USMC Prep

[vard]

Do we have any Marines on here? Right now I am just looking for some info on my primary focus for basic. I'm struggling with pull ups and running.I've heard basic is mostly a shit ton of cardio... Any info on what you did or wish you did to prepare?

[rockinred]

Do lots of push ups, sit ups, running, and pull ups wouldn't hurt. Do timed runs and sprints. Yup, it's that simple.

[D7M]

Do lots of push ups, sit ups, running, and pull ups wouldn't hurt. Do timed runs and sprints. Yup, it's that simple.

lol...Yah pretty much.

If you're not in good shape then don't try to over do it at first and hit a 300.

Just starting running your ass off, push ups, dips, pull ups.

[vard]

I figured it was that simple. Appreciate it guys

[vard]

What did/do ya'll do as far as using gear while your in? I know its not going to happen for prolly the first year, but how do you work that shit out. I read you wont get a drug test that will detect it unless your commanding officer requests it and that will only happen if you screw up, but what about logistics like storage and what not?

[Armykid93]

What did/do ya'll do as far as using gear while your in? I know its not going to happen for prolly the first year, but how do you work that shit out. I read you wont get a drug test that will detect it unless your commanding officer requests it and that will only happen if you screw up, but what about logistics like storage and what not?

I'm curious about this to. I'm guessing the marines are stricter than the army so it will probably benefit me to see what's said.

[wmaousley]

USMC PFT Standards http://usmilitary.about.com/od/marines/l/blfitmale.htm

good luck in BCT

[D7M]

I'm curious about this to. I'm guessing the marines are stricter than the army so it will probably benefit me to see what's said.

Stricter in what way? When I was in (USMC), everyone and their mother was on something.

[vard]

Stricter in what way? When I was in (USMC), everyone and their mother was on something.

How did that play out. I assume guys weren't shooting test in the hallways. The marines I have been comfortable with enough to ask didn't use gear so they're clueless...

[Rey_Ray]

for boot camp you need to run run run run and pull ups and a lot of mental focus tell your self your going to do it and not backing down. if you have alot of time do alot of body weight exercises.

[wmaousley]

How did that play out. I assume guys weren't shooting test in the hallways. The marines I have been comfortable with enough to ask didn't use gear so they're clueless...

They for sure will not just volunteer that kind of information to you. For 1 it might ruin their career if they are caught in posession. They also may think your CID or a UC for NCIS.

[rockinred]

Vard, I think you should focus on one task at a time. I understand you want to get big or whatever and it is ok to look down the road somewhat, but your focus at this time should be on the task at hand. Which is Basic training. Like we have all advised you... focus on running, pull ups, situps, pushups. Not just do a few, but you need to time yourself and push it. Do a timed 3 mile run...then the next time beat that time, and then keep beating those times and personal lifts.

If you are just getting in shape you will shave a ton of time off all the records. As you get more in shape it will get more difficult to beat previous times. If you get to the point where it is really hard to beat your times, I will say you are ready for boot camp and you will do on average better than most with physical training. Once you get past all that then you can focus on your unit and the training they have there and what you can do to improve your fitness.

Being muscular big isn't always the best thing in the military. FYI.

[vard]

Rockin Red if you dont know then why post? While I appreciate the workout advice (thats what I have been doing, but the validation is nice), I am plenty focused on the task at hand and my head can handle juggling that focus along with other questions simultaneously. I don't mind some constructive criticism, but the way I read it you seemed condescending. E.G. when you said "being muscular big isn't always the best in the military." I assure you that I dont have the illusion that Marines simply sit around and lift weights. I am well aware that my job will require me to make more dynamic movements than lifting weights.

If you didn't mean to be condescending than I apologize.

Also since we've established that I can handle thought outside of the task at hand if anyone has info, the question remains.

[vard]

The guys I talked to were friends that have joined who have known me for years and to be honest either aren't on it or are under the illusion that they can use gear while playing video games and get big(they aren't in bad shape by any means, but they aren't the fittest either). I might just have to recreate the wheel if I get in and decide to go that route because I have read of guys that are using, but like you said there are some real consequences so its a tough subject to talk to anyone about.

