As a prior service marine CPL going in as SPC infantryman, how will the DS treat you? Will I go through the full BCT?

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 08:56:33 -0500

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2020 9:37 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 09:37:25 -0500

Are you working with a recruiter yet? They would be able to answer your questions on BCT requirements. How long was your break in service?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2020 10:48 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 10:48:07 -0500

the longer your break in service the higher your chances of repeating BCT.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2020 11:33 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 11:33:01 -0500

I think it's if it's more than 3 years break in service you do BCT again but your recruiter or someone should have told you that when you signed the contract.

You're likely doing full BCT - drill sergeants will probably not be as bad since you're prior service. When I went to basic, we had a guy who was prior Marine. 42 years old (that's when they raised the max age to get more people in). He did all of basic with us. I can't remember how long he was out. But the drill sergeants after probably the first few weeks weren't as hard on him as the rest of us. He also was the highest male PT score in our platoon or company so...yeah.

I don't know how basic is now. It's a lot different than 16 years ago so who knows how they treat anyone anymore. They can't swear at recruits. No knife hands. Stuff like that so it probably won't be that bad.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Dec 15 at 2020 5:16 PM

MSG Danny Mathers — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 17:16:26 -0500

The Drill Sergeants will treat you no different than the other recruits. However, they may put you in a leadership position like squad leader or higher. Full BCT, i don't know.

Response by SPC Bradly Martin made Dec 15 at 2020 7:46 PM

SPC Bradly Martin — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 19:46:49 -0500

Basic is beyond relaxed now. (Word on the street) Benning allows cells throughout the cycle. That alone should tell you how “hard” it’s going to be. You’ll be fine Regardless I promise.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2020 12:44 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 00:44:44 -0500

My friend wore his Marine Expeditionary Unit patch through AIT. You will most likely go through Infantry School as the Army operates differently than the Marines.
They will treat you with respect but none the less equal to your peers. The prior service Soldiers and reclasses are treated differently and you may have more privilege's than your peers. I know that during my AIT the priors stayed in a different barracks than the new Soldiers.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2020 1:46 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 13:46:04 -0500

They'll treat you the same as the other privates unless your a NCO thats just from my experience in Basic NCO had to just stand at Attention while the rest of us were pushing.