Advice on becoming guide in USMC boot camp?

December 25th, 2008 | by MakingMarines |
usmc boot camp
enat62 asked:


I enlisted about a month ago in the Marines and have been working out vigorously in hopes of competing for company iron man and doing my best to become guide when i ship out for boot camp in August. I exceed all requirements to score a perfect on the PFT and would appreciate any tips on becoming guide. Thank You.

Marine Boot Camp Info

  1. 3 Responses to “Advice on becoming guide in USMC boot camp?”

  2. By brother_roger_osl on Dec 28, 2008 | Reply

    Just do the job, Marine, don’t try to outshine everyone. Show-offs and brown-noses get people killed and DIs know it.

    Good luck and Semper Fi!

  3. By LOYDE M on Dec 30, 2008 | Reply

    When I went MCRD San Diego in 1985, You could replace the guide if you could get the Platoon Guidon away from him while climbing Mount M.F. (sorry cant say the real name on here). Other ways are to excel in everything you do, Just remember that being the Platoon or Company guide comes with a set of responsibilities that you must adhere to with the Honor of earning the title U.S. Marine.

    I wish you luck in your endeavor

    Loyde Mcillwain
    USMC 1985-1991

  4. By Cpl Welicka on Dec 31, 2008 | Reply

    When the DIs decide on the guide they do it first based off of appearance alone. Does it look like this recruit is serious about doing this, does it look like he is motivated, and does it look like he can motivate others.

    After the initial guide is chosen, he will most likely be replaced a few times in the first week or two. It happens a lot. Make sure you scream the loudest, look the toughest, put out the most, and motivate everyone around you. Make sure that everything the DIs say to you rolls off your back. It will be tough when you’re there, but if you can keep your head on your shoulders, it will be much easier.

    Next, make sure you never, ever chicken out of anything. When you the gas chamber, never waiver. Motivate the guys around you and the guys that are struggling. When it’s time to do the swim qualifications, make sure that you can pass at least the first two. And when you get to the rifle range, you better be decent.

    Lastly, let them know you want to be guide and have the right stuff. Even if you’re sh*t hot, someone out there is better than you. If that happens, be a squadleader. You’ll always get the chance to show them why you would make a better leader.

    When you go to bootcamp, go there prepared for and expecting the worst. If you can go there with the mentality that it’s all just a mindf*ck, and it’s not as bad as it seems, you’ll come through with shining colors. And in the end, Guide or not, your graduation will be the best feeling you’ve ever had.

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