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USMC Boot Camp Archive
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Restoring Honor: The Truth About The Glenn Beck Rally | 8/28/2010
Posted on September 3, 2010 | No CommentsGlenn Beck’s Restoring Honor Rally that was held in front of the Lincoln Memorial has been under fire from the left-wing liberal media. Liberals are stretching as far out as they can to find something to attack him over. The crowd that attended the rally... -
Boot Camp: Making Marines Videos
Posted on August 18, 2010 | No CommentsHere is a visual look into Marine Corps Boot Camp. Of course, all of the “fun stuff” happens when the cameras aren’t rolling, but even this soft, watered down look into our basic training will give you some perspective. It’s easy to see why the... -
Boot Camp Graduation Tips: For The Families
Posted on August 7, 2010 | 1 CommentPlease leave your Marine Corps Family Day and Graduation experiences in the comments below. United States Marine Corps Graduation is by far the best training day at Marine Corps Boot Camp. Sure, you get to see family for the first time, dress nice and be... -
Departure For Boot Camp: A Personal Insight
Posted on July 29, 2010 | No CommentsOver the past few months I have had the opportunity to reach a lot of people through my blog. I get comments and friend requests daily from mom’s that have sons at boot camp, other Marines, recruits that just joined, and even high-ranking officers that... -
Marine Corps Boot Camp Schedule
Posted on July 27, 2010 | No CommentsBelow is the three-phase boot camp training matrix for Parris Island. I am working on re-designing these schedules to make them easier to read. CLICK IMAGES TO VIEW LARGER SCHEDULE. Training Schedule Phase 1 Boot Camp Training Matrix – Phase 1 Training Schedule Phase 2 Boot... -
Marine Combat Fitness Test Training
Posted on July 7, 2010 | 1 CommentThe United States Marine Corps Combat Fitness Test is designed to test the physical demands that a Marine might find routinely while deployed (or in combat). To score high, you must do some Combat Fitness test Training. Below are some tips and things you can... -
USMC Questions From Google Searchers
Posted on July 7, 2010 | No CommentsPeople have a LOT of questions when it comes to the Marine Corps. Especially Marine Corp Boot Camp. The purpose of this post is to answer many of the frequently asked questions that I get on my blog, and in my email. I’m going to... -
MCT (Marine Combat Training) In A Nutshell
Posted on February 24, 2010 | 3 CommentsWell, I’ve completed Marine Combat Training as of yesterday. It had plenty of ups and downs. The “ups” included shooting the M240 Bravo, M249 SAW, AT-4 Rocket Launcher, M203 Grenade Launcher and throwing a live M67 Frag Grenade. The downs included living outside for 2... -
Marine Corps Training: What’s Next For Me
Posted on January 23, 2010 | 9 CommentsA lot of people have been asking me “what’s next” as far as training goes. Not that I mind telling anyone who asks, but just in case people are still following this blog… here’s the scoop. Next week I head off for Marine Combat Training... -
Marine Boot Camp: Top 5 Tips For The Crucible
Posted on January 19, 2010 | 8 CommentsThe hardest aspect of my Crucible was the weather. Read my story here. Outside of the fact that the puddles turned to ice and the mud was frozen… the actual Crucible isn’t that bad. I can’t say whether going through in the extreme cold is... -
Marine Boot Camp Family Day & Graduation
Posted on January 16, 2010 | 10 CommentsFinally… after 3 months of screaming, yelling, pain, sweat and yep… even a few tears, I finally made it off the God-forsaken Parris Island Recruit Training Depot. Seeing my wife for the first time was surreal. It was the first time I had seen her... -
Marine Corps Boot Camp: The Crucible
Posted on January 16, 2010 | 4 CommentsJanuary 9th, 2010 The Crucible… the final test in Marine Corps recruit training that pushes you physically, mentally and emotionally beyond the limits of what the average human being can endure. The Crucible is designed to break, torture, try and teach. Eight events, several stations,... -
Marine Boot Camp: The Crucible…In the Snow?
