Marine training camps in the United States are challenging even when compared to other branches of the military in the United States. People who wish to become Marines (or "poolees" while waiting to report to boot camp, "recruits" after they arrive at boot camp and begin training) are pushed beyond their limits and subjected to extreme physical and mental stress as a part of the total change to being an active Marine. While it's impossible to be completely prepared to deal with the stresses of boot camp, building the physical strength and mental learning required from boot camp while waiting for your training start date can help give you the strength to endure this grueling challenge.
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Part 1 of 2: Preparing Physically for Training Camp
Educate Yourself About Marine Corps Standard Tests
Step 1. Know the test you will face
Physical fitness is one of the main pillars of the effectiveness of the Marine Corps. Marines are expected to prove their strength and resilience. Pooles must pass the Initial Strength Test (TKA) at the start of their training and the Physical Fitness Test (TKF) at the end of their training to become a Marine. In addition, Marines are subject to an annual test called the Combat Ability Test (TKT). Knowing the passing standards for this test can help you assess your physical abilities before arriving at boot camp.
Step 2. Study the standards for the Initial Strength Test
The TKA is done at the end of the third day of the "acceptance stage" at the training camp. The three components of the TKA are pull-ups, sit-ups, and timed running.
- Pull-ups: Men should be able to do two full pull-ups to start the exercise. Women need to hang on to the bent arm (starting from the "top" position of a pull-up and maintaining the bent arm as long as possible) for twelve seconds.
- Sit-ups: both men and women should be able to do 44 full sit-ups (elbows or arms touching knees) in two minutes.
- Run with a time limit: men must be able to run 2.41 km in 13:30, while women must be able to run the same distance in 15 minutes.
Step 3. Study the standard Physical Fitness Test
The training in TKF is the same as in TKA, but the standard is more difficult. This standard assumes poolees are 17-26 years old-the standard decreases somewhat with age. see below:
- Pull-ups/arm bending while hanging: men should be able to do three complete pull-ups. women should be able to hang while bending the arms for 15 seconds. Note that the Marine Corps planned to do three pull-ups for women in 2014, but this has been postponed.
- Sit-ups: Both men and women should be able to do 50 sit-ups in two minutes.
- Run with a time limit: men must be able to run 4.8 km in 28 minutes, while women must be able to run 4.8 km in 31 minutes.
Step 4. Study the standard Combat Ability Test
Graduating from TKT is an annual requirement for all Marines. TKT tests the ability of Marines to use physical abilities in combat conditions. TKT has three sections, each section has 100 points. So the perfect score for TKT is 300 points. The lowest score for each test varies depending on the age and sex of the prospective Marines.
- Movement into battle: this is a time-limited obstacle course of 805 meters to test the speed and endurance of the Marines. The maximum score is 2:45 for men and 3:23 for women.
- Lifting ammunition: Marines must be able to lift a 13.6 Kg ammo box above their head (until their elbows are straight) as much as possible. The maximum repetition score is 91 for men and 61 for women.
- Move under fire: this back and forth run combines several tasks in combat, such as running, crawling, carrying weights, throwing grenades, and much more. The maximum score is 2:14 for men and 3:01 for women.
Step 5. Aim to exceed the lowest standards
Just barely passing the minimum standard of foreign workers after arriving at the training camp is highly discouraged. Candidates who barely pass TKA will have a hard time adjusting to the intense physical challenges of Marine life. In addition, they are more at risk of injury than other recruits and may need to enroll in strength training and cardio. Doing so would interfere with the recruit's combat training and make it more difficult (not impossible) for him to become a Marine. So, it is a good idea to pass TKA easily and at least you can pass TKA well while in the training camp. Use the time before entering the boot camp wisely!
Improve Your Physical Fitness
Step 1. Start a running workout
In addition to being able to pass the TKA and TKF sections, Marines are expected to be able to move quickly and have high aerobic endurance so that they can be agile in carrying out their duties. Your running routine should be a combination of jogging, running, and sprinting, in order to increase your speed. As you run, make sure you take deep breaths, maintain a fast but steady pace, and maintain proper form. Your foot should touch the ground in front of your heel – near the sole of the forefoot. The touch location should then "roll over" forward, allowing you to push off with your toes.
