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I don't regret a single day I spent in the Marines.
However, watch this and have everyone in your family watch this and all of your friends watch this...
https://www.amazon.com/Once-Marine-Stephen-Canty/dp/B08NK1CFFR?ref_=d6k_applink_bb_dls
This is something not many get to see.
Nobody knew anything about the Marines, until one day when they learned about them.
This series:
https://www.amazon.com/Semper-Fi-Corps-Book-1/dp/0515087491/
Is a FICTIONAL tale of a Fictional Marine that will walk you through our History starting just before WWII and takes you all the way through the Korean war.
While the characters the story focuses on are all make-believe, the story timeline is historically dead-on accurate, and does a very good job painting the Marine-perspective of the events.
The Corps has certainly added to our history since WWII, but that series does a good job telling the tale of how we got to where we are today.
If you google "USMC Commandant's reading list" you'll find a pile of books that are less fictional that can help fill in more blanks & gaps for you.
It’s not really a matter of being nice. It’s attitude. You can still be some level of asshole and earn respect. You have to make people want to work with and for you if you want things to get done above the minimum. Look at Secretary Mattis, arguably one of the best Marines of our generation, he can simultaneously inspire calm and a level of ferocity that would scare a rabid wolf. He consistently tells his subordinates that he expects the best because they are the best and reminds them why.
If you’ll take a book recommendation, try Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. It won’t tell you how to lead, but it helps put you in the right mindset if you focus through it.
The biggest thing, in my opinion, is working on trust and dependability. You need to find the proper level of trust in your subordinates and they need to know that they can trust you when the cards are down.
Most likely you’ll have at least one SSgt or Gunny in your platoon with 8-13 years experience. Bring this crusty bastard a coffee and ask for his background. How many deployments, where, did he last move or is he a field expert. This will help you gain confidence in his ability and let him know that there’s a good chance you’ll listen to advice.
Take an interest in your Marines, but don’t be invasive. They have lives outside the Corps. Find out who may be having marriage trouble and who’s grandmother is sick. If those individuals show up late to a pt or two, don’t bust their balls. Make sure they know you understand shit happens, but that you expect their best. They’re required to give you a basic level of respect, but you have to earn everything past that.
If you have a Marine that gets in company or Battalion level trouble, but you don’t have reason to doubt that it’s a mistake and not a sign of a deeper problem, go to bat for them. Do your best to keep punishments on your level and minimize negative paperwork. You can still be a hardass without taking somebody’s rank and paycheck away. It’s easy enough to figure out which ones are only taking advantage of any leniency and if not, Gunny can help.
Separate from that, books. Not sure if it’s on a list, but Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is a trip. It helps put life in perspective and keep you grounded. I’ve been told that Secretary Mattis kept a copy with him if that’s any indication.
I wore this watch throughout my 6 years in the Marines served me well. I was in the Infantry it's the original Casio G-Shock
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GAYQKY/ref=cm_sw_r_sm_apa_fabc_7FL9Fb2NKFJF9
I remember those Arty boys with loss hearing.
I remember those Armory boys with skin/hand/finger issues because they did not want to use gloves while cleaning weapons with solvent.
I remember those Infantry boys with messed up knees after all of those hikes.
But most of all I remember those MEN coming back from war with the 1000 yard stare (Watch this... this is the real price we pay : https://www.amazon.com/Once-Marine-Stephen-Canty/dp/B08NK1CFFR )
He won't have a lot of space to store things.
And the space that he does have isn't exactly wrinkle-free.
So, what you might consider is buying something like this:
Moleskine 3"x5" Hard Cover Notebook
They also make an Address Book version:
Moleskine Pocket Address Book Pro
And writing a couple pages of phone numbers, e-mail addresses & mailing addresses in it (Recruits are authorized to have an address book) and then putting a couple of wallet size or 3x5 pictures (might need to trim them a little) on some pages with scotch tape.
You could go the extra mile and put the notebook into a solid zip-lock bag, but it's pretty uncommon for footlockers to get exposed to enough water to be a serious concern.
Stew's programs are the real deal. I ran his 12 weeks to BUD/S program and weightlifting is really not necessary. The training is mostly endurance based in order to best prepare your body and heart/lungs for whatever training program you may enter. You'll find that a lot of actual military training doesn't involve weight lifting. You don't need to be benching 315 to be a recondo.
I'd even say that if you were to weightlift in conjunction with one of Stew's prep programs, you'd be entering the overtraining threshold and risk injury.