Posted on January 8, 2010 | 4 CommentsJanuary 5, 2010 We’re one day away from our initial 6-mile hike into the 15 degree darkness of the crucible. Rumor on base is that it is going to be one of the coldest on record…and they’re even predicting snow for Thursday night. As if... -
Marine Boot Camp: Final PFT & Written Exam
Posted on January 8, 2010 | No CommentsJanuary 4, 2010 Today our Platoon knocked two more obstacles off the list of graduation requirements…the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and the Final Written Exam. The exam was a cake walk. Not really even worth mentioning. If you even kind of paid attention during boot... -
Marine Boot Camp: Another Day in Paradise
Posted on January 6, 2010 | No CommentsYesterday marked the last Friday that I will be sleeping in a barracks on Parris Island (God willing). Next Friday we’ll be on the crucible and the following Friday is graduation. I can almost count the days down without having to use my toes. I... -
Marine Boot Camp: Happy New Year…?
Posted on January 5, 2010 | No CommentsJanuary 1, 2010 So, it’s officially 2010. Not sure if I should be excited or depressed? It’s strange spending so many holidays on Parris Island at Marine Corps Boot Camp away from family, but being here, you hardly even know it’s a holiday. While the... -
Marine Boot Camp: Not All Recruits Deserve the Title
Posted on January 5, 2010 | 1 CommentDecember 31, 2009 Throughout my life and 22 years of being part of a basketball team, I’ve gained a very strong understanding of teamwork and working together to complete a common goal or overcome an obstacle. Marine Corps Recruit Training is supposed to instill this... -
Marine Boot Camp: Combat Fitness Test
Posted on January 4, 2010 | 2 CommentsOur platoon ran the Combat Fitness Test yesterday, which is one of the many final obstacles that had to be completed before graduation. Now we jut have the Practical Application Test, Final Physical Fitness Test (PFT), Final Written Test, Final Drill, Battalion Commander’s Inspection and... -
USMC Boot Camp: Combat Hunter & Phase Three Top 5
Posted on January 4, 2010 | No CommentsDecember 28, 2009 Today was our Basic Combat Hunter Class & Training…which is the basics in observing, tracking, hunting and killing (within lawful and ethical boundaries). I’m talking about the enemy in case you’re wondering. The class and videos were some of the most interesting... -
USMC Boot Camp: Combat Conditioning Course
Posted on January 4, 2010 | No CommentsDecember 26, 2009 God willing, I’ll be a United States Marine in 14 DAYS…even sooner by the time my wife has this posted. (That’s true…now I think it’s 6!) With that said, our entire platoon got “broke off” today. That means we had what the... -
USMC Boot Camp: Generation…Crap
Posted on January 4, 2010 | No CommentsDecember 27, 2009 I was in my teens the end of “Generation X” and the beginning of “Y.” I saw laziness and disrespect then (and was a part of it), but nothing compared to the current generation. Luckily for me, I was blessed with a... -
USMC Boot Camp: Basic Warrior Training
Posted on January 3, 2010 | No CommentsDecember 25, 2009 The las two days were spent in the field. It was probably the most fun I’ve had since I’ve been here. Wednesday started early with classes on combat field and course navigation. We learned how to manipulate obstacles while keeping a low... -
Merry Christmas From Marine Corps Boot Camp
Posted on January 3, 2010 | No CommentsDecember 25, 2009 Today is such a joyous time of year for many people, waking up to a warm cup of hot chocolate and chowing down on some warm, chewy cookies. I can almost see my family now…making wrapping paper angels in the middle of... -
USMC Boot Camp: Blood Drive for Troops
Posted on January 3, 2010 | No CommentsDecember 27, 2009 Just a tip…if you want an easy, somewhat painful way to get free cookies and juice while at Marine Corps Boot Camp, just go give blood. In all seriousness, I was proud to be able to give blood today for the troops.... -
USMC Boot Camp: Expert Rifleman & Combat Fitness Test
Posted on December 29, 2009 | 1 CommentDecember 22, 2009 Today was my day of redemption on the Rifle Range. I left Table One with a 219 score…needing a 220 to qualify expert. That meant that I needed 86 out of 100 ponits from Table Two in order to qualify expert. I... -
USMC Boot Camp: Third Phase Begins
Posted on December 29, 2009 | No CommentsDecember 22, 2009 Third Phase launched today with table 2 of the rifle range. Table 2 is basics in Combat firing. It’s fun…minus the 200 yard runs to the bathroom with a kevlar, flak jacket and ammo belt on. The good news is that I... -
USMC Boot Camp: The End of Phase Two
