Tag Archives: marine corps

Your Questions About New Army Pt Standards

Posted on by

Steven asks…

Is the Air Force PT test now harder than the Army?

I was comparing the new standards, and I think the Air Force PT test is way harder than the Army‘s. For the Air Force you must meet the minimum standards for each event, but you also have to achieve an overall score of at least 75. The minimums don’t add up to 75. All you need to do to pass the Army test is to get the minimums. Both tests consists of push-ups, sit-ups, and running. The Air Force test requires the same number of or more push-ups and sit-ups in only 1 minute that the Army requires in 2 minutes. And the Army may run 2 miles compared to the 1.5 miles in the Air Force, but you get way more time for your run in the Army.

The Air Force has always been considered the soft branch, the “chair force”. Yes, it used to be with its bike test and all that. However, the fitness standards have gotten way harder in recent years.
I am in the Air Force and passed the PT test. I did the Army test on my own and would have passed well above the minimum standards.

admin answers:

Doing the minimum pace time on the Army fitness test would put them at a low health risk in the Air Force. From the age of 17-21 a soldier must run 2 miles in 15:54. That pace in the Air force would be a high 11 minute 1.5 mile. Since the Air force PT test is done with 100 points and 60 of them coming from the run alone, a soldier running a minimum time in the Army would receive a 52.4 points right off the bat on an Air force PT test. You’re push up and sit ups only account for 20 pts on the pt test, while in the Army, they account for 200. 20 of your points come from your waist circumference. So if ones waist is 35 inches or lower, that’s a free 20 points. In the Army, it’s either go or no-go based on your height and weight, if they meet height/weight, it’s almost guaranteed that they would recieve this freeby.

So a soldier doing the minimum standards for an Army pt test would almost be at an Excellent in the Air Force.

Plus, I’m pretty sure what would qualify as a push-up in Air Force would not in the Army. Also, our sit-ups are performed with fingers interlocked behind the head where the base of the neck must pass the base of the spine. This kills the hip flexers which will have a negative effect on the run…

Maria asks…

An Army of One???

I had to sit down recently and think about the new slogan for today’s Army. Not counting the war we are currently fighting, I don’t think that the change in the slogan makes the US Army seem any better. Let alone, with the way soldiers are entering nowadays. Basic Training and AIT soldiers are taking over DS’ (which I think is total BS). Being more lenient on a soldier and pushing them through without passing the Army‘s PT standards. I’d have to say that the new slogan is just mocking what today’s modern Army is becoming. I don’t mean to offend anybody who currently is still serving because I myself am still serving. I would like to know what is on other peoples minds pertaining to the new slogan and their opinions on IET soldiers going through training.

admin answers:

Take note: not everyone has it easy in basic training and AIT these days. Initial training is becoming easier for some, it largely depends on your MOS, but there are good reasons for this. Also note that during times of war, training and standards tend to become lax – and this has been present throughout history. Hell, how about in WWII where basically all they did was hand you a rifle and tell you how to shoot it. You’re not one for tradition, are you?

EDIT: In reply to previous poster: The “Army Strong” slogan was actually a big hit within the Army. Check out the articles in the Stars & Stripes and Army Times. Also check out the new Army Strong promotional video. I’d say 9 out of 10 soldiers in my unit think it was a good change as well.

Thomas asks…

Anybody been to the newest version of Army WLC?

I’m slated for WLC this summer. (I’m National Guard so they’ll ship me to a different state for WLC. Going to Wisconsin.)

I hear that the APFT and Land Nav are out, and Drill and Ceremony and three written exams and “Army Writing” are in. They’re also supposedly teaching “Physical Readiness Training” instead of standard PT. Should be interesting:

http://www.army.mil/-news/2010/01/08/32638-changes-to-warrior-leader-course-will-help-keep-soldiers-army-strong/

Has anybody been through the new version? Can you confirm that the above is true? Any advice?

Thanks.

admin answers:

I’m mostly just jumping in to poach Best Answer. All my buddies who went to WLC at Guard Regional Training Centers last fiscal year mentioned their instructors saying new stuff was going to be in effect for FY10. However, I don’t personally know anyone who has gone lately. If I were a betting man, I’d say that’s (the new one) probably the training program you’ll be seeing though.

