Honestly I'm most scared about the beginning. A few Marines have told me that's the worst part. But after a week you get used to the routine and all the yelling and it basically becomes normal.
I went in on Aug 18, 1968. The first 2 weeks were the worst but after that you get used to it all and I started to enjoy how I was learning and adapting. At the end of boot camp in Parris Island I felt such a high of accomplishment it’s hard to describe. That feeling has stayed with me for 55 years. Semper Fi
Yep. I went in jan 1973. just missed vietnam. But the the first two weeks are called "receiving" theb t-1 starts (training day 1) its two weeks of hell
I went in in 68 at 17. Being a wise guy I got called out for something really stupid. After that I had a target on my forehead straight through from extra day of 8 hours pt trying to knock me out. I adjusted my attitude and took everything they threw at me. I refused to fail and did not fail. 2 tours in Nam and then got out. USMC changed my life and I never looked back. Adapt. 100 %.
Thank for your post, I keep watching these YT videos and think how stupid; shouting and running, etc, Duh I did boot camp, and continued in the Forces, different country. Just the way you said it made me realise no wonder I find these "first few days" videos annoying, after a few weeks you need to separate from the work and go to the happy zone. Important for POW training and other activities the "brass" can find. I am 58 years old and training was 40 years ago, I was just looking out the window yesterday and could still hear the shells falling on the cement and steel; machine guns.
I joined the US Navy Oct. 18,1971. My boot camp was in San Diego, Ca. My company was #356 with 65 recruits. We didn’t lose any recruits but we gained 1. He wasn’t passing the test given to him because he didn’t read well. Our recruit petty officers helped him learn to read much better by giving him playboy magazines.
How can anything with almost 90% completion rate be that hard. Keep your mouth shut. Do what you're told. Give it your best. The DIs won't let you fail. It's not like Air Force Para rescue school with an 85% attrition rate or Navy SEALS BUDs with a 75% attrition rate.
1980, Parris Island, Platoon 1044. Started with 94 recruits. Finished with 47 Marines. Also, if memory serves me correctly, 15 of the 47 were recycled back to us from other platoons. That left us with 32 original members. 88% may apply today, but not when I went through. If 88% is true now….the standard has been compromised. Semper Fi!
Don't forget the Coast Guard. They take only 17% of the guys who sign up. They are a great organization and very selective. Fun too. You get to motor around in the ocean in a Coast Guard Cutter and save lives. If I had to do it all over again, I'd probably join the Coast Guard.
I’ll be at almost 6 years in August and lemme tell you the first month of boot camp is the hardest once you get past the first month, it progressively gets easier over time. Just keep your head up, sound off, and move fast. You’ll be fine
Yeah I agree, we lost like 15-20 people from our platoon that either got dropped or got out. But pretty much all of them were in the first month. After that, mostly everyone finished if they made it that far
@@simeon_kurosky the last month is the easiest part because the DI’s will slowly back off as long as you move fast, sound off and do what you’re told to do at the moment
It’s been 53 years since I went to MCRD-SD, and stood on the yellow footprints. 1969-73. I remember like it was yesterday. I distinctly remember feeling sad that Boot Camp was ending; actually sad, because I knew who to survive there. It helps a great deal to have a constant internal dialogue with yourself when the SHTF, center yourself, as the DI’s are all into your shit. It is very calming. Remain in control at all times. Never get angry inside, at fellow maggots who are holding you back and causing extra PT or other punishment. Realize that they are trying their best, just like you. In fact, befriend them, help them. The DI’s will notice. They notice everything. Maybe not right away, but they will notice your leadership skills. Semper Fi.
1. Arrive at MCRD in the best shape you can achieve. 2. Keep your mouth shut and eyes straight ahead. 3. Do not anticipate any command but when ordered, immediately perform to the best of your ability. 4. Always remember the Drill Instructors are professionals and are following orders thus do not take any hazing personally. 5. Boot Camp is temporary, it will end, make the most of it, you signed the contract you were not drafted so toughen yourself and man-up. There is more but: be a man, be a Marine. Sgt. C. Turcotte USMC
I entered boot camp 60 years ago this past July and I have never regretted my time in the Corps. Just remember there’s a reason we are called: The Few The Proud. Finish boot camp and serve your time and you will always have the pride of being a U S Marine.
The best advice I could give anyone is to get in the shape before you go in. And start getting up early in the morning 5:00 a.m. and do what they say and you'll be okay.I almost forgot don't talk back you'll lose every time.
I was a Vietnam Corpsman in 68 , but I'm here because my grandson is currently in boot camp at Parris island. He is a strong and great kid, I know he'll make it!
Still pretty high completion rate. But then your average recruit is some 18-20yeqr old who hadn't done much and the marines have to make it hard enough to make them feel they accomplished something. That confidence is a valuable part of success. You have to believe you can do it and if you made boot camp, you can do anything attitude.
@@Deathadder90 Nearly a quarter of the enlistees not making it thru bootcamp is low? Talk to a recruiter and see what he thinks about that. I had a friend who had been a recruiter I ran into in Staff Academy and I asked him how was his time. He said his day always started with a call from the major cussing him out. Recruiting was easy when I joined in the early '80s. Not so later on and probably worse today.
Veteran Marine for 26 years and former DI. My soul mission as a 3rd or 4th hat (the Drill instructors below the strong j/ or Senior) was only to get after recruits. Complete and total emotional, mental and physical stress 24/7. Our mission was attrition thats it. We reinforced the teaching and instruction of the j and senior and absolute discipline always. And we were very good at it as most DI's are. To help you through this you have to just make sure you keep focused on the end. It will end and thousands have gone before you. One day, one moment at a time. And remember of those thousands who have gone before you they were just like you. When you make it you must also remember you have a long and historical legacy to uphold. I felt it and you will also.
It’s true that “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”. Eye on the prize and your only enemy is your own mind! Thank you for your service and the sacrifices you have made Brother.
@@brandonmorgan5516 the heavy is normally the DI who teaches the most and is in line to be a senior DI the next cycle. There are normally 4 DI's, (Senior, Heavy or strong J, and kill hats). Senior is responsible for the overall mission of training the recruits and ensuring the wellbeing of the recruits and the DI's. Heavy or Strong J is the DI who teaches the most, and the remainder are the kill hats who's job is only to discipline recruits all day every day.
Wow! Times have changed since my tour in the Marine Corps. A lot of tests. I went through Marine Corps boot camp in late 60's. The movie 'Full Metal Jacket" was a mirror image of my boot camp experience. I made it through. I never seen anyone get kicked out of boot camp. Only when they went UA or successfully committed suicide.
I agree on the "Full Metal Jacket" analogy, went through 50 years ago and got hit numerous times. I was extremely fit and ended up with highest PFT score for the Series, being in great physical shape is a plus, but mentally tough is probably the most important.
@donald8354 I think he's talking after you finish boot and you A school. Only way out is piss hot for drugs OR suicide. The latter of people think that's their only option when they hit that rock bottom of bad choices in the military.
Graduated from San Diego MCRD over 50 years ago. I was totally out of shape and could barely run a mile. Had a guy in my platoon who could not take it after about 5 weeks and slit his wrist. He was found bleeding to death behind one of the buildings. He was given first aid and transported back to the platoon "Hotel" (thats what we called the buildings we lived in while at MCRD) to our waiting and very pissed off DI (Platoon Commander). He was put on a gurney and wheeled into the squad bay where upon our DI unloaded on him and started screaming at him and totally trying to humiliate him. The DI grabbed his wrist and pointed out to the rest of us that if we were going to slit our wrists you slit up the arm not across the wrist. I stood there stunned at the verbal assault on that recruit's character. When the DI was finished screaming and yelling at him for being a coward, he had a straight jacket put on the recruit and yelled "Get this cowardice piece of shit out of my house"!!!!! I never saw that recruit again. Yes the physical part is tough especially if you are out of shape but the psychological part of it is even worse. They can't hit you anymore like was common place back in my day, they don't make wait for your DI outside of the chow hall while the recruits wait in the push up position on their knuckles. For all the crap I was forced to endure in boot camp, I am grateful for it and it served me well during my tour in Vietnam and the rest of my life. Thank you Marine Corps for forcing me to be the man I am today.
It's all a head game. We WANT people to quit. If they want to quit when they are warm and dry, they will quit on you when it's cold and wet. Weed out the non hackers asap.
Depending on your MOS boot camp is the easiest thing you will do in your MC experience. There are rules. In bootcamp. The hikes are longer the pts are harder. The field opps are harder. Everything is harder in the fleet
Facts - I thought that things would relax when I got out of ITS (I think it's called MCT or SOI now) only to find that the misery you experienced in boot camp were just short versions of everything you experience the "entire time" in the fleet. Nothing got easier ..... just the opposite.
@@lcpl.dickhead0311 just started talking to a recruiter and im studying for my asvab this friday and want to be an 0311 any advice for a future marine?
I spent over a year on Parris Island as a graduated Marine in a holding platoon. If you’re serious about it, you have to prepare. 1) Hike months before going to MCRD. This goes double for west coast. If you’re a couch potato, your bones won’t be conditioned and you can actually break your hip from the ruck marches, especially females. 2) study as much knowledge as you can BEFORE YOU GET THERE. I can’t tell you how many times I didn’t get smoked because I could recite knowledge I was supposed to. 3) everything is a competition. Get comfortable with competing.
this is the most valuable advice ... I've been working with my nephew preparing him for the Army Rangers, and just like you said ... he's been lifting weights, running, rucking ... getting his body ready so that the physical part of training will be much, much less of a shock than the others will have.
Amen. I was out of shape and was there an extra 2 months in what was called PCP. At that age I could have gotten into basic shape in maybe 6 weeks before. And don’t smoke. 5:52
We had a few guys get kicked out when I was at Parris Island in 2013! One guy lied to his recruiter about criminal charges, and since his charges were more serious (armed robbery if I recall correctly), they couldn't just give him a moral waiver so he got sent home. Another guy got sent home because he was stealing stuff out of people's footlockers and lied/denied it to the DIs once they figured out what was going on. We had 2 people get the axe for failure to adapt, but those are two separate, longer stories I'm sure you guys don't want to hear 😆 But anyway, great videos. Keep it up! 🙏
I signed up to become a marine. I’d be lying if i said i wasn’t nervous or even a little scared but i want to earn that feeling of accomplishment and make my family proud but most of all i want to make myself proud and show myself i can do what it takes to become a marine
You’re going to be miserable. You’re using the marine corps. You’re using it to impress others, who are merely placating your sense of accomplishment. 5 months after graduating and impressing your friends and family, the rest of the world doesn’t care. Except for other marines who think like you do.
I went through PI back in the late 90's. Our platoon started around 90 and graduated around 50. Our biggest drop reason was failure to adapt via "This recruit refuses to train." You belt that out around some brass and you never saw that platoon again. I hated my DI's, and I hated the other guys in my platoon, I kept my head down and out of as much trouble as they tried to get me in. I hated being there, and wasn't going to stay a minute longer if I could help it. The rest of my time in the Corps wasn't too bad, I even reenlisted once. I would have stayed longer, but it was for the best we went our separate ways. "Miss the monkeys, not the circus." IYKYK
@Hme-t8rnot a matter of “allowed that” but in reality, if someone refuses to train, what can they really do? If someone doesn’t want to be there, why would you want them there?
