Gimme that Anchor, Globe and Eagle
Ok, fine… I’ll spill it.
Within the next week, I fully intend to head to MEPS (Military Enlistment Processing Station) and sign on for the Marines. I also hope that, upon finishing up at MEPS, I’ll be headed directly to Parris Island.
Because, you know… Fuck this place (where I live, not the blog).
I have to ask a few favors, though. I’m going to be very much without internet access (or phone access, really) for the three months (3.5 or 4, since let’s be honest, my physical fitness is going to come up short the first little bit) of recruit training, so not only won’t I be posting or commenting around here, I won’t even be able to talk to you guys.
If Patterico is willing, I’m happy to have him take e-mails of well-wishing and the like, copy/paste them into a word document, shrink it down to 8 pt. font, and mail them once a week or so. In return, I’ll do my best to mail back to him when I can (snail mail, natch), and I’m more than happy for him to scan the letter and post it. I’m using this system with a couple of groups I’m in, and it seems the best way to avoid some wise-ass mailing me pot, porn, or crap like that…
Also, I’m going to need phone cards, an address book (my current address book is electronic, and thus won’t be allowed), and a pair of size 11 running shoes that are all white.
I have an amazon list for the first two, but really I can’t find on Amazon a decent pair that aren’t insanely expensive or multi-colored. When I say expensive, I mean ones over 40 bucks.
So, anyone interested in helping out?
Update: gp asked (no, really, he did!!), so here it is… My MCRD wishlist. Yes, I know that One item and it’s compliment are absolute dream items, and that no one is getting me either. It’s a wishlist, so I wished. It will keep me reminded for when I get out, and can order my own.
But if one of you is insane, I’m not gonna turn it down. 
But no, I don’t expect anyone to get them for me. Calm down, people.
why the Marines?
(not that there’s anything too wrong with them…. %-)
Comment by redc1c4 — 5/7/2009 @ 12:20 pm
Well, the Army seemed to shine me on for over a year (guess they are getting enough recruits), and the Navy just sits around, and like hell I’ll join them paper-pushers in the Air Force…
I kid, I kid, I love all the branches… Honest.
I might make a stop-in and chat with the folks at the Army recruiting station, but unless they offer me EXACTLY what I want, AND a hefty pile of money as part of an enlistment bonus, I very much want to be a Marine.
That sounds far more mercenary that it actually is.
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 5/7/2009 @ 12:46 pm
Why NOT the Marines? You’re an Army guy just for the duration, but you’re a Marine forever.
Comment by Kevin Murphy — 5/7/2009 @ 12:56 pm
First, you want to say “Eagle, Globe, and Anchor”; then you want to learn to speak without using the word “I”, at least while you’re in Boot Camp (and don’t, whatever you do, refer to yourself as “this Marine” or “these Marines” — you’re Recruits.)
Address book — go to local office supply store (Office Depot, Office Max, Staples, …) pick one that fits in a shirt pocket with many entry slots. There will be 80-100 in your initial platoon, more if you’re delayed in physical conditioning, medical, … get names, home addresses, birthdays. Have someone send it to you once you’re there and are allowed to have such a thing.
Shoes? Is Uncle so cheap they don’t provide shoes?
USMC Daily 16 learn it, do it.
If you can, delay your entry a few months and do the Couch-to-10K running program. You will run and run and run and run … it’s better to be able to do so when you start. Start puking at a mile, that’s fine, now you’ve only got two miles to go.
Remember, Boot Camp is intentionally as hard as is possible. It is NOT impossible. You have to find your limits, and then how to get beyond them. You’ll be amazed at what you will be able to do. You will learn to do things that you currently think are impossible.
Semper Fi.
Comment by htom — 5/7/2009 @ 1:16 pm
If Patterico isn’t able to spare the time (I’m going to presume that he’d be willing if time were less of an issue), I am.
Comment by aphrael — 5/7/2009 @ 1:29 pm
Delay isn’t an option. Wanna go ASAP.
Huh. I could have sworn that the running cadence was “Gimme that Anchor Globe and Eagle”…
I know that, at the least, the running portion of Boot Camp is going to kick my ass seven ways from Sunday. I accept that they will grind me down physically. Hell, I’ll be shocked if they don’t. I’m only slightly disappointed that they “can’t” swear at me as I die while running. God won’t need to miracle me over the courses. I’ll drag my broken body over every single one if need be.
