What should I know or work on prior to the start of USMC Boot Camp?

Weston Almstedt

Nothing really prepares you for MCRD. The DI’s will find your weaknesses and use them to break you down. That’s the whole purpose of Marine boot training. They tear you down and rebuild you into a Marine. Earn that EGA and become one of us ‘Once a Marine, Always a Marine! Good luck!

Weston Almstedt You have 40 days to continue your exercise program so that that you are in top physical shape. Listen closely and observe everything that the Drill Instructors tell you. Be squared away at all times and always put forth your best effort. Do not quit when others are doing so. Be prepared for mental games and always push forward. Earning the title of Marine will be worth the effort that you put forth. Enjoy your upcoming challenges and adventures. Good luck and let us know when you have earned the title of Marine. The link below will help with general knowledge.

https://www.marinesbootcamphq.com/marine-corps-recruit-knowledge/

The Marine Corp is a dictatorship not a democracy. Just remember that. Do what your told even if its impossible you must try. Physical condition is another requirement that the The Marine Corp will take care of. Being tough Mentally is something you must do yourself. Not everyone is mentally qualified to be in the Marine Corp. I was in the Marine Corp 19059 to 1963 and what I said still applies today. Methods have changed The outcome is the same. I am 80yrs old and I am still a Marine I have Marine Buddies from the 60,s to the Present day. I joined the Marine Corp at 17 years of Age I weighed 135 lbs. Size is one thing but its in your heart that counts. I hope they still teach Marine corp History so you the recruit will know what is expected of yourself. Semper Fi. oorah.

You don't have a ton of time to "work" on anything but just focus on your mindset. Take it one day at a time towards graduation. After that focus on the next step going to SOI. Good luck.

Sir yes sir drill SGT.

As my Cousin who was a Major told me "Keep your ears open and your mouth zipped."

Pay attention, do what you're told, when you're told and nothing except what you're told. Do not stand out. You do not want them to have a reason to single you out. My experience on Paris Island in 1982 was almost exactly like the movie Full Metal Jacket, except they were not that nice to us.
Mental toughness will get you through. Nothing that happens there is personal, they do not hate you, no matter how much it seems like it.

Pull ups, sit ups/crunches, run.
Learn/ practice doing what you’re told, when you’re told, the way you’re told.
That’s pretty much it.

Not a Marine, but I think the same logic applies.

My Recruiter back in the day said only one thing: when you first arrive, you'll probably be like 'why did I do this' or 'I want to go back home'. All you have to do is get through the first couple weeks and everything after that will progressively get better.

First things first.
Improve your your fitness, knowledge, and mental preparation. I'm not listing in a specific order.
Physical endurance is key on the PT side, don't kill yourself. You want to show up READY, not recovering from some bull mess overkill.
Simple knowledge. General orders and rank structure. Small things of that sort will help more than you think. All the small knowledge stuff is out there. Don't show up uninformed, you really have no excuse these days.
YOU WILL be messed with mentally. Know it's coming. Some of it won't make sense. Some of it won't make sense until realize the purpose. I'm not f#&cking with you. Don't think it's just all right of passage. Once you get to the FMF boot camp is the easiest thing you've ever done.

IMMEDIATE OBEDIENCE TO ORDERS.
SPEED, VOLUME, AND INTENSITY.