@Hme-t8r I’m not sure it’s “this generation” since there were people who had been kicked out or quit during boot camp since it existed. Some people aren’t cut out for it. Better to have them removed than they go off to war and get themselves and other people killed.
Great video. I graduated from PI in 2005. Probably the worst time of my life at 18 years old hahaha. But I was able to get through it all and get to the fleet (29 palms of all places) and deploy to OIF a couple times and South Korea before I EAS’d. I think most important here, is when you hit on integrity. You can be the super star honor grad, or as dumb as they come, but integrity is just as paramount as safety IMO. Never lie.
Went to Parris Island August 1975 at 17 years old. In there with grown men but graduated PFC just hustled and did everything I was told. Boot camp was an experience I will never forget but proud to make it through. Semper Fi brothers!
@@derricksmoothy4392 no you literally can't FAIL. It's not a pass or fail thing. You signed a contract. It's now your job. You can make mistakes bad enough to be sepped out. You can get hurt or show the Drill Instructors that you actually can't complete the training, which you can also be separated for. Along with a few other circumstances that can get your contract voided or nullified. But you can't FAIL. It's not a try out.
this is precisely what I just mentioned not 5 min earlier. If you have drive and lack of direction, the DIs can work with that all day long. All you have to do is be "teachable". Nov 1983, M Co, Plt 3089.
It's a GAME you have to PLAY. Pay attention but don't overthink. Remember there is no "I" or "you" or pronouns. Don't take anything personal. Accept the fact that you will be made an example and must take one for the team occasionally, even if you did everything right, because you're part of a cohesive unit at all times. You must pull your own weight and be prepared to carry some extra when necessary. Remember that SMOOTH is FAST. So don't get into a panicking rush and turn that into sloppy because you're in a hurry. Follow orders and instructions without getting flustered by screaming and name calling. It's all just CULTURE SHOCK in the beginning, but that dissipates with each day. You will live from meal to meal and make sure you sh¡t when you can. The rest unfolds as you go attack the next task in front of you. Never quit. Misery always comes to an end before you're completely spent.
I went to PI when I was 21. Almost two years prior (1999) I was hospitalized with a heart infection (pericarditis and myocarditis). I didn’t tell my recruiter or MEPS. Reason why I didn’t tell them is because I got a clean bill of health from my PCP and I didn’t have to take penicillin shots or any kind of medication for the rest of my life. Moment of truth class came and I told them. Sent home after 3 weeks. Yes It was a major medical issue. It wasn’t a stubbed toe. I guess I thought I could fly under the radar. I tried the Navy after but they denied me because of the medical issue.
Everyone relax. You'll do just fine unless you're determined to fail. Even if you are physically injured to the point you can't carry on, I have seen guys get medically remediated until they were fit to continue. The Marine corps wants Marines. You will not be allowed to fail. Yes you will be sleepy and exhausted, and your body will hurt, but once the pain reaches a certain point it becomes your new normal. Everything else is mind games. Basic training is like high school - even if you were the valedictorian, that amounts to nothing when you move on. Just get it done, and then you're in the real Marine Corps. If anything, you'll be disappointed at how much less "hard" you are expected to be afterward.
Marine here, my boot camp was at Parris Island in 1976, which I revisited 20 years later and not much change by that time. Bottom line, pay attention to everything because everything they teach you has a great purpose and is useful in your time in the Marines. If you can, watch videos or read books so you can get an idea what too expect. Try to get in shape before going in, will be a big step in getting thru boot camp.
MCRD Parris Island, 1st Bn. A Co. Platoon 1008, Graduated 18 April 1979. I will be returning to PI this November for the first time since my graduation. My best friend's (Army) son is headed to PI in August, I will be going with his family to see him graduate. Once a Marine, Always a Marine! SEMPER FI Devil Dogs!
Went to boot camp in 77. Once you get past 2nd phase and start 3rd phase, you pretty much have it made. Ears open, mouth shut and listen! That discipline learned in the Corps, stays with you for life! My DI's, SSGT Pearson, SSGT Arbo, SGT Solar and CPL Dauchman. You never forget your DI's LOL.
I went to Parris Island Aug 14 1981. The toughest part was the first few weeks. Nobody in my platoon knew what to do in the beginning, or fellow recruits kept on f'ing up. Eventually we got used to the routine but still there were plenty of challenges. Even so, some recruits just couldn't hack it. They either got kicked out or "recycled" , that is , sent back to the beginning, day one. I was actually so afraid of making a mistake and being recycled. My best friend, developed a bad blister on our ICT forcemarch. I tried to carry him but they said no and he got recycled back. Anyhow, Semper Fi Brothers!
Not a marine, I was USCG, 1991. The scariest part of basic for me was knowing my general orders when asked and the chain of command. I always forgot the Commandants name😖 The yelling, screaming and head games didn't affect me after the way I was raised.
And you admit to that. The USCG is where draft-aged men went to hide during the Vietnam war. Having said that, being in the Coast Guard is pretty good duty if you can get in
@@tedd1091 I was in the Marine Corps 1980-87. Got out and became a Navy Chaplain. My 1st tour was with the Coast Guard on Governors Island in NYC. It was a GREAT assignment!
In 1972 the only guys kicked out were guys who tried to go “over the hill”. The quarterdeck and drunk drill instructors were going to make sure you would graduate. Even if you were physically weak like me you went to PCP like I did. I ended up doing 8 pull-ups after not even doing one. If you shot and qualified at 225 it trumped a lot of things I did wrong. I was hardheaded but I made it. I was a “shitbird” and there were guys worse than me that made it
The Marine Corps makes it really difficult to not graduate boot camp no matter what. If you fail just about anything at any point in boot camp (as mentioned in the video) you get dropped from your current platoon and get sent to another platoon that's a little behind your original platoon. But if you're not cutting it physically, or entered overweight and are not losing the weight fast enough you get dropped to PCP or the Physical Conditioning Platoon. My understanding is that in PCP you do nothing but PT and work out all day, you cease all other training until you've either lost enough weight and/or in good enough shape to do the humps and pass the PFT. Once you're out of PCP you then go to a new platoon that's at roughly the same point in the training cycle that your old platoon was. When I went in, I was determined that to not get dropped and I would not spend one day beyond the 13 weeks on MCRD. And that worked for me despite not being very athletic nor overly physically fit beyond what it took to qualify to join the Corps. I passed all of prac exams (super easy for me), passed rifle qual, and passed my PFT. Because I was determined to never get dropped I was able to graduate on time with my original platoon mates.
Barring illness or injury, or being an integrity violator, it's nearly impossible to get dropped. You can fail everything and they will push you through.
@@Lokigard While it is very difficult to actually fail recruit training, this doesn't mean that you will necessarily graduate on time in 13 weeks. It's fairly common for recruits to get dropped from their current platoon and sent to another platoon for failing something. If you're overweight and not losing it on schedule or are not hacking it physically you will be dropped and sent to PCP or the Physical Conditioning Platoon until you've lost the weight and/or in good enough shape, if you're seriously injured or get seriously ill you will be sent to Medical Rehabilitation platoon to recover, if you fail any test along the way you will be dropped to another platoon that's about to do thing you failed at. Regardless of the cause, if you get dropped you're not going back to your original platoon and you're not graduating on time. You'll graduate, of course, but it's going to be weeks later than you were originally supposed to have graduated.
@@Riceball01 - The only ones I ever saw get dropped were those who were dropped due to medical reasons (injuries and often pneumonia) and integrity violators. I think we did lose one from the platoon for UNQing at the rifle range and one or two from the company for failing swim qual 4. Never saw anyone get dropped for falling out of a hump, failing to climb a rope, being slow on the obstacle course, failing to complete an obstacle, etc. Hell, I missed out on rappelling totally due to rain, which was disappointing.
The hardest part for me in 1979 was just being the youngest guy in my platoon. I was 17 , everyone else was 18 and up. Besides that was my fear of heights , the stairway to heaven , the slide for life, and the repelling tower were my biggest obstacles to overcome
5:36 '' The academic tests are B.S. I had one D.I. claim that only 5 people in our 30ish person platoon passed the big ''Academic test'' and no names were given of who passed and no recruits were dropped. The only things that really matter is passing The Crucible if they still have it. The final PFT, the CFT and passing the rifle range and swim qual. Thats really the only things a person has to worry about. Everything else is pretty much just hard fluff
Interesting video. I was a DI from 1977 to 1979, and your reasons for discharge are spot on, though the "failure to adapt" at that time was the least used reason. I once had a recruit who had been in boot camp for almost a year, with 2 or 3 visits to CCP (Corrective Custody Platoon), and we picked him up after 6 month sentence at the Camp Pendleton brig--with 6 months forfeiture of pay and allowances. We finally got him kicked out just a few days before graduation, with 6-6-and a kick, but even that was being questioned. Kid just refused to get with the program.
PISC Plt 2213 Dec 77 MOS 7242 MASS-1, MASS-2 Det A, MACS-@, HMM-165 thought it was easy physically, but I kept expecting it to be like the Vietnam style boot camp, only it never appeared. Was the guide from forming day 1 till 1st week of 3rd phase, was told someone lied and said I hit him, yet I knew I was relieved because I was overstressing myself wanting to be perfect and get honor man. SDI told me I had honor man a week or two before and told me to relax a bit, I had it, so, because I was doing everything, assigning work details for each squad, helping everyone with EST's, I called the squad leaders and told them to take that over as a squad leader should. They all told me no. they refused to help privates with est's claiming they needed to study, too and insisted I keep doing it all. Even with dropping mail off on the way to morning mess hall. one was a former army, i kept asking what squad leader did in the army and is he doing that now as 3rd sqd leader? he got huffy I ended up having nightmares, loud ones, got relieved and became a normal pvt 1 week later, the SDI called each one in the hut, silence, they came out looking ashamed, and look at me the army guy spoke first, he gave me a sincere apology, I said something about helping next time but let it go, SDI came out of his hut, looked down the squadbay, said to me, guide, you ever see themovie the caine mutiny? i am aware if it sir, never watched. just dont go looking for strawberrys. I saw that movie 15 years later, i know exactly what he meant. he heard me ask for their help, heard them all refuse, said nothing, just watched. I wonder why, I always wanted to believe he wanted me to prove I could handle that type of issue and let it unfold. I still wish he took them to the woodshed the first time they refused, or, told me earlier to delegate authority. i could organize well, call out instructions but the squad leaders only watched and acted better than the other guys because of their position I lost out on honor man because of all that.
best advice I got was to pass everything the first time. I've been in for 10 years and I still follow that rule and it kept me out of so much bullshit.
I graduated boot camp at PI May of 1994! Was a tough but rewarding experience. The mental challenge is real and a large part of determining your success at boot camp is understanding this. I am so glad I went through this experience and can claim the title of US Marine!
It has been over 50 years since I went through OCS at Quantico via the PLC combined course. At halfway, I injured the arch on my left foot during the "Speed March Reaction Course" which was painful as hell. Every morning after that my left boot felt like it had a swollen painful apple at the bottom of my boot which made the second half of the course miserable. I did not want to start over later so I pressed on without saying anything so it never got a chance to heal while I was there. I did finish and make it through TBS and spent 4 years on active duty.