I’m fairly sure where my limits are as of right now. I’m quite ready to push through the pain.
It’s just weakness leaving the body anyways.
As for shoes, yeah, they give you boots, but the PT parts require running shoes, and I’m fairly sure you don’t get those. At least, I’m told I should bring a pair.
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 5/7/2009 @ 1:38 pm
Aphrael,
I was thinking Patterico, since his e-mail is already out in the open. I don’t wanna cause someone to get a pile of BS spam because they posted their e-mail address on the site.
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 5/7/2009 @ 1:40 pm
Go to the local running store* and get advice on shoes that will fit your feet. Boots are leather, shrink and stretch to fit. Modern running shoes do neither; either they fit out of the box or they never fit, damaging your feet in the process.
If you have problems running, start walking! Use the distances in the C-2-10k, but walk.
There’s a recording supposedly that says “anchor, globe, and eagle”, but that’s just messed up. Well, maybe it’s changed since my day ….
Patterico can give you my email address, from which you can obtain my snail address, and if you send me your address, I’ll undertake not to send you much that will get you into trouble (you’ve got to understand, though, that the DIs will make up trouble for you to be in; you are NOT in control of what is happening to you.)
*Local store. Probably not part of a chain, unless it’s tiny chain of a half-dozen or so stores at most. They were probably a second-level sponsor of your local marathon. If you’re lucky, they have a podiatrist (MD who specializes in feet) who comes by on Tuesday afternoon or Monday evening or … and gives free consults. Forty dollars is probably too little, but if you have no problems you might be able to get by for that.
Comment by htom — 5/7/2009 @ 2:18 pm
Oh! Read Heinlein’s Starship Troopers if you haven’t. Camp Curry is an awful lot like USMC Boot Camp.
Comment by htom — 5/7/2009 @ 2:22 pm
I know they’ll invent stuff, I just don’t want to invite it.
As for the shoes… Dude, I just need a pair of trainers. I’m not looking for shoes to last me the rest of my life…
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 5/7/2009 @ 2:35 pm
A pair of shoes will last 500 miles, more or less. Five miles a day, you need a new pair every three months. If you get two pair and alternate, they will strangely last a bit longer, but not much. Best plan is to buy one pair until you find that pair that really fits well, then buy a half-dozen more of those immediately, before the company changes the structure, materials, last, ….
Comment by htom — 5/7/2009 @ 2:45 pm
There are 33 Amazon wish lists for Scott Jacobs. If you post a link, I can contribute. Thanks!
Comment by gp — 5/7/2009 @ 3:06 pm
Four things to add to htom’s:
1. It’s Parris Island (two r’s).
2. If there’s ANYTHING wrong with you physically (i.e trick knees, bad back, etc.) reconsider the Corps. PI will make it a nightmare.
3. Always remember that millions of men have made it through.
4. June, July and August are NOT the preferred months to spend at PI.
Comment by Actual — 5/7/2009 @ 3:58 pm
pain is *not* weakness leaving the body, it’s your body telling you you’re damaging it.
i’m not talking sore muscles or a stich from running farther than you’re used to, but as someone who’s legs never recovered from running in boots during basic, get the best running shoes you can find.
as for recruiting, the beginning of the month, and of each quarter are the best times to see people, because that’s when quotas need to be filled. if the office you’re talking to isn’t responsive, they may have already filled their numbers and will wait to call you for next month. shop around: there is more than on recruiting office out there.
Comment by redc1c4 — 5/7/2009 @ 3:58 pm
It’s also God’s way of telling me that they have not yet managed to actually kill me.
Thankfully, all the minor BS pains and aches I have are directly related to the extra weight I carry. My frame is actually well-suited to physical activity, I’m just a bit over the preferred weight for my height, which doesn’t do me favors. If I don’t drop 10 in the first week from diet and physical exertion, I will be fairly amazed.
@gp One of those lists I bet looked pretty gamer-geeky… That would be my normal one.
