There is no doubt that Marine Corps recruit training is difficult. Drill Instructors will challenge you to your max and then challenge you even more. The drop out rate is high the first few days, even before any actual training begins. When I entered Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in the winter of 1994, there were 13 recruits who dropped out in the first few days of receiving. The initial shock can be overwhelming but manageable. The intensity continues all through boot camp until graduation. You can stay focused and graduate a Marine, if you consider these few tips.
1) It’s a game. Yes, if you go into boot camp, you should always approach it as a game where you learn how to improvise, adapt, and overcome. From Personal training to having your uniform looking the best, you need to approach every task as if it were your mission to win. I wanted to be the first in everything. I woke up earlier than other recruits and had all my belongings organized before we mustered. I would get up in the middle of the night and work on pull-ups or lifted weights. I kept a winning mentality from start to finish and graduated a rank above my peers. 2) Stay unnoticed. Sure, you might not get selected for platoon leader or squad leader, but you may also get left alone, if that is your intent. There were some recruits who avoided getting yelled at directly or thrashed by drill instructors. They kept to themselves and managed to cruise through boot camp undetected. There is really no formula to remain unnoticed other than doing everything you’re told and with great enthusiasm and swiftness – so that the drill instructors stay focused on the weaker recruits. There are four drill instructors trying to train 50 to 60 recruits, so there will always be 4 or 5 recruits who cruise boot camp with less harassment and thrashings than others. Approaching boot camp with the “it’s a game” strategy could also help with staying unnoticed. 3) Stay motivated. Regardless of how bad a drill instructor thrashes you or how tired you feel from sleep deprivation, you must maintain constant motivation and a gung-ho spirit. When drill instructors test your physical and mental limits, give them your all and with much enthusiasm. Drill Instructors love nothing more than pure 100% motivation. Learn the history of the Corps and the pride and tradition that makes the Marine Corps so elite, and it will provide you with the motivation needed to cross the parade deck.
Godspeed and Semper Fidelis!