Chris asks…

Does the ARMY use pugil stick fighting in basic?

I know the Marines do. And now the Air Force is using them in the new 8.5 week BMT. (which I will be attending in 2 weeks). Also instead of the 2 hours of crawling through mud and stuff that they did at the old 6 week BMT, we are now going to be doing that for 4 straight days, along the way of identifying IED’s on a trail and all that good stuff. Im pretty excited about doing all of this, maybe it will wipe away the “chair force” image with the new breed of airman coming out of BMT. I mean we already take the same PT test standards in BMT as the ARMY now they got us finding IED’s and pugil stick fighting too?! Seems to me we are picking up the slack the ARMY is leaving out.
Your opinions?

My sources..

http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/airforcejoin/a/afbmt1.htm

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/airforcejoin/a/afbmtpugil.htm

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/airforcejoin/a/afbmtbeast.htm

admin answers:

Oh yeah they do.

Personal experience: we march our 10k First at 0600. Arrive at the training site. Use weighted dummy M16 with bayonet’s to practice killing moves for a few hours. Then we Run the Obstacle Course. After that we break up into platoons and go to the fighting circles and put on our foot ball helmets, chest plates, and the pugil sticks and beat the ever-loving garbage out of your partner. Winner goes to the fighter with the most head hits.

My opinion is EVERYONE should learn about identifying IDE’s. Its a skill that can undoubtedly save lives, regardless of your branch or job/mos.

Joseph asks…

The difference between Army and Marines?

You can’t compare the two…its like comparing apples and oranges. They have different purposes and were created for different reasons. They operate differently, organize differently, talk differently, etc.

But if you must compare the two, I would say you can liken them to a boxer in a fight.

The Marine Corps is more like a Jab. A jab is easy to use, quick, and effective. It sets you up for the knock out punch, keeps your opponent at bay, and is used more often. The Marines are smaller, and therefore easier to deploy and used more often. Quick strikes are their specialty, keeping the enemy at bay while the larger, more powerful forces come in.

The Army is more like the KO Punch. The punch is used less often, but is much more devestating and effective than the jab. You can often see it coming, but there isnt much you can do about it. A skilled boxer would be able to use his KO punches much like a jab. The Army is a much larger and complicated organization than the Marine Corps, and therefore slower to deploy, due to the enormous logistical burden it carries. But when they do deploy, they cause the most damage, and are the primary branch used in war. However, the Army isnt just a bunch of tank divisions. They have smaller units as well, much like the Marine Corps, which are able to deploy quickly and are used much like the Marine Corps.

The Army is currently undergoing an organizational transformation, and when finished will be organized and used much like the Marine Corps. Instead of being organized and deployed on a Divisional level, like the past, the Army is now looking to be organized primarily at a Brigade Level. The result of this transformation are the relatively new “Strkyer Brigades”, which are able to deploy anywhere in the world, on its own, quickly and with force.

Differences are also seen in the way the two branches operate. For example, a Staff Sergeant in the Marine Corps has much more gravity to his/her position and much more say in matters than a Staff Sergeant in the Army. Both are E-6 pay grade, yet one is treated much differently than the other.

A Marine also generally addresses another Marine by his or her full rank. In the Army, however, its not uncommon for soldiers to say “PFC” instead of “Private First Class”, or for a Staff Sergeant or Sergeant First Class to be simply addressed as “Sergeant”. This isnt meant in a way to be disrespectful, but addressing somebody by their full rank is normally reserved for more formal settings, or to distinguish between other NCO’s. It’s also largely dependant on the unit you are in. Which leads me to the next difference.

In the Marine Corps, standards usually are applied and enforced throughout the whole branch. It’s the same wherever you are assigned. It wont matter if you are a Marine reservist, or if you are assigned to Force Recon…standards are generally the same. The Army, however, because of its massive size, is different. Standards are different wherever you go. For example, somebody in a Finance MOS who went to basic at Ft. Jackson and later assigned to a Sustainment Brigade, will not be held to the same standards as somebody in the same MOS who went to basic at the same place and was later assigned to a Infantry Unit. Recruits in Ft. Jackson are also not treated the same as recruits in Ft. Benning. Basically, what is expected of you is dependant on what your MOS is and where you are assigned. As a soldier, this is something that I wish would change immediatly. I’m tired of seeing fat, undisciplined soldiers continue to fail PT tests, disrespect seniors, and lose their military bearing on a daily basis, while contining to collect the same paycheck and are treated the same way as other Soldiers, who are disciplined, do what is expected of them and more, and continue to show their military bearing.