Simeon, great videos, man, and thank you for your continued service in the Marine Corps. I am retired Air Force and respect every branch of the service; my brother is Army, my one Uncle was USAF in the 1960’s, my paternal grandfather was a Marine in World War II and my maternal grandfather was in the then-Army Air Corps in 1940’s. Great video and Air Force BMT (Basic Military Training) and USMC boot camp are different but these things regarding reasons of troops flunking out of any military basic training. We had a guy leave the 2nd week of training over what I think was something “mental” because it was after we did a medical survey answering questions like if we were/are suicidal, homicidal, and etc. This was 1997 and can vaguely remember this….. Look like you like your Marine career and great videos!
In our first week in Lackland, we had two guy just disappear. The first guy was an obvious druggie going through withdrawal and he probably failed the pee in the bottle test on arrival night. Three MTIs got him out of the sack in the middle of the night on day 2 and he was just gone. In the other case, we went to morning chow and when we got back another bunk was empty. I saw him later when I was in casual awaiting tech school, and on detail at Wilford Hall. He was still on medical hold and had not re-entered basic training but was still in uniform doing gofer work there. I think he was a psyche case. Nobody officially told us anything about the two but, that was a wake up call for the rest of us that this was for real.
I went thru boot camp in San Diego in 1977. The hardest part was the first two weeks since you hadn't started your training days yet and you were still getting used to your drill instructors and the whole routine of boot camp. After two weeks, it was what it was and anyone who couldn't adapt should have joined the Navy. The physical fitness part was hard, but as long as you had normal intelligence, everything else was doable. Our knowledge tests were pretty simple, just memorizing Marine Corps history, general orders and assembly/disassembly of the M16. At the end of the day, boot camp was mostly just dealing with Marine Corps BOHICA.
I'll share some thoughts on honesty....... you spoke of the "moment of truth". When I applied for my first security clearance, I was curious about the expungement in a 1979 CDS case. The DoD application has a section on criminal history; you're supposed to disclose any and all felonies "even if expunged". I called state police, FBI, DEA, county police "Criminal Investigation Division" to ask what DoD might see of my history. My point was honesty; I didn't want to even attempt to slip through....... they were all REALLY cool, really wanting to help me do the right thing. I was forthcoming about the entire case. Our security chiefs asked me if I really want to go that distance, maybe rethink...... I respectfully declined. A security clearance is an award IMO. Honesty matters.
1st part staying awake was difficult for me. Then the lining up for 'vaccines' it's really a mental thing. Your body can do it if you try and better yourself. Some of the ones who fail have dad issues, like me. My dad wasn't their for me growing up and I didn't really know God that well so I had no mental strength but if you try you can get through it.
Good luck to your son. May 5th will come fast. Is your son shipping to Parris Island or San Diego? My little brother was supposed to ship on Monday 6 February, unfortunately I believe his weight is not to entry standards yet. On 6 January of this year I was honored to attend the graduation of MCRD PI 1st RTBN Alpha Company. A young man who is a family friend graduated with Platoon 1000.
Best mindset to make it through is just to take it one small moment at a time, for me i wasnt in the best shape so i was always thinking the next obstacle is going to be the one that sends me home and it went like that all the way till the reaper where i still had that doubt, but once you make it to the top you know you made it and all of that worry fades, you start to feel glad and proud that you actually f made it
I went in at 17 years old in January of 68. Before that, I had a high school friend that had a father that was in the Army. He was some high ranking sgt. He told me that the best way to get through Marine boot camp was to never forget that others did it before me. I always used that special comment to get me through anything I came across. As for the PCP thing, I believe that it was called Motivation Platoon back then. All but 3 that started finished as I recall. Plus, we picked up 2 that were pushed back.
You could be right about PCP, but as I recall (1970, MCRD SD), PCP was Physical Conditioning Platoon for those that were overweight/out of shape, and Motivation Platoon for those that had mental/emotional/attitude issues. Then again, it’s been a few years. Retired Major (Mustang, of course)
PCP aka Fat Farm was separate from Motivational Platoon aka Bad Attitude. One fine day while at Disneyland our Junior DI picked me and 3 others he thought would be sent there. Told us to run over to the PCP DI and tell him we were going to be visitors to his resort. He looked at us and said " I see you all have your belt buckles, that's a good thing so I can use them to beat your with them. Call it INSTANT MOTOVATION to keep me from going. It worked, I squeezed by my first test. 8 weeks (yes 8 weeks) I graduated. :-)
USMC Boot Camp 3 Phases: BREAK YOU DOWN - BUILD YOU UP - BECOME A MARINE!! I swore into the USMC Oct 1974. Went to PI in great shape from HS wrestling, never had a problem with physical training. I found the "mental part" to be interesting. Guys broke down crying from being yelled at or slapped / kicked around. Never understood that? It was not personal, the DI's were just adding stress to see if you could take it. Some could and some could not. Better off for them to break in Boot Camp rather than under fire! Enjoyed my time in and never regretted it. 33 year LE career after leaving the Corps and made rank of Captain. Always looked for former Marines during the hiring process. They stood out and understood discipline.
I did it in 1982-83. I hid all my injuries because I was afraid to get retreaded or maybe dropped completely. I would rather put up with the pain than to have to do it again.
I went through MCRD 1982 and people were breaking down under the Moment of Truth and getting tossed, don’t do it! I was certainly no angel before I enlisted and got into a few jams but none of that mattered, I did well and got an honorable RE-1A. However I wasn’t going to get a top security clearance, I tested well and they offered me the chance to change my contract and go into intelligence or Presidential support at Camp David and this required a top security clearance, they gave us a questionnaire that had some very personal questions like if you had ever had group sex, oral sex, homosexuality and the usual drug & arrest. They told us they will find out everything, they go and talk to your neighbors & high school teachers, open sealed juvenile record, said anything we told them wouldn’t leave that room and the questionnaire would be shredded in front of you. I told them about a DUI I got in college and that was the end of that.
Your exercise and dietary regimens have been successful, and you look like a 1950's movie star. I've been following your example by exercising and eating well, and, now, I'm more fit (and, it shows--I'm even tanned like you.) All this has helped me to meet certain health challenges even more successfully. I wonder if you're still in Alaska.
I have no clue what MC Bootcamp is like now. I spent New Year's Eve 1970/71 standing om the "yellow footprints" in San Diego (those who have been in the Marines know what the yellow footprints were...I guess they still have them). Anyway, back then, the average number of Marines that started in a platoon and finished bootcamp in that same platoon, was about 50%. I started out with 75 others in my platoon and of that number, only 33 of the original 75 graduated together. Many got "dropped" due to academic or physical inability. They would go to special platoons to improve their abilities and then rejoin another platoon that was at the same level as the one they were dropped from. Some were sent to the motivation platoon because they refused to "play the game". Some were discharged due to medical or hardship reasons. Some went AWOL and a few attempted suicide (only one successfully...he drank a bottle of gun cleaner). I also agree with some of the other comments made. The movie Full Metal Jacket was as close to the real thing as I have ever seen...but even it was somewhat toned down a bit. At least compared to what I went through. One thing about it though. Once you get to graduation, I cannot think of anything in my life that filled me with as much pride as I had that day. I MADE IT!
I graduated from MCRD San Diego in August 1966, deployed to Vietnam in 1967-68 during TET Offensive, and finished my four year enlistment at Camp Pendleton. After the Marine Corps went on to a career as a Firefighter. The Marine in me has gotten me through a lot in this life. Semper Fi.
Jesus Christ, boot camp has changed. Back in the 90's when I was in there was no getting out. There were 2 ways off PI graduate or body bag. There were people in my platoon who tried to get out and didn't because they didn't like getting screamed at by the DI's.
Personally to keep myself motivated and not to give up, I’ll tell myself mentally why I joined, use that as a basis to keep going and not give up. Even if it hurts I’ll use the pain. It might be beneficial that I am sort of a masochist so it means I want some form of pain! Call it pain tolerance. I plan to get my bachelors in criminology and go to the marine after college. I’m looking to graduate college in 2026. I look forward to bettering myself in the marines to earn the title.
I went through P.I. back in the early 70's during the end of the Viet Nam conflict. Besides getting off of the bus late at night (quickly I may add) and placing my feet at a 45 on a set of the yellow footprints, I do not remember my first 3 days at all and never in my wildest dreams did I realize I could wrap my arms around a fully loaded sea bag and hold it for as long as I needed to as I was so scared in having 5 D.I.'s screaming at the tops of their lungs over my shoulders and in my face; I didn't dare let it relax. I learned through my time at P.I. to respect and honor my D.I.'s; in doing so, it still wasn't easy but I did just fine... former Marine Corps Sgt. (Rick) Gary, Motor Transport.
OEF vet here, same thing for when I was in back in 2010. Good stuff, I’m glad not much has changed since. Don’t forget swimming btw, that can def break some guys off. It can even affect their MOS if they don’t pass a certain level too!
If you spend 180 days in recruit training (medical) you would no longer receive a separation but would get a DD-214 and for that reason if they feel your medical condition is treatable they will keep you.
I found your channel about a month ago and I find all of your advice really helpful I am trying my best to get my run time down because I ship off in a few weeks
I went into basic training with the Army in 1984 for the college money , I was 31 and in great shape . Long distance runner and I played Ice Hockey .There were four of us including a Vietnam Vet. , that were in our 30's . The mental part was the toughest. Listen to what they say , and do it ! I got used to the yelling ( I was a hockey captain and understand the need sometimes to yell ) . All of the old guys graduated . We had a young guy they recycled to the next training cycle because he could not adapt . They were across the parade ground from us . He did really good and was made a squad leader . I signed for three years and wound up doing ten years before I became a father at 44 and my priorities changed . I found out in those ten years why " Attention to Detail " is important , not only in the military but in civilian life . Because of that , I was able to save the life of a patient at a nursing home , I did security for , who got locked out of her facility . I loved the instructors who were around 25 years old , calling me son ! Just do what they say and don't take it personally . Remember we were all at the bottom and the cream rises .
Remember, your D.I. is there to see that you graduate. Like R. Lee Ermey said, "I will teach you." Additionally everyone should watch the movie, "The D.I." featuring Jack Webb from 1957.
I went through MCRD San Diego in 1966. The only things I knew about boot camp were from the movie, “The D.I.” Staring Jack Webb. I expected a little stress. But I was pretty much in shock with the actual amount stress they put on us, especially for the first month or so. If a person is in good shape physically, and is determined, they will probably be fine. Lessons learned in boot camp have served me well in life, including a 30 year career in Law Enforcement. Anyone who makes it through will always be grateful for the Drill Instructors, who forced them to do things they could have never done on their own. Just my take on this topic.
@@josephrochefort9989 lol…classic…I think the kindest thing we were ever called was animals…usually, maggots, pukes,dip shits, girls…funny now…not so much at the time…
For me the hardest part was the destruction of all my personal affects and then being water boarded with peanut butter powerbars, sent by my family, shoved down my throat... after that it was a cake walk
I did great in boot camp because I was young and dumb and didn’t know any different. So I just did what I was told. I did great with the physical activities, but some of the technical stuff (disassembly and assembly of weapon) I struggled with. After boot, I flew through Airborne school like a walk in the park.
