7 answers
Victoria
Student
Modesto, California
2
Questions
Asked
1048 views
How can I better myself for military?
I am a high schooler who dreams of joining the marines. What can I do in order to achieve this?
Login to comment
7 answers
Thomas Moriarty
Paramedic
2
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
I am a prior-service Marine infantryman. I deployed as a Marine 3x to Iraq, including the invasion.
Physical fitness, absolutely make it a priority.
Mental toughness, get ready. DI does not care about your feelings, they care about making you a Marine.
You are in fact joining a cult. I was in the Army as well, and I will tell you that the Army was a career, the Marines was a calling.
Most of all, remember it isn't about you. It's about the Corps. Other than a few exceptions, Marines don't wear name tags on the dress uniform. Because who you are doesn't matter. You're a Marine and that's all anyone needs to know about you.
It's the greatest job you'll ever hate, and you'll discover more about yourself than you can imagine.
Physical fitness, absolutely make it a priority.
Mental toughness, get ready. DI does not care about your feelings, they care about making you a Marine.
You are in fact joining a cult. I was in the Army as well, and I will tell you that the Army was a career, the Marines was a calling.
Most of all, remember it isn't about you. It's about the Corps. Other than a few exceptions, Marines don't wear name tags on the dress uniform. Because who you are doesn't matter. You're a Marine and that's all anyone needs to know about you.
It's the greatest job you'll ever hate, and you'll discover more about yourself than you can imagine.
Donna Hull
Engineer
101
Answers
Columbia
Updated
Donna’s Answer
Victoria;
Is your plan to enter the Marines as an officer or enlisted?
As an officer, you need to be focused on your grades the same as if you would be going to college. If your plan is to go to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, then you will need political support from your local political contacts also.
As enlisted, have you done your research? Do you kind of have an idea of what kind of career you want out of the Marines. They have two paths after bootcamp. 1st is combat and the 2nd is administrative support functions. Although Marines, primary mission is combat. I worked with many Marines during my enlistment in the Navy. Over and beyond their job responsibilities was combat readiness training, which continues throughout your military career.
Prepare yourself physically. Bootcamp is going to be very grueling, Be prepared to do flex armed hangs or pull ups, run, hike, and march for the majority of the day. Meals are fast a furious, know the foods that are going to fuel you for the long term. I survived bootcamp mostly on peanut butter.
Prepare yourself mentally. Most of the objectives in bootcamp are following directions down to the smallest detail. And even if you think you have it perfect, it will be ripped apart just because that is the DI's main goal. To break you down and build you back up. Remember it is all a mind game, keep your head down, don't talk back and do your absolute best at every task.
Lastly, have a plan B. Although the military is in a serious short fall for recruits, passing the doctors scrutiny can sometimes bury your dreams. They now have access to all your past medical records. Waivers are required for allergies, old sports injuries, and all manner of other items.
Good Luck!
Is your plan to enter the Marines as an officer or enlisted?
As an officer, you need to be focused on your grades the same as if you would be going to college. If your plan is to go to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, then you will need political support from your local political contacts also.
As enlisted, have you done your research? Do you kind of have an idea of what kind of career you want out of the Marines. They have two paths after bootcamp. 1st is combat and the 2nd is administrative support functions. Although Marines, primary mission is combat. I worked with many Marines during my enlistment in the Navy. Over and beyond their job responsibilities was combat readiness training, which continues throughout your military career.
Prepare yourself physically. Bootcamp is going to be very grueling, Be prepared to do flex armed hangs or pull ups, run, hike, and march for the majority of the day. Meals are fast a furious, know the foods that are going to fuel you for the long term. I survived bootcamp mostly on peanut butter.
Prepare yourself mentally. Most of the objectives in bootcamp are following directions down to the smallest detail. And even if you think you have it perfect, it will be ripped apart just because that is the DI's main goal. To break you down and build you back up. Remember it is all a mind game, keep your head down, don't talk back and do your absolute best at every task.
Lastly, have a plan B. Although the military is in a serious short fall for recruits, passing the doctors scrutiny can sometimes bury your dreams. They now have access to all your past medical records. Waivers are required for allergies, old sports injuries, and all manner of other items.
Good Luck!
