Here we go. I plan to join the marine corps soon, combat MOS of course, and I’m worried about losing gains during boot camp. Now, I’ve heard alot about the marines being great BBers while on base and what not, but what about during boot camp. All that cardio and endurance training will surely cause me to lose strength and/or size, or so I’m thinking. Has anybody been through this? Any former athletes or bodybuilders gone through USMC bootcamp and survived with minimal loss? I’ve heard that the food is great, but do they let you eat as much as you want? I’m thinking no, and knowing my matabolism I’m probably going to come out looking like a tooth pick. If anyone has advice or knowlage on this subject, please chime in. Thanks in advance!
I don’t think they let your type in - and I know they don’t serve the kind of tube steakl you like swallowing.
Keeping your gains should be the least of your worries. You are going to be headed to a combat zone soon. Learn everything they teach in boot and if and when you come back you can worry about regaining or keeping gains. If you go of course.
[quote]rainjack wrote:
I don’t think they let your type in - and I know they don’t serve the kind of tube steakl you like swallowing.[/quote]
Actually I’d like to watch him get his ego shattered and cry like a girl at boot camp. We should support him in this endeavor.
Ego shattered? 3 of my brothers went in and passed. One got “colorgaurd” or something like that, and the other got second in his class. All of them had no physical background. I do, and they say I’ll pass with flying colors. So keep the prayers short buddy, not gunna happen.
it’s just too bad the DI’s aren’t allowed to touch the boots anymore.
[quote]OneEye wrote:
Actually I’d like to watch him get his ego shattered and cry like a girl at boot camp. We should support him in this endeavor.[/quote]
Good point.
TSB Queen should just tell everyone in his platoon about his brothers, and how strong he is, and how good of an athlete he is. That should keep those mean sumbitches from Brooklyn at bay.
That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard. I can just hear queenie - sounding just like Kip. “Your mom goes to college”. “My brothers are Marines”.
Besides - everyone knows he’s training to be a cage fighter.
the elk hunter has it exactly right.
leave behind any thoughts of bodybuilding and other childish games. if you go in the marines it is time to start thinking and acting like an adult. train for combat, that is all.
[quote]Elkhntr1 wrote:
Keeping your gains should be the least of your worries. You are going to be headed to a combat zone soon. Learn everything they teach in boot and if and when you come back you can worry about regaining or keeping gains. If you go of course. [/quote]
[quote]Elkhntr1 wrote:
Keeping your gains should be the least of your worries. You are going to be headed to a combat zone soon. Learn everything they teach in boot and if and when you come back you can worry about regaining or keeping gains. If you go of course. [/quote]
Agreed, also if I was going into a combat zone I’d be very worried about weighing too much for anyone to carry me out after getting shot or injured! I would focus more on developing max strength without hypertrophy so that I could carry anyone else out as well.
There is a very interesting article written about this on Dan John’s website in the “Get Up” archives. i can’t remember which issue it was, but one of the contributors wrote about being fit for the military and the fact that being very strong but light is an advantage. Maybe ask Dan if he knows which issue it was in.
Good luck and don’t get dead!
Run, Run, Run, and keep running with a weight pack.
The Marine Corps will get you in shape for running. In fact, if you go in with too good of conditioning you will lose some.
The platoon runs are at a set pace to make sure everyone can complete the run. That means it is slower than a number of people will like.
Your best bet, do a lot of pushups, situps and pullups/chinups along with some running. Your recruiter should have a good workout for you so talk to him.
Oh and don’t forget to keep practicing those online raging techniques. Because they are sooo vital in bootcamp.
At least you’ll have the opprotunity to grow up and be a man. I’m happy about that.
GAINER
[quote]Arioch wrote:
The Marine Corps will get you in shape for running. In fact, if you go in with too good of conditioning you will lose some.
The platoon runs are at a set pace to make sure everyone can complete the run. That means it is slower than a number of people will like.
Your best bet, do a lot of pushups, situps and pullups/chinups along with some running. Your recruiter should have a good workout for you so talk to him.[/quote]
Yeah they’re whole workout is endurance stuff, but I don’t want to lose too much strength, not really my choice though. I’ve gotten workouts from previous marines, and I know what to expect at Paris Island. I already jog/sprint alot so I think I should be able to handle the running portion, or I hope anyways. I guess I should just prepare to lose some, and gain it all back while on base. I hear they have great gyms in Iraq, I’m being serious for those of you who don’t believe me. My cousin buffed up quite a bit in his 1 year in iraq. So I guess It’s an even trade.