Here is a book you may be interested in: https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Supple-Leopard-2nd-Performance/dp/1628600837
I'm sure there's a PDF somewhere.
Second. Do not use issued canteens. Put them away so you can turn them in later. They are disgusting. People have pissed and spit in them. For most of my hydration I use my camelbak bladders. I have 3 of them and contrary to belief you can clean them.
For Canteens, I use these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z4QK6TD
I pop them in a dishwasher after a field op. I did buy an issued canteen at the px but I usually fill it with Jack Daniels.
John Hoshberger and Nick Koumalatsos’s USMC Prep book: https://www.amazon.com/USMC-PREP-Training-Program-Military-ebook/dp/B076N62HGB/ref=kwrp_li_stb_nodl
I’m doing their recon prep book right now and it’s going great, so I assume the USMC prep will be pretty good too.
Read this
Its two books of War in 1 - 973 pages
The Art of War by Sun-Tzu and ON WAR by Carl von Clausewitz
Read this, and you'll likely know more about war at least from a historical or philosophical perspective than your DI or even your CO does LOL
** I have read this book.
DO NOT blow it all on Family Day. Junior enlisted are notorious for mishandling money. You do not need a smartphone. You do not need a new laptop. Most Marines show up to MCT/SOI dead broke and locked into terrible payment plans for their phone, computer, and sometimes even a car.
Before you go, it would be beneficial to be somewhat financially literate. Head over to /r/personalfinance and read a bit. Read "Rich Dad Poor Dad" and "Total Money Makeover". You are about to be an independent man with an income. Don't blow it all shit that depreciates in value.
I would also recommend setting up a 10% automatic deposit to your TSP. The Roth TSP is an excellent investment, and if you set up the 10% withdrawal, you won't even notice the missing money. It's one of the best retirement plans.
If he is religious, then you could start shopping for a pocket-sized Bible with a robust cover.
Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1432102427/
That's 4"x6" with a zippered outer cover.
If he isn't religious, then a pocket-sized book of philosophy, such as Taoism might provide a distraction if he finds free time.
Fill 3 or 4 index cards with the addresses and phone numbers of everyone so he can write letters.
The rules change, but I'd leave his smart phone at home.
If he does take it with, make sure it's in a decent case.
He doesn't need anything to go to Boot Camp.
He could show up with a $20 bill paper clipped to his driver's license and he will be all set.
The Corps will provide him with everything else he needs.
Technically, he doesn't even need that $20. It's for "just in case" something goes wrong with transportation and he ends up needing to buy an unscheduled meal.
The Corps has been moving recruits around the country for a long time and is pretty good at it.
But every now and then a bus or a plane leaves you stranded for 4 long hours while alternative transportation is arranged for.
In most cases the Corps will provide food, but every now and then well, shit happens.
The time for gadgets and motivational t-shirts comes after he graduates.
Let me try to rephrase or hopefully enhance what /u/NobodyByChoice said:
The entire Marine Corps exists to train or administratively manage Marines in preparation for a MEU, or if we turn the war machine back on, an RCT or MEF sized deployment.
The purpose of a MEU is to be a Force in Readiness already floating around on a ship, surrounded by other combat & support ships checking in on our country's friends and interests.
A MEU is 2-3,000 Marines quite literally looking for a fight.
There are some MOS options that are unlikely to be tasked to a MEU, and are more likely to be assigned to an administrative element that supports other Marines.
But there are damned few MOSes with zero-chance of being tasked to a MEU.
So if you really want the benefits of US military service, but you won't to avoid as much risk of combat exposure as possible, the Marine Corps might not be the best service branch to choose to volunteer for.
Big Army and the Air Force and even the Navy have way more administrative and facility-service elements than the Marine Corps does.
This book: Tom Clancy Marine: A Guided Tour of a Marine Expeditionary Unit is a little out of date (written in 1996). But it is still fundamentally accurate, and informative.
> My mom is giving me the same cross she had on her tags when she was in the Air Force that I can take with me
Nope.
Don't do it.
I encourage you to not bring any form of a family heirloom with you to Boot Camp.
There is a chance, no matter how protective you are that that heirloom will be lost or destroyed during a seabag drag or Drill Instructor explosion.
It's allowed. If you really wanted to bring it, they will let you store it in your "Money Valuables Bag" in your footlocker.
But I wouldn't. I wouldn't bring it to MCT either.
> Her and my family want to write little notes to me in the bible, which I would love just to have something to look at when things are really tough.
This is fine.
