and "me."Marine Corps History has a lot of team work.
Step 13: Project your voice.
Learning to project your voice is part of being a Marine.When responding to your drill instructors, you will be encouraged to yell or speak loudly.This requirement is not arbitrary.When you're in a war zone, you need to be able to hear orders.
Step 14: Don't forget that criticism is not personal.
You're going to get yelled at.You're going to be pushed to your limits.Extra drills or other tasks will be given to you when you fail.Keep in mind that is not personal.The drill instructor needs to push you hard in order to prepare you for life in the Marines.
Step 15: Do not argue with your drill instructor.
It can seem silly or arbitrary to be asked to do something.It doesn't matter.What your drill instructor says is up to you.You will end up getting in trouble if you argue.If your drill instructor asks you to shine your shoes again, even if you just did it, you do it.The sooner you learn that they are trying to instill discipline and respect for authority, the better.
Step 16: When you're homesick, write to your family.
It can be difficult to be away from your family for the first time.You're going to get homesick and miss home.Staying in touch with your family is one of the best ways to fight homesickness.Writing letters and emails is the best way to keep in touch.
Step 17: Don't get overwhelmed and stay in the moment.
If you look too far into the future about how much time you have left, you can get overwhelmed.Don't think about the next day or week, focus on what you have to do in the moment.Several long hikes will take place over a couple of days.You'll feel tired and overwhelmed if you keep thinking about what's ahead.Put one foot in front of the other.
Step 18: Become part of the group.
The individual disappears in the Marines and you become a part of the collective whole.You need to learn to work with other recruits instead of focusing on yourself.When you can, help out your fellow recruits.If another recruit is having a hard time during a run, fall back and encourage them.