Step-son joined the Marines

[deb_in_nc]

He leaves June3 for Camp Lejeune,NC. 12 weeks basic. Anyone here been there as a Marine and can tell me what he can expect?

Debbie

[StormChasr]

He leaves June3 for Camp Lejeune,NC. 12 weeks basic. Anyone here been there as a Marine and can tell me what he can expect?

Debbie

It is tough. I was not a Marine, but in the Air Force. I know many Marines. They are special. Marines are the first line of defense of our country, and they are the finest. Obviously, he must be a pretty darn fine man to become a Gyrene. He will come out a MAN, and will learn respect, pride, and how to be a true member of a TEAM. I have nothing but respect for him---you should be very proud.

[depotoo]

good luck to your step-son. he will be in our prayers, and tell him thank you!

[USCG_Hurricane_Watcher]

He leaves June3 for Camp Lejeune,NC. 12 weeks basic. Anyone here been there as a Marine and can tell me what he can expect?

Debbie

Lejeune? What happened to Marine Corps Training Depot in Parris Island in Beaufort, SC?

Big difference between the two...at PI, the mosquitos are often mistaken for ospreys. Kidding aside, my brother-in-law went through PI about four years ago. I've been through 2 boot camps, 1 military college and 1 officer candidate school and all have the same "basic" principles:

-don't try to stand out, no one likes the ex-high school football star type
-teamwork is absolutely essential, individuals are easily spotted by the DI
-no need to pack a watch, time doesn't matter any longer
-take it minute by minute, evolution by evolution
-he's there to be a Marine, focus on achieving that first
-nothing is impossible, if it was, there wouldn't be a Marine Corps
-the DIs are absolute professionals, do not forget that
-you're not going to know everything, in Basic, that's the DI's for
-most of it is in your head - yeah, it's going to uncomfortable, you're going to get yelled out, but that's part of the process: they completely break you down, remove any sense of induviduality, and finally build you back up. It's a long process, but it obviously works.

Bottom line, if you listen to everything the DIs say, perform as instructed and are at the prescribed place and the correct time, it's no problem.

Tell him to keep his ears open while he's there - you're starting to get DIs who, chances are, have already served either in Iraq or Afganistan - good opportunity to "absorb" real world lessons.

Good luck and Semper Fi!!!

[george_r_1961]

Deb I think you will see a definite change in your step son after he graduates from boot camp. I remember one of my older male cousins saying the eight years he spent in the Marine Corps were the best of his life.

[Rainband]

Tell Him thanks from all of us!!!

[Stephanie]

Wish him the best of luck for me!!

[StormChasr]

don't try to stand out, no one likes the ex-high school football star type
-teamwork is absolutely essential, individuals are easily spotted by the DI
-no need to pack a watch, time doesn't matter any longer
-take it minute by minute, evolution by evolution
-he's there to be a Marine, focus on achieving that first
-nothing is impossible, if it was, there wouldn't be a Marine Corps
-the DIs are absolute professionals, do not forget that
-you're not going to know everything, in Basic, that's the DI's for
-most of it is in your head - yeah, it's going to uncomfortable, you're going to get yelled out, but that's part of the process: they completely break you down, remove any sense of induviduality, and finally build you back up. It's a long process, but it obviously works.

Bottom line, if you listen to everything the DIs say, perform as instructed and are at the prescribed place and the correct time, it's no problem.

Most importantly, in basic: DO NOT VOLUNTEER FOR ANYTHING! ESPECIALLY NOT ANYTHING TO DO WITH DITCH-DIGGING!!

[deb_in_nc]

Thanks guys. I'll e-mail these replies to him. It will be different, that's for sure.

Debbie

PS I am extremely proud.

[StormChasr]

PS I am extremely proud.

well, ya should be. It is a tough decision to make, and it takes a tough person to do the job. HE obviously qualifies.

[pojo]

I've been through AF basic ... absolutely NOTHING like Parris Island or San Diego.

From what others are saying, it TRULY is a mind game, he will be told hundreds of times that he is a piece of poo, its nothing for the DI's to do that... remember, they are removing any smidget of individuality. The Marines are something else, they are tough as nails! 12 weeks of hell... and towards the end is the crucible! Good luck boy! You will need it. Do what you are told to do...nothing else, don't be special, most of all... don't stand out like a sore thumb. Wear plain clothes to basic... with NO words on it... if so, you may be called that through the rest of the training. Remember you will be answering Yes, Sgt...No, Sgt. If you get a reporting statement... REMEMBER IT and FAST!

Remember DO NOT volunteer for anything. The DI's will disguise many chores (anyone like to bowl? Boy, you have toilet cleaning duty (get it... toilet bowl!) I caught myself on that one! Didn't get that chore...thank goodness)

He had better be physically fit! 3 Mile timed run, push-ups, sit-ups and who knows what else the DI's are going to do. You will not be around any females... they will most likely be in another part of PI.

He may start at Camp Lajeune, but he will soon move to Parris Island. Word of advice... they may promise you everything... but you have to go through Hell to get it.

[Jack8631]

Since Camp Lejeune isn't far from you, he is probably going there for the final physical and swearing in, then off to Parris Island.

As others have suggested, tell him to keep as low a profile as possible. The tough part of basic is the head games, the physical part..if he's in pretty good shape, they'll work him up to the real hard stuff. I was very thin when I left for Parris Island. They put 20 pounds on me in three months.

But most important, write OFTEN! Nothing means more to a recruit then his/her mail. Semper Fi!