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Many successful recruits use interval training to increase their aerobic endurance and reduce their travel time. Below is an example of interval training from Military.com. Assume the target speed is 6 minutes per 1.6 km, which equates to 3 minutes per 800 meters, 90 seconds per 266 meters, etc.:
- Run 800 meters according to your speed goals.
- Walk or jog as far as 400 meters to rest.
- Repeat the above two steps 4-6 times.
- Run 400 meters according to your speed goals.
- Walk or jog as far as 200 meters to rest.
- Repeat the above two steps 4-6 times.
- Run 200 meters according to your speed goals.
- Walk or jog as far as 100 meters to rest.
- Repeat the above two steps 4-6 times.
- Set a goal so that you can consistently do your running workouts, whether it's interval training or separate workouts, long distance running 4-5 times a week.
Step 2. Plan to practice climbing
Marines are expected to be able to walk and move through difficult terrain while carrying their equipment. Make a habit of climbing – it's a great exercise that will increase your endurance, make your legs stronger, and train your back, ankles, and other muscles for the outdoor activities that are part of Marine life. When you hike, bring a large bag for camping. You may also want to add weight to the bag to create a better simulation of the feeling of climbing by carrying a load of 13-27 kg. Bags containing ammunition, clothing, equipment, etc.
Step 3. Start practicing pull-ups or hand-hanging
Pull-ups and hand-hanging are a core part of TKA and TKF for both men and women. Both exercises work on upper body strength, using muscle groups that are important for effectiveness in combat.
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To do a full pull-up, first grip onto the bar with your hands facing forward or away from you. Hanging on the bar with straight arms. Your knees can be straight or bent, but they should not be bent past your waist. From a resting position, raise your forehead above the bar, then lower your body until your arms are completely straight, stop, and repeat.
- To practice the pull-up test, you may need to purchase a pull-up bar or enroll in a gym that has suitable pull-up equipment. If you can't do pull-ups, you'll need to build your ability slowly by using a machine to help with pull-ups or asking a close friend for help by holding your feet and supporting some of your body weight. Finally, you can make pull-ups easier by starting at the top and lowering your body or kicking to increase momentum.
- You'll also need to strengthen your upper back, biceps, and triceps through strength training.
- For women, they must pass the hanging test while bending the arm, not the pull-up test. But women have the option of doing pull-ups. Like men, women should work on their back, biceps, and triceps strength through lifting weights, doing assisted pull-ups, and increasing hanging time while bending their arms.
Step 4. Start practicing swimming or taking swimming lessons
In addition to meeting TKS and TKF standards, Marines are expected to become skilled swimmers. If you've never learned to swim, and balance your body in the water properly, the Marines' swimming test will be quite difficult to pass. You should be able to swim 1.6 km without stopping. Try swimming three times a week for 45 minutes at a time to increase lung capacity and strengthen your legs, shoulders, and arms for endurance.
- Marine swimming qualification now consists of 3 levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each Marine must obtain a Basic certificate, which requires Marines to remove their equipment in the water for less than 10 seconds, jump from a tower into the water, and step in the water for four minutes, and then pull their bag through the 25 meter pool.. All of this is done in uniform, including boots
- Many public swimming pools, schools, and gyms offer swimming lessons. If you're not sure if you're doing your stroke correctly, take a course to improve your style.
Step 5. Exercise your abdominal muscles every day
Core strength, as measured by sit-ups, is one of the main components for TKA and TKF. In addition, working on core strength is an important step in avoiding back injuries, which can result from vigorous training (especially when carrying heavy weights). Be sure to incorporate a good abs workout routine into your weekly fitness plan – you need to work your waist, lower abs, and hips regularly – every day, if you can. Sit-ups, planks, and hanging with the legs are the right choices to increase abdominal muscle strength
- The component of sit-ups for TKA and TKF is for the speed test-don't forget you are limited by two minutes to complete the sit-ups. Work your abs as fast as you can while you maintain proper form and control. You may need to use a stop watch to keep track of your time.
- Core strength isn't just about abdominal muscles. Other core exercises that are important for preventing injury are squats, lunges, and deadlifts. Correct exercise to prevent back injuries.
Step 6. Eat a healthy, lean diet
A proper diet may be essential to building the muscle you need to meet the physical needs of a Marine. Your diet should consist of healthy carbohydrates, protein and fats. Cut (and try to eliminate) sugar, fatty foods, and preservatives from your diet. It should be noted that Marines are expected to maintain a healthy level of fat – if they exceed the standards for body weight and body fat composition, they will be enrolled in a weight loss program. Failing to take this test could potentially result in expulsion.