Sean Williams
QA Test Engineer
7
Answers
Marana, Arizona
Updated
Sean’s Answer
Hi Victoria,
I joined the Marine Corps right after high school, so I completely get why you want to prepare before boot camp. First, make sure you're physically fit at the Marine level, not just the poolee level. When I was a poolee, we didn't run 3 miles, but those who didn't practice running the full 3 miles and doing 20 pull-ups on their own struggled during boot camp.
Try to achieve a great PFT score: aim for a 21-minute 3-mile run, 100 sit-ups, and 7 pull-ups for females. If you can reach these goals, you'll be mentally ready by being physically prepared. While you can't fully prepare for the mental challenges of boot camp, being fit will make everything else easier. Remember, they're trying to make you stronger, and there's a reason behind their methods. Stay focused on your goal, and you'll do well. Semper Fi.
P.S. When I joined, I hadn't heard of JJDIDTIEBUCKLE. Learn it so your drill instructors don't give you a hard time like they did with me!
I joined the Marine Corps right after high school, so I completely get why you want to prepare before boot camp. First, make sure you're physically fit at the Marine level, not just the poolee level. When I was a poolee, we didn't run 3 miles, but those who didn't practice running the full 3 miles and doing 20 pull-ups on their own struggled during boot camp.
Try to achieve a great PFT score: aim for a 21-minute 3-mile run, 100 sit-ups, and 7 pull-ups for females. If you can reach these goals, you'll be mentally ready by being physically prepared. While you can't fully prepare for the mental challenges of boot camp, being fit will make everything else easier. Remember, they're trying to make you stronger, and there's a reason behind their methods. Stay focused on your goal, and you'll do well. Semper Fi.
P.S. When I joined, I hadn't heard of JJDIDTIEBUCKLE. Learn it so your drill instructors don't give you a hard time like they did with me!
Stefan Knaack
Consultant
6
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Stefan’s Answer
Victoria,
It's great to hear you're interested in joining the Marines. Here are some steps to help you get started:
1. Decide if you want to go active duty or join the reserves.
2. Choose between becoming an officer or enlisting. For more information, check the Marines website for officers and enlisted paths.
3. Consider what career or job market you want to pursue long-term.
4. As an enlisted Marine, you can choose your job if you pass the required schools with at least 80%. Officers receive job offers based on performance and Marine Corps needs.
5. Contact your local recruiting station to get more information. In Modesto, you can visit or call the station at 2100 Standiford Ave Suite G3, Modesto, CA 95350, Phone: (209) 524-1775.
6. Watch the YouTube video "Ears Open, Eye Balls Click" to get a sense of daily life in boot camp.
7. Start preparing physically for the Marine Corps Initial Strength Test (IST), which includes pull-ups, push-ups, a 1.5-mile run, and a plank.
Joining the Marines is challenging but rewarding. It can lead to many benefits, like education opportunities, home loans, and other support from the VA. I wish you the best of luck on this journey.
Stefan
It's great to hear you're interested in joining the Marines. Here are some steps to help you get started:
1. Decide if you want to go active duty or join the reserves.
2. Choose between becoming an officer or enlisting. For more information, check the Marines website for officers and enlisted paths.
3. Consider what career or job market you want to pursue long-term.
4. As an enlisted Marine, you can choose your job if you pass the required schools with at least 80%. Officers receive job offers based on performance and Marine Corps needs.
5. Contact your local recruiting station to get more information. In Modesto, you can visit or call the station at 2100 Standiford Ave Suite G3, Modesto, CA 95350, Phone: (209) 524-1775.
6. Watch the YouTube video "Ears Open, Eye Balls Click" to get a sense of daily life in boot camp.
7. Start preparing physically for the Marine Corps Initial Strength Test (IST), which includes pull-ups, push-ups, a 1.5-mile run, and a plank.
Joining the Marines is challenging but rewarding. It can lead to many benefits, like education opportunities, home loans, and other support from the VA. I wish you the best of luck on this journey.
Stefan
Mrs. Joan Catherine Tormes
9
Answers
Updated
Mrs. Joan Catherine’s Answer
What a wonderful career goal. I have worked for the military and the marines stand out.
1. Stay out of trouble.
2. Write an essay on why you have aspirations to join the marines.
3. Let the recruiters know about your aspirations. They can help tremendously.
4. Do volunteer work in your community.
1. Stay out of trouble.
2. Write an essay on why you have aspirations to join the marines.
3. Let the recruiters know about your aspirations. They can help tremendously.
4. Do volunteer work in your community.
Walter Rushton
Electronic Technician
5
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Walter’s Answer
Good evening,
I'm not a Marine, but I serve in the Navy. From working with Marines, I've learned that physical and mental toughness is crucial for advancing in the ranks.