Something like this might be ideal:
https://www.amazon.com/KJV-Mini-Pocket-Zippered-Black/dp/1432102427/
A tiny Bible or any kind of a spiritual / motivational book is also authorized.
No need to hide it.
Bonus suggestion: write the mailing addresses for your immediate relatives on 3x5 index cards and stuff them in the back of the Bible to make letter-writing easier.
Comment got deleted so I'll just sum up what I said before.
There's a whole science behind what to eat for what objectives. So there's no clear answer. What we do know is that you need to eat more calories than what your body uses every day to just stay functioning.(average is 2000) To use those excess calories to build muscle. A few months back I was reading a good book on what to eat, depending on what youre focused on achieving. It was a book by a SEAL. It told you what percentage of carbs to eat, which carbs were good etc. I think it was one of those two,
As another alternative to the stupid ones that clip to your socks: I can recommend the garter-style. They stay tight without having a strap running down your leg, and there's no risk of them snapping you in the balls.
First disclose everything that can bite you back in the ass, either via backgrounds or poly.
​
You're worried about poly when its basically just a game, when you should be MORE worried about your friends and family, neighbors and those that they write down as possible leads, who will talk about this time and that time when you did this and that, etc.
​
read up on how polygraph is done, worry more about the background investigation (they usually outsource this to retired feds , either FBI or others, and depending on how diligent (and/or bored) they are, they will uncover shit--- whereas polygraphers are just waiting for you to sing like a canary, using pretty much the Reid technique , basically agreeing and empathizing with you saying shit like "Yeah, i understand ; everybody does it", not everyone butt rapes farm animals, bro: https://www.amazon.com/Gatekeeper-Memoirs-CIA-Polygraph-Examiner/dp/159797045X
Whatever language you get, hang out down the hill lots of foreign exchange students trading language time for American English time, or just cultural stuff. Don't worry about spy vs. spy stuff, cuz you'll not know shit, but be wary of who you do keep in touch with if you do socialize outside the military world. Also get into Steinbeck and Kerouac , as well as Robert Heinlein who wrote some books in the Santa Cruz area. Take city bus to Big Sur and hike often.
​
Read: https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Factory-Ultra-Secret-Eavesdropping-America/dp/0385521324/
This is recommended by chiropractors, I use it all the time. Make sure you're checking your posture.
Massage Gun Deep Tissue Muscle Massager for Pain Relief, Upgrade Super Quiet Portable Handheld Relaxation Electric Sport Massager(Gray) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PLDMHVH/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_dl_8J5K2AHXCPG3J6J620BG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This is what I used to study. I spent a month studying before I retook it. I studied 5-6 days a week for hours. Not everyone is gifted to just go and take and score high. For reference it got me a 91 when I initially had a 64. Good luck and utilize the online exams and lessons.
ASVAB Prep Plus 2022–2023: 6 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online + Video (Kaplan Test Prep) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1506277799/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZJ8JNXGVEN8B261GZ0NQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
a multitool—Gerber or Leatherman. Something like that. Even if you guys break up, I promise he'll take that everywhere with him for the rest of his life.
Buy all new, fresh socks.
You're going to want good foot protection & warmth.
Consider buying a pair or two of these:
2-weeks into MCT you can probably sell a pair for $100.
Don't wear them on a hike, but for other training events, while your stomping around in 2" puddles and it's 40F, dramatic improvement in your level of happiness.
MCT-East in February of 1991 was honestly the most miserable month of my life.
Rain, rain, rain, but temperatures just above the "too cold to train" danger-zone.
We did training in like November or December on Mount Fuji with almost a foot of snow on the ground and volcanic mud nastiness, and that was less miserable than MCT. Why? Gore-Tex boots were authorized for wear when we went to Japan, and they issued us Gore-Tex cold weather gear. Made a world of difference over our Korean-War era field jackets.
I have something like this in black. Do you think this will be fine. If they make me throw it away and give a sleeve instead I’ll still be grateful. Thank you for the helpful info
IPOW 2 Pack Knee Pain Relief & Patella Stabilizer Knee Strap Brace Support for Hiking, Soccer, Basketball, Running, Jumpers Knee, Tennis, Volleyball & Squats. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PA4XCBU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_4TH2DBMZHBPBPGST0Z9V
Instead of hating your life, at least try for something that could get you some interesting things to think about and maybe leverage yourself into something cool.
have you looked into CK contract? There’s a chance you could get 0861, which seems to me like a cool guy job and you can get some schooling in. It’s forward artillery observer, which is like what an army 13F does, but I believe you are only at ft sill half the time but you learn the same amount of stuff; then on top of it, unlike a 13F , you get authorized to call in naval guns.... then if you’re good you could go to an ANGLICO unit which seems pretty fucking high speed and become a JTAC or something. Idk the schools seem pretty cool in Coronado and the opportunity to train in a unit like that seems really fun, and I’d think if they’re gunna depoy units to do some shit in Syria... who do you think is calling in all these arty rounds over the last year ???