[quote]bg100 wrote:
Elkhntr1 wrote:
Keeping your gains should be the least of your worries. You are going to be headed to a combat zone soon. Learn everything they teach in boot and if and when you come back you can worry about regaining or keeping gains. If you go of course.
Agreed, also if I was going into a combat zone I’d be very worried about weighing too much for anyone to carry me out after getting shot or injured! I would focus more on developing max strength without hypertrophy so that I could carry anyone else out as well.
There is a very interesting article written about this on Dan John’s website in the “Get Up” archives. i can’t remember which issue it was, but one of the contributors wrote about being fit for the military and the fact that being very strong but light is an advantage. Maybe ask Dan if he knows which issue it was in.
Good luck and don’t get dead![/quote]
I’ll try and search for the article. Most of my set/rep schemes are 3x3 with 90-95% of my 1RM, so as to not induce too much or any hypertrophy at all. I’m really exited about a Combat MOS, so don’t think I’m not ready for this. Thanks for the advice.
Grif, you may be a pain in the ass, but all the Marines I know are too.
[quote]GriffinC wrote:
Arioch wrote:
The Marine Corps will get you in shape for running. In fact, if you go in with too good of conditioning you will lose some.
The platoon runs are at a set pace to make sure everyone can complete the run. That means it is slower than a number of people will like.
Your best bet, do a lot of pushups, situps and pullups/chinups along with some running. Your recruiter should have a good workout for you so talk to him.
Yeah they’re whole workout is endurance stuff, but I don’t want to lose too much strength, not really my choice though. I’ve gotten workouts from previous marines, and I know what to expect at Paris Island. I already jog/sprint alot so I think I should be able to handle the running portion, or I hope anyways. I guess I should just prepare to lose some, and gain it all back while on base. I hear they have great gyms in Iraq, I’m being serious for those of you who don’t believe me. My cousin buffed up quite a bit in his 1 year in iraq. So I guess It’s an even trade.[/quote]
EVEN TRADE–
Maybe I just don’t get this, but maybe you should be thinking a tad more serious about the situation you are so off the cuff discussing here. The last–The f***ing last thing–you should be the slightest bit concerned about is getting to go to some nice gym in Iraq to replace your muscle lost during camp.
I don’t think you are taking this serious at all.
Sorry Griff. I would have stayed off the thread, but you need to adjust your mindset from 18 yr old at home thinking only of his next meal and lifting schedule. These are serious times, and they demand more than this type of attitude.
Wow, I’m the only one in the Military here. BTW, I’ve been reading T-mag since I was 15. I’m 19. I haven’t been here in a while though and this is my first post.
As for whoever’s brothers’ said it was easy, they told you that because they want to look like a hard ass, everyone who gets back from bootcamp does; it’s not.
What combat MOS exactly? 0311 is most grunts… the 03 designates the field and the last 2 numbers designate what part.
I am 5811, which stands for Military Police. I am a PFC, which is an E-2. I went to bootcamp on June 1st of 2004.
An easy answer to your question, at least for me, once you are done with bootcamp, MCT (which if you are a grunt it will be something different) you will be able to hit the gym. Until then, and in bootcamp; the Marine Corps doesnt give a (I don’t know what the rules are on this board, I would hope that being t-men we have the freedom to curse, as I do a lot of and I dont give a f*)… about muscle, bodybuilding, and weightlifting. Laugh out loud.
By the way, everyone goes in thinking it’s something romantic, being a grunt, being an MP, IT’S NOT. The field sucks ass. You are dirty, cold, hungry, wet, haven’t had a shower in 2 weeks. Tired. Everyone’s f****** bickering and fighting, you’re getting yelled at by your sgts. No, it’s not f**** fun.
If you live on the east coast you’re going to go to Paris island. If you lovce on the west coast, you are going to go to San Diego. I happened to live on the East Coast. Recruit Depot San Diego is known for its hills; RCT Depot Parris Island is known for its bugs. Sand flees as you will get to know them. They f* bite the hell out of you and you can’t move. It is hot. A lot of the day you are outside it gets in the hundreds. They have different colored flags… green orange and red and black. Black means you can’t go outside (although you probably will) because it’s too hot. And then you have another one where the green and black is up. That means that it’s not too hot, but there are so many medical cases that they can’t risk heat cases. If you do get a heat case, they will give you something that’s called the silver bullet. They stick this thing up your ass to get a good corps temperature reading and they put you in ice and shit. I was never a heat case.