I was one of those unsure young kids who was absolutely shocked by what I found at Boot Camp back in 1976. I wanted to get out so bad that I actually infected a blister on my ankle in hopes that it would get bad enough that they'd have to amputate my foot. I didn't want to be there at all. Then one afternoon, because I was on bedrest [ordered by a Navy Doctor] the DIs were putting the rest of the platoon through "special instruction" [mountain climbers, bends and thrusts, 8 count pushups, front straddle hops, etc.], as I lay there in my bunk I started to cry...I cried because I was not there with the rest of my platoon enduring that punishment...I cried because I was left out...I cried because I wasn't a part of the platoon anymore... I know how that sounds to civilians, but it's true. After that point I wanted to get better, recover, and become a part of what was going on. I wanted to BECOME a MARINE. I decided that I would accept whatever came my way. And after that, whenever there was a punishing episode of "corrective Physical Training", I would voice my usual; "Aw...fuck...goddamit...what did we do now?" But I'd go and do what I had to do, and I found that those episodes didn't seem to last that long. After a while, I got to a point that Boot Camp was no longer such a burden as it was a CHALLENGE. And from that point forward, I welcomed it.
The idea of getting tossed out of bootcamp and thus discharged from the military just flat didn’t exist when I went thru it in 1968. You signed up, you raised your hand, you said the oath, you served your enlistment. Period. If you failed any part of bootcamp, swimming, physical whatever, tests &c, you cycled thru again until you passed/qualified. Only the worst f@%k ups got bounced, and then with a general discharge or worse, and even then only after grinding thru hell a couple times. Yes, I know: bootcamp is tougher now than it was when there was a draft, but, damn, getting released from that contract for failing bootcamp‽ Jeesh. Unbelievable.
@@MrCyp200la Oh I run quite a bit actually. I'd say I'm a decent if not fantastic runner. My last IST run score was 11:12. Not a phenomenal score. But still passing
I enlisted January 1961 @17, I was 6' 2" @ 210. The first 3 weeks of 13 almost killed me. Played Football my entire 4-years of High School but was not prepared for Marine Corps basic training MCRD Paris Island SC. Graduated in April, I was 6' 4" 198. Don't mistake your conditioning going into the Marine Corps the moment you step of that bus you'll be wrong, you can test to that to this very day. Served 13-years left November '74 @ 30-years of age @ E7. I had no intentions of being a Drill Instructor, I'm 82 and feel I can relive every minute of it. The United States Marine Corps offers a physical fitness program 2nd to none and a lifelong experience you'll never forget. semper fi Mac.
I was leaving PI when you were getting there. Entered 7 days over 17 on the 30th of October, 1960. 2nd BTL PLT 299. Graduated Jan/1961. Stayed in for a long time, (27 yrs . Retired in 1987, Captain USMC!) Proudest time of my life going from the projects of PGH to earning the title United States Marine! Many tours in country during 60/75. Made my current life way more amazing than possible. Turning 81 this year and I would not change my history if you offered me a lot of money! I am very proud of my Marine Corps and the Marines we have molded today! Never pass a Marine without addressing them when you see them. We are not like the Army, Navy or AF. We are, and will always be Marines and recognizing our brothers is important! Carry on young Marines and make us old guys proud everyday! This is an honor you will carry to your graves! Semper Fi my brothers! OOOOHRAh!
I am a marine and graduated platoon 1065 in 1983 is a reason why they say "the few the proud" drill instructor job is to weed out the mentally and physically weak. It's simple if someone cannot handle what a fellow American is doing to them then they are definitely going to be a liability as to what an enemy of this country would do to them
I joined the Royal Australian Navy when I was fifteen and a half in 1967. No instructor screamed at as like these over the top “wankers” we respected the instructors as knowledgeable people. We entered the fleet a year later and were treated as men; and expected to act like it.
Boot camp was tough it’s what you need to learn respect, loyalty, and survival. I went in April 1968 went though boot camp, ITR, BITS and Staging arrived in Okinawa in October 60831 hours later, I put my boots on the ground in Vietnam, Boot Camp taught me loyalty friendship to have each other‘s back and I believe that’s why I survived my tour in Vietnam.
Truth, these 5 reasons are the same regardless if it's MCRD, USNRTC, ARMY, Air Force, or USCG or USSF even. I know this was for USMC, and I was in the Navy back in 1979, at USNRTCGL, but, while there developed pneumonia and my med file was rather thick from all the calls to sick bay and hospital. New recruits, listen up!
@@simeon_kurosky how long will a RE-3 discharged wavier to get a approved. I really wanna go back after my 4 more months are up. Im wondering if I’m gonna have to get all of the shots again if I can go back. I was in Echo CO platoon 2036 2nd battalion. I went to Parris island, SC
@@simeon_kurosky training wasn’t that bad I just snap after I got yelled at from something that my squad leader did. BTW where you at parris island in March, because I saw someone who looked like you.
@@simeon_kurosky training wasn’t that bad I just snap after I got yelled at from something that my squad leader did. BTW were you at parris island in March, because I saw someone who looked like you.
I went to Navy Boot Camp in 87. A lot of this was applicable even then. I saw guys older than me being sent home because they could not adjust. We even had a sleep-walker! Another issue that is probably the same is not accepting responsibility for your failures. Basic Training is designed to test the individual. When you fail a test or make a mistake, admit it, own it, and move on. Yes you will get smashed and smoked, but that is part of the test itself. Great video!
Duty on a Frigate vs Great Mistakes? Great Lakes was the easy part. Got a Expeditionary Medal instead of combat pay. Sometimes there those that want to blow the ship up. Then you pull into port with no beer. After 100 days of steaming circles. Anchor drops. Flight quarters. Hours into days of Condition Zebra.
When I went through PI in 2001 I had a plan. I simply bought my Drill Instructors gifts which consisted of baseball gloves and some balls. Upon meeting them at pickup I stood up and gave my SDI a hug and asked if he would be my friend. With a tear in his eye he said yes and the 4 of us went out back and proceeded to play catch. It was the happiest time of my life.
I went into Navy boot camp in 1990, a thousand years ago it seems; I was an older recruit, in my 20s, so I was a little more together, actually a lot more mature than when I graduated high school. I actually looked forward to basic training, going to Great Lakes, same place my dad and uncles went, I was continuing a family tradition. Whenever a Company Commander would get in my face and scream and yell, I thought it was sooooo cool, maybe like my father was looking down from Heaven with a bit of pride...I had to suppress the impulse to smile or laugh. Aside from the swim test, I thought the physical demands, training, were kind of light weight, but that's just me. The one and only thing I absolutely hated about boot camp was the fact that none of the toilettes had doors, and when they were running us around ragged, and brought us inside the barracks to "pump them and dump them," we had to stand in line to take a dump. I just hated having to be seated on the throne, trying to finish my business, with twenty-five guys staring at me, waiting to take their turn, talk about "performance anxiety!" Thank God the bathrooms, I mean the heads, were a whole lot nicer in the fleet.
The fastest way out is to graduate. Get real with why you are there. The homesickness will past. You'll get used to getting yelled at. You'll get used to being tired. Live chow to chow. Don't count your days. Your DI's will not quit on you, even after you quit on yourself.
MCRD San Diego 6/7/99 to 9/3/99 (my 19th birthday). Best birthday present I ever got. My mom's oldest brother told me to keep my mouth closed and go as hard and fast as I can, and if I graduation and they don't know who I was, I did good. On my graduation day my mom asked my Sr. Drill instructor how I was, and he said, " fine just fine." My mom told me he face went blank.
What part of Bootcamp scares you the most?? 😳 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you enjoyed the video! 😀
Honestly I'm most scared about the beginning. A few Marines have told me that's the worst part. But after a week you get used to the routine and all the yelling and it basically becomes normal.
@@yakkothedrillinstructor9052 exactly, it’s tough to get used to. I hated the beginning. No privacy and extremely uncomfortable, but it all passed.
@@yakkothedrillinstructor9052 passes*
Simeon you are awesome man.
@@a.4chanuser thank you 🙏
I went in on Aug 18, 1968. The first 2 weeks were the worst but after that you get used to it all and I started to enjoy how I was learning and adapting. At the end of boot camp in Parris Island I felt such a high of accomplishment it’s hard to describe. That feeling has stayed with me for 55 years. Semper Fi
Ty for your service devildog! Did you have to deploy to nam?
August 8, 1968. Totally agree with your observation. Semper Fi
Yep. I went in jan 1973. just missed vietnam. But the the first two weeks are called "receiving" theb t-1 starts (training day 1) its two weeks of hell
I went in in 68 at 17. Being a wise guy I got called out for something really stupid. After that I had a target on my forehead straight through from extra day of 8 hours pt trying to knock me out. I adjusted my attitude and took everything they threw at me. I refused to fail and did not fail. 2 tours in Nam and then got out. USMC changed my life and I never looked back. Adapt. 100 %.
Thank for your post, I keep watching these YT videos and think how stupid; shouting and running, etc, Duh I did boot camp, and continued in the Forces, different country. Just the way you said it made me realise no wonder I find these "first few days" videos annoying, after a few weeks you need to separate from the work and go to the happy zone. Important for POW training and other activities the "brass" can find. I am 58 years old and training was 40 years ago, I was just looking out the window yesterday and could still hear the shells falling on the cement and steel; machine guns.
Failure is not an option. If you want to be a Marine.
True 💯
…or a trapeze artist.
Who want's to be a marine?
@@olafborkner knot ewe, of coarse…
@@olafborknerme
Air Force has a 94 percent completion rate, Navy is 91 percent. Army 90 percent Marines 88 percent. If you want it bad enough you will accomplish it.
I think we started with a platoon of 78, and finished with about 48 of our original recruits back in '76.
I joined the US Navy Oct. 18,1971. My boot camp was in San Diego, Ca. My company was #356 with 65 recruits. We didn’t lose any recruits but we gained 1. He wasn’t passing the test given to him because he didn’t read well. Our recruit petty officers helped him learn to read much better by giving him playboy magazines.
How can anything with almost 90% completion rate be that hard. Keep your mouth shut. Do what you're told. Give it your best. The DIs won't let you fail. It's not like Air Force Para rescue school with an 85% attrition rate or Navy SEALS BUDs with a 75% attrition rate.
1980, Parris Island, Platoon 1044. Started with 94 recruits. Finished with 47 Marines. Also, if memory serves me correctly, 15 of the 47 were recycled back to us from other platoons. That left us with 32 original members. 88% may apply today, but not when I went through. If 88% is true now….the standard has been compromised. Semper Fi!
Don't forget the Coast Guard. They take only 17% of the guys who sign up. They are a great organization and very selective. Fun too. You get to motor around in the ocean in a Coast Guard Cutter and save lives. If I had to do it all over again, I'd probably join the Coast Guard.
I’ll be at almost 6 years in August and lemme tell you the first month of boot camp is the hardest once you get past the first month, it progressively gets easier over time. Just keep your head up, sound off, and move fast. You’ll be fine
Yeah I agree, we lost like 15-20 people from our platoon that either got dropped or got out. But pretty much all of them were in the first month. After that, mostly everyone finished if they made it that far
@@simeon_kurosky the last month is the easiest part because the DI’s will slowly back off as long as you move fast, sound off and do what you’re told to do at the moment
It’s been 53 years since I went to MCRD-SD, and stood on the yellow footprints. 1969-73. I remember like it was yesterday. I distinctly remember feeling sad that Boot Camp was ending; actually sad, because I knew who to survive there.
It helps a great deal to have a constant internal dialogue with yourself when the SHTF, center yourself, as the DI’s are all into your shit. It is very calming. Remain in control at all times. Never get angry inside, at fellow maggots who are holding you back and causing extra PT or other punishment. Realize that they are trying their best, just like you. In fact, befriend them, help them. The DI’s will notice. They notice everything. Maybe not right away, but they will notice your leadership skills.
Semper Fi.
@@simeon_kuroskywhat makes them boot someone out?
