Head to MCRD in 2 weeks...

[mreed]

Any tips from some guys/gals that have done it before?

[ducky_0811]

not really sure what you're asking...DI school, recruiters school, career retention specialist school, or....recruit training

[omnitravis]

Recruit training...?
It has changed so much over the past 10 years that most of us probably cant give you too much advice.
It is going to be easy. Disappointingly easy.

[dls]

Try not to stand out or draw attention,in an attempt to minimize the arse chewing.

[bellts]

Bring the bare minimum. Get a good pair of running shoes. Good luck.

[Wickedflava]

Try to be in your best possible shape before you go and learn your general orders.

[Subotai]

When you get there, ask them how come you don't PT in boots, are you guys Navy or what?

[jarhead714]

1. Sound off loud, clear, and fast.

2. Don't fall asleep during reception or any other time.

3. Do what you are told to do in a fast manner.

4. When ordered to stop doing something, stop fast and return to POA

5. Pay attention during drill instruction. To some, it is the most challenging aspect of Recruit Training

6. Learn to get dressed really quick. Quicker than you can possibly imagine.

7. Learn physical discipline. A good example would be to not scratch an itch.

8. If you are currently overweight, lose it before you hit the Depot. If you are skinny and are likely to be a double-rat, bon apetit.

9. Start sitting Indian style right now.

That should get you by alright. I went through in '95 so I'm sure things maybe have changed a little bit, but those are some good guidelines. It's a lot of fun. You'll always remember these times and those faces. Semper Fi recruit!

[Call_me_Tom]

Have as much fun as you can right now because you won't be having any for the next 3 months. Make sure your feet are hardend or accustomed to wearing boots & above all else know your General Orders.

[Lost-trails]

I was there in 1986. Got a good night sleep before you go and buy the best running shoes you can.

[rplusplus]

Jarhead covered most of it. Don't bring anything but $20 bucks in 1 dollar bills and your ID. No watch, not phone, nothing. They are going to take everything while you are there anyway, have a family member bring you that stuff on graduation day.

If you have long hair or any type of fashionable hair cut... go get a normal hair cut but do NOT show up with a high and tight or shaved head.

DO not ever stand out. Ever... NEVER EVER. You can stand out when you report to your first duty station.

Oh and every day remember... it is only a test.

It's been over 25 years for me and it was at the San Diego Navy RTC... But not much has changed. One thing you will learn fast...

USMC... 237 years of tradition unimpeded by progress.

[jarhead714]

When it's gets tough or frustrating, remember, they gotta break for chow at some point. The training schedule is everything. Your DI's WILL find time to take you out and kill you for a little while, but not that often. You are treated as children in that you have to be fed and in the rack at a certain time.

Oh, and just you wait for hygene inspection. This is the true measure of a man's composure. Absolutely hilarious!

[sandiego]

From a Navy doc perspective who has taken care of dozens of recruits at the hospital (NMCSD, Balboa):

If you NEED to go to medical, GO (especially for fever, chills, shortness of breath, bad rashes). Pneumonia and MRSA cellulitis (bacterial skin infection) runs rampant through MCRD. Sadly, a couple recruits die from complications each year. Often times, recruits will refrain from sick call due to fear of DIs, being held back or simply looking weak. This can be a serious and potentially fatal mistake.

I am by no means encouraging “sick call commando” behavior. Just take of yourself and have fun.

[stitch_paradox]

i agee with san diego. i often have the expression of " Wtf?!" when Marines tell me "doc, i gotta show you something" because they waited too long.

[ducky_0811]

9. Start sitting Indian style right now.

probably the one thing i wish i got told!!!!! although drill instructors probably laugh their butts off watching 90 recruits try to stand up and run with dead legs after sitting cross legged for 4 hours!!!!