How did Marine Corps Boot Camp change you?

2016-10-10T22:14:46-04:00

Anyone who has ever earned the coveted Eagle, Globe, and Anchor (EGA) has went through the toughest recruit training America has to offer. Those who walk through those doors on day one, never come out the same. How did the Marine Corps Recruit Training change you?

Response by SFC George Smith made Oct 10 at 2016 10:16 PM

2016-10-10T22:16:51-04:00

I know many who were changed when they came back from Boot Camp most for the better...

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Oct 10 at 2016 10:27 PM

2016-10-10T22:27:00-04:00

ENS Private RallyPoint Member Easy question---I became a Marine!

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Oct 10 at 2016 10:42 PM

2016-10-10T22:42:18-04:00

What it taught me was what YOU think is "your best" is nowhere near what you can really accomplish. During my time as a recruit and many times when I was A DI i'd see young men who would try/want to quit at the first bit of discomfort or stress, only to be pushed to accomplished much more.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2016 11:08 PM

2016-10-10T23:08:03-04:00

ENS Private RallyPoint Member Marine Corps Boot Camp instilled in me a heightened sense of teamwork, discipline, and a never quit attitude. It also made me a Marine for life. Once a Marine, Always a Marine.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Oct 11 at 2016 12:53 AM

2016-10-11T00:53:24-04:00

I've seen the change in a number of Marines coming out of boot camp. A friend's daughter went that route. She was a snotty, demure, nonmotivated, and a bunch of other Trumpian descriptors. Completely different. The experience activated her frontal lobe quite nicely. Last time I saw her was as a Gunny. Simply amazing 4 foot 10 best described as a Pocket Nuke. She always took care of her people and the Corps knew it.

Response by LCpl Tom Lowe made Oct 11 at 2016 12:55 AM

2016-10-11T00:55:19-04:00

Becoming a Marine changed me in ways only there Marines can understand. The pride we carry and self confidence is second to none. And we don't look at things like other people do.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2016 1:41 AM

2016-10-11T01:41:36-04:00

I thought that kids that went through the Army's 18-Xray program or the Air Force's PJ program went through the toughest recruit program that America has to offer.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2016 11:19 AM

2016-10-11T11:19:04-04:00

This pic doesn't help the recruit with no shower shoes on his feet. DI Explosion in 3......2.....1......

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2016 11:33 AM

2016-10-11T11:33:54-04:00

I lost a lot of weight laughing my ass off at the opening scenes of Full Metal Jacket.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2016 11:52 AM

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Response by Cpl Christopher Kirkpatrick made Oct 11 at 2016 2:56 PM

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Dropped 110 lbs , Exercised religiously , Take no shit , give no shit ... does anyone else notice that the dude on the left is gonna get lit the fuck up for no shower shoe?

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2016 7:19 PM

2016-10-11T19:19:47-04:00

Sir! Private has no personal or medical problems to report at this time. Sir!

Response by Cpl Tou Lee Yang made Oct 11 at 2016 8:12 PM

2016-10-11T20:12:18-04:00

It taught me to be humble. Things you normally take for granted are taken away from you in bootcamp. Such as eating a candy bar, drinking a can of soda, or just simply lay on your bed.

Response by LCpl Darin McCann made Oct 12 at 2016 7:33 AM

2016-10-12T07:33:47-04:00

I basically learned... I can. When my arms would turn to jelly and I couldn't imagine doing another pushup; when my feet hurt and that pack on my back was grinding me into the dirt on a hump; when the top of that rope I was supposed to climb looked so far away, etc. Recruit training taught me that I can. Now when a work project has me feeling overwhelmed or too many bills start piling up at once or my daughter wants to play after a 15-hour day of working... I can. I just have to suck it up, put on my big-boy pants and do it.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2016 8:24 AM

2016-10-12T08:24:58-04:00

Started a long career in government service for me. 16 years so far.