Posted on December 29, 2009 | 1 CommentDecember 20, 2009 Well…Phase Two ended yesterday with the Company Commander’s Inspection and us getting JACKED UP later in the day. First things first…the inspection. The inspection went well. It was the first time we got to dress up in our Service Alphas and I... -
USMC Boot Camp: It’s A Boy
Posted on December 21, 2009 | 4 CommentsHuh? That’s right…I just found out today that my wife and I are having a BOY! God answered that prayer, and it saved me from having to pretend I was okay with having a girl. Just kidding. Either one would be a blessing. I truly... -
USMC Boot Camp: Team Week
Posted on December 18, 2009 | No CommentsDecember 15, 2009 Team Week is what I expected…a week where failing recruits catch up on the rifle range and swim quals and where recruits with JACKED up teeth get them fixed. Our platoon has had almost 100 wisdom teeth pulled altogether. It still doesn’t... -
USMC Boot Camp: Day 56 of 89 Update
Posted on December 17, 2009 | No CommentsDecember 13, 2009 Today is Sunday , and day 56 is already here. Wow. My time spent on Parris Island so far is still a bit confusing. Some days it’s as if I’ve been here for 2 years and other days it seems like I... -
USMC Boot Camp: 7 Mile Hike and Marine Corps Museum
Posted on December 16, 2009 | No CommentsDecember 12, 2009 Today was our glorious hump back from the rifle range barracks to our main-side barracks. We spent the last 2 weeks at the rifle range barracks (which were much nicer than our main-side barracks). The hike wasn’t bad, even with all of... -
USMC Boot Camp: Rifle Qualifications…1 Stinking Point!
Posted on December 16, 2009 | 2 CommentsDecember 11, 2009 So, today I learned the meaning of “every point counts.” I shot “Expert” all week during practice, with the exception of yesterday…I shot Marksman, which is the lowest grade. 190 points is Marksman, 210 is Sharpshooter, and 220 is Expert. Today…I shot... -
USMC Boot Camp: First Phase vs. Second Phase
Posted on December 14, 2009 | No CommentsDecember 9, 2009 My buddy Kevin Smith had some questions about this. Here ya go, Smith. A lot of people believe the myth that First Phase Marine Corps Recruit Training is harder than Phase Two…that Phase Two gets easier. The myth depends. First Phase consists... -
USMC Boot Camp: The Schedule
Posted on December 14, 2009 | No CommentsDecember 8, 2009 For those of you who may be wondering what boot camp training schedule is like…here is an average day example. For your sake I won’t use military time. 4:00am: Lights (wake up) 4:00 – 4:20am: Bathroom, get dressed, shave, brush teeth (all... -
USMC Boot Camp: Rifle Range Live Fire
Posted on December 14, 2009 | No CommentsDecember 7, 2009 Today was our first day of live-fire on the rifle range. I worked the pits/targets in the morning and shot in the afternoon. Today was also the first day they let us wear our gloves and beanie caps. They’ve been using the... -
USMC Boot Camp: Why Did I Join?
Posted on December 10, 2009 | 4 CommentsDecember 6, 2009 A lot of people asked myself, my wife and my parents this question. A lot of people asked in a negative tone as well. Those people deserve no response. There isn’t a single reason why I joined, but if I had to... -
USMC Boot Camp: Recruit Grant Again & PFT
Posted on December 10, 2009 | No CommentsDecember 5, 2009 So…Recruit Grant strikes again. The Drill Instructors have given me yet another new task. I am now Recruit Grant’s personal filter…literally. Anytime he requests to speak to a Drill Instructor or a Marine, he has to ask me, and then if I... -
USMC Boot Camp: Name Tapes & Snapping In
Posted on December 7, 2009 | 3 CommentsI forgot to mention name tapes in my last blog. We finally received our name tapes on our desert uniforms. U.S. Marines is on our left breast pocket and Webb is on the right breast pocket as well as the right butt pocket of the... -
USMC Boot Camp: Rifle Range & Name Tapes
Posted on December 7, 2009 | No CommentsToday was our first Rifle Range class. I actually enjoyed it. The PMI (Marksmanship Instructor) is laid back and extremely knowledgeable. Today we just learned the basics…parts, sights, shooting positions, etc. Tomorrow we will start simulated shooting. Wednesday is live rounds…through Friday. So guess what?... -
USMC Boot Camp: Let Me Tell You ‘Bout Recruit Grant
Posted on December 4, 2009 | 2 CommentsNovember 29, 2009 Recruit Grant is a mess…a complete mess. Imagine Steve Urkel at Marine Corps Boot Camp. Not just in looks, but in actions too. They have tried to drop him several times, but keep giving him more chances. He pees the bed, he... -
USMC Boot Camp: 7-Mile Hike & Rifle Range Barracks
