Marine boot camp is extremely challenging -- both physically and mentally -- and considered to be tougher than the basic training programs of any of the other military services.
While the Combat Diving program during Green Beret training is widely thought of as the hardest form of military training, these are the most difficult branches of the military in terms of training: United States Navy (Navy Seal training) United States Marines. United States Army (Green Beret training)
The Air Force is reported to be the “easiest” branch when it comes to physical challenges and difficulties. Next to the Coast Guard, Air Force members are among the least likely to see combat.
Yes, it is possible to fail basic training. You could go through the trouble of leaving your home, job, family and friends and come back a failure. In fact, this happens to about 15% of recruits who join the military every year.
The myth that nothing will get a person into shape faster than boot camp is just that – a myth. The truth is, the hard work of getting fit starts long before basic training begins. Preparing for initial military training is a recruit's responsibility, but friends and family play an important role.
You will likely see only a few of the guys you went to boot camp with a few more times in your life when you see one another at the PX on Mainside. You won't go through “hell” together. Drill Instructors/Drill Sergeants don't physically touch recruits. They don't hit or physically assault recruits, ever.
Crying during USMC boot camp is not uncommon and may occur due to the stress of training. However, recruits are expected to quickly regain composure and continue with their training, as showing prolonged emotional vulnerability may result in disciplinary action or dismissal from the program.
Recruit training is both physically and mentally challenging. While, for many, boot camp is the single most challenging experience they will face up to that point in their lives, there are ways to prepare.
Sleeping arrangements during Basic Training may differ depending on where you're at. Generally, you'll either bunk in a bay containing about 40 people or in a small room with three to six others. You can expect to get between seven and eight hours of sleep.
In basic training, you take group showers. There's no way out of communal showers. They're required. Everyone in your barracks will enter the shower room assigned to your barracks when commanded.
U.S. Marines
Of course, when you reach the top, you can find them becoming SEALs or a part of the Marine Raider Regiment (MRR), but the training of any Marine is some of the hardest military training in the world. Even outside of Special Forces, Marines have to be ready for both land and sea combat.
The Navy, Army, and Marines have recruits drop out at roughly the same rate as each other, between 11 and 14 percent annually. Contrary to what many think, the goal of officers in basic training isn't just to push recruits to drop out.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Coast Guard has the shortest (8 weeks) yet is equally demanding and strenuous. Recruits begin earning military pay during basic training (after taking the final oath at MEPS). The Marine Corps has the longest basic training -- 12 weeks, not including four days of in-processing time.
At the background clearance check stage, the easiest military branch to join is the Army or Navy. At the ASVAB stage, the easiest military branch to join is the Army or Air Force. At the basic training stage, the easiest military branch to join is the Air Force.
Yelling is, by far, the most common corrective action in military basic training.
Most of the yelling comes in the early days of basic training. Keep in mind that, within five minutes of arrival at basic training, about 200 individuals with no group training at all must be quickly taught how to listen and learn, respond to instruction, stand in formation and move as a unit.
In boot camp recruits are threatened, psychologically tortured, placed in physically demanding high stress situations in order to eliminate those deemed as “weak”. I understand it sounds absurd that something so many people go through can cause PTSD. But studies show it can play a part.
The UCMJ authorizes 9 types of punishment for different types of offenses: punitive discharge, confinement, hard labor without confinement, restriction, reduction in grade, fine, forfeitures, reprimands, and death.
If you're having difficulty with a specific aspect of basic training, you will be “recycled.” This means that you will be put into training with another unit that's in an earlier part of the basic training cycle.
Boot camp is a great way to quick start weight loss and fitness, but there are some things that you need to know before you enlist: It's intense. It will work all your major muscle groups, including your core, and give you a great cardio workout to boot. It's not for you if you don't like to sweat.
The Training Process
During this time, women learn essential military skills such as marching, physical fitness, and weapons handling. They also receive classroom instruction on Army values, customs, and traditions, as well as basic first aid, map reading, and other critical skills.
Answer: No, not every day. But, yes, you should be doing goal-paced intervals at 400-800 meters during your training week. You actually need a variety of running workouts and maybe some non-impact cardio options mixed into the week, depending upon your level of running ability.