Any former Marines/seals here? 03xx?

[Jderavian]

I go to Basic in a few months with an 0321 contract and was wondering if anyone had any tips to getting physically prepared? Especially swimming for recon.

[SP1966]

It was 32 years ago for me so I'm sure it'll be another world for you, but the best thing you can do is work on your endurance. With regard to Recon I have no idea, I was air wing!

[Hawaiianwargod]

My brother was in the marines. Before he joined, he was doing a lot of cardio; mostly running. He said it helped him tremendously.
One of my cousin still in the Navy and had tried joining to be a seal. He is very athletic guy but never made it. He said the training was physically and mentally taxing.

[JimmyJonny]

I go to Basic in a few months with an 0321 contract and was wondering if anyone had any tips to getting physically prepared? Especially swimming for recon.

My cousin just retired after serving 30 years. I remember him telling me everyone gets drowned once. Yes, they hold you under, drown you and bring you back.

Practice drowning I guess, lol.

[keepitnatty]

Throw on a heavy pack and start hiking

[mtpockets]

I go to Basic in a few months with an 0321 contract and was wondering if anyone had any tips to getting physically prepared? Especially swimming for recon.

No advice, just wishing you well and thanking you in advance for your service.


BTW.... Curious how a Canadian got a USMC contract? I'm guessing you're an American living in Canada eh?

[adieladawie]

I go to Basic in a few months with an 0321 contract and was wondering if anyone had any tips to getting physically prepared? Especially swimming for recon.

Wow! I give you hi 5. This is a awesome way to go about it.

[CaptChip40]

You say a few months your'e going in. Not sure what kind of shape you are in now. I would recommend running, sit-ups, pull-ups. That's pretty much how you are measured in the Corps. Not much strength training. In fact a lot of muscle will probably hurt you.
If you are in any kind of decent shape you will have no problem with the physical part of USMC basic. Keep your mouth shut, ears open, and realize that nothing is personal just take the mental stuff and deal with it.

[Jderavian]

No advice, just wishing you well and thanking you in advance for your service.


BTW.... Curious how a Canadian got a USMC contract? I'm guessing you're an American living in Canada eh?

When I made this account I was living in Canada. Haven't updated yet. And thank you.

My cousin just retired after serving 30 years. I remember him telling me everyone gets drowned once. Yes, they hold you under, drown you and bring you back.

Practice drowning I guess, lol.

Lol im not sure if they hold you under but i did hear everyone usually drowns at least once

[Brackneyc]

The AK-47 assault rifle, the preferred weapon of your enemy, makes a very distinctive sound when fired at you, so remember it.

[Kansas123]

My buddy is in the marines and he said basic was a breeze. He's not even fit or well conditioned

[zachh85]

No advice, just wishing you well and thanking you in advance for your service.


BTW.... Curious how a Canadian got a USMC contract? I'm guessing you're an American living in Canada eh?

Yes, thank you!

[CaptChip40]

The AK-47 assault rifle, the preferred weapon of your enemy, makes a very distinctive sound when fired at you, so remember it.

Gunny Highway, long time no see.

[Wayne Evans]

If you are in any kind of decent shape you will have no problem with the physical part of USMC basic. Keep your mouth shut, ears open, and realize that nothing is personal just take the mental stuff and deal with it.

OP....there you have it.
I would not concern myself with any muscle building goals as CC40 mentioned.

Regardless of your perception of your physical strengths or endurance I would submit that getting through boot camp is more mental toughness and stamina.
I've seen many in my boot camp platoon who were in pretty shvtty physical shape but did have the mental fortitude and determination to earn the coveted EGA.

I would underscore, keep your mouth shut, eyes and ears open and get used to "sir, yes sir".
Do not disappoint us.

Good luck.....

[weiss1967]

what I remember (different forces, in a diff world), it was hard no matter how you prepare yourself, and that was the whole point. Basic was all about shaping mental stamina, and beating ego down. God I miss it though...

[waco]

I go to Basic in a few months with an 0321 contract and was wondering if anyone had any tips to getting physically prepared? Especially swimming for recon.

First, Marines have Boot Camp, Army has Basic Training.

Run, run, and run. You should run 3 miles every other day, get used to running. Do pull-ups, and crunches like everyday. Boot Camp is only the beginning of training, once your out in the fleet that's when the fun n games begin.

Recon/Marsoc is not a guarantee, it's a try out, if you suck you don't get in. You might get attached to a Recon unit, but that doesn't mean you get the scuba bubble and jump wings, you got to earn those.

Why didn't you want to go regular 0311? Just curious?

[Jderavian]

Why didn't you want to go regular 0311? Just curious?

I like the idea of being in a small(er) and elite team. I want to use my body physically, but I also want a mental aspect to it that involves critical thinking of some sort further down the line. I think recon can give that to me (through recon, force recon, marsoc. etc.) more than any other 03xx job. I'm also just curious to see if I have what it takes. Never really failed anything I put my mind to. Someone has to be Recon. Why not me?

edit: However, I enlisted to be a marine. If i fail i would be just fine with 0311. I just hope I get a good MOS (if i fail) since i'm open contract. I got an 95 on my ASVAB so I probably will unless they really need bodies somewhere else.

[JimmyJonny]

When I made this account I was living in Canada. Haven't updated yet. And thank you.



Lol im not sure if they hold you under but i did hear everyone usually downs at least once

They don't do it to everyone but they absolutely do it. The word " drown " is a poor choice, the navy calls it a " blackout ". Below is just one case of many.

"Numerous sources with knowledge of the training have told NBC News that other SEAL students witnessed an instructor holding Lovelace in the water before he passed out. All of these sources - including parents of SEAL trainees who witnessed the training incidents - have asked for anonymity, saying they must protect the identities of Navy personnel who fear retaliation".

The navy is not required to report and make public the number of blackouts. I can say, 100% fact the my cousin and others where held under by their feet until they blacked out. They were pulled out for a few minutes then they had to go back in.

[Land_Down_Under]

They don't do it to everyone but they absolutely do it. The word " drown " is a poor choice, the navy calls it a " blackout ". Below is just one case of many.

"Numerous sources with knowledge of the training have told NBC News that other SEAL students witnessed an instructor holding Lovelace in the water before he passed out. All of these sources - including parents of SEAL trainees who witnessed the training incidents - have asked for anonymity, saying they must protect the identities of Navy personnel who fear retaliation".

The navy is not required to report and make public the number of blackouts. I can say, 100% fact the my cousin and others where held under by their feet until they blacked out. They were pulled out for a few minutes then they had to go back in.

i guess you would learn to handle the stress of the situation