Marines Boot Camp

Marine's boot camp is generally considered to be the toughest boot camp of any branch of the armed services, and it's certainly the longest. Consider this, a Marine can enter any other branch of the Armed Forces and not have to redo basic training, but a soldier from any other branch coming into the Marines has to start all over. That's because Marine basic is just different. Here are some tips on how to survive the 13 week hell that is Parris Island or San Diego.

First of all, you need to get physically fit well before you go. If you show up to camp unfit, they'll get you fit, and the last thing you want is a Marine Corps drill instructor whipping you into shape. Research the minimum fitness requirements you'll need to meet to pass basic, and either train to meet or exceed them before you go. You want to be exceeding them easily by the time you're done camp.

Secondly you need to be mentally tough. Really, really tough. Marine basic training is as grueling on the mind as it is on the body. The drill instructors will go out of their way to try and break you, and the mind is one place they'll attack. You need to be ready for them. You need to learn ahead of time how to deal with the kind of things they're going to put you through. If your mind isn't as tough as nails, then your body won't have a chance.