- When it comes to carbohydrates, try to get carbohydrates from green leafy vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Limit starches such as bread and potatoes. Protein should be obtained from fat-free meat in proportions about the size of the palm of your hand. Healthy fats are found in nuts, eggs, and vegetable oils and should be served in proportions about the size of a golf ball.
- Upon arrival at the training camp, the disproportionately underweight person will be given a ration to increase the weight. People who are overweight will be given a calorie-restricted diet. Progressing to boot camp can help you gain or lose weight so that you fit within the standards of your weight category.
- When training for boot camp, eat 3 balanced meals a day, with snacks in between breakfast, lunch and dinner. This will help your body recover from training sessions and stay healthy. As it gets closer to training camp, try to cut down on snacks, as they won't be part of the training camp.
Step 7. Maintain a high level of hydration before, during, and after exercise
Hydration is an important part of any workout routine. Since the training you did to become a Marine may be the toughest workout you'll ever have to deal with in your life, it's a good idea to develop a good level of hydration before entering boot camp. Drink enough water every day-more if you do exercise. Drink drinks that contain electrolytes (such as gatorade, etc.) during intense resistance training to help your body replenish the electrolyte stores in your body that are lost through sweat. In general, you need to drink as much as 29.5 ml for every 0.9 kg of body weight, or about 8-12 cups of water a day for a big man.
- Milk is low in fat and dependent on sugar content, pure fruit juice is also a healthy hydrating drink.
- Please note that the two United States Marine Corps training camps are located on Parris Island, South Carolina and in San Diego, California. Both locations can be quite hot, depending on the time of year, so hydration can be a more important part of your workout than ever, especially if you're used to a cooler climate.
Part 2 of 2: Mentally Prepare
Step 1. Prepare to be treated like you are worthless
If the Marines training camp was just to get fit, it would be difficult, but manageable for almost any recruit with a desire to work hard. What makes boot camp for the Marines so demanding is that it also provides an intense test of the recruits' intelligence, focus, and character-shortly, their mental strength. Even the athletic recruits sometimes fail due to the mental stress they go through. Upon arrival at the training camp, be prepared to enter a world where you do not get the courtesy and respect that is common in civilian life. Prepare to be shouted at, humiliated, humiliated, humiliated, and treated like dirt.
Also be prepared to obey those who shout and insult you, because your laziness or impudentness will be severely punished
Step 2. Prepare to live on only the basic necessities
Marine boot camp is not a place for personal luxuries. Prospective members are expected to leave all basic necessities at home.
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Below are the basic necessities that Military.com recommends for boot camp:
- A valid SIM or ID card
- Money as much as IDR 100,000-200,000
- Clothes
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Some minor necessities may be allowed – talk to the person who hired you to determine what items you need and/or are allowed to carry:
- Other documents issued by recruiters
- Social security card
- ATM card
- Proof of citizenship (if not born in the United States of America)
- Marriage certificate and/or birth certificate
- Telephone card
- Bank account's book
- Religious items
- Little padlock
- Men: three white panties
- Women: panties, bras, nylon socks, long underwear (all in neutral colors)
- A pair of athletic socks
- One day supply of civilian clothes
- toiletries
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Do not bring the following luxury items:
- Mobile
- Laptops
- O'clock
- More clothes
- makeup tools
- Food
Step 3. Be ready to leave your loved one for 13 weeks
The Marine training camp was a struggle that lasted more than three months. During that time, relationships with family and friends will be severely restricted. Usually, recruits are given 30 seconds to call to let their family know that they have arrived at the training camp safely. After that, the use of the phone will be strictly limited, if allowed. Some potential members may be allowed to call as a gift, while others may not. To put it simply, plan not to use your phone until the last week of training, and plan not to see your loved ones until Family Day, which takes place one day before your graduation day.