@@sithe7577 what company where you in? It's been 6 for me too well last December made 6! Delta Company Platoon 1008 RAH!
1. Arrive at MCRD in the best shape you can achieve. 2. Keep your mouth shut and eyes straight ahead. 3. Do not anticipate any command but when ordered, immediately perform to the best of your ability. 4. Always remember the Drill Instructors are professionals and are following orders thus do not take any hazing personally. 5. Boot Camp is temporary, it will end, make the most of it, you signed the contract you were not drafted so toughen yourself and man-up. There is more but: be a man, be a Marine. Sgt. C. Turcotte USMC
Great advice. SF 3048 1981
I sent my child to a personal trainer for nine months.
Or be a woman, be an adult woman.
@@charlesturcotte4448 TRUE!!
I entered boot camp 60 years ago this past July and I have never regretted my time in the Corps. Just remember there’s a reason we are called: The Few The Proud. Finish boot camp and serve your time and you will always have the pride of being a U S Marine.
Did the same 60 yrs age come August, 2nd Trn Battalion ..OOORAH!!
The best advice I could give anyone is to get in the shape before you go in. And start getting up early in the morning 5:00 a.m. and do what they say and you'll be okay.I almost forgot don't talk back you'll lose every time.
I was a Vietnam Corpsman in 68 , but I'm here because my grandson is currently in boot camp at Parris island. He is a strong and great kid, I know he'll make it!
Thank you for your service and your grandson will come back home with a whole new level of respect for Navy corpsmen .....
Semper Fi Doc.
Doc, thank you for your service. Navy corpsmen, nurses and doctors saved my life at NSA DaNang in Feb of 70. You ROCK.
@@fredrickmillstead2804 Camp Tien Sha 68 , amazing we're still here !
@@hellskitchen10036 yeah, we made it and so many others didn't, that sucks.
It sucks because you never wanna see someone fail. But if something like USMC boot camp doesn’t have a decent drop rate, than it isn’t hard enough.
When I was a drill instructor late '90s the separation rate on the West coast was 22 percent and 26 percent on the East coast.
Still pretty high completion rate. But then your average recruit is some 18-20yeqr old who hadn't done much and the marines have to make it hard enough to make them feel they accomplished something. That confidence is a valuable part of success. You have to believe you can do it and if you made boot camp, you can do anything attitude.
The interesting fact is that 75% of Marines leave after the first hitch. Is that because earning the title is enough and Marines don’t stay in?
@@84Actionjack Separation rate being the amount of people not making it until the end?
22% is very low if that's the case.
@@Deathadder90 Nearly a quarter of the enlistees not making it thru bootcamp is low? Talk to a recruiter and see what he thinks about that. I had a friend who had been a recruiter I ran into in Staff Academy and I asked him how was his time. He said his day always started with a call from the major cussing him out. Recruiting was easy when I joined in the early '80s. Not so later on and probably worse today.
Veteran Marine for 26 years and former DI. My soul mission as a 3rd or 4th hat (the Drill instructors below the strong j/ or Senior) was only to get after recruits. Complete and total emotional, mental and physical stress 24/7. Our mission was attrition thats it. We reinforced the teaching and instruction of the j and senior and absolute discipline always. And we were very good at it as most DI's are. To help you through this you have to just make sure you keep focused on the end. It will end and thousands have gone before you. One day, one moment at a time. And remember of those thousands who have gone before you they were just like you. When you make it you must also remember you have a long and historical legacy to uphold. I felt it and you will also.
Thank you so much for your service ❤❤❤❤
It’s true that “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”. Eye on the prize and your only enemy is your own mind! Thank you for your service and the sacrifices you have made Brother.
What’s the difference between the heavy and kill hat ?
@@brandonmorgan5516 the heavy is normally the DI who teaches the most and is in line to be a senior DI the next cycle. There are normally 4 DI's, (Senior, Heavy or strong J, and kill hats). Senior is responsible for the overall mission of training the recruits and ensuring the wellbeing of the recruits and the DI's. Heavy or Strong J is the DI who teaches the most, and the remainder are the kill hats who's job is only to discipline recruits all day every day.
Wow! Times have changed since my tour in the Marine Corps. A lot of tests. I went through Marine Corps boot camp in late 60's. The movie 'Full Metal Jacket" was a mirror image of my boot camp experience. I made it through. I never seen anyone get kicked out of boot camp. Only when they went UA or successfully committed suicide.
I agree on the "Full Metal Jacket" analogy, went through 50 years ago and got hit numerous times. I was extremely fit and ended up with highest PFT score for the Series, being in great physical shape is a plus, but mentally tough is probably the most important.
I went to MCRD San Diego in '66. "Full Metal Jacket" was only about 1/4 of what we went through.
Why would people commit suicide in Marine boot.?
@donald8354 I think he's talking after you finish boot and you A school.
Only way out is piss hot for drugs OR suicide.
The latter of people think that's their only option when they hit that rock bottom of bad choices in the military.
My dad went through boot camp in 66. He said it was worse than FMJ. He said they literally beat the shit out of you.
Semper Fi my brother. Great advice, never quit, never give up and always give 110% and you'll be fine.
Graduated from San Diego MCRD over 50 years ago. I was totally out of shape and could barely run a mile. Had a guy in my platoon who could not take it after about 5 weeks and slit his wrist. He was found bleeding to death behind one of the buildings. He was given first aid and transported back to the platoon "Hotel" (thats what we called the buildings we lived in while at MCRD) to our waiting and very pissed off DI (Platoon Commander). He was put on a gurney and wheeled into the squad bay where upon our DI unloaded on him and started screaming at him and totally trying to humiliate him. The DI grabbed his wrist and pointed out to the rest of us that if we were going to slit our wrists you slit up the arm not across the wrist. I stood there stunned at the verbal assault on that recruit's character. When the DI was finished screaming and yelling at him for being a coward, he had a straight jacket put on the recruit and yelled "Get this cowardice piece of shit out of my house"!!!!! I never saw that recruit again. Yes the physical part is tough especially if you are out of shape but the psychological part of it is even worse. They can't hit you anymore like was common place back in my day, they don't make wait for your DI outside of the chow hall while the recruits wait in the push up position on their knuckles. For all the crap I was forced to endure in boot camp, I am grateful for it and it served me well during my tour in Vietnam and the rest of my life. Thank you Marine Corps for forcing me to be the man I am today.
It's all a head game. We WANT people to quit. If they want to quit when they are warm and dry, they will quit on you when it's cold and wet. Weed out the non hackers asap.
Depending on your MOS boot camp is the easiest thing you will do in your MC experience. There are rules. In bootcamp. The hikes are longer the pts are harder. The field opps are harder. Everything is harder in the fleet
Very true! 💯
Yep I made the very smart decision to join the infantry now I miss boot camp atleast I get to drink tho
Facts - I thought that things would relax when I got out of ITS (I think it's called MCT or SOI now) only to find that the misery you experienced in boot camp were just short versions of everything you experience the "entire time" in the fleet. Nothing got easier ..... just the opposite.
@@lcpl.dickhead0311 just started talking to a recruiter and im studying for my asvab this friday and want to be an 0311 any advice for a future marine?
(Laughs in Air Wing)
If you show excessive health issues, you will get pushed out the door. Liability is the obvious reason.
I spent over a year on Parris Island as a graduated Marine in a holding platoon. If you’re serious about it, you have to prepare. 1) Hike months before going to MCRD. This goes double for west coast. If you’re a couch potato, your bones won’t be conditioned and you can actually break your hip from the ruck marches, especially females. 2) study as much knowledge as you can BEFORE YOU GET THERE. I can’t tell you how many times I didn’t get smoked because I could recite knowledge I was supposed to. 3) everything is a competition. Get comfortable with competing.
this is the most valuable advice ... I've been working with my nephew preparing him for the Army Rangers, and just like you said ... he's been lifting weights, running, rucking ... getting his body ready so that the physical part of training will be much, much less of a shock than the others will have.
Amen. I was out of shape and was there an extra 2 months in what was called PCP.
At that age I could have gotten into basic shape in maybe 6 weeks before.
And don’t smoke. 5:52
@@stevenbustamante6946 PCP ... aka "pork chop platoon"
@@rarelibra it was PCP “strength” thank God.
@@stevenbustamante6946 "strength"?
We had a few guys get kicked out when I was at Parris Island in 2013! One guy lied to his recruiter about criminal charges, and since his charges were more serious (armed robbery if I recall correctly), they couldn't just give him a moral waiver so he got sent home. Another guy got sent home because he was stealing stuff out of people's footlockers and lied/denied it to the DIs once they figured out what was going on. We had 2 people get the axe for failure to adapt, but those are two separate, longer stories I'm sure you guys don't want to hear 😆
But anyway, great videos. Keep it up! 🙏
I want to hear
What the hell you stealing a recruits sock? Lol some stamps
I went through Marine Corps boot camp successfully and yes it was very hard but it was a very rewarding experience after it all.
I signed up to become a marine. I’d be lying if i said i wasn’t nervous or even a little scared but i want to earn that feeling of accomplishment and make my family proud but most of all i want to make myself proud and show myself i can do what it takes to become a marine
You’re going to be miserable. You’re using the marine corps. You’re using it to impress others, who are merely placating your sense of accomplishment. 5 months after graduating and impressing your friends and family, the rest of the world doesn’t care. Except for other marines who think like you do.
How did it go? 7 months later did you get in?
I went through PI back in the late 90's. Our platoon started around 90 and graduated around 50. Our biggest drop reason was failure to adapt via "This recruit refuses to train." You belt that out around some brass and you never saw that platoon again. I hated my DI's, and I hated the other guys in my platoon, I kept my head down and out of as much trouble as they tried to get me in. I hated being there, and wasn't going to stay a minute longer if I could help it.
The rest of my time in the Corps wasn't too bad, I even reenlisted once. I would have stayed longer, but it was for the best we went our separate ways. "Miss the monkeys, not the circus." IYKYK
@Hme-t8rnot a matter of “allowed that” but in reality, if someone refuses to train, what can they really do? If someone doesn’t want to be there, why would you want them there?
@Hme-t8r I’m not sure it’s “this generation” since there were people who had been kicked out or quit during boot camp since it existed. Some people aren’t cut out for it. Better to have them removed than they go off to war and get themselves and other people killed.
Great video. I graduated from PI in 2005. Probably the worst time of my life at 18 years old hahaha. But I was able to get through it all and get to the fleet (29 palms of all places) and deploy to OIF a couple times and South Korea before I EAS’d. I think most important here, is when you hit on integrity. You can be the super star honor grad, or as dumb as they come, but integrity is just as paramount as safety IMO. Never lie.
Very true 💯
yes dont lie but also dont snitch on other recruits over petty shit, good way to get rekt by a lock in a boot sock at 0200
Went to Parris Island August 1975 at 17 years old. In there with grown men but graduated PFC just hustled and did everything I was told. Boot camp was an experience I will never forget but proud to make it through. Semper Fi brothers!
I was there August 1974 too! Platoon 370, Semper Fi
PFC out of boot camp was a great accomplishment
You can't FAIL MC Boot Camp. Do what you're told, fast and loud, and absorb what's being taught.