Response by Cpl Vera Kingsley made Oct 12 at 2016 9:29 AM

2016-10-12T09:29:09-04:00

It completely changed me. Before the Marine Corps I was a girly girl. I was also a bit of a pushover and just let others just walk all over me. Becoming a Marine was one of the greatest things that ever happened to me. Don't get me wrong I'm still a nice person but I am no longer a pushover. Being a Marine is ingrained into the very fiber of who I am now and I wouldn't change it for the world.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2016 9:51 AM

2016-10-12T09:51:39-04:00

I had just turned 17 a few months before going in. The Corps raised me and taught me what I didn't know. I mean what 16-17 year old shined their shoes in 1971?, iron my cloths, sew, but most of all hoiw to be responsible, discipline, teamwork, true camaraderie, duty, honor, hw to stand up for yourself and be honest even when you screw up and they showed me what character was. What 17year old these days knows half of that? I got the building blocks to learn how to grow up and be a man.

Response by Cpl David Whitaker made Oct 12 at 2016 9:54 AM

2016-10-12T09:54:40-04:00

It gave me the confidence that can do just about anything if I set my mind to it. It also gave the ability to work together with people as a team. Forever Grateful

Response by Sgt Ken Delvaux made Oct 12 at 2016 10:20 AM

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Changed my entire life, Everything, Every day.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2016 10:39 AM

2016-10-12T10:39:07-04:00

It let me join a great band of brothers some of the best people to walk this earth

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2016 10:40 AM

2016-10-12T10:40:06-04:00

It gives you a level of pride no one can ever take away

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2016 10:41 AM

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It showed me that team work makes the dream work

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2016 10:42 AM

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It showed me that trying to be an individual will get you nowhere

Response by LCpl James Robertson made Oct 12 at 2016 10:48 AM

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It helped in some ways and hurt me in others, working in civilian jobs I excelled in any job I endured becoming supervisor long before anyone else who had started on the job earlier by working much harder setting the standards for others to catch up in which I were very competitive and motivated. The downside is employers are not very loyal to its employee's once you have and accident on the job and have to go on worker compensation, you will endure the worst treatment of your life, once you can't come in when they want you to, rather then letting the Doctor decide, the harassment starts which continues on up to termination.

Response by Capt Tf Sinclair made Oct 12 at 2016 10:58 AM

2016-10-12T10:58:45-04:00

I was in America for six months and nine months off the farm when I enlisted in the Marine Corps.
There I learned teamwork, got a "never quit" attitude and learned that success depended on me doing beyond my "best". I learned to work with all kinds of people and, whatever my feelings about them, accomplish the mission and carry on.

Response by SSgt Scott Walters made Oct 12 at 2016 11:16 AM

2016-10-12T11:16:39-04:00

It taught me I could do things I would previously look at and say I can't do that. The confidence course (not the obstacle course) was made for that reason alone. (And it was freaking fun) It also taught me to let the little shit go and look at the larger picture.

Response by MGySgt Gerry Sweeten made Oct 12 at 2016 12:00 PM

2016-10-12T12:00:44-04:00

i came out of boot camp a grown up man ready to face the world and wasn't the spoiled stinking
high school "I THINK I KNOW IT ALL" butthead.

Response by Sgt Teri Kemp made Oct 12 at 2016 12:07 PM

2016-10-12T12:07:45-04:00

Being a female, it made me feel at home finally. A place where there are more people like me - hard headed, tough, loyal, determined and other good Marine qualities. It changed me by earning that title that noone can take away. It gave me more of the Never Quit determination that has helped me throughout life. Semper fi

Response by Sgt Greg Cope made Oct 12 at 2016 12:12 PM

2016-10-12T12:12:02-04:00

I just published my memoir (The Pink Marine) about the effect Parris Island had on me. I credit the USMC for everything I have and do. Although I went on to serve six years (and complete OCS Quantico) this book only covers the 13 weeks of recruit training. Kirkus reviews says, "TV comedy writer White recalls the grueling yet confidence-building three-month Marine Corps boot camp training he endured... The author demonstrates respect and delivers a heartening coming-of-age story, an inspiring memoir that displays a balanced, surprisingly reverent view of the Marine Corps and military service." I invite my fellow Marines to check it out. http://www.thepinkmarine.com

The Pink Marine

Greg Cope White's Memoir of Marine Corps Boot Camp Stories | The Pink Marine--funny, insightful and inspiring.