The next difference is the way they talk. There is the obvious difference between the Army‘s “Hooah” and the Marine Corps “Oorah”. “Hooah” is used extensively by the Army, and can mean any number of things. It can be yelled as a sort of battle cry, used as a way to let others know you understand the task at hand, and even used as a noun and an adjective. A “Hooah” when used as a noun often descibes any object where one cant remember the real name of it, and can also be used to describe somebody who is “high speed” and all about jumping out of planes, getting the best PT score, shooting as many weapons as possible, etc. “Oorah” is used by the Marines, and from what I’ve seen, is definatly not used as much as “Hooah” by the Army. It’s generally reserved for conversation regarding the Marine Corps itself.

These are differences that I can think of at the top of my head. Feel free to add anymore you can think of as your answers. I’d love to hear some that I cant think of right now
No question really…just kinda bored tired of the question being asked on here “Who is better Army or Marines??”

just thought I’d just provide one big answer.
Demosthenes:

In what regard? sure its easy to put airborne troops in a plane, but its a lot more than that. No plane can travel anywhere in the world. It takes preparation, and time, and its alot more complicated. Airborne troops arent ment to deploy quickly, rather strategically

admin answers:

Soldiers seem a little more proud of their individual assignments and units. You can see this in the uniform. We have unit patches, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Combat Medical Badge, Combat Action Badge, blue cord, branch insignia, etc. Marines don’t have patches, and only a Combat Action Ribbon. Yeah, I’m sure jarheads are proud of being in the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines. Note that name. 3rd Battalion of the 5th Marine Regiment. In the Army we have 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment. Or whatever other unit you can think of. From the outside, Marines appear as equals (while all Marine Infantry will tell you that “Every Marine a rifleman” is bullcrap, there’s a BIG difference between grunts and POGs).

The tactics are also different. Army light grunt squads have nine Soldiers in two fireteams (Rifleman, Automatic Rifleman, Grenadier, Team Leader). Marines have Rifleman, Automatic Rifleman, Assistant Automatic Rifleman, and Team Leader (grenadier). Three fireteams instead of two. We have a fourth squad (weapons), but they put all of those into a separate Weapons Company.

The opportunities are also different. Marines are generally Marines wherever they go. In the Army we have Airborne, Air Assault, Ranger, RSTA, Light, Stryker, Heavy, you name it. An Infantry company from the 82nd Airborne Division is way different than one from the 10th Mountain Division, and still different from one in the 75th Ranger Regiment. Marines would seem to be more generalist, while we are specialists, but in fact it’s the other way around. Marines won’t see much difference between 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines and 1st Battalion, 25th Marines. They all fight the “Marine” way. While Soldiers might serve time in 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment using the “Airborne” tactics, and then go on to 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment and have a completely different MTOE and use entirely different tactics, the “Ranger” way. A Private probably doesn’t see most of this, but later in his career when he’s a Sergeant or Staff Sergeant, or earns a commission, he’ll see the differences in the grand scheme of things. In WWII, there were just as many Marines as Soldiers fighting in the Pacific, though that kind of fighting is their expertise, not the Army’s. At the same time, Europe was fought almost exclusively by the other services, as there is more sustained combat since it’s only one landmass instead of a hundred islands. Rangers though, can and have fought in similar theaters of war, like in Panama. The size of units is very different, a Marine battalion is much larger than an Army battalion. Marines have regiments in functionality, while the Army only has them as heritage, the battalions are actually part of a brigade and no regimental headquarters exists (there are a few exceptions, like the ACRs, 75th, etc). Marines have “Light Armored Recon” which is considered Infantry to them, while we have Cavalry Scouts. Here’s diagrams of the 1st Marine Division, 2nd Marine Division, 1st Infantry Division, 2nd Infantry Division, 3rd Infantry Division, and 82nd Airborne Division, for comparison.