Staying fit is essential. Run every day and build your core and upper body strength to pass fitness tests and stay in the service.
Here are a few personal goals I aim to achieve daily:
1. Be punctual.
2. Wear the correct uniform—clean, pressed, polished shoes, and hair within military standards.
3. Follow orders. Early on, you'll follow instructions, but as you advance, you'll know what to do and might even give orders.
4. Give your best effort in everything, even tasks you dislike. In the words of Terry Crews, " Imma sweep this floor as if I was getting paid $1M to do it."
5. Learn as much as you can. Be an expert in your job and understand others' roles. Knowledge is power and helps with advancement.
6. Get enough rest. Avoid risky behaviors common in the service, like excessive drinking or reckless actions. They can lead to trouble.
7. Repeat these steps daily.
Avoiding negative influences takes mental strength, but it's worth it. I joined the Navy at 25 and quickly advanced from E2 to E6 by following these principles.
I'm not a Marine, but I serve in the Navy. From working with Marines, I've learned that physical and mental toughness is crucial for advancing in the ranks.
Staying fit is essential. Run every day and build your core and upper body strength to pass fitness tests and stay in the service.
Here are a few personal goals I aim to achieve daily:
1. Be punctual.
2. Wear the correct uniform—clean, pressed, polished shoes, and hair within military standards.
3. Follow orders. Early on, you'll follow instructions, but as you advance, you'll know what to do and might even give orders.
4. Give your best effort in everything, even tasks you dislike. In the words of Terry Crews, " Imma sweep this floor as if I was getting paid $1M to do it."
5. Learn as much as you can. Be an expert in your job and understand others' roles. Knowledge is power and helps with advancement.
6. Get enough rest. Avoid risky behaviors common in the service, like excessive drinking or reckless actions. They can lead to trouble.
7. Repeat these steps daily.
Avoiding negative influences takes mental strength, but it's worth it. I joined the Navy at 25 and quickly advanced from E2 to E6 by following these principles.
Chiquria Willis
Loan Processor - Rocket Mortgage
94
Answers
Dearborn Heights, Michigan
Updated
Chiquria’s Answer
That's an incredible goal! Starting early will give you a big head start when aiming for a career in the Marines or any military branch. Here's how you can set yourself up for success while still in high school:
1. Focus on Physical Fitness
Begin building your strength and endurance today. Regularly run, do push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and swim.
Think about joining a school sport, ROTC, or a local fitness program.
2. Keep Your Grades Up
The Marines require a high school diploma. Strong academics will help you succeed on the ASVAB (military entrance exam) and open up job opportunities in the service.
3. Build Leadership and Teamwork Skills
Get involved in clubs, team sports, or take on leadership roles at school or in your community.
Volunteering and helping others demonstrate responsibility and commitment.
4. Learn About the Marines
Speak with a Marine recruiter to gather detailed information about requirements, training, and career options.
Attend information sessions and research what to expect in boot camp and beyond.
5. Stay Healthy and Avoid Trouble
Stay substance-free and steer clear of legal issues; physical and moral standards are important for entry.
6. Consider JROTC or Similar Programs
If your school offers Junior ROTC, consider joining—it will introduce you to military discipline and values.
1. Focus on Physical Fitness
Begin building your strength and endurance today. Regularly run, do push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and swim.
Think about joining a school sport, ROTC, or a local fitness program.
2. Keep Your Grades Up
The Marines require a high school diploma. Strong academics will help you succeed on the ASVAB (military entrance exam) and open up job opportunities in the service.
3. Build Leadership and Teamwork Skills
Get involved in clubs, team sports, or take on leadership roles at school or in your community.
Volunteering and helping others demonstrate responsibility and commitment.
4. Learn About the Marines
Speak with a Marine recruiter to gather detailed information about requirements, training, and career options.
Attend information sessions and research what to expect in boot camp and beyond.
5. Stay Healthy and Avoid Trouble
Stay substance-free and steer clear of legal issues; physical and moral standards are important for entry.
6. Consider JROTC or Similar Programs
If your school offers Junior ROTC, consider joining—it will introduce you to military discipline and values.