I have a special “Send me to boot” list that’s only a few items long. I’m gonna double look at the running shoes, and then I’ll update the post with the link.
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 5/7/2009 @ 8:09 pm
As for these coming being “not the best” months to go, it gets worse…
I turn 31 in mid July. That’s right… Birthday in Boot… I don’t think I’ll get cake.
I suspect I shall try my best to fail to mention it entirely.
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 5/7/2009 @ 8:21 pm
Post updated. For what that’s worth.
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 5/7/2009 @ 8:26 pm
Shoes on the way. I hope they work out well for you. Thanks!
Comment by gp — 5/8/2009 @ 4:55 am
Scott
Think about ROTC
Comment by EricPWJohnson — 5/8/2009 @ 4:58 am
Scott,
2 Phone cards on the way.
You have my email. I’d be more than happy to be your transcription service. If you need help, let me know. If you need stuff stored, I got room and can be to Peoria THIS weekend.
Comment by PCD — 5/8/2009 @ 5:09 am
Scott, this is really important – what htom said:
No matter who is going to buy them, find out the best running shoes for your feet. You are going to be doing a LOT of running. At the end of boot camp, I believe that you will be running a 6 minute mile. Get shoes that are appropriate for your feet and your running gait. Go to the running store, put shoes on, have them watch you run. Don’t be proud at this point.
Once you find out what you need, post the make / model on your wishlist.
Comment by carlitos — 5/8/2009 @ 6:25 am
I know from experience that that brand of shoe fits me very well, and in the past (fairly, depressingly distant pass) have worn them for jogging. The model isn’t exact, but it looks like a variation I had a while back, so that should be fine.
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 5/8/2009 @ 6:43 am
Scott,
Just be aprised that you will be running 5 miles a day for the rest of your life. Every mustered out Marine I know does that if not more. Get good shoes.
One tip, DO NOT leave grease in the barrel of your weapon (Say WEAPON, not rifle). It doesn’t make the bullet come out any faster, but gets you extra duty much faster.
Comment by PCD — 5/8/2009 @ 6:47 am
I made the huge mistake of giving up on the running (but did have doctor’s orders to stop.) He was wrong.
What I should have done was get someone who knew more about knees to look at mine. I agree that the twenty miles a day (in four, five mile half-hours) was excessive, but I should have cut back rather than stopping. Now I’m very slowly getting back into it, although I’m walking (frequently Nordic walking), rather than running. Easier on the knees, as good or better for the brain, heart, and lungs.
Comment by htom — 5/8/2009 @ 7:10 am
I walk, on average, 10 miles a day. Bare minimum. Not having a drivers liscence increases how much you walk by a wide margin. The running not so much, but I do still manage to jog a good mile or so. I’m not in tip-top shape, but I’m not going to be the lard-ass or slow-poke of the unit, barring my getting put in a recruit division made up of a high school swim team…
Which, knowing my luck, is a distinct possibility.
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 5/8/2009 @ 7:26 am
Scott — if your travels in the months ahead land you at KBay, let Patterico know to let me know.
And Thank You.
Comment by WLS Shipwrecked — 5/8/2009 @ 8:10 am
Mr Jacobs: When my daughter began Army BCT last January, they used a scanner and computer to custom fit her for PT shoes. I don’t know if they do that at Parris Island; check with your recruiter, but you might not need those running shoes.
We didn’t hear from PFC Pico at all for about two weeks. The first week was at the 120th “reception” battalion at Fort Jackson, where they did the uniform fitting, final paperwork and the like. Then, once actually assigned to a training platoon, it took a week for her first snail mail to reach us. Naturally, Mrs Pico and I were dying throughout the whole two weeks, but if you have any family — other than the Patterico one — write, as often as you can. Our daughter got a lot of writing done on fire guard.
As for your readers here, we want to hear everything, the good and the bad.
Comment by The proud daddy Dana — 5/8/2009 @ 8:41 am
One other thing from PFC Pico: She got blisters because her boots took too long to break in, but she absolutely refused to go on sick call. There were soldiers who had no choice, but getting into the “crutches brigade” sets you behind.
