Q&A for How to Prepare for Marine Boot Camp

Yes, If you absolutely can't swim you attend an introductory brief on basic swimming skills, and then you attend swim week with everyone else.

As early as possible, though if you are younger than 16 you should keep your sleep schedule normal.

Usually, in ROTC, the tests are to run one mile in under seven minutes, do 50 crunches in under two minutes and 20 seconds, and do 50 pushups in under two-and-a-half minutes. You may also want to do pull-ups, dips, push-ups, planks and lift weights.

Good Marines are loyal, strong, mentally tough and obedient. It is important to have these qualities before going to boot camp, but you will also develop them during training.

For pull-ups, go for the maximum score of 20. For push-ups, just keep pumping them out until your heart feels like exploding, because that's what your D.I. plans to make you do. Always shoot for maximum.

Choose sturdy boots to support your ankles while hiking and wear lightweight, breathable fabrics. The backpack you use should be able to carry at least 50 pounds.

Unauthorized areas are above the collar bone, head, or neck. A tattoo cannot cover the individual's hand. Areas that are authorized are areas that cannot be seen when wearing a properly fitting crew neck shirt and tattoos that can be covered by the individual's hand. A single tattoo on only one finger cannot exceed 3/8 of an inch in width and must fall 2 inches above the elbow or 1 inch below. No more than 4 tattoos can be visible in the standard PT uniform.

Marines must be able to do at least 44 modified crunches during boot camp. During a modified crunch, your elbows will touch your thighs before you come back down with your shoulder blade hitting the ground.

You need to meet many standards, and you can join at age 18. Your recruiter will have information regarding when you can join, so contact them for more in depth information.

They will show you all of that in boot camp. Remember that they are there to help you. You just need to be ready to experience the mental and physical toughness.

1. Don't get into any trouble with the law. 2. Don't do any drugs or take any illegal substances. 3. Don't get injured, if you can help it. 1. Do stay in shape and work out. 2. Make sure you are getting up early and getting to bed at a reasonable time. 3. Do follow any and all instructions from your recruiter.

If any recruiter is disobedient, he will be punished and possibly picked on. The drill sergeant will pick on anybody for no reason - that's why you need to get mentally prepared.

With birth control it might depend on why you are taking it (though it shouldn't). Anything that is prescribed by a doctor for legitimate medical purposes should be fine.

You should only do so if you can. You can also practice ahead of time and gradually work your way up to carrying more. This way you will strengthen your back and your arms so you're prepared when you actually need to carry that much weight.

Yes. The height allowances range from about 4'8" to 6'7". The weight requirements vary based on someone's height, but you can find these weight requirements on the USMC's website.

As long as they aren't visible when wearing a properly fitting crew neck shirt, then yes. You cannot have any tattoos on your head or neck above the collar bone. Your hands may not have tattoos either.

This is no longer a disqualifying condition from military service, unless extremely severe.

Basic training is 3 months, and then you'd be in for another 3 months, so 6 months total. Yes, you can study a major while being in the Marines. If you have more questions, just ask your recruiter.

You can’t join until you are 18, but you should stay in shape for the future. If you want a military-like experience, then consider joining cadet forces such as JROTC, Naval Sea Cadets or Civil Air Patrol. These cadet forces teach discipline and teamwork to help you succeed in life and help prepare you for your future military career.

Yes you can have a Marine lifestyle if you are a civilian. The only thing you should not do is wear a uniform in public and pretend to be an actual Marine.

People with autism are often disqualified from joining any branch of the US Military. The main reason why most people with autism are disqualified is because autistic individuals often easily get overwhelmed with sounds, noise, taste, etc. In battle, this problem will put the whole squad at risk. If you are autistic and you try to join, don’t be surprised if the recruiter says you can’t join, beyond doing civilian desk work.

You should eat healthly and excersise regularly every day to get prepared for Marine Boot Camp.

The marines don’t accept anyone under 18 and who has not graduated high school. If you want to experience what the Marines is like ,consider joining the JROTC or Civil Air Patrol when you are in high school. These teach discipline and teamwork to help you in life. But by all means keep yourself fit from now on, it can help you, along with your high school diploma and becoming an adult.

Yes, in the army and in the marines, they will teach you how to assemble and disassemble your weapons. Don’t worry if you don’t get it right on your first try, practice makes perfect and you get training.

No, tattoos on the arms and hands are not permitted for recruits. If you have tattoos on your arms and hands you will likely be disqualified from joining the Marines.

You will have to request an age waiver from a recruiter. The maximum age for a recruit to join the marines is 28. If you aren’t accepted into the marines you can join the air force or army instead.

Change up your routine during your week. Try working on other places by running, doing planks, etc. as well. Do those 3 times a week and work on upper body 2 times a week. Make sure you take breaks and avoid over exercising.

Develop a stronger mentality by pushing yourself to your limits and even beyond them when you’re training before boot camp. Make sure that your motivation for becoming a marine will drive you to keep going. Always remember that your DI’s are there to help you. They say and do things for a reason, even if those things seem unfair.

Not really, as long as you've met the weight requirements for enlisting, but you may be separated if you are underweight or overweight. If you are separated, you will be fed either less or more depending on your needs.

Go to the Marine Corps website and click on "Marines" on the menu at the top. From there you'll be able to fill out an application and it will be sent to your nearest recruiting office.