Posted on December 4, 2009 | 4 CommentsNovember 28th, 2009 Today was interesting. The day started at 0300 (3am) with chow and a 7-mile hike to the rifle range, where we’ll be spending the next 2 weeks in a new barracks on the other side of Parris Island. The hike was complete... -
USMC Boot Camp: Phase 2 Begins
Posted on November 30, 2009 | No CommentsSecond Phase started sort-of slow. Monday we did final testing and initial drill. That ended Phase one. Phase Two started with uniform fitting, including dress blues and getting my PFC chevron (E-2). Tuesday afternoon we got round two of our shots…one of which is literally... -
USMC Boot Camp: Gas Chamber & Rappel Tower
Posted on November 25, 2009 | No CommentsGas Chamber I wish I could actually describe what the gas chamber feels like. Try to imagine being tired, hungry, suffocating, burning alive while somebody shoots a flame thrower down your throat and pours acid in your eyes. Throw in gagging and add a recruit... -
Swim Quals, Martial Arts Test, Obstacle Course & Pugil Sticks
Posted on November 25, 2009 | No CommentsSwim Quals, Martial Arts Test, Obstacle Course & Pugil Sticks. This past week was full and busy and won’t slow down until Tuesday. Tomorrow we do rappelling, fast-roping and gas chamber. Monday we have our initial Drill being judged and our Phase 1 knowledge test.... -
USMC Boot Camp: Confidence Course & Chokes
Posted on November 25, 2009 | No Comments* Note from the editor (wife) – This blog is a bit out of order. It was written on 11/12, however I just found it while unpacking the last of my things. Oops. Today was the most adventurous day we’ve had since I’ve been here.... -
USMC Boot Camp: Day 28 of 89
Posted on November 23, 2009 | 1 CommentThis past week was a giant roller coaster. Low mornings full of pain, dirt and punishment…and then evenings of drill, letters and coming together as a team. The training isn’t getting easier, but we’re adapting a little more. The yelling is just part of the... -
USMC Boot Camp: Questions From Home
Posted on November 23, 2009 | 1 CommentI received a few questions from home. Below are my responses. 1. Is stuff cheap to buy at the PX (recruit store)? Yes. I bought a Fusion razor with 2 blades for $3.33. Stuff is cheap. Now the gear is not cheap. Cuticle clippers were... -
USMC Boot Camp: Broke Off Platoon (originally written 11/13)
Posted on November 23, 2009 | No CommentsYou know you’re tired when you feel like falling asleep during a quarter mile low crawl…in cold mud. Our Platoon was “broke off” bad today. In other words, we went through the physical grinder. Low crawls through streams, puddles and mud mixed with fireman’s carries,... -
USMC Boot Camp: Marine Corps Birthday (originally written 11/10)
Posted on November 23, 2009 | No CommentsToday marked the Marine Corps’ 234th birthday (November 10, 1775). It had a few special occasions in store for us, including a uniform show/parade and a special meal for evening chow. Our meal included steak, shrimp, lobster tail, cake, cherry pie and decorations! The myth... -
USMC Boot Camp: Shaving & Sleep (originally written 11/8)
Posted on November 23, 2009 | No CommentsShaving Shaving isn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I even shaved twice in one day a couple times. I don’t even use shaving cream. There’s no time. Wash the face, wet it good, water on my Fusion and shave in about... -
USMC Boot Camp: Top 5 Tips for First Phase (originally written 11/7)
Posted on November 22, 2009 | No Comments1. Sound Off! This is the first key to success at Marine Corps Boot Camp. Drill Instructors don’t want you talking “sweet” to them. You can suck at just about everything, but if you scream and “sound off” with intensity then they will move on... -
USMC Boot Camp: Top 5 Best Things About it (originally written 11/7)
Posted on November 22, 2009 | No Comments1. Receiving Mail This is easily the best part of the day. Mail is just as much fuel to your spirit as food is to the body. I count days one mail-call at a time. 2. Sundays Four hours of “FREE” time makes the day... -
USMC Boot Camp: Top 5 Worst (originally written 11/7)
Posted on November 22, 2009 | No CommentsOkay, so here’s my top 5 “things” you need to know about Marine Corps Boot Camp. Some good, some bad…and some tips in case you ever decide to join the fight. They are all compiled into “top 5″ lists. Top 5 Worst Things at Marine... -
USMC Boot Camp: PT Ramps up & the Fighting Begins
Posted on November 9, 2009 | 1 CommentToday was the toughest day we’ve had physically. We ran 2 miles, did an hour of circuit training and then about 2 hours of Martial Arts. My body hurts. It’s good having some “disgusting fatties” in the Platoon though. It keeps the D.I.’s off my... -
USMC Boot Camp: Weight Loss & New D.I.