Http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/1st_US_Marine_Division.png/800px-1st_US_Marine_Division.png

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9b/2nd_US_Marine_Division.png/800px-2nd_US_Marine_Division.png

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/03/1st_US_Infantry_Division.png/800px-1st_US_Infantry_Division.png

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f6/2nd_US_Infantry_Division.png/678px-2nd_US_Infantry_Division.png

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0d/3rd_US_Infantry_Division.png/800px-3rd_US_Infantry_Division.png

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b6/82nd_US_Airborne_Div.png/800px-82nd_US_Airborne_Div.png

This is reflected a bit in initial training. Army’s Basic Combat Training covers almost every basic weapon system, martial arts, communications, history, tactics, field craft, culture, customs, basic medical skills, etc. M16A4 or M4, M203, M249, M240B. Marine Recruit Training doesn’t do that, they use only the service rifle during training, and only touch on tactics. Instead, that knowledge is imparted at either Marine Combat Training or School of Infantry. Most Marines not in an Infantry MOS are actually trained at Army schools, some Navy, and a very small few Air Force. Marine officers (unless prior enlisted of course) don’t go to boot camp, though Army officers do, yet Marine officers from Navy ROTC still attend OCS. Army boot camp is 11 weeks, Marine is 12. Army OCS is 14 weeks, Marine is 10 (or 6+6 from that PLC thing). Soldiers in combat MOS training (11B school for example) don’t get nights, weekends, phones, none of that. They’re still taught by the same Drill Sergeants from day one, with boot and MOS training consolidated, and only 11B students. Marines have special instructors for MCT/SOI, with privileges. OSUT for combat MOSs is male only, while noncombatant generalized BCT is co-ed. Marine boot camp is always gender-segregated. Army Recruits get sent to BCT/OSUT depending on their MOS, Marine Recruits get sent to boot camp depending on where they enlisted from.

There’s also a lot more interaction with other services in the Corps, especially with the Navy and how Hospital Corpsmen and other medical personnel get assigned. The Corps also carries naval traditions especially in how they talk, while the Army has a more “normal” sound to it.

On the rank subject, while a Marine Staff Sergeant has more authoritative assignments than an Army Staff Sergeant, their experience levels are different. The Marine would have as much experience, and a similar assignment, as an Army Sergeant First Class. A lot of this has to do with the stupid rank of Specialist, which should be immediately abolished. If you can’t handle the responsibilities of Corporal, then you should remain a Private First Class. In fact, there is no reason to have two ranks with the same name, one should have a different name like in the Marine Corps (Private, Private First Class, Lance Corporal compared to Private, Private, Private First Class). The Army Service Ribbon should also be abolished forever and the GWOT-SM should only be awarded according to the regulation’s criteria.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Your Questions About Physical Fitness Test

Posted on by

Mark asks…

If you fail the running part of the Physical fitness test, will you have to keep taking it until you pass?

Recently I took the Physical Fitness Test. I failed the running portion but passed everything else. Will I have to keep taking it until I pass?

admin answers:

Under what circumstances did you take this PFT? What was your max time, and your actual time?

Thomas asks…

Can an overweight person who can pass the U.S. Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test still join the USMC?

Can an overweight person who can pass the U.S. Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test still enlist in the USMC? For example, if a person’s Body Mass Index (BMI) is around 30, but they can still meet the physical requirements of the U.S. Marine Corps, can they still enlist or become an Officer?

admin answers:

If your body fat percentage is within the guidelines then you are fine. Even Schwartzenegger had a BMI of nearly 50, but a BF% in the low single digits. If you are above weight and above the BF%, you are out of luck – and it doesn’t matter if you are an olympic athlete… You HAVE to be within weight or BF.

Betty asks…

Are you allowed to retake the physical fitness test for special forces again?

I signed up for the Canadian Army, I currently fit the regular forces standards, but i am planning to join the JTF2 later when I am older and a more experienced soldier as I am only 16 at the moment. But when joining the JTF2, do they take your original fitness test into account, or do they retest you to see if you meet their requirements?
Yes I am aware of how difficult it is to get in, I expect it to be very challenging and demanding.

admin answers:

Canadian Forces members must take the fitness test every year (every 2 years if you get an exempt rating). Plus you will need to take a special fitness test during the application process for JTF2. I hope you understand how difficult it is?