Response by Sgt Carlos Barrera made Oct 12 at 2016 12:30 PM

2016-10-12T12:30:53-04:00

I got the pride of being a Marine, to show everyone else that the little woos that I was no longer existed. Instead gave me a sense of belonging, showed me that I was able to reach my goals and exceed them. It made me a better person

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Oct 12 at 2016 2:42 PM

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It changed everything about me. It affected my self-esteem, my outlook on life, my politics. There were obviously physical changes... lighter/stronger/faster. But the mental ones are the ones that really surprised me.

Basically, I was in a bad spot in my life. Did the college thing. Didn't get me anywhere. I was literally working 3 jobs to barely keep a roof over my head. It came to a point where I was basically homeless. I needed a change in my life, so I contacted recruiters to get some information. The only ones who would talk to me were the Marines so that's when I made my decision.

No one believed I could be a Marine. Not my friends. Not my own family. They thought I should join one of the "easier" branches. My logic was the bigger the challenge, the bigger the reward.

Shipped out and I was easily Mr. Popular. I was an older recruit. Hell I think I was older than some of my Drill Instructors. So I got my fair share of extra attention. Every night I thought I would die. I thought I would close my eyes and never wake up again. I thought I'd be one of those recruits who got brought to the tree line and never returned.

But I kept pushing on. I kept telling myself to survive another day. Dropped a lot of weight while I was there. I remember looking in a mirror during hygiene time and being shocked at how thin I looked.

I graduated boot camp and cried when I felt that Eagle, Globe, and Anchor placed in my hand. I realized how much of life I took for granted. I thought my life was bad before boot camp and I never imagined it could become so much worse.

I never took anything for granted ever again. I got married and started a family. I bought a house. I took risks that I never would have before. I've savored my meals. Even the feelings of actually earning a shower after a good PT session. It's hard to describe how significant of a change that boot camp can have on your life, but the person I was before isn't close to the person I am today.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Oct 12 at 2016 6:08 PM

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I had this one DS always calling me Pyle. He caught me with a donut once and made the entire platoon do pushups while I ate it. I was really reaching my breaking point after the guys gave me a blanket party and whacked the crap out of me with soap bars in their socks and...wait a minute, that was a movie I watched. Never mind.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2016 11:12 PM

2016-10-12T23:12:05-04:00

I could tie my shoestrings! No need for velcro anymore. I cried. lol ENS Private RallyPoint Member

Response by GySgt Ed Gartland made Oct 13 at 2016 7:03 AM

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I was an undirected college drop out --- didn't know where I was going or what to do when I got there. Upon arriving at PISC there was no shortage of DIs quite willing to tell me when and where to go and what to do when I got there!

Response by PFC Juan Saavedra made Oct 13 at 2016 7:23 AM

2016-10-13T07:23:25-04:00

Recruit training is a life changing experience. The discipline and self confidence I learned at PI has made me a better father, husband and student of life.

Oorah!!

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2016 8:09 AM

2016-10-13T08:09:50-04:00

It stripped away individualism. No more I and me but all us and we. Taught me about teamwork which is more of the same but meaning more that we only win if the team wins vs. superstars on a losing team. Taught me that you never know what you are capable of until you give literally all you have. I didn't prep much but did some running but I had it in my mind that I'd never drop out. If I passed out and the platoon ran over me then they could scrape me up and we'd try again. I had set my mind that no matter what I would only leave Parris Island as a Marine or in a pine box. I wouldn't want to do it again and at 59 wouldn't make it anyway, but it was all I expected it to be and worth the effort. I don't buy the concept that military is not for everybody; assuming they are fully qualified, and think our Nation would be a better place if every youngster served one hitch in the service of their choice. Best wishes to all.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Oct 13 at 2016 12:46 PM

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1. We is more important than me.
2. When you think you have met your physical and mental limit, think again. You will be pushed beyond what you ever thought you could.
3. Lastly and the most importantly, what 99.9% of us needed to learn; "Shut the fuck up and do what you are told."