Comment by The proud daddy Dana — 5/8/2009 @ 8:45 am
As I tell my (Marine) son-in-law, I tried to join the Marines. I went in the recruiter’s office, said hi, I’m so-and-so, spelled my name, and said I’m here to join up. He looked at me, and replied “You can spell your name, eh; the Army recruiter is down the hall…”
To all you Marines out there, get an Army vet to explain this to ya!!
Comment by Chris — 5/8/2009 @ 8:54 am
With 17 years on the ground side of the marine Corps, I agree with nearly all of the advice here. A couple of thoughts:
- I agree with all who suggest you get in shape– the better physically conditioned you are going into boot camp, the better able you’ll be to handle the mental conditioning it throws at you. At your age (younger than me!) you need the right shoes. Borrow money if you have to.
- Have an idea what you want to do in the Marine Corps before you speak to your recruiter again. Do your research. If you want to jump out of planes and blow stuff up, there are only a couple of paths to get you there. If you want to be an air traffic controller, let your recruiter know. Keep in mind when you have this discussion that you want to be a Marine first– your actual specialty is secondary.
- Whenever possible, remind yourself that bootcamp is temporary, and that you want to be able to claim the title “Marine” forever. Think about this even when the pressure’s not on you; when the pressure ramps up you’ll be able to more quickly remind yourself of the long term goal.
Comment by theBruce — 5/8/2009 @ 9:40 am
Scott, One fact about the Marines is that EVERY ONE OF THEM START OUT AS A MUD MARINE. Every Marine is a rifleman 1st. Your other specialties come after that. There are things basic to ALL Marines. Remember that.
Unless your officer was a Naval Academy Grad, all Marines have the same beginnings, even F. Lee Baily and Art Buchwald.
Comment by PCD — 5/8/2009 @ 9:49 am
“I’ll do my best to mail back to him when I can (snail mail, natch)”
You get two hours on Sunday morning for that. That is your only free time during Boot Camp, unless you want to try to write letters in your bunk after lights out, which–trust me–you won’t.
“…it seems the best way to avoid some wise-ass mailing me pot, porn, or crap like that…”
While I was at MCRD in San Diego, a buddy sent me rolling papers and tobacco in an envelope. A DI called me into the DI hut one evening and made me open the envelope in front of him. The tobacco came falling out all over the floor. He made me pick up every scrap of it by hand, without scooping it into a pile first, and then bent me for about ten minutes (“bending” is the old “get down and give me 200,” only worse). Tell your friends before you go not to try to do you any favors like this.
Comment by danebramage — 5/8/2009 @ 10:25 am
There’s a reason a lot of my friends aren’t getting my address…
I like them, but I don’t trust them enough to not try and screw with me.
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 5/8/2009 @ 10:48 am
33, don’t worry, your new friends in the Corps will screw enough with your to make up for your civvy friends.
Comment by PCD — 5/8/2009 @ 10:58 am
Universal Sole, 3052 N. Lincoln Ave
Comment by Obama's Neighbor — 5/8/2009 @ 12:32 pm
31 is not the optimum age for boot. You are going to be up against all those 18 year olds and you’ll probably be older than your drill instructors (don’t ever call them a “DI”. Bad mojo.). That said, you will be joining an organization second to none. All other services have their pride but everyone knows “once a marine, always a marine”. John “Backstabber” Murtha was never a Marine.
When you graduate, Semper Fi will have a whole new meaning. God’s speed and thank you for serving this great country.
Comment by PatriotRider — 5/8/2009 @ 1:02 pm
Scott,
I am so proud of you and grateful for your service. I want to buy you an Amazon gift certificate but your Wish List link says I need your email to complete a purchase. Do you think it would help if you add an Amazon gift certificate to your Wish List?
Comment by Anon — 5/8/2009 @ 3:38 pm
I haven’t been to bootcamp, but as I understand it, you need to take control of your surroundings. Key phrases to remember:
“You call this a bernaise? You’d call a bechamel mayonnaise.”
“I’m sorry, but that conflicts with Oprah.”
“I’ve worn this mullet since 1988, and no one’s telling me different.”
“Can’t we resolve our differences without weapons?”
“Who swore? Manners, people.”
“This uniform’s plenty clean for me.”
“I’m so happy to be in the Coast Guard!”