This is the way it’s going to run. You are going to ride in a bus from Meps to the depot (although some people had the DIs get them from the airport ( I didn’t) and the recieving drill instructors are going to come out on to the bus or you’re going to just get out (kind of like the little video you get) and they are going to yell at you to get on those little yellow footprints, and then you are going to go inside, (you’re probably going to spend 15 minutes doing it because the DI will tell you to get the door and then tell you to go back because you didn’t do it fast enough, and then he’s going to ask you (not nicely) if he owes you money because you keep looking at you. Then, you are going to take your shoes off and you are going to get on this clear box, this measures if you have a f* foot problem so you can get special inserts for your boots. Then you are going to call your parents by the numbers (saying exactly what the DIs tell you to) (I never got to btw) and then you’re going to go into this big classroom. You’re going to do all kinds of paperwork and stuff, and you’re going to have to sit left hand left knee right hand right knee, backs strait mouth shut aye sir. BTW, they are going to tell you the only things that come out of your mouth from know on are yes sir, no sir, and aye sir. Then you are going to take all your money out and document it, all that, get your srb and right a 4 digit number on it. That’s going to be your platoon number. There are 3 batallions, 1st batallion (which is known for its knowledge) 2nd batallion (which is overall) and 3rd batallion (which is known for its PT), the second 2 numbers desinate what platoon within the batallion. I was 2077, which means 2nd batalion and 77 platoon (I guess they go up to a hundred and restart at whatever). You won’t see your actual drill instructors for about a week. After that’s all done, you’re going to get all your gear and sign for it and hold it up, get your boots, get your other shit, blah blah. Then, you’re goin to go into your recieving squad bay. It’s a big ass room with 20 bunk beds on one side, and 20 bunk beds on the other side. You’re going to be there for a while, it’s not too bad while you’re there. That’s when you get your first inclination of leadership. 4 squad leaders and 1 guide will be made, while you are there. DO WHAT THEY SAY. They pay for you, they take the responsibility (unless you are them) they also will change a lot throughout the time you are there. You get plenty of time to shower and shave and etc when you are in recieving. It is going to be crazy, unorganized, you won’t know where you’re going, nothing. You also might have to wear your blouse tied around your neck (you don’t rate to wear it yet), and you don’t get name tapes (not until 2nd phase I think) and you get medical, dental, eyes, ears, blah blah, shots out the fo sheezy…
After recieving you will meet your actual drill instructors. You will probably have 3. One is the Senior Drill instructor, then you are going to get your drill hat, and your kill hat. They are going to be all show and pivot and about face and this and that you’re going to be like WOAH, and shit…
Training… There are 3 phases. 1st phase you have to cuff your boots, you get no name tapes, etc and you have inital drill. I think second is the one where you get your desert camies and name tapes and you go to the rifle range and I think that’s when you get to blouse your boots, and then third phase you get to wear your woodlands (greens). Go to church on Sundays, it’s the only time you won’t get fucked with. You’re not going to be used to standing for sunch long periods. You’re going to stand at attention a LOT. You will be running everywhere you are going and you will run a LOT. PT is usualy like Monday Wednesday and Friday. That’s when you actually go out and slaughter yourself. It’s not weightlifting type stuff. It’s endurance and obstacle courses. MCMAP, your martial arts training, you won’t get your belt until you are about out of there, but you do that in first phase. You learn the moves, then you practice them, and you do body hardening, where you hit against each other to deaden the nerves, you learn how to fall, all that good stuff, and every time you do something you yell Marine Corps. Rifle… Marksman, Sharpshooter, and Expert. It’s all about bone support, you have to relax and what they call “stockwell”. Do not look at your target, look at the front site tip, and aim in the blurry. Breathe in breath out, wait a second and slow steady sqeeze. I also am qualified with the pistol but you won’t get to normally do that unless you are nco.
Drill… you are going to see 2nd and 3rd phase doing drill and be like, I’m never going to be that good. Yeah you will, it will come, you’ll be doing the same shit soon. F*cking… What else… Shower as good as you can. You don’t have much time to shower so make sure you do it right. Drink as much water as you can. You’re going to be forced to drink water, but at the same time you’re going to not be able to take a piss. The water that you drink at night is what you will be using in the afternoon, plus you can piss at night. Keep a canteen in the rack with you. Making the rack. Sleep with your pancho liner if you have to use anything, that way you can not have to make your rack in the morning. With the racks, the best way to make the 90 degree folds on the end… when the sheet is layed flat out, go out about a foot at the end of the bed and left the green shit to where you make a 90 degrees on top of the bed… it’ll look like a triangle on top of the bed… Take the material that is hanging down and tuck it under, then take the triangle and tuck it under, and there you go. MARK EVERYTHING YOU HAVE AND I MEAN EVERYYYYTHING. Because it will get lost, stolen, mixed up, because you’ll play a lot of games and stuff. You don’t want to end up with shit that doesn’t fit you because that sucks, and after bootcamp you have to buy all new shit. Your seabags are going to go behind your rack. That little metal thing that closes the seabag (big green back) you are going tgo put your lock through. In order to do that, you have to bend it with the notch in your lock… That little notch that you have in your lock you’re going to tack it and fit that on the metal part and move it until you bend the metal thing to where you can stick your lock through.