Response by Sgt Vaughn Sizemore made Oct 13 at 2016 2:36 PM

2016-10-13T14:36:17-04:00

It's been nearly 30 years since I was at PI, but I notice little things that were ingrained in me in boot as just being second nature. For example, I bought a pair of go faster and as far was lacing them I noticed my through the bottom, left over right pattern that was so second nature that all my shoes are laced that way and I never gave it a second thought. I am sure there are tons of little things like that are just secon nature.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Oct 13 at 2016 10:12 PM

2016-10-13T22:12:53-04:00

Hats off to the Marines. Son-in-law one. Taught me that I was glad I went Air Force.but I have all the respect for Marines.

Response by LCpl Desmond Johnson made Oct 14 at 2016 7:15 PM

2016-10-14T19:15:00-04:00

It made me who I am today only 2 draw backs they made me mentally 6ft 6 260lbs with no fear of anything or any man 2nd they never taught me how to separate marine from civillian

Response by LCpl Cy Hotchkiss made Oct 17 at 2016 1:49 AM

2016-10-17T01:49:09-04:00

like every other man or woman I went in as a child. sure my grandpa taught me the meaning of hard work but after my first hour in S.D. I was changed that night was the first time I have ever been so scared of so few people.
in the following 13 weeks I learned what it means to be a Man what real teamwork looks and feels like and what real hard work is.
that time in my life is where I learned how far I could go and then push myself that much harder. the MARINE CORPS BOOTCAMP changed me in so many was and I am glad to say all in good was

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2016 7:09 PM

2016-10-18T19:09:29-04:00

MCRD Parris Island, SC made me realize that the impossible is merely difficult and that you can achieve anything you put your heart too and if that doesn't do it, your fellow Marines will help you achieve it. Though I am a Petty Officer now, I will always be a Cpl of Marines in my heart. Semper Fi and Anchors Aweigh!

Response by LCpl William Perry made Oct 18 at 2016 8:54 PM

2016-10-18T20:54:10-04:00

Besides the change of physical appearance you would expect, I also came out with a more sound mental attitude that all Marines have. You have to have confidence as it is said best that the difference between cocky and confidence is cocky thinks they can, but confidence is when you can. Marines can and will get the job done and do it with Honor and Pride to County, Constitution, Family and Corps and never say I cannot. Marines do that which most would not do or even imagine, to those that would do it to them. We are a Brotherhood that will give our lives for our Brothers and Sisters as The Corps is our family! Semper Fi! MCRD San Diego!

Response by Sgt Michael Hallam made Oct 28 at 2016 9:28 AM

2016-10-28T09:28:06-04:00

Discipline and leadership

Response by Sgt Steve Gallegos, JD made Dec 30 at 2016 11:48 AM

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Marine Corps Basic Training Saved My Life... for the reason that just a few short weeks before arriving at Parris Island, SC I wanted to commit SUICIDE.

Just a few years before enlisting I was known by the name of good-for-nothing. Actually, my full name was "absolutely good-for-nothing." It was a name given to me by my parents. At the time I did not know why…but this is what I was called. And the more I was called by this name…it is what I believed about myself, it is what I became.

And when it was too much to call me by my first name, there were the nicknames "idiot," "stupid," "disgrace," "fatso," "ugly," and the list grows from there. The name calling was only part of it. The constant and violent beatings were the other part. Although the physical abuse caused much pain and was hard to bear, nothing caused as much pain as the indifference and deprivation of love.