You can fail at anything 🤨🤨🤨
@@derricksmoothy4392 no you literally can't FAIL. It's not a pass or fail thing. You signed a contract. It's now your job. You can make mistakes bad enough to be sepped out. You can get hurt or show the Drill Instructors that you actually can't complete the training, which you can also be separated for. Along with a few other circumstances that can get your contract voided or nullified. But you can't FAIL. It's not a try out.
this is precisely what I just mentioned not 5 min earlier. If you have drive and lack of direction, the DIs can work with that all day long. All you have to do is be "teachable". Nov 1983, M Co, Plt 3089.
@@W1ckedRcL 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾😶😶😶
with that attitude you will for sure@@derricksmoothy4392
It's a GAME you have to PLAY.
Pay attention but don't overthink.
Remember there is no "I" or "you" or pronouns.
Don't take anything personal. Accept the fact that you will be made an example and must take one for the team occasionally, even if you did everything right, because you're part of a cohesive unit at all times. You must pull your own weight and be prepared to carry some extra when necessary.
Remember that SMOOTH is FAST.
So don't get into a panicking rush and turn that into sloppy because you're in a hurry.
Follow orders and instructions without getting flustered by screaming and name calling.
It's all just CULTURE SHOCK in the beginning, but that dissipates with each day.
You will live from meal to meal and make sure you sh¡t when you can. The rest unfolds as you go attack the next task in front of you.
Never quit. Misery always comes to an end before you're completely spent.
I went to PI when I was 21. Almost two years prior (1999) I was hospitalized with a heart infection (pericarditis and myocarditis). I didn’t tell my recruiter or MEPS. Reason why I didn’t tell them is because I got a clean bill of health from my PCP and I didn’t have to take penicillin shots or any kind of medication for the rest of my life. Moment of truth class came and I told them. Sent home after 3 weeks. Yes It was a major medical issue. It wasn’t a stubbed toe. I guess I thought I could fly under the radar. I tried the Navy after but they denied me because of the medical issue.
Everyone relax. You'll do just fine unless you're determined to fail. Even if you are physically injured to the point you can't carry on, I have seen guys get medically remediated until they were fit to continue. The Marine corps wants Marines. You will not be allowed to fail. Yes you will be sleepy and exhausted, and your body will hurt, but once the pain reaches a certain point it becomes your new normal. Everything else is mind games. Basic training is like high school - even if you were the valedictorian, that amounts to nothing when you move on. Just get it done, and then you're in the real Marine Corps. If anything, you'll be disappointed at how much less "hard" you are expected to be afterward.
Jan7 to apr5 plan 1006 I developed stress fractures in infantry training, plan commander still let me graduate on time .
Marine here, my boot camp was at Parris Island in 1976, which I revisited 20 years later and not much change by that time. Bottom line, pay attention to everything because everything they teach you has a great purpose and is useful in your time in the Marines. If you can, watch videos or read books so you can get an idea what too expect. Try to get in shape before going in, will be a big step in getting thru boot camp.
MCRD Parris Island, 1st Bn. A Co. Platoon 1008, Graduated 18 April 1979. I will be returning to PI this November for the first time since my graduation. My best friend's (Army) son is headed to PI in August, I will be going with his family to see him graduate. Once a Marine, Always a Marine! SEMPER FI Devil Dogs!
Went to boot camp in 77. Once you get past 2nd phase and start 3rd phase, you pretty much have it made. Ears open, mouth shut and listen! That discipline learned in the Corps, stays with you for life! My DI's, SSGT Pearson, SSGT Arbo, SGT Solar and CPL Dauchman. You never forget your DI's LOL.
Me too, 1977 PLT 1031, don't be running that "soup cooler" !
I went to Parris Island Aug 14 1981. The toughest part was the first few weeks. Nobody in my platoon knew what to do in the beginning, or fellow recruits kept on f'ing up. Eventually we got used to the routine but still there were plenty of challenges. Even so, some recruits just couldn't hack it. They either got kicked out or "recycled" , that is , sent back to the beginning, day one. I was actually so afraid of making a mistake and being recycled. My best friend, developed a bad blister on our ICT forcemarch. I tried to carry him but they said no and he got recycled back. Anyhow, Semper Fi Brothers!
The old saying goes, "You can't make a silk purse out of a pigs ear."
Not a marine, I was USCG, 1991. The scariest part of basic for me was knowing my general orders when asked and the chain of command. I always forgot the Commandants name😖
The yelling, screaming and head games didn't affect me after the way I was raised.
Semper Paratus '91-'96 PS2 D8
And you admit to that. The USCG is where draft-aged men went to hide during the Vietnam war. Having said that, being in the Coast Guard is pretty good duty if you can get in
@@tedd1091 I was in the Marine Corps 1980-87. Got out and became a Navy Chaplain. My 1st tour was with the Coast Guard on Governors Island in NYC. It was a GREAT assignment!
In 1972 the only guys kicked out were guys who tried to go “over the hill”. The quarterdeck and drunk drill instructors were going to make sure you would graduate. Even if you were physically weak like me you went to PCP like I did. I ended up doing 8 pull-ups after not even doing one. If you shot and qualified at 225 it trumped a lot of things I did wrong. I was hardheaded but I made it. I was a “shitbird” and there were guys worse than me that made it
the corps does not promise you that you will enter a rose garden at boot.
I think you might be the only xMarine to every tell the truth
Great content
I graduated Parris Isand 24 Aug 1990.
We didnt lose too many guys,just "buckled" in and went along with it.
The Marine Corps makes it really difficult to not graduate boot camp no matter what. If you fail just about anything at any point in boot camp (as mentioned in the video) you get dropped from your current platoon and get sent to another platoon that's a little behind your original platoon. But if you're not cutting it physically, or entered overweight and are not losing the weight fast enough you get dropped to PCP or the Physical Conditioning Platoon. My understanding is that in PCP you do nothing but PT and work out all day, you cease all other training until you've either lost enough weight and/or in good enough shape to do the humps and pass the PFT. Once you're out of PCP you then go to a new platoon that's at roughly the same point in the training cycle that your old platoon was.
When I went in, I was determined that to not get dropped and I would not spend one day beyond the 13 weeks on MCRD. And that worked for me despite not being very athletic nor overly physically fit beyond what it took to qualify to join the Corps. I passed all of prac exams (super easy for me), passed rifle qual, and passed my PFT. Because I was determined to never get dropped I was able to graduate on time with my original platoon mates.
Barring illness or injury, or being an integrity violator, it's nearly impossible to get dropped. You can fail everything and they will push you through.
@@Lokigard While it is very difficult to actually fail recruit training, this doesn't mean that you will necessarily graduate on time in 13 weeks. It's fairly common for recruits to get dropped from their current platoon and sent to another platoon for failing something. If you're overweight and not losing it on schedule or are not hacking it physically you will be dropped and sent to PCP or the Physical Conditioning Platoon until you've lost the weight and/or in good enough shape, if you're seriously injured or get seriously ill you will be sent to Medical Rehabilitation platoon to recover, if you fail any test along the way you will be dropped to another platoon that's about to do thing you failed at. Regardless of the cause, if you get dropped you're not going back to your original platoon and you're not graduating on time. You'll graduate, of course, but it's going to be weeks later than you were originally supposed to have graduated.
@@Riceball01 - The only ones I ever saw get dropped were those who were dropped due to medical reasons (injuries and often pneumonia) and integrity violators. I think we did lose one from the platoon for UNQing at the rifle range and one or two from the company for failing swim qual 4. Never saw anyone get dropped for falling out of a hump, failing to climb a rope, being slow on the obstacle course, failing to complete an obstacle, etc. Hell, I missed out on rappelling totally due to rain, which was disappointing.
The hardest part for me in 1979 was just being the youngest guy in my platoon. I was 17 , everyone else was 18 and up. Besides that was my fear of heights , the stairway to heaven , the slide for life, and the repelling tower were my biggest obstacles to overcome
1977, second youngest on the island.
I too was 17 and my senior class was in school.
Other "Shit Sandwich" was 3 days younger!!
I was 17 and 4 months during boot camp
I joined the army in 1966 and to this day I regret not joining the Marines. I
5:36 '' The academic tests are B.S. I had one D.I. claim that only 5 people in our 30ish person platoon passed the big ''Academic test'' and no names were given of who passed and no recruits were dropped. The only things that really matter is passing The Crucible if they still have it. The final PFT, the CFT and passing the rifle range and swim qual. Thats really the only things a person has to worry about. Everything else is pretty much just hard fluff
Interesting video. I was a DI from 1977 to 1979, and your reasons for discharge are spot on, though the "failure to adapt" at that time was the least used reason. I once had a recruit who had been in boot camp for almost a year, with 2 or 3 visits to CCP (Corrective Custody Platoon), and we picked him up after 6 month sentence at the Camp Pendleton brig--with 6 months forfeiture of pay and allowances. We finally got him kicked out just a few days before graduation, with 6-6-and a kick, but even that was being questioned. Kid just refused to get with the program.
Waste product.
PISC Plt 2213 Dec 77
MOS 7242
MASS-1, MASS-2 Det A, MACS-@, HMM-165
thought it was easy physically, but I kept expecting it to be like the Vietnam style boot camp, only it never appeared.
Was the guide from forming day 1 till 1st week of 3rd phase, was told someone lied and said I hit him, yet I knew I was relieved because I was overstressing myself wanting to be perfect and get honor man.
SDI told me I had honor man a week or two before and told me to relax a bit, I had it, so, because I was doing everything, assigning work details for each squad, helping everyone with EST's, I called the squad leaders and told them to take that over as a squad leader should.
They all told me no.
they refused to help privates with est's claiming they needed to study, too and insisted I keep doing it all.
Even with dropping mail off on the way to morning mess hall.
one was a former army, i kept asking what squad leader did in the army and is he doing that now as 3rd sqd leader?
he got huffy
I ended up having nightmares, loud ones, got relieved and became a normal pvt
1 week later, the SDI called each one in the hut, silence, they came out looking ashamed, and look at me
the army guy spoke first, he gave me a sincere apology, I said something about helping next time but let it go,
SDI came out of his hut, looked down the squadbay, said to me, guide, you ever see themovie the caine mutiny?
i am aware if it sir, never watched.
just dont go looking for strawberrys.
I saw that movie 15 years later, i know exactly what he meant.
he heard me ask for their help, heard them all refuse, said nothing, just watched.
I wonder why, I always wanted to believe he wanted me to prove I could handle that type of issue and let it unfold.
I still wish he took them to the woodshed the first time they refused, or, told me earlier to delegate authority.
i could organize well, call out instructions but the squad leaders only watched and acted better than the other guys because of their position
I lost out on honor man because of all that.
@jimbancroft5616 what year were you at mass 1 ? I was there in 1980
@@curiousgeorge8438 I was at MCRD San Diego from 77 to 79. This kid I talked about above was in my 4th platoon, in 1978.
@@curiousgeorge8438 78-79. my nickname is Banky, went to K-bay in 79
best advice I got was to pass everything the first time. I've been in for 10 years and I still follow that rule and it kept me out of so much bullshit.
I graduated boot camp at PI May of 1994! Was a tough but rewarding experience. The mental challenge is real and a large part of determining your success at boot camp is understanding this. I am so glad I went through this experience and can claim the title of US Marine!
Definitely the mental challenge, May 1988
Title of US Marine. That and a couple bucks will buy bus fare.
It has been over 50 years since I went through OCS at Quantico via the PLC combined course. At halfway, I injured the arch on my left foot during the "Speed March Reaction Course" which was painful as hell. Every morning after that my left boot felt like it had a swollen painful apple at the bottom of my boot which made the second half of the course miserable. I did not want to start over later so I pressed on without saying anything so it never got a chance to heal while I was there. I did finish and make it through TBS and spent 4 years on active duty.
ooh rah
Privates with duty belts.