I’m pretty sure I have this right. If you can make it as a Marine from a 31-year-old pudgy guy, well, you’re a stud. As an even older pudgy guy, I get annoyed when the hotel’s internet access is spotty. I’m thinking it’s not for everyone, but the military is a noble profession.
Keep us informed.
–JRM
Comment by JRM — 5/8/2009 @ 3:54 pm
Anon, I’ll just send you an e-mail…
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 5/8/2009 @ 6:52 pm
JRM, I’m a horrible person for laughing at that, but I am afraid I shall pass on using any of them.
Ok, I might use the “Who swore??” line…
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 5/8/2009 @ 6:54 pm
Scott:
I enlisted in the Army at age 27 and am now a 37-year-old infantry officer.
Everything about the Corps (or any branch) will be taught in detail at whatever initial entry station you go through. Pre-study helps, but its not vital (people much less intelligent than you get through all the time).
What you DO NOT want to learn on the ground is fitness. Run. Now. A lot. Target 6 miles, 3x a week. Start whereever you are, and run a lot. Minimum an hour each time.
2) Shoes matter. 40 bucks for whatever’s white is a bad idea. Get top quality, real running shoes (New Balance, ASICS) not fashionable (Nike, Addidas, etc.). This will payoff when you don’t have week 3 shin splints.
That’s it. (Well, do push-ups and pull-ups on non-running days). Your recruiter inevitably lied about something. If you smoke, quit. Know ranks, etc. If you really want to prep, find a book on the M-16. Blah blah blah. But none of that matters if you can’t run.
It’s a fact of the life.
Good luck. THanks for stepping up for something you believe in.
Comment by RCJ Parry — 5/8/2009 @ 7:18 pm
I can run. I run better, however, if I have another person to pace off of/chase. Always been that way.
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 5/8/2009 @ 7:50 pm
On 1 March 2009, PFC Pico wrote us from basic:
That’s what the military can do for you. We want to get a letter like that from you from Parris Island.
Comment by The proud father Dana — 5/9/2009 @ 5:18 am
Having someone to pace you is great. Your DIs will do that, running up and down the column. Climbing a slick rope is a matter of coordination, not upper body strength, btw.
(“War story” follows.)
I spent some time at MCRD/SD in MRP and PCP, and have fond memories of the group of DIs and Corpsmen in charge of those platoons who had a bet with their senior DI that I could run the three mile flat course faster than he could. I didn’t know about this, learning of it only several weeks later, and didn’t notice until afterwards that there was always one of them running with me, chatting away. I was stunned to turn the corner, see only a half-dozen recruits in front of me, and hear the count: 17:59, 18 minutes. I collapsed, that was four minutes faster than I’d ever done. Gunny pulled in, crisp as usual, jogging back and forth along the line, talking to people, watching runners arrive. Finally I heard him yell, “Where the f… is Tom Tank! He should be here!”
They all turned, pointed at me, and CPO Marx said “18:00, Gunny.”
“WTF! Tank, did you run the entire course?”
I struggled to attention and replied “SIR YES SIR”.
“That’s not possible!”
“…”
“Say something, Tank!”
“Sir, the recruit doesn’t believe it either, sir!”
The laughter started quietly and he spun about and glared at them, and he spun back.
“You have a new name, Tom Tank. From now on, you are to be called “Atomic Tank“! March yourself back to the barracks. Now!”
I didn’t hear much of what followed.
About a week later, I was called onto the Quarterdeck and presented with a new sweatshirt, airbrushed with my new name and the image of a tank perched on the slick rope climbing tower.
I couldn’t wear it in boot camp, of course, but they all signed it and it was one of my favorite souvenirs.
Comment by htom — 5/9/2009 @ 5:28 am
As a Fleet Marine Force Trained Corpsman and the father of a Marine Corpsman, I applaud your decision Scott! Just need to know one truth that is a source of pride only to other Marines…
…They are not like the other children. Here’s something to remember:
“Led when you are the man for the job,
Follow, for the cause is just and
sit it out ONLY when God strikes you down.”
Semper Fi.
Comment by pitchforksntorches — 5/9/2009 @ 5:49 am
hmmmm.
It’s supposed to read
“Lead …” not Led.