So, because I was good-for-nothing, I did the things that a typical good-for-nothing would do. In school I became good friends with the "bad kids” and together we would look for ways to have fun and entertain ourselves by creating mischief. We would routinely pull the fire alarms, stage pretend fights with each other, start real fights with others for no reason, use rubber-bands to shoot each other with paper clips, and break the school windows from inside the classroom by throwing random objects through them. I even burned a house down...just because (it was abandoned). I would instigate trouble and others would follow me. You would think someone would have recognized that I had the makings of a leader!

High school graduation came around and while other students were joyfully celebrating having been accepted at Princeton, Harvard, and Berkeley, I had no such vision for my future. I had no marketable skills and no prospect for any kind of job. I recall a classmate asking me where I was going after graduation to which I replied, "I think jail," He replied "Yale! Hey! That's a great school!" I had no idea what I was going to be or do in this thing called the future…but I did know where I did not want to be. I did not want to be home. I hated being home.

I was 17 years old. I felt lost, angry, frustrated, worthless, and I felt alone.

I thought of ways to kill myself. I even practiced putting a plastic bag around my head to see how long it might take me to stop breathing.

Knowing that I was in trouble, my girlfriend and best friend, gave me a book that she thought might help, titled: "The Power of Positive Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale. In this book I came across 7 words which caused me to change the direction of my life. Those words are: "Change Your Thoughts and Change Your World." Well, I did not know anything how to change my thoughts or even if it was possible, but I did know that I could change my world. And so then and there, I made a decision to take my life...

I took my life away from my parents, away from my teachers, away from my home.

At the end of 13 weeks of boot camp, I was named the Platoon Honor Graduate and got to wear the coveted Dress Blue Uniform as a PFC. As a result of basic training I came to realize that I was actually pretty good at a lot of things. I transformed from a good-for-nothing boy without a future, to a man that was pretty darn good at a lot of things.

My life changed by joining the Marine Corps. The experience gave me confidence in myself, it gave me a knowing that I was of value to others. Most important, basic training gave me a new story, a new identity, and the knowing that I can change who I am...anytime that I desire.

Semper Fidelis

Steve Gallegos
Personal Mastery Strategist, Best Selling Author, International Speaker

Response by LCpl Joe Joplin made Dec 30 at 2016 10:24 PM

2016-12-30T22:24:01-05:00

30 yrs later, I still have an acute awareness of what's going on around me. I hear (pay attention to) all things going on.

Response by LCpl Mark Riley made May 15 at 2017 1:58 PM

2017-05-15T13:58:51-04:00

How did it not chang you

Response by MAJ Don Bigger made Aug 6 at 2017 6:31 PM

2017-08-06T18:31:49-04:00

In just a few more weeks it will have been 47 years since I graduated from Boot Camp (MCRD, Plt 1086). There is hardly a day that goes by that I don't think about what it means to be a Marine. When I'm in a race (I've been a life-long runner), and it starts hurting towards the end, I'll tell myself "Suck it up Marine, you've done harder things". When I'm coaching the HS XC team, I'm always conscious of my bearing and attitude. Serving on local community boards--or wherever I am in public--I consider my appearance and demeanor.

The fact that I am a Marine permeates everything I do. And it all started June 28, 1970, when I casually got off the bus and stood on those yellow footprints.

Response by PFC Frank Moore made Aug 8 at 2017 1:08 PM

2017-08-08T13:08:15-04:00

I didnt make it all the way through, but the time i was there changed my life. I went from a 1.28 gpa in high school to a 4.0 in collage, i went from being unorganized to organized, from not finishing task to going above and beyond, to not attempting hard work to excelling. I can never list all the changes that took place. My son took over where i left off and did his 6 years, and he is a man, where before he was a boy. The corps ethos was installed in my heart and ill die with it in my heart. Sempre fi!