Posted on November 9, 2009 | No CommentsDon’t ask how, but I’ve managed to lose 10 lbs already. Went from 170 to 160 in 2 weeks. I guess that’s what ONLY having 3 meals a day will do to you. That plus full 16-hour days. We picked up a new D.I. today.... -
USMC Boot Camp: Cold Weather, Bugs and Sunburns
Posted on November 6, 2009 | 2 CommentsApparently the sand fleas and mosquitoes were issued winter coast. Today was the first day we wore our sweat tops for PT and it was pretty chilly out. That didn’t stop the sand fleas though. It warmed up in the afternoon. Probably a low of... -
USMC Boot Camp: More Sick Hall
Posted on November 5, 2009 | No CommentsI have an upper respiratory infection…along with half of the Platoon. I went back for my check-up today and they took me off “light duty” which is good. I’m still on 5 meds, but hopefully it will clear up 100% quickly. This week is pugil... -
USMC Boot Camp: Gear Chaos
Posted on November 4, 2009 | No CommentsA couple recruits screwed up pretty bad tonight, so guess what we got to do? All our gear, including removed shoe strings, padlocks, canteens, boots, etc. had to all be thrown into the middle of the squad bay, mixed up and then re-sorted. Doesn’t sound... -
USMC Boot Camp: Day 13
Posted on November 4, 2009 | 1 CommentToday is Sunday, November 1st, 2009 and I just took my first relaxing poop since I’ve been here. Usually the D.I.’s hover your dome everywhere you go, but we obtained our first real liberty today. We have a total of 4 hours of free time... -
USMC Boot Camp: October 31, 2009
Posted on November 4, 2009 | No CommentsWe received cake today with orange frosting and that was the full extent of our pumpkin holiday. The sand fleas are still here in full force and I can’t explain their effects on us. They feel worse than mosquitoes and feed on you by the... -
USMC Boot Camp: Oct 30th, 2009
Posted on November 3, 2009 | No CommentsWell, today I was at sick hall all day…along with 40 other people from my battalion. I’m okay, but they have me on about 6 different meds. Bronchitis, pneumonia, and flu are running pretty rampant. I’ll survive. They put me on light duty which sucks... -
USMC Boot Camp: Day 10 Of Training
Posted on November 3, 2009 | 1 CommentThings picked up today on a physical aspect. We did some physical training for about 2 hours, ran Platoon sprints, took some Martial Arts and Bayonet classed and drilled for about 3 hours with our Assault Packs on. We took some First Aid courses, ate... -
USMC Boot Camp: Physical Training, Showers & Dumb Recruits
Posted on November 1, 2009 | 2 CommentsToday we had our first official Physical Training event. It wasn’t too bad – for those of us that prepared. But for the 6-8 recruits that passed out…the story wasn’t the same. The fatties have it the worst. They get all of the attention. The... -
My First Week on Parris Island
Posted on October 30, 2009 | 5 CommentsWow! My first week is complete and this phase is intense. I arrived on Parris Island October 19th at about 9pm. We were all up at 4am Monday with just 3 hours of sleep and then spent the next 40 hours in receiving once we... -
My Final Pre-Boot Post
Posted on October 17, 2009 | No CommentsThe months quickly turned into days, then into hours… and soon, I will be measuring in minutes. A lot of people have been asking me if I’m nervous. Not really. Yesterday was the worst… being my last full day at home, and in my bed;... -
The Real Heroes In Our Country
Posted on October 17, 2009 | 2 CommentsI’ve had a lot of time lately to think about all of the sacrifices that our troops have made, and great thanks should be given to those who serve abroad and are away from their families. However, the real heroes are the families back at... -
The Corps Is Calling
Posted on October 17, 2009 | No CommentsMy blog has been down for a while. I just didn’t have the time to manage it while I was getting the details setup for my new journey. In August of this year I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. A dream and calling...