Comment by pitchforksntorches — 5/9/2009 @ 5:51 am
Just to give you an idea on how your life will change…
at 54 years old, the only thing that gets me through my mile and a half warm up run on the treadmill is a recording of cadences ‘sung’ by marines. Your life is gonna be different…forever.
Comment by pitchforksntorches — 5/9/2009 @ 5:54 am
“Not so lean, still bleed green;
Not so mean, still a Marine!”
Comment by htom — 5/9/2009 @ 6:02 am
pitchforksntorches — Thanks, Doc, and Doc’s — I assume — son, Doc; we couldn’t do it without you.
Comment by htom — 5/9/2009 @ 6:06 am
I’m on vacation so I just spotted this.
BABYKILLER!
Comment by nk — 5/9/2009 @ 6:31 am
Congratulations, Scott…as a retired Fleet Marine Force Corpsman it is great to see someone like you join the ranks of “The Few, The Proud”. Semper Fidelis will be a term that you will eat, sleep and live for the remainder of your life – Marines and FMF Corpsmen (and RP’s) are faithful to their brothers and sisters in arms…
Two things to help out at Basic Training – be a leader and work as a team…if you do those two things, you will succeed.
Also – no matter where you go, be sure to take care of your “Doc”…he’ll be their when you need him, so be sure to look after him…Marines don’t go anywhere or do anything without “Doc”
Comment by fmfnavydoc — 5/9/2009 @ 6:38 am
Marines, first to fight…
Comment by Stan Switek — 5/9/2009 @ 9:00 am
Godspeed Scott — my prayers are with you.
Comment by Richard Romano — 5/9/2009 @ 10:32 am
Not yet, my friend… not yet…
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 5/9/2009 @ 4:52 pm
[...] in the United States Marine Corps. Mr Jacobs isn’t fresh out of high school or college; he’s 31 years old. Good going, Mr Jacobs! Category: Real life, United States Army | Comment (RSS) [...]
Pingback by Common Sense Political Thought » Blog Archive » Big wedding and other musings — 5/9/2009 @ 5:30 pm
nk, I condemn you….
However, I am laughing….
Scott, Semper Fi…..
Proud to know you have our backs….we’ll have yours here while you’re gone….
Comment by reff — 5/10/2009 @ 8:46 pm
The amount of misinformation in these comments is stunning.
If you want actual information, ask an actual Marine, present or former.
You don’t run anywhere near as much as most of your commenters claim. The funniest comment? “You’ll run 6 minutes miles!” Sure you will – if you’re maxing the PT test for a 19 year old.
And dear God, do not try to buy decent running shoes for $40. If you spend less than $70-$80, you might as well go barefoot.
Advice: go to a military forum and ask your questions; for running, go to a running forum and ask questions.
As an actual Marine who has actually run 20+ marathons … I saw enough wrong in this thread to have my laughing til it hurt.
Don’t let well-meaning morons hurt you. Got the right scuttlebutt.
Comment by PB — 5/11/2009 @ 7:27 pm
now now, PB. Several of these folks ARE former Marines.
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 5/11/2009 @ 7:39 pm
How ever, I was wondering HOW recent a Marine you are?
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 5/11/2009 @ 8:13 pm
Scott,
Just reviewed the comments and have no idea what PB is talking about. The actual quote from carlitos was “At the end of boot camp, I believe that you will be running a 6 minute mile.”, not “You’ll run 6 minutes miles!”. Big difference and hardly worth the contempt PB showed. I would also contend that $40 running shoes are better than going barefoot… by far.
The rest of it is good information or informed opinion. No “misinformation” as PB claimed. You do a lot of running in Boot, though it might not seem like it to someone who runs marathons. Calling well-wishers and experienced military trying to help “morons” has not endeared him to me. YMMV
Comment by Stashiu3 — 5/11/2009 @ 11:00 pm
Sadly pb’s comments are an oft found trait amongst marines. There are many devil dogs convinced that their experience, their training and their viewpoints are the only ones.
I’m guessing a GYSGT or an Officer.
Comment by pitchforksntorches — 5/12/2009 @ 1:47 am
To be fair, a 6 minute mile is what I would be running… If I were’s 30. I think I’m closer to 7 or so…
Now everyone play nice. I don’t wanna come back and see fighting… By then, I’ll know how to hurt you SOBs.
