I'm turning 20 soon and am just getting back into shape. When should I start talking to a Marine recruiter?

Nicholas Capello — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 21:22:15 -0400

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2017 9:31 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 21:31:29 -0400

The Marines are short 3000 and the army is short 35000 apply now

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2017 9:34 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 21:34:17 -0400

Nicholas Capello How out of shape are you? What do you want to do as a Marine? It would not hurt to talk to a recruiter about your plans.

https://www.marines.com/

Response by Col Jim Harmon made Apr 7 at 2017 9:35 PM

Col Jim Harmon — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 21:35:51 -0400

Now. Your Recruiter will help get back into shape as a 'Poolie'. They'll hold your package until they think you're ready for Boot Camp.

Response by Cpl Joshua Caldwell made Apr 7 at 2017 9:51 PM

Cpl Joshua Caldwell — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 21:51:09 -0400

ASAP, start gathering the info that you will need to choose the right career path for yourself. Work out hard and get into the best shape of your life. Run a lot, do pull ups and sit ups and build your muscles as much as you can. It also wouldnt hurt to read up on Marine history.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2017 11:33 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 23:33:28 -0400

ASAP, find the Marine minimum standards and push that until it's too easy.

Response by SPC(P) Gildardo Navarro made Apr 8 at 2017 12:54 AM

SPC(P) Gildardo Navarro — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 00:54:01 -0400

eating crayola crayons and glue will help you lose weight.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2017 5:01 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 05:01:52 -0400

after talking to the other recruiters. ;)

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Apr 8 at 2017 9:23 AM

SSgt Dan Montague — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 09:23:00 -0400

Go see them now. There are other standards and qualifications you must meet besides being in shape. Find out now before you work hard and find out out something else will hold you back. and just like the Col said, they can help with getting you into shape and down to weight if that is an issue too.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2017 1:29 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 13:29:23 -0400

So are you overweight? If not then enlist now! The Corps will get you in shape. From experience many who think they are in shape when going to the Corps find out they are not. They will break you down and rebuild you!

Response by SN Greg Wright made Apr 8 at 2017 3:54 PM

SN Greg Wright — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 15:54:01 -0400

Well a Marine Colonel says you should do it now, so I'd take that advice.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 8 at 2017 4:43 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 16:43:42 -0400

I would recommend you start the conversation now. The military in general is geared to receive recruits in the spring and summer, although not absolute. That will be the window where options are open.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Apr 8 at 2017 8:27 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 20:27:41 -0400

See your local recruiter now. The Corps is and has always been in a state of changing. The recruiter is the one who can give you the best advice on what and when to do it.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Apr 10 at 2017 10:15 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 10:15:39 -0400

Now. If that's the road you want to take, then talk to them now. The physical fitness tests recently changed as of this year, so there's new and different requirements that you need to pass. Then there's height and weight issues. You said you're getting back in shape, well they can help with that. It's also good to talk to them in case you have any tattoos that need a waiver for.

Whatever you do, just go talk to them. It's literally their job to make sure you are ready to go. You might not be ready right now, but I bet they could get you ready within 6 months.

Good luck to you.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 14 at 2017 11:06 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 23:06:42 -0400

Yesterday, Don't Worry Marine Boot Camp will "Get You Back in Shape".

Response by MAJ Raymond Haynes made Dec 6 at 2019 5:31 AM

MAJ Raymond Haynes — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 05:31:54 -0500

When you are ready to make being in shape a permanent lifestyle, and not just a cause to a means.