Chris asks…

Failing Physical Fitness Test in the Canadian Forces?

What happens if you fail the physical fitness test when trying out for the Canadian Forces Primary Reserve. Some people told me nothing happens and you just work on it during the your time in the reserve but im not sure about this.

admin answers:

I answered in the other post you made about this.

Ruth asks…

what to eat the morning of a physical fitness test?

I have a fitness test tomorrow morning and I was wondering what everyone else eats the morning of. Any suggestions is much welcomed. I’m in decent shape so i’m not worried about failing at all. I would like to do as well as possible and I know some kind of food would help. Give me your tried and proven methods and your suggestions. Thanks in advance.

admin answers:

I would not eat a heavy breakfast,……….but eat a lot of carbs so you will have all the energy you need bro….orange juice,, oatmeal,, bananas,, corn flakes are good too…finish hard bro..

Good luck..

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Your Questions About Physical Fitness Quotes

Posted on by

Mary asks…

Please help me with this history quiz?

1. Which factor guaranteed that a war between Britain and Germany would involve other nations?

A. a. the system of entangling alliances
B. b. new war technologies such as poison gas and airplanes
C. c. the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand in Sarajevo
D. d. the rise of nationalism
2. During World War II, Japanese-Americans were relocated from their homes on the West Coast of the United States to internment camps in the U.S. interior. This action indicated a widespread fear that Japanese-Americans were

A. a. a threat to national security.
B. b. members of the Communist Party.
C. c. competitors for jobs in wartime factories.
D. d. immigrating to the United States in large numbers.
3. While researching the crisis in Bosnia, you discover four recently published books on the crisis. Which of the following authors is most likely to provide you with the most credible resource?

A. A news correspondent who reported from Bosnia for two years
B. An athlete who competed in the Olympics held in Sarajevo, Bosnia
C. A tourist who spent a vacation in Bosnia
D. The local television news anchorperson who reports the news daily at 6 and 11pm
4. Which of the following would least likely be part of a persuasive argument defending a position on an issue?

A. Providing data in support of the position
B. Sequencing the argument in a logical manner
C. Giving the opinions from secondhand sources
D. Presenting quotes from people involved in the issue
5. A school superintendent believes that physical education (PE) classes improve student academic performance. This thesis could be supported or refuted by

A. a. data from schools on the cost of PE equipment.
B. b. data from a survey of student opinions about PE classes.
C. c. data comparing student physical fitness before and after PE.
D. d. data comparing student test scores in schools with and without PE.
6. Which of the following statements most accurately describes the main reason for the African-American migration of the 1920s?

A. The migration went from south to north to take advantage of the north?s climate
B. The migration went from south to north because of job opportunities in the north
C. The migration went from north to south to take advantage of the south?s climate
D. The migration went from north to south because of job opportunities in the south
7. The United States? Marshall Plan following World War II was an effort to provide

A. military aid to its allies.
B. military aid to its former enemies.
C. economic aid to war-torn Europe.
D. economic aid to starving people in Africa.
8. The Industrial Revolution began in Britain in the 18th century as a result of technological innovations in the production of cotton cloth. Which major change in the economies of Europe and the United States was set in motion by this development?

A. a. an increasing portion of the work force engaged in manufacturing
B. b. labor shortages resulting from a decreasing population
C. c. a shift from free market systems to command economies
D. d. a decreasing need for international trade agreements
9. Which of the following was not an effect of the Industrial Revolution?

A. a. An increasing number of people worked in factories
B. b. An increasing number of people lived in cities
C. c. An increasing number of people worked on family farms
D. d. An increasing number of people left the family farms
10. In 1898, U.S. support for Cuban independence led to war with Spain and contributed to the United States becoming an imperial power. What was a decisive factor in the decision to go to war?