[rockinred]

Rockin Red if you dont know then why post? While I appreciate the workout advice (thats what I have been doing, but the validation is nice), I am plenty focused on the task at hand and my head can handle juggling that focus along with other questions simultaneously. I don't mind some constructive criticism, but the way I read it you seemed condescending. E.G. when you said "being muscular big isn't always the best in the military." I assure you that I dont have the illusion that Marines simply sit around and lift weights. I am well aware that my job will require me to make more dynamic movements than lifting weights.

If you didn't mean to be condescending than I apologize.

Also since we've established that I can handle thought outside of the task at hand if anyone has info, the question remains.

nevermind....

[rockinred]

Rockin Red if you dont know then why post? While I appreciate the workout advice (thats what I have been doing, but the validation is nice), I am plenty focused on the task at hand and my head can handle juggling that focus along with other questions simultaneously. I don't mind some constructive criticism, but the way I read it you seemed condescending. E.G. when you said "being muscular big isn't always the best in the military." I assure you that I dont have the illusion that Marines simply sit around and lift weights. I am well aware that my job will require me to make more dynamic movements than lifting weights.

If you didn't mean to be condescending than I apologize.

Also since we've established that I can handle thought outside of the task at hand if anyone has info, the question remains.

This was a duplicate...nevermind. Just keep doing what you are doing to prepare and good luck.

[Armykid93]

Stricter in what way? When I was in (USMC), everyone and their mother was on something.

In general the marines are stricter than the army from what i've seen. Figured they would get tested more

[vard]

Thanks Red. Sorry again if I took things out of context

[wmaousley]

In general the marines are stricter than the army from what i've seen. Figured they would get tested more

I wouldnt say the Marines are more strict than the Army. I would say Marines are far more disciplined than any other branch of service and held to a higher standard. The Army, has become really relaxed the past decade due to fighting in 2 wars.

BTW my father is a retired 5th Marines SGM

[Rey_Ray]

Take it from me still in active on an 03 field you get tested all the time for
narcotics if they suspect you of anything else an investigation will be done caught
in the act they treat it as any other drug. As for marines being meet heads you
will see soon enough theres 3 types of marines the ones that love there life in
there rooms the ones that live an breath working out an being active then the
natural never lift always fit I do the basic pt in the morning. As for bootcamp
no one can prepare for it only put you in the direction I have said my piece for
that I'll help again mental attitude run run pull ups and lift some do alot of
body weight things and when your there be loud you'll make it home this helps.
And to the comment the army is slacking due to fighting in 2 wars no excuse on
there part marines have fought in both those wars and on navel ships and on UDP
packages while having to do Rim packs and anything else the navy puts in front
of us and we still hold our honor to do the right thing it's a personal problem
they are having quantity over quality and that wasn't a bash on you or the army.

[wmaousley]

Take it from me still in active on an 03 field you get tested all the time for
narcotics if they suspect you of anything else an investigation will be done caught
in the act they treat it as any other drug. As for marines being meet heads you
will see soon enough theres 3 types of marines the ones that love there life in
there rooms the ones that live an breath working out an being active then the
natural never lift always fit I do the basic pt in the morning. As for bootcamp
no one can prepare for it only put you in the direction I have said my piece for
that I'll help again mental attitude run run pull ups and lift some do alot of
body weight things and when your there be loud you'll make it home this helps.
And to the comment the army is slacking due to fighting in 2 wars no excuse on
there part marines have fought in both those wars and on navel ships and on UDP
packages while having to do Rim packs and anything else the navy puts in front
of us and we still hold our honor to do the right thing it's a personal problem
they are having quantity over quality and that wasn't a bash on you or the army.

Spacing, punctuation etc would be helpful. Bro bash the Army all you want. Hell I do all the time. The Army standards have dramatically declined the past decade to loose recruitment standards and lack of PT and DNC.

I have seen Privates shooting the shlt with Majors like they were boys back on the block. Many changes are coming for the Army to get her back on track, especially in the APFT. 12 mile ruck and 4 mile run added to the APFT

[vard]

The lower standards in the Army are why I chose the corps. The Army was ready to send me down to MEPS day one, but the Marines wanted me to improve. I have friends in all branches and I love them and what they do, but it was an easy decision for me. I know you weren't bashing the army, but I need the extra posts and feel that I should mention that the Marine Corps haven't always been perfect either. As far as the total history of the Corps is concerned higher recruitment standards and the methods of basic training are fairly new and it took some dark days to get you to where you are today. I am sure that with time the Army will improve. In my eyes though... because of their size they wont ever be the same quality as Marines.

[rockinred]

Spacing, punctuation etc would be helpful. Bro bash the Army all you want. Hell I do all the time. The Army standards have dramatically declined the past decade to loose recruitment standards and lack of PT and DNC.

I have seen Privates shooting the shlt with Majors like they were boys back on the block. Many changes are coming for the Army to get her back on track, especially in the APFT. 12 mile ruck and 4 mile run added to the APFT

Not sure what unit you are in, but your opinion is just that. You can't speak about the Army changing and lacking as a whole. Throughout history there are always units that are embarrassment in all the branches. As a whole the Army has the best Light Infantry unit and most specialized special forces in the world. The Marines are a great small unit, but they are also low funded and tend to get a lot of the leftovers on equipement. I have heard that from all my friends in the Marines. They are not undertrained and hardcore mentality is drilled into their team due to the primary mission of assault. They don't flank enemies they move straight forward to take an objective by force. The Army Light Infantry and Marines Infantry are about the same in regards to training. Army has much more funds and a lot more advanced Infantry specialized schools.

As far as testing for Anabolics, no military unit does that as part of the testing. It is for different narcotics... Steroids require a different test. I am sure they can request that type of testing if suspected, but it is not something to worry about unless you are going around bragging and talking about it.

If you are looking for hardcore training and discipline you can get it in the Marines and the Army. The Army is way bigger and has way more fields to get into than the Marines. So if you want a physical challenge in the Army, make sure you go Light Infantry and ask for Airborne at least in your contract. If you are just looking to learn a new trade such as a welder or something like that...than you can expect to get in a unit that would be considered laid back compared to the Marines...kind of like Wmaousley is stating.

[vard]

^truth

[wmaousley]

Not sure what unit you are in, but your opinion is just that. You can't speak about the Army changing and lacking as a whole. Throughout history there are always units that are embarrassment in all the branches. As a whole the Army has the best Light Infantry unit and most specialized special forces in the world. The Marines are a great small unit, but they are also low funded and tend to get a lot of the leftovers on equipement. I have heard that from all my friends in the Marines. They are not undertrained and hardcore mentality is drilled into their team due to the primary mission of assault. They don't flank enemies they move straight forward to take an objective by force. The Army Light Infantry and Marines Infantry are about the same in regards to training. Army has much more funds and a lot more advanced Infantry specialized schools.

As far as testing for Anabolics, no military unit does that as part of the testing. It is for different narcotics... Steroids require a different test. I am sure they can request that type of testing if suspected, but it is not something to worry about unless you are going around bragging and talking about it.

If you are looking for hardcore training and discipline you can get it in the Marines and the Army. The Army is way bigger and has way more fields to get into than the Marines. So if you want a physical challenge in the Army, make sure you go Light Infantry and ask for Airborne at least in your contract. If you are just looking to learn a new trade such as a welder or something like that...than you can expect to get in a unit that would be considered laid back compared to the Marines...kind of like Wmaousley is stating.

My avatar should tell you a little about one of the units I was with. I am talking about the Big Army brother, not 18 Q'd, 75V guys, or EOD. And your right LI has far more discipline than the rest of the Army especially the 82nd, 4th, 101st, 173rd, 1st and 3rd Infantry Divisions. The PIR's having more discipling than the leg units.

just my 2 cents

[xo3et]

I cant believe you guys class the US Marines as a small unit, the UK marines number 6,000 on a good day. :/

Oh and to the OP, HAMMER the cardio and do pressups and pullups. You will be fine, once your cardio is up and you loose any excess body weight it will support you in maximizing your pullps etc.

Good luck.

[vard]

Well its a relativity thing. Relative to the size of the other branches its a small unit.

[oatmeal69]

Wish I was young enough to join. (42.5) I have the fitness - and finally the maturity and discipline - to go really far I think.