Are you planning on being a reservist? If not, you won’t decide between the two, you’ll be assigned from anything in the intel/signals intel job field. Look up “usmc mos list “ on google. Anything that starts with 02 or 26 is a possibility, minus those that aren’t open for first term enlistment.
Look into a Masters Swim program and start swimming 5x a week.
Read this book: https://www.amazon.com/All-Takes-Become-Recon-Marine/dp/1987678583
Enlist with an infantry contract and take the recon screener in ITB to ensure you don't get reclassified as a cook if/when you don't pass the screener, MART, or BRC.
Couple things ... as others noted, you should begin the Recon Ron or Armstrong pull up program. Also you should begin an intermediate 5k run training program (google it, Hal Higdon has a good one but there are dozens). Both of these will improve your PFT fitness.
That said, for Recon, you may want to read this:
https://www.amazon.com/All-Takes-Become-Recon-Marine/dp/1987678583
I encourage you to buy a used copy of this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Marine-Expeditionary-Clancys-Military-Referenc-ebook/dp/B001TLZE7I/
Tom Clancy had it published back in 2009 or so, so it's kind of out-of-date, but sufficiently current to help you really understand the importance of a MEU and MAGTF.
https://www.amazon.com/All-Takes-Become-Recon-Marine/dp/1987678583
Do a metric shit ton of running and swimming. Do the MCIWS course if you can, passing it is a good indicator of your ability in the water.
I guess its really more of a methodology than a program, because it kinda just teaches you how to make your own program with certain goals in mind. https://www.amazon.com/Tactical-Barbell-Definitive-Strength-Operational-ebook/dp/B01G195QU2 I bought this ebook and really the only one you need. I bought the conditioning one too but its not as necessary. Didnt get as much out of it
The nubuck leather wears down quickly.
Instead of worrying about that, clean, treat and waterproof your boots.
Nikwax Nubuck & Suede Footwear Clean/Waterproof Duo-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ZZ1CRC/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_7CCKG3EACGBGZ8NEEHMP
Get them in a sink and clean them inside and out with dish soap. Rinse well.
Then follow the instructions on the nikwax to condition and waterproof them.
No more wet toes when walking through tall grass.
> is ten day leave going to be brought back?
The answer doesn't matter. You'll get leave when the Corps says you can have leave.
> where do i go after boot camp. I am a Military Police MOS and i am confused if i go to SOI after boot camp or MCT or both
The answer doesn't matter. After Boot Camp, you get on the bus they tell you to get on, and you go where it takes you.
(It's going to take you to MCT)
> If so how long do these usually last
MCT lasts until they tell you you're done.
(about 30 days)
> How much contact will i have with home after boot camp in SOI. Will I have my phone?
My understanding is that you will have your phone in MCT, but you are not supposed to take it to the field with you.
You might consider a hard-case for your phone to ensure it doesn't get unintentionally smashed.
https://www.amazon.com/Pelican-MICRO-RAVEN-Black-Clear/dp/B07JBCFXBB/
If you have high arches,
Been using these 2+ years.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00268XJMU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_TT4YT2H9SAY40JG9BSHT
Something to bear in mind, the cushioning won't last or hold up if you buy insoles like you describe and use them in the field or hike frequently. Try heavier weight socks plus an insole.
Here is one of the best books on prepping for Recon by a former Recon Marine
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1987705548/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_MV30E2DHFHRQF6NQ1RNV
And another prep book written by a former BRC instructor
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1987678583/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_C4YGB3VE10AGZRK0EPHF
McGraw-Hill Education ASVAB, Fourth Edition (McGraw Hill's ASVAB) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1259837009/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_RSJH6JY3G66PXY594FJT?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This one by McGraw Hill really helped me back in the day. You’ve just got to keep practicing. Just my opinion, though.
I didn’t receive my issued glasses until the second to last week of OCS and the glasses I brought were destroyed.
I used these instead of the glasses strap and it worked great.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R9M79XB/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_glt_fabc_19WB4M6KY9MC8P31CBJD
I had tendon repair surgery on my foot while I was at my MOS school, and the navy gave me a pair of powerstep insoles.
