How Should I Get Ready for Boot Camp?

The two biggest things you need to do to get ready for boot camp are to get your mind and body and good shape. You can accomplish both of these things by going to the PT (Physical Training) that your RSS (Recruiting Sub-station) does. But, working on these both on your own is also a necessity.

To get in shape physically, you need to do exercise that includes, but it is not limited to, running, upper body workouts, and core workouts. The PT done at your RSS should give you a great foundation to build upon as far as those exercises are concerned. Just know that when you get to boot camp, you are going to run an IST (Initial Strength Test) at the end of your first week. In order to pass the IST, you must do the following:

Males:
At least two pull-ups
At least 35 sit-ups in two minutes
1.5 mile in run in at most 13.5 minutes

Females:
Flexed arm hang for at least 12 seconds (Note: Starting next year, females will be required to do pull-ups, just like the males, so standards will change.)
At least 35 sit-ups in two minutes
1 mile run in at most 10.5 minutes

If you fail this IST, you will be dropped back in training until you can pass it. That is absolutely humiliating, as it means more time on the recruit depot. This is the first reason why physical fitness is so important. Obviously, you will be doing PT almost everyday of boot camp, so you need to be able to meet at least these minimum requirements. Don't be like me and be good on the sit-ups and pull-ups, but suck on the running. You will regret it. I promise you.

To get in shape mentally, you need to do a few things. First off, you need to come to some realizations. These include the following:

1. Once you ship off to boot camp, you are responsible for yourself. If you are used to being coddled by your parents, you need to snap out of that, right quick. The Marine Corps demands you to be a grown man or woman, and if you're not, you will suffer.
2. You will be pushed past your limits, both physically and mentally. This is the biggest challenge of boot camp.
3. You signed a contract. If you ship off to boot camp, there is no getting out of that contract. You must do your eight years.

Second, you need to learn your Marine Corps knowledge. Your recruiter should be able to provide you with most of this on a sheet. These are the basic things you need to know:

1. General Orders
2. All Marine Corps ranks (enlisted, warrant officer, and officer)
3. Marine Corps history
4. How to report your post
5. Important figures in Marine Corps history

This may sound odd, but I truly believe that being mentally prepared is more important to your success in boot camp than being physically prepared is. That's not to say that you should focus most attention on one, though. You should be equally in shape, mentally and physically.