Chow… Eat EVERYTHING, we had to eat with our left hand. Before I left for bootcamp I started practicing writing with my left hand to be more proficient. There’s no such thing as picky. On the salad bar get everything, cottage cheese, cheese, eggs, etc. and just mix it all together and eat. If you can get up for 2nds on juice when you rate them, GET it, and milk, they say not to eat milk because it will curdle… I never had that problem at all, and I drank as much as possible and didn’t loose as much as I could have (which is good). Skivvy rolls, you take your shirt, lay it flat, your shorts put those on top of the shirt scoot it all the way forward, and then your socks where the stretchy stuff is outboard, put them on top of each other in the middle, end of your shorts, roll it, and then you take your ends of your socks and flip those over top and you have your skivy roles. Do that to everything. And the night before take one out and put them next to your boots, along with your camies so that in the morning you can access everything faster. On Sundays, of course, write your parents and everything, but freaking make sure your stuff is neat and marked it will make your life so much easier.
For the humps, the packs. Your isomat, if you are westcoast, they will show you this method (that I learned from a buddy of mine that was west coast) but not if you are east coast… When you are rollin your isomat, the firs thing before you just start rolling it, take the tip of the isomat, and make about a 2 inch fold… Then, take that and fold it back, and THEN roll it, the tigher the better (btw, you’re going to have to stick your glow strap in the middle so just roll it with it in it, and if you don’t, use the guidon to stuff it in the packs.
Before you go, however, in the DEP, do the fucking pullups, crunches, and situps… run 3 miles at least. The PFT, what you’re going to do (not when you first get there) is 3 miles. You will never run 1.5 miles again. You need to run at least 3 miles
Study general orders, know all those, and rank structure… E-1 - e-9… and sgt… hardest working man in the Marine Corps they are going to say… Offa mae johnson first woman in the Marine Corps, all that bullsh*t.
Gas chamber; if you do what they tell you, and clear your mask properley, you won’t have a problem. If you do like your senior drill instructor told US to do, and just “breat it in” because we need to “know how it feels” you’re going to hurt. One trick, and you’ll have to requal when you get out of bootcamp, when you clear your mask, that shit you have to do DOES NOT CLEAR THE MASK, it just checks it. When you put the mask on just breath normally, sucking the mask on your face to get a seal and shit, that’s just fucking obstructing your airway and wasting time, just breath out to get the gas inside the mask out and breath in again, but make sure your bands you have around your head are TIGHT. Not tight enough = broken seal (don’t pass yourself out though)
Then you go to ITB, MCT, whatnot… bunch of humps and shit I don’t know infantry part, in the field, whatever, stay clean as possible.
To answer your question though, when you get out of school, and you are garrison, yes, you can, and in fact, you will see some HUGE MOTHER FCKERS…, but in order to be good at pt, you don’t have to be big, and some of the people that get the best scores are skinny fckers… I’m about 190#. I run and I also lift. I try to keep both, but the lifting is much more important to me.
Anyway, take it easy.
Gambate (BTW I’m in Japan right now, gambate means good luck/take care)
Bart
I agree, he should be thinking about how he’s going to keep in contact with your family and girlfriend if you got one (won’t when bootcamp is over). BTW, every man fcking crys. My recruiter told me that and I was like, get the fck out of here… I cried. Not when you’re getting ITD, etc… It’s when you’re laying in the rack thinking of your family.
Whatevers
Bart
Hey Grif,
I would like to say good luck. Being a Former marine my self you are going to lose some size and your strength type is going to change.
The running part should be the last of your worries. The mental part is what you need to worry about. In boot camp I saw two recruits loose it. The best advise is to keep to yourself and try not to stand out. It is only 3 months out of your wieght training. Once you earn the title of US Marine then you can start working on your BB plans again. Also, as you will learn in incentive training, you are weak. Holding an M-16 with arms staight out in front of you for over 2 mins. You will find you are as strong as your weakest fellow recruit and he is a little twig you fear you will become.
I suggest start training with lighter weights with higher reps. like 2 sets of 50. Oly lifts. If you keep with 3 X 3 you are going to be in big trouble. Also, on none weight days run at least 3 miles.
Also, as the no touching of recruits accidents do happen.