Your family and partner may send you a letter, but there are some conditions for doing so. The letter must be clear and straightforward without any decoration or special envelope and be addressed to "Rct. (Recruit) Last Name, First Name". Make sure your family understands not to write any rank other than "recruit", don't send decorated envelopes, and don't send packages. It will draw unwanted attention to you
Step 4. Be prepared not to ask your training instructor for orders
Marine Training Instructors (IP) have earned legend status for their tough, confrontational instructor style. Their voices are loud, cruel, and straight to your face. But they are fair – they will not pamper potential members or give prospective members special treatment. Understand that by pushing you over the edge, IPs have helped you. Marine Corps life isn't easy – as a Marine, you may be called upon to lay down your life for your country. In order to be an effective Marine, you must be able to make high-level decisions in the middle of the battlefield. Like tough IPs, you'll eventually find relief that they instill the value of strength and discipline if you ever get into combat.
Even the smallest mistake can be punished. Just looking at the IP incorrectly can get Adna insulted; a small mistake while cleaning your weapon can lead to Incentive Physical Training (LFI) i.e. being instructed to do push-ups, climb mountains, jump up and down, lift your legs, etc. By bringing you to a defined standard IP helps you get the power and attention to detail you'll need in the field
Step 5. Get rid of your ego
One of the first things that happen to recruits in boot camp is their hair being changed to conform to military standards. Men will be shaved bald, while women will have their hair cut short or their hair tied in a bun. This is done for an important reason. Marines are expected to sacrifice individuality for the benefit of the unit. This extends from the fairly simple – giving your personal appearance that separates you from the group – to the profound – giving up your life for someone else. Get ready to put your ego aside when you get off the bus at boot camp. From that point on, the country and your fellow Marines are your top priority, not yourself.
Step 6. Get ready for a lot of "head games"
IP Marines will often assign recruits a variety of tasks and situations intended to discourage recruits so they can be rebuilt into perfect Marines. IPs are constantly looking for opportunities to pressure, humiliate, and "drop" potential members. They will give a task that is impossible to complete, then will give punishment for not being able to complete the task. They will act arbitrarily and choose prospective members for no reason. Their actions may seem unfair – they do that on purpose! But please remember that IP's actions are not personal – all potential members go through training camps and have the same experience. The following are some examples of "headplay" from one of the former recruits, now active Marines:
- An iron briefcase is left unlocked, so all potential members must find their keys together in several balls and throw these balls on the floor. Prospective members then have one minute to find and unlock their respective locks. After they failed the impossible test, they would be punished with humiliation and physical training.
- After winning a training competition, the recruits were punished with physical training in a mud pool because they won by a short distance.
- Marines will not let a Troop's guidon (special flag) touch the ground. While standing in line, Marines are not allowed to move, unless they are told to. An IP will throw a guidon on the floor to show his disappointment with his Platoon's performance. When potential members try to catch their guidon, they will be punished.
Step 7. Prepare for sleep deprivation
The duties of a Marine usually start before sunrise. If you're not an early riser, you may need to adjust your sleep schedule well in advance of your scheduled departure to ease the transition into the boot camp routine. In addition, sleep deprivation is part of basic Marine training. For example, during the definition test of recruit training called Crucible, Marine recruits embark on a 54 hour mission in which they only get about 4 hours of sleep. Sleep deprivation prepares Marines for life in the battlefield, where they are required to fight at any time, regardless of whether or not he or she has received adequate rest.
Step 8. Be prepared to take responsibility for every action you take
During the training camp, prospective members learn to rely on each other to a high standard. Troops usually compete for trophies which are earned from accumulated marks in marksmanship, academics, etc. Since Platoons are judged as a whole, each Platoon member relies on one another to perform to the best of their abilities. Keep in mind that all Platoon members are usually punished for the wrongdoing of one member, so it's important for each prospective member to be held accountable for the actions of his comrades or his own.
Tips
- Aim to reach the highest possible standard through continuous practice over several months. According to several sources from the military, recruits who only meet the minimum standards of foreign workers upon arrival at the training camp have a greater risk of being injured during the training camp.
- If you are shopping alone, choose food from the edge of the supermarket. Most supermarkets are designed to place fresh produce, meat, and large containers near the outer edges. Processed foods can be found in the middle.
- Practicing before you enter boot camp is very important, especially if you have a desire to get high marks. Platoon Leaders are expected to have high TKF scores.
- Vitamin supplements are not needed in preparation for training camp. In some cases, people who have lost a lot of weight may want to add a daily multi-vitamin to avoid getting sick or losing minerals.
- You should also start mentally preparing for the Marine Corps training camp. The boot camp uses scenarios of exhaustion, deprivation, and pain to develop recruits. Talk to people who have been through training camps before and ask what they recommend to improve your mental strength.