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Aug 8 at 2017 1:22 PM

2017-08-08T13:22:06-04:00

I didn't think the physical part was all that hard, but the daily mental grind without a break takes a bit of a toll. I was at PI in July/Aug/Sept and I learned the real meaning of the word hot and humid. You adjust. I learned I can adjust to most things life throws my way. I was pushed past some things if I was civilian I would have quit, but you don't quit because your buddy doesn't quit, and a DI never quits on a recruit. Even the lazy most uncoordinated recruit is pushed to passing. I saw a guy do his final PFT with a shin splint so bad he could barely walk let alone run 3 miles, but the DI ran every inch of that 3 miles right next to him. He didn't harass him, he encouraged him, he cussed at him, but he finished thst run. By himself who knows.

Response by LCpl Kurt Nagel made Aug 8 at 2017 2:35 PM

2017-08-08T14:35:59-04:00

Marine Corps boot camp taught me to be organized, responsible, dedicated, alert, punctual ,honest, respectful and most of all patriotic

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2017 3:32 PM

2017-08-08T15:32:50-04:00

I gained ten pounds and lost four wisdom teeth. Oh, and I realized that I was a pretty darn good shot with iron sights before we switch to optics. Haha

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Aug 8 at 2017 5:06 PM

2017-08-08T17:06:01-04:00

Saying something is impossible is just another way of admitting defeat... Marines don't admit defeat. You might kill us, you might bury us, you might piss on our graves... but we went down fighting.

Response by TSgt Marco McDowell made Sep 17 at 2017 9:58 AM

2017-09-17T09:58:06-04:00

Twenty-four years later I can still triple S and get dressed in 5 mikes...and my arrogance knows no limit, even in defeat!

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Sep 17 at 2017 2:26 PM

2017-09-17T14:26:59-04:00

It pushes past most people's breaking point, yourr not allowed to fail. All these snowflakes , all these rioters and anarchists are a product of a no draft military. They're entitled , they've earned nothing, they contribute nothing. They live in a fantasy world.

Response by Sgt David Hesser made Sep 19 at 2017 5:50 PM

2017-09-19T17:50:16-04:00

I 3 months we went thru 9 drill instructors, one ended up working working under me two years latter , but it grew me up learned to improvise adapt and over come and gave me a inner pride I never had, I will always love the Corp and be indebted to the Corp for as long as I live.

Response by SGT Chad Cherry made Sep 27 at 2017 10:06 PM

2017-09-27T22:06:41-04:00

An unrealistic view of how the world actually works.

Response by Cpl Imre Demech made Dec 3 at 2017 7:26 PM

2017-12-03T19:26:11-05:00

Taught me that you can go farther mind over matter. Stay disciplined & you'll reap the rewards of having a healthy life.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2017 11:21 PM

2017-12-17T23:21:00-05:00

Confidence. Before boot (which was not that long ago for me) i was shy, timid, quiet. Couldn't speak up to save my life, a doormat, people pleaser, and A grade pushover. NO ONE thought I'd make it. But now? I have self esteem, I'm living life happier, I've learned i can do exponentially more than i ever imagined, and i don't have to be a people pleaser. That's what i took away from it all.

Response by LCpl Michael Cappello made Jan 8 at 2018 3:27 PM

2018-01-08T15:27:43-05:00

It taught me to set higher standards for myself and to achieve them. There is no dishonor in failing. there is only dishonor in quitting. Even death is no excuse to quit.

Response by Sgt Roy Hale made Feb 3 at 2018 12:19 AM

2018-02-03T00:19:00-05:00

I always say “ there is nothing that 13 weeks of Marine Corps boot camp would not cure” It cured me, I was in recruit training a month after I turned 17. My mother had to sign, but it made me a man, and even better a United States Marine. It cured me

Response by Sgt Roy Hale made Feb 10 at 2018 10:18 PM

2018-02-10T22:18:59-05:00

Made me a Marine, Made me a man

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2018 5:44 PM

2018-02-26T17:44:53-05:00

I learned not to take anything personally, and that it did not matter what happened, it’s how I reacted to it that mattered.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 12 at 2018 5:52 PM

2018-07-12T17:52:33-04:00

Went thru Army boot, came out a better person then when I went in.