Second Lieutenants with compasses.
We survived you guys and you got your silver bars!
59 to 71. Semper Fi.
When the DI is yelling at someone at the other end of the barracks, do not say "Is that you John Wayne"?
"Who said that?! Who's the communist twinkletoed fuck that said THAT?!"
Simeon, great videos, man, and thank you for your continued service in the Marine Corps. I am retired Air Force and respect every branch of the service; my brother is Army, my one Uncle was USAF in the 1960’s, my paternal grandfather was a Marine in World War II and my maternal grandfather was in the then-Army Air Corps in 1940’s. Great video and Air Force BMT (Basic Military Training) and USMC boot camp are different but these things regarding reasons of troops flunking out of any military basic training. We had a guy leave the 2nd week of training over what I think was something “mental” because it was after we did a medical survey answering questions like if we were/are suicidal, homicidal, and etc. This was 1997 and can vaguely remember this….. Look like you like your Marine career and great videos!
In our first week in Lackland, we had two guy just disappear. The first guy was an obvious druggie going through withdrawal and he probably failed the pee in the bottle test on arrival night. Three MTIs got him out of the sack in the middle of the night on day 2 and he was just gone.
In the other case, we went to morning chow and when we got back another bunk was empty. I saw him later when I was in casual awaiting tech school, and on detail at Wilford Hall. He was still on medical hold and had not re-entered basic training but was still in uniform doing gofer work there. I think he was a psyche case.
Nobody officially told us anything about the two but, that was a wake up call for the rest of us that this was for real.
I went thru boot camp in San Diego in 1977. The hardest part was the first two weeks since you hadn't started your training days yet and you were still getting used to your drill instructors and the whole routine of boot camp. After two weeks, it was what it was and anyone who couldn't adapt should have joined the Navy. The physical fitness part was hard, but as long as you had normal intelligence, everything else was doable. Our knowledge tests were pretty simple, just memorizing Marine Corps history, general orders and assembly/disassembly of the M16. At the end of the day, boot camp was mostly just dealing with Marine Corps BOHICA.
I'll share some thoughts on honesty....... you spoke of the "moment of truth". When I applied for my first security clearance, I was curious about the expungement in a 1979 CDS case. The DoD application has a section on criminal history; you're supposed to disclose any and all felonies "even if expunged". I called state police, FBI, DEA, county police "Criminal Investigation Division" to ask what DoD might see of my history. My point was honesty; I didn't want to even attempt to slip through....... they were all REALLY cool, really wanting to help me do the right thing. I was forthcoming about the entire case. Our security chiefs asked me if I really want to go that distance, maybe rethink...... I respectfully declined. A security clearance is an award IMO. Honesty matters.
“ Even Gomer Pyle passed boot camp.”
Word is,even Stevie wonder passed marine boot camp.
In real life he wouldn't have.
And honor grad to boot!
that was a tv show
1st part staying awake was difficult for me. Then the lining up for 'vaccines' it's really a mental thing. Your body can do it if you try and better yourself. Some of the ones who fail have dad issues, like me. My dad wasn't their for me growing up and I didn't really know God that well so I had no mental strength but if you try you can get through it.
Our son ships for Boot Camp on Monday. Thank you for all the content!
Of course! Glad to help!
Good luck to your son. May 5th will come fast. Is your son shipping to Parris Island or San Diego? My little brother was supposed to ship on Monday 6 February, unfortunately I believe his weight is not to entry standards yet. On 6 January of this year I was honored to attend the graduation of MCRD PI 1st RTBN Alpha Company. A young man who is a family friend graduated with Platoon 1000.
Best mindset to make it through is just to take it one small moment at a time, for me i wasnt in the best shape so i was always thinking the next obstacle is going to be the one that sends me home and it went like that all the way till the reaper where i still had that doubt, but once you make it to the top you know you made it and all of that worry fades, you start to feel glad and proud that you actually f made it
I went in at 17 years old in January of 68. Before that, I had a high school friend that had a father that was in the Army. He was some high ranking sgt. He told me that the best way to get through Marine boot camp was to never forget that others did it before me. I always used that special comment to get me through anything I came across. As for the PCP thing, I believe that it was called Motivation Platoon back then. All but 3 that started finished as I recall. Plus, we picked up 2 that were pushed back.
You could be right about PCP, but as I recall (1970, MCRD SD), PCP was Physical Conditioning Platoon for those that were overweight/out of shape, and Motivation Platoon for those that had mental/emotional/attitude issues. Then again, it’s been a few years. Retired Major (Mustang, of course)
PCP aka Fat Farm was separate from Motivational Platoon aka Bad Attitude. One fine day while at Disneyland our Junior DI picked me and 3 others he thought would be sent there. Told us to run over to the PCP DI and tell him we were going to be visitors to his resort. He looked at us and said " I see you all have your belt buckles, that's a good thing so I can use them to beat your with them. Call it INSTANT MOTOVATION to keep me from going. It worked, I squeezed by my first test. 8 weeks (yes 8 weeks) I graduated. :-)
USMC Boot Camp 3 Phases: BREAK YOU DOWN - BUILD YOU UP - BECOME A MARINE!! I swore into the USMC Oct 1974. Went to PI in great shape from HS wrestling, never had a problem with physical training. I found the "mental part" to be interesting. Guys broke down crying from being yelled at or slapped / kicked around. Never understood that? It was not personal, the DI's were just adding stress to see if you could take it. Some could and some could not. Better off for them to break in Boot Camp rather than under fire! Enjoyed my time in and never regretted it. 33 year LE career after leaving the Corps and made rank of Captain. Always looked for former Marines during the hiring process. They stood out and understood discipline.
I did it in 1982-83. I hid all my injuries because I was afraid to get retreaded or maybe dropped completely. I would rather put up with the pain than to have to do it again.
Hey Semper Fi, I was probably in the same time you were November 1982 to February 83. I was in second battalion F company platoon 2016.
I have a huge amount of respect for the MARINES, and the guys who mad it through but know my limitations and that is why II chose Air Force.
And Remember the quickest way out of boot camp is graduating.
I went through MCRD 1982 and people were breaking down under the Moment of Truth and getting tossed, don’t do it! I was certainly no angel before I enlisted and got into a few jams but none of that mattered, I did well and got an honorable RE-1A. However I wasn’t going to get a top security clearance, I tested well and they offered me the chance to change my contract and go into intelligence or Presidential support at Camp David and this required a top security clearance, they gave us a questionnaire that had some very personal questions like if you had ever had group sex, oral sex, homosexuality and the usual drug & arrest. They told us they will find out everything, they go and talk to your neighbors & high school teachers, open sealed juvenile record, said anything we told them wouldn’t leave that room and the questionnaire would be shredded in front of you. I told them about a DUI I got in college and that was the end of that.
Your exercise and dietary regimens have been successful, and you look like a 1950's movie star.
I've been following your example by exercising and eating well, and, now, I'm more fit (and, it shows--I'm even tanned like you.)
All this has helped me to meet certain health challenges even more successfully.
I wonder if you're still in Alaska.
Good job 👍
@@simeon_kurosky I appreciate the encouragement.
I Went Through Boot Camp 53 Years Ago, it Was Tough Then, The Day I Graduated, Was A Highlight In My Life, So Proud Of Myself
I have no clue what MC Bootcamp is like now. I spent New Year's Eve 1970/71 standing om the "yellow footprints" in San Diego (those who have been in the Marines know what the yellow footprints were...I guess they still have them). Anyway, back then, the average number of Marines that started in a platoon and finished bootcamp in that same platoon, was about 50%. I started out with 75 others in my platoon and of that number, only 33 of the original 75 graduated together. Many got "dropped" due to academic or physical inability. They would go to special platoons to improve their abilities and then rejoin another platoon that was at the same level as the one they were dropped from. Some were sent to the motivation platoon because they refused to "play the game". Some were discharged due to medical or hardship reasons. Some went AWOL and a few attempted suicide (only one successfully...he drank a bottle of gun cleaner). I also agree with some of the other comments made. The movie Full Metal Jacket was as close to the real thing as I have ever seen...but even it was somewhat toned down a bit. At least compared to what I went through. One thing about it though. Once you get to graduation, I cannot think of anything in my life that filled me with as much pride as I had that day. I MADE IT!
Boot Camp was a piece of cake
I graduated from MCRD San Diego in August 1966, deployed to Vietnam in 1967-68 during TET Offensive, and finished my four year enlistment at Camp Pendleton. After the Marine Corps went on to a career as a Firefighter. The Marine in me has gotten me through a lot in this life. Semper Fi.
Jesus Christ, boot camp has changed. Back in the 90's when I was in there was no getting out. There were 2 ways off PI graduate or body bag. There were people in my platoon who tried to get out and didn't because they didn't like getting screamed at by the DI's.
In 1976 when I was at Parris Island a recruit would be discharged if discovered to be homosexual.
@@Mardaseewere you sad when you left?
Personally to keep myself motivated and not to give up, I’ll tell myself mentally why I joined, use that as a basis to keep going and not give up. Even if it hurts I’ll use the pain. It might be beneficial that I am sort of a masochist so it means I want some form of pain! Call it pain tolerance. I plan to get my bachelors in criminology and go to the marine after college. I’m looking to graduate college in 2026. I look forward to bettering myself in the marines to earn the title.
I went through P.I. back in the early 70's during the end of the Viet Nam conflict. Besides getting off of the bus late at night (quickly I may add) and placing my feet at a 45 on a set of the yellow footprints, I do not remember my first 3 days at all and never in my wildest dreams did I realize I could wrap my arms around a fully loaded sea bag and hold it for as long as I needed to as I was so scared in having 5 D.I.'s screaming at the tops of their lungs over my shoulders and in my face; I didn't dare let it relax. I learned through my time at P.I. to respect and honor my D.I.'s; in doing so, it still wasn't easy but I did just fine... former Marine Corps Sgt. (Rick) Gary, Motor Transport.
USMC 1958/1968...Fantastic journey..The invaluable experience of being a Marine has served me well thru out my life ! Semper FI !!
I’m glad I watched because I knew NOTHING about the moment of truth. I go to boot camp in November in Parris Island
Glad I could help 💯
OEF vet here, same thing for when I was in back in 2010. Good stuff, I’m glad not much has changed since.
Don’t forget swimming btw, that can def break some guys off. It can even affect their MOS if they don’t pass a certain level too!
If you spend 180 days in recruit training (medical) you would no longer receive a separation but would get a DD-214 and for that reason if they feel your medical condition is treatable they will keep you.
If you want to be in the Marine Corps bad enough youll make it !
You missed one. If a Marine cannot qualify on the rifle range after a certain amount of times you'll get kicked out. Every Marine is a Rifleman first.
I found your channel about a month ago and I find all of your advice really helpful I am trying my best to get my run time down because I ship off in a few weeks
Glad to help! Good luck
I went into basic training with the Army in 1984 for the college money , I was 31 and in great shape . Long distance runner and I played Ice Hockey .There were four of us including a Vietnam Vet. , that were in our 30's . The mental part was the toughest. Listen to what they say , and do it ! I got used to the yelling ( I was a hockey captain and understand the need sometimes to yell ) . All of the old guys graduated . We had a young guy they recycled to the next training cycle because he could not adapt . They were across the parade ground from us . He did really good and was made a squad leader . I signed for three years and wound up doing ten years before I became a father at 44 and my priorities changed . I found out in those ten years why " Attention to Detail " is important , not only in the military but in civilian life . Because of that , I was able to save the life of a patient at a nursing home , I did security for , who got locked out of her facility . I loved the instructors who were around 25 years old , calling me son ! Just do what they say and don't take it personally . Remember we were all at the bottom and the cream rises .