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 5/12/2009 @ 6:09 am
Seven minute miles will be good enough, but probably keep you from an award for perfect physical fitness. I suspect you can live without that.
When do you report?
Comment by htom — 5/12/2009 @ 6:18 am
I’ll know in a few days, which is when I hope to hit MEPS.
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 5/12/2009 @ 6:43 am
The six-minute mile was what Master Sergeant Rivers wanted from us when we were 15. He was 45 and he could do it in combat boots and fatigues.
And, I believe, some people in the service are expected to do 2 miles in 11.5 minutes, in combat boots and fatigues.
Comment by nk — 5/12/2009 @ 7:30 am
Yeah, well those people are in the best shape of their lives. I’m 10 years past that point (and less than 4 months from it).
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 5/12/2009 @ 7:41 am
The “worst” test that I know of that’s published is the British SBS selection final run: 65 km (40 miles) across rough cross country following a map, in under 20 hours, carrying 55 pounds in addition to rifle, full ammo pack, water, food, and in full (field) uniform and boots. Doubtless Force Recon, Sniper School, SEALs, … have similar requirements. You can worry about those things later. First, become a Marine.
Oh!
“Grandpa, why do you think you deserve to be/ do you want to be/ dare you try to be/ … in my Marine Corps?”
Ten words:
SIR,
This
recruit
4
5
6
7
8
9
SIR!
(Just think about it; you will be asked.)
(Fewer words would be better, too; creative is good, profanity bad. Don’t swear. You will rarely, if ever, hear a DI swear. It’s not needed.)
Sir Yes Sir. Affirmative answer.
Sir No Sir. Negative answer.
Sir Aye Aye Sir. You understand and will obey (or do).
Comment by htom — 5/12/2009 @ 11:53 am
So something akin to the following?
Or should I turn “his” into “this recruit’s”?
This third person using a “th-” word and a real noun is gonna take a bit to get used to, I can tell…
the mind, she ain’t what she used to be…
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 5/12/2009 @ 1:11 pm
To roughly quote Mike Hoare, upon his retirement: For the soldier, the legs are everything. If a soldier cannot run, he’s finished.
Comment by nk — 5/12/2009 @ 2:36 pm
Scott, I don’t know that there is a good answer. Not having an answer is definitely a bad answer, though!
Sir, paying forward the gifts America gave the recruit, sir!
Comment by htom — 5/12/2009 @ 6:32 pm
Just stand in line to be told what to do and then do it, Scott.
Comment by nk — 5/12/2009 @ 6:47 pm
67, how about this answer:
“Sir, This recruit wants to part of the solution and this recruit must start here, sir!”
Comment by PCD — 5/13/2009 @ 7:45 am
The recruit begins here, to become part of the solution!
The sir sandwich would make it twelve, though.
Succeeding here, recruits become part of the solution!
Recruits, btw, do not have wants or needs, and never address a DI as “Ewe”.
Comment by htom — 5/13/2009 @ 8:39 am
Ewe?
Oh… “You”. Duh.
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 5/13/2009 @ 9:03 am
Htom,
That was better than the answer I gave a Senior in ROTC at U of ID, Moscow, ID, which was,
“Yes SIR! Up Your “Donkey”, (word substitution to make it acceptable for this audience) SIR!!”
Comment by PCD — 5/13/2009 @ 10:17 am
I gave up on smart-ass real quick. It just doesn’t work with DIs while you’re in boot camp. If you can get him to laugh, you get a point with yourself, but then you loose hundreds with the platoon as the mass punishment arrives.
Comment by htom — 5/13/2009 @ 3:09 pm
Htom, this guy was a squid accountant major. Oh, and his response was a hearty, “That’s what we need around here is more Military Discipline!” And that was the end of it.
Comment by PCD — 5/14/2009 @ 5:16 am
[...] Reader Scott Jacobs is enlisting in the Marines. He has an Amazon wishlist if you want to help him out. Details here. [...]
Pingback by Patterico’s Pontifications » Send the Marines — 7/21/2009 @ 11:24 pm