Response by LCpl Michael Cappello made Jul 12 at 2018 10:30 PM

2018-07-12T22:30:19-04:00

How many times did I hear this? How many times have I repeated it? "A chain is only as strong as it's weakest link."Never give up. Never quit. NEVER leave a brother behind. It is natural to feel fear. It is how you deal with it that sets you apart.

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Dec 27 at 2018 11:17 PM

2018-12-27T23:17:19-05:00

I was a 17 year old farm boy who went to a parochial school. I was used to taking orders and having responsibility. They take you as far as you can go physically and mentally, then they take you a little farther each week . They teach you to preform under stress. in 1959 they would yell at you and call you things they cant do today. They had ways of putting their hands on you and inflecting pain, like straightening a button on your shirt and pinching the hell out of you. They teach you their is no one on this earth that is better than you. Their favorite sayings were "Your ass is grass and I!m the lawn mower." Another saying: The Lord owns your soul but I got your Ass. They also teach history of the Corp, so you what is expected of you. Nowdays they have the Crucible giving you what you think is an impossible situation but with team work you get it done. Back in my day I thought the whole thing was a crucible by todays standards. Im 77yrs old and the Marine Corp has made me a better person and helped me in civilian Life. It will help you think out of your comfort zone. Best time of my life. Marine for life. We are all brothers no matter what generation. Semper Fi.

Response by Brad Powers made Dec 28 at 2018 3:01 AM

2018-12-28T03:01:13-05:00

Well I was there for only a matter of days, in fact T-day 7 was my last day of attachment. I learned about the importance of combined effort to the extremes, simply because it is hard to find.

Response by CW2 Michael Bodnar made Jun 6 at 2019 12:04 PM

2019-06-06T12:04:19-04:00

First of all, someone in this picture is going to have a very bad day as soon as the Senior Drill Instructor sees the problem. As a prior service Marine, boot camp was just the start of my career and it turned out, it was the easiest thing I ever did in my ten plus years on active duty. Boot camp prepared me for the rigors of being a Marine. It provided me with a basic understanding of what it meant to be a Marine and what was expected of me. It introduced me to learning to adapt and overcome stressful and chaotic situations by thinking on my feet.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Feb 8 at 2020 2:45 PM

2020-02-08T14:45:53-05:00

I guarantee you’ll be pushed past what you thought were your limits both mentally and physically. You’ll do and accomplish things that if you weren’t in PI you’d just quit, but you can’t quit. So you succeed, and no one is ever left behind.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Mar 8 at 2020 4:46 AM

2020-03-08T04:46:09-04:00

In that one photo, there is ONE PERSON that is going down... the one not wearing his flip flops....OUT OF UNIFORM!!!

Response by SGT Drew Spencer made Mar 8 at 2020 2:10 PM

2020-03-08T14:10:17-04:00

Wow, ANOTHER Rallypoint article with Marines jerking each other off over Basic Training.... can we get an article for once that isn’t some idiot asking how to put his medals on his dress uniform, or Marines telling Basic Training war stories for fuck sake?!!

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Feb 6 at 2021 8:02 PM

2021-02-06T20:02:04-05:00

Get rid of the baggy skivvies in the summer they about rotted my balls off. SC in the summer is brutal, raw balling it is far better.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2021 9:42 PM

2021-02-06T21:42:50-05:00

Biggest change in me? I grew almost 4”. No kidding. When I joined I was just over 5’9”. When I graduated I was 6’ 1”. Nothing I was issued in May fit me in August.

Mentally, it taught me a better way to work in a team and as an individual. It showed me my “best” wasn’t even close to what I was capable of.

Response by Pvt Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2021 10:51 PM

2021-05-19T22:51:14-04:00

After boot camp it made me want to kill kill kill☠️