A. a. the opportunity to annex Hawaii
B. b. the desire to acquire a naval base
C. c. the protection of U.S. commerce and trade
D. d. the need for a shorter route from the Atlantic to the Pacific
11. As World War II was nearing an end and it was clear that the Allies would be victorious, relations between the United States and the Soviet Union could be described as

A. never better as the two nations agreed on postwar issues.
B. good as both Harry Truman and Joseph Stalin trusted each other.
C. becoming increasingly suspicious of each other?s motives.
D. on the brink of going to war against each other.
12. Which of the following groups was instrumental in attempting to help African-Americans achieve equal status under the law?

A. Black Panthers
B. b. National Organization for Women (NOW)
C. c. Students for a Democratic Society (SDS)
D. d. National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
13. The international organization created to preserve the peace after World War II was the

A. League of Nations.
B. United Nations.
C. Organization of American States.
D. North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
14. During the Industrial Revo

admin answers:

U shouldnt post your whole quiz in here

William asks…

Developing physical ability for RM Commandos?

Hey – I’m 15 and am currently looking at joining the marines when I’m 18 (but signing-up at 17 to avoid waiting times when I leave college).

I was just wondering: though anyone, within reason, can acquire the fitness for the RM, is there a way to develop oneself for the challenge at hand. For example, I am a keen runner; I run trails, roads, sand dunes, beach – basically anywhere possible – and will often push myself beyond normal limits. Also, when I go hiking with a fell walking club, I’d rather stay with the front group on a big walk and risk passing-out near the end, than enjoy a quiet stroll through the village of Hawkshead with the Beginners’ Group. I believe I have the commando state of mind due to this, and the fact I like a challenge and believe in a lot of the cliche quotes to do with pain and success etc etc.

However, my one struggle is upper-body strength. I swim 2-3 times a week for more than an hour, I do push-ups and tricep dips when I do circuits, but I have never been able to get over a high wall without support and a lot of general faffing. Whether the excuse of being 6ft2 and having ‘longer levers, making it harder’ is viable or not, taller men have passed training so it shouldn’t stop me.

Is there ANY way I can prepare for activities like the obstacle course, rope climb and Tarzan course?

Many thanks.

admin answers:

If your struggling to get over high walls, then the best thing to do is buy a Chin Up bar and practise, practise and practise more pull ups and chin ups.

Linda asks…

NROTC essay help for revision?

Marine Officer Essay
What makes a truly good leader?
A truly good leader needs to be Honest. Honesty is one of the vital parts of being a leader- it symbolizes trust, and overall- Respect.
A leader always needs to be competent. For one to be competent, you need the necessary ability, and attitude, to accomplish a task strongly and successfully.
Leaders need to be inspiring to their followers, or peers. In other words, they must form a bond, or set an example.
When being a leader, one also must be intelligent. To be intelligent, you need to be able to make good decisions, and carry them out faithfully, and carefully.
The last but certainly not least characteristic is to be forward-looking. To have this, a person needs to be able to plan ahead of time, and always be aware of all possibilities. Presenters, business people, and representatives show these characteristics.
One type person that truly sticks out of this group is The United States Marine Officer. They are all of these things and more. They obtain the highest degree of honor, courage, and commitment, and physical fitness.
For Marines, honor means being held to the highest standards, ethically and morally. Respect for others is essential. Marines are expected to act responsibly, and in a mature and dependable manner (MarineOfficer.com).
Courage is not the absence of fear. It is the ability to face fear and overcome it. It is the mental, moral and physical strength ingrained in every Marine. It steadies them in times of stress, carries them through every challenge and aids them in facing new and unknown confrontations (MarineOfficer.com).
Commitment is the spirit of determination and dedication found in every Marine. It is what compels them to serve our country and the Marine Corps. Every aspect of life in the Marine Corps shows commitment, from the high standard of excellence to vigilance in training (MarineOfficer.com).
Why I want to Become a Marine Officer
These reasons and more are the reasons for my applying for this position. There are many more. But In order to comprehend my reasoning for wanting this position, you must understand my past. In the year of 1997, I was adopted from the poor Russian town of Kovrov. And when I was adopted from that town, I was brought to the Promise Land for numerous immigrants, The United States Of America. I am one of the very few people who truly realize what it truly means to be free. I have continuously believed that I am in great debt to my country. I was once told of a gentleