What advice do you have on getting in shape and things to do to be better prepared for Recruit Training?

Rhys Nelson — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 21:45:06 -0400

Hey everyone! I started talking to the Marine Corps Recruiters and I am planning on enlisting in the Marine Corps. I'm just looking for some advice on getting in shape and things to do to be better prepared for Recruit Training. Any advice?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2020 9:52 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 21:52:03 -0400

get strong: deadlift and pull-ups. get fast: run sprints. don't quit. the MC hates quitters. So does Chest Puller, St. Mattis and Jesus.

Response by CPT Griff Tatum made Jun 10 at 2020 9:53 PM

CPT Griff Tatum — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 21:53:22 -0400

First, thank you for your ambition to continue service. I would say physical training might be your number one priority just to get on the right foot unless you are doing so already. However, you can never get enough. I know that I wish I could get back to my basic training scores. Additionally, I would work on your professional knowledge of the Military and corresponding core values. Even if you do not want to make a career out of it, it will set you leaps and bounds ahead of your civilian peers if taken with pride. Read some leadership books before you go, not to lead others, but yourself first. My personal favorite: John C. Maxwell's five levels of leadership. It was the first book given to me by my commander of my first unit. It made a long lasting impression and has made the difference in how I look at, treat, and interact with others, as the Military is all about people ultimately trying to achieve common goals. Lastly, figure out what you want to do after/ during the Military such as college or a trade, or any lifelong career that will set you up for life. Nonetheless, use what you learn in the Military for good and change your community and nation no matter how small. Good luck and reach out if you need anything!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2020 10:07 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 22:07:04 -0400

Rhys Nelson lose excess weight if you need to. Pushups, situps, pullups, running. Being in good physical shape will help. In Boot Camp, listen closely and be observant. Be squared away and put forth your maximum effort. Quitting is not an option. The training is meant to be strenuous to prepare you for combat. Earning the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, along with the title of Marine is worth the effort. The military is like the civilian world in that you get back what you put in. Good luck on new challenges and adventures.

Response by SGT Jose Cartagena made Jun 11 at 2020 12:23 PM

SGT Jose Cartagena — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 12:23:28 -0400

Focus on body weight exercises especially Pull-Ups. Dont worry about getting all muscular or maxing out on your bench, you will never bench anything in bootcamp. Run run run and run some more. Run a lot, that will be your next major focus since before going to boot camp you have to pass your IST, which is a physical fitness test that your recruiter will conduct that will make you eligible to ship. This physical fitness test will consist of pull-ups from starting from the dead hang position. Max Crunches in two minutes. An a timed 1.5 mile run. Big thing make sure you know your General Orders before you go to boot camp. It will save you ass in the beautiful 3 months you spend on the depot. Marine Corps is made to be tough. If everyone could join it wouldn't be the Marines. Hope this helped also your recruiter should be able to answer any questions you may have,

Response by SSgt John Wise made Jun 12 at 2020 10:45 AM

SSgt John Wise — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 10:45:42 -0400

Not sure if recruiters do this anymore; however, when I was on recruiting duty I held meetings every week and helped all my poolees get into shape. Yes, we practiced the IST every week to ensure all knew what was to come.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2020 8:44 AM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 08:44:35 -0400

Put on as much muscle as possible cause your going to lose all of it

Response by Sgt James S. made Aug 20 at 2020 12:24 AM

Sgt James S. — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 00:24:12 -0400

General advice would be to give up soda (you won't get it at boot camp anyway), quit using tobacco (if applicable--again, you won't get it at boot camp anyway), drink plenty of water, eat right, and start exercising according to your current physical condition and go from there. Look at the current standards for the USMC PFT and identify what you need to improve: https://www.military.com/military-fitness/marine-corps-fitness-requirements/usmc-pft-charts
You'll need to be able to achieve a minimum passing score on each aspect in order to avoid being sent to a physical conditioning platoon and extending your time in basic training.

USMC PFT Score Charts

The following are the detailed score charts for both male and female Marine's for each PFT event.

Response by Sgt James S. made Aug 20 at 2020 12:42 AM

Sgt James S. — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 00:42:52 -0400

Unrelated to physical fitness, but if you haven't already enlisted, see if the USMC has funds left this year for enlistment bonuses/incentives. Incentive funds are usually gone by now, so you are likely to get a better deal by waiting until the new fiscal year starts in October. Don't sign up for more than a 4-year contract, regardless. You want to be able to get any re-enlistment bonus sooner rather than later.

If you're going to Parris Island for boot camp, then I'd also suggest requesting Delayed Entry and starting in February or March unless you really like the heat, humidity, and swarms of sand fleas. It does get chilly there in February, but it's warm enough by the time you're actually doing major time in the field later in training--and come graduation in May, it's already plenty hot and the sand fleas are out in force.