I bought a fresh pair every 6 months or so, and I wore them for the rest of my enlistment. They're pretty great, and since the insole extends under your toes, there's no chance of it sliding around inside your shoe/boot.
I wouldn't say don't join. I would say that sometimes we join we out thinking about the consequences. Aside from seeing combat closely I don't see how the Marines are a bad idea. It is an experience unlike any other. I don't regret a single day I was in the Marines. I learned a lot. I was a nerd and being a Marine opened my eyes to the rest of the world not just in a physical way but in a mental way. It allowed to make challenges that have arisen through the years easier. The best 4 years of my life.
Now, before you join I do recommend to watch this documentary below by yourself, with your dignificant otherwise, with your parents, with your family and your friends.
https://www.amazon.com/Once-Marine-Stephen-Canty/dp/B08NK1CFFR?ref_=d6k_applink_bb_dls
Because if s..t goes to hell then they are the ones that will have to deal with the consequences. Now, that's in the extreme but it is real.
Best wishes and hope everything works out for you.
Historically, you've been allowed a small address book, and a religious text.
So, if you were to buy something like this:
Moleskine 3.5" x 5.5" Notebook
...and fill the first couple pages with names, numbers and mailing addresses, it should pass inspection.
Go with a low-profile color. Black and Green really do blend into the military world, but a yellow or crimson notebook is sure to attract a second look.
Follow this book written by a former recon Marine himself
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1987705548/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IP4GFb4NGNY9C
He wrote a 12-week prep program which is exactly what you're looking for. To prepare for BRC.
The Official DLAB Training Manual: Study Guide and Practice Test: The Best Tips and Tricks to Raising Your DLAB Score https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HUC6RT4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_krUqFbYFQ8DDJ
This has helped me loads. Has all the information you’ll need for the DLAB. But if you’re serious about being a linguist, I’d study grammar very seriously, just so you’re well prepared for the DLI.
If I was you I would take maybe a year-and-a-half break but get in touch with an OSO now and let him her know of your intentions to join. Use the next year or so to improve or better yourself physically and prepare yourself for the Marines. Maybe take some leadership classes, some public speaking courses etc.
Read this book
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1941325025/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_FT1iFbAZ8RY8W
This one on Amazon is pretty well reviewed.
My mother got me a really nice scrapbook. Oversized, so awards/certs can be put in it. Marine stylized.
United States Marines Scrapbook (Military Scrapbook Series) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0883636298/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_uzDEAb9NZ42VP
Your credit score carries more weight than you think. You need to pay off your debt as soon as possible.
Based on the fact that you don't know if a $13000 car loan is "debt", you sound like you have a terribly low financial literacy. Car loans are debt, and they are bad debt since the asset they are held against rapidly depreciates.
Get rid of your credit card debt immediately. If you need to use a credit card to buy something, then you can't afford it. If you need a loan to get a car, then it's out of your price range.
Do yourself a favor, and go buy Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. Read it and live by those rules.
I'd suggest this book if you are just starting out with fitness/body building in general. https://www.amazon.com/New-Encyclopedia-Modern-Bodybuilding-Updated/dp/0684857219
If you have Air Force ROTC at the college you want to get your masters degree from that will only make your military transition even easier as they can write you good testimonials and help open doors.
The military in general, active or reserve, will not make you into a fit body. The transitional period during boot camp (That good old 13 week fun course) is only going to give you average fitness levels. They just want to train you enough to pass the fitness test, because that is their job. If you want to do anything beyond that you will have to do it on your own (and on your own time). Fitness is a habit that can be gained through repeated action just like everything else.
Was there last summer. My entire platoon wore coyote brown. Nothing was ever said about sock color, but that's probably because everyone wore the coyote. I would not bring the green, sorry. Eat the cost and save them for tbs.
These can arrive to your home in 2 days.
I wouldn't take it every day necessarily if you aren't running, unless it is interfering with your normal lifestyle. I used to just pop 2 about an hour and a half before a run. Just to dull the pain a little while you are training. There were times where I over-did it took it all the time and it messed with my stomach some (basically gave me runners IBS)...can also have negative effects on your liver over time (especially combined w/ drinking). If it's only hurting after you run though, you are lucky! Who cares how bad it hurts once you're laying on the couch! :-P
I got a big foam roller at one point, but found it was a little awkward to use rolling around on the ground and such. I ended up going with a little handheld one with knobs on it:
Not sure which type you got, if it's the big floor ones maybe you'll have more patience with it than I did.