Remember, your D.I. is there to see that you graduate.
Like R. Lee Ermey said, "I will teach you."
Additionally everyone should watch the movie, "The D.I." featuring Jack Webb from 1957.
Thank you for your service, Marine!
Digging the bachelor warrior aesthetics of your crib.
Stripped down to the purity of function.
I went through MCRD San Diego in 1966. The only things I knew about boot camp were from the movie, “The D.I.” Staring Jack Webb. I expected a little stress. But I was pretty much in shock with the actual
amount stress they put on us, especially for the first month or so. If a person is in good shape physically, and is determined, they will probably be fine. Lessons learned in boot camp have served me well in life, including a 30 year career in Law Enforcement. Anyone who makes it through will always be grateful for the Drill Instructors, who forced them to do things they could have never done on their own. Just my take on this topic.
MCRD SD '67 --- I will never forget our three D.I.'s, Sgt.s Killion, Gomes and Farr --- tough but fair.
@@josephrochefort9989 lol…classic…I think the kindest thing we were ever called was animals…usually, maggots, pukes,dip shits, girls…funny now…not so much at the time…
90% mental 10% physical. Well that was back in the day, right now idk. DI’s are very limited to what they can do now a days
Thank you bro for giving out this info. I’m planning on joining the Marine Corps. Plz make more videos
For me the hardest part was the destruction of all my personal affects and then being water boarded with peanut butter powerbars, sent by my family, shoved down my throat... after that it was a cake walk
I did great in boot camp because I was young and dumb and didn’t know any different. So I just did what I was told. I did great with the physical activities, but some of the technical stuff (disassembly and assembly of weapon) I struggled with. After boot, I flew through Airborne school like a walk in the park.
Because you were in the army
I was one of those unsure young kids who was absolutely shocked by what I found at Boot Camp back in 1976.
I wanted to get out so bad that I actually infected a blister on my ankle in hopes that it would get bad enough that they'd have to amputate my foot.
I didn't want to be there at all.
Then one afternoon, because I was on bedrest [ordered by a Navy Doctor] the DIs were putting the rest of the platoon through "special instruction" [mountain climbers, bends and thrusts, 8 count pushups, front straddle hops, etc.], as I lay there in my bunk I started to cry...I cried because I was not there with the rest of my platoon enduring that punishment...I cried because I was left out...I cried because I wasn't a part of the platoon anymore...
I know how that sounds to civilians, but it's true.
After that point I wanted to get better, recover, and become a part of what was going on. I wanted to BECOME a MARINE.
I decided that I would accept whatever came my way. And after that, whenever there was a punishing episode of "corrective Physical Training", I would voice my usual; "Aw...fuck...goddamit...what did we do now?"
But I'd go and do what I had to do, and I found that those episodes didn't seem to last that long. After a while, I got to a point that Boot Camp was no longer such a burden as it was a CHALLENGE. And from that point forward, I welcomed it.
My brother was an Olympic swim team member… he couldn’t adapt.
The idea of getting tossed out of bootcamp and thus discharged from the military just flat didn’t exist when I went thru it in 1968. You signed up, you raised your hand, you said the oath, you served your enlistment. Period. If you failed any part of bootcamp, swimming, physical whatever, tests &c, you cycled thru again until you passed/qualified. Only the worst f@%k ups got bounced, and then with a general discharge or worse, and even then only after grinding thru hell a couple times. Yes, I know: bootcamp is tougher now than it was when there was a draft, but, damn, getting released from that contract for failing bootcamp‽ Jeesh. Unbelievable.
Whole different marine corps
Just a P.S. on "honesty". Honesty is a virtue. What actually matters is what you have to be honest ABOUT.
I'm leaving for boot camp the 22 of next month. Pretty damn nervous. But in the end, it'll be worth it
If you don't run right now you need to start!
@@MrCyp200la Oh I run quite a bit actually. I'd say I'm a decent if not fantastic runner. My last IST run score was 11:12. Not a phenomenal score. But still passing
I leave on the 15th of August lolll
Yooooo. Me too
how’s it going 8 months in?
Boot camp wasn't difficult in 1983. Keep your head down. Take one day at a time, and don't quit.
Just keeping through 💯
Where do we poop when we have too during the crucible
In your hand
I enlisted January 1961 @17, I was 6' 2" @ 210. The first 3 weeks of 13 almost killed me.
Played Football my entire 4-years of High School but was not prepared for Marine Corps basic training MCRD Paris Island SC. Graduated in April, I was 6' 4" 198. Don't mistake your conditioning going into the Marine Corps the moment you step of that bus you'll be wrong, you can test to that to this very day. Served 13-years left November '74 @ 30-years of age
@ E7. I had no intentions of being a Drill Instructor, I'm 82 and feel I can relive every minute of it. The United States Marine Corps offers a physical fitness program 2nd to none and a lifelong experience you'll never forget. semper fi Mac.
I was leaving PI when you were getting there. Entered 7 days over 17 on the 30th of October, 1960. 2nd BTL PLT 299. Graduated Jan/1961. Stayed in for a long time, (27 yrs . Retired in 1987, Captain USMC!) Proudest time of my life going from the projects of PGH to earning the title United States Marine! Many tours in country during 60/75. Made my current life way more amazing than possible. Turning 81 this year and I would not change my history if you offered me a lot of money! I am very proud of my Marine Corps and the Marines we have molded today! Never pass a Marine without addressing them when you see them. We are not like the Army, Navy or AF. We are, and will always be Marines and recognizing our brothers is important! Carry on young Marines and make us old guys proud everyday! This is an honor you will carry to your graves! Semper Fi my brothers! OOOOHRAh!
Amazing tips! I’m actually preparing to apply as a Policeman here in the Philippines 🇵🇭 💪🏼
Awesome! Glad you liked the video
I am a marine and graduated platoon 1065 in 1983 is a reason why they say "the few the proud" drill instructor job is to weed out the mentally and physically weak. It's simple if someone cannot handle what a fellow American is doing to them then they are definitely going to be a liability as to what an enemy of this country would do to them
I'm leaving Monday for boot camp so this helps 😅
Good luck you’ll do great 🔥
How’d it go
I joined the Royal Australian Navy when I was fifteen and a half in 1967. No instructor screamed at as like these over the top “wankers” we respected the instructors as knowledgeable people. We entered the fleet a year later and were treated as men; and expected to act like it.
I went in July of 07. We had a recruit hit a drill instructor, and he was made an example of. He was dishonably discharged in front of the battalion.
Dang that’s wild
Boot camp was tough it’s what you need to learn respect, loyalty, and survival. I went in April 1968 went though boot camp, ITR, BITS and Staging arrived in Okinawa in October 60831 hours later, I put my boots on the ground in Vietnam, Boot Camp taught me loyalty friendship to have each other‘s back and I believe that’s why I survived my tour in Vietnam.
Truth, these 5 reasons are the same regardless if it's MCRD, USNRTC, ARMY, Air Force, or USCG or USSF even. I know this was for USMC, and I was in the Navy back in 1979, at USNRTCGL, but, while there developed pneumonia and my med file was rather thick from all the calls to sick bay and hospital. New recruits, listen up!
I was discharged for stress and I fought to stay. I went to bootcamp with my ribs messed up don’t do that.
Good advice
@@simeon_kurosky how long will a RE-3 discharged wavier to get a approved. I really wanna go back after my 4 more months are up. Im wondering if I’m gonna have to get all of the shots again if I can go back. I was in Echo CO platoon 2036 2nd battalion. I went to Parris island, SC
@@wtflightningstaff8038 have no clue honestly. Just stay in touch with your recruiter
@@simeon_kurosky training wasn’t that bad I just snap after I got yelled at from something that my squad leader did. BTW where you at parris island in March, because I saw someone who looked like you.
@@simeon_kurosky training wasn’t that bad I just snap after I got yelled at from something that my squad leader did. BTW were you at parris island in March, because I saw someone who looked like you.
I went to Navy Boot Camp in 87. A lot of this was applicable even then. I saw guys older than me being sent home because they could not adjust. We even had a sleep-walker! Another issue that is probably the same is not accepting responsibility for your failures. Basic Training is designed to test the individual. When you fail a test or make a mistake, admit it, own it, and move on. Yes you will get smashed and smoked, but that is part of the test itself. Great video!
Duty on a Frigate vs Great Mistakes? Great Lakes was the easy part.
Got a Expeditionary Medal instead of combat pay.
Sometimes there those that want to blow the ship up.
Then you pull into port with no beer. After 100 days of steaming circles. Anchor drops. Flight quarters. Hours into days of Condition Zebra.
I was a Corpsman with Marines on two tours. I even went to Jump School. Different struggles but just as hard!@@warrenpuckett4203
When I went through PI in 2001 I had a plan. I simply bought my Drill Instructors gifts which consisted of baseball gloves and some balls. Upon meeting them at pickup I stood up and gave my SDI a hug and asked if he would be my friend. With a tear in his eye he said yes and the 4 of us went out back and proceeded to play catch. It was the happiest time of my life.
Sounds legit.
Bullshit
😂
I went into Navy boot camp in 1990, a thousand years ago it seems; I was an older recruit, in my 20s, so I was a little more together, actually a lot more mature than when I graduated high school. I actually looked forward to basic training, going to Great Lakes, same place my dad and uncles went, I was continuing a family tradition. Whenever a Company Commander would get in my face and scream and yell, I thought it was sooooo cool, maybe like my father was looking down from Heaven with a bit of pride...I had to suppress the impulse to smile or laugh. Aside from the swim test, I thought the physical demands, training, were kind of light weight, but that's just me. The one and only thing I absolutely hated about boot camp was the fact that none of the toilettes had doors, and when they were running us around ragged, and brought us inside the barracks to "pump them and dump them," we had to stand in line to take a dump. I just hated having to be seated on the throne, trying to finish my business, with twenty-five guys staring at me, waiting to take their turn, talk about "performance anxiety!" Thank God the bathrooms, I mean the heads, were a whole lot nicer in the fleet.
@@josephrochefort9989 I was on the 1st deck, company 128. We didn't have doors on ours either;
The fastest way out is to graduate. Get real with why you are there. The homesickness will past. You'll get used to getting yelled at. You'll get used to being tired.
Live chow to chow. Don't count your days.
Your DI's will not quit on you, even after you quit on yourself.
The mind set to pass any situation if the person has the ability . follow instructions , work with others , complete your assignment . All the best !
You forgot hardship discharges in bootcamp it mainly happens because of parent's, sibling's or a child's death. Of said recruit in bootcamp.
MCRD San Diego 6/7/99 to 9/3/99 (my 19th birthday). Best birthday present I ever got. My mom's oldest brother told me to keep my mouth closed and go as hard and fast as I can, and if I graduation and they don't know who I was, I did good. On my graduation day my mom asked my Sr. Drill instructor how I was, and he said, " fine just fine." My mom told me he face went blank.
I enlisted in the Air Force in 2001, and thank God I graduated on time. About 10 trainee’s were either recycled, or discharged.