How did Marine Corps Boot Camp change you?

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

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

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

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.

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!

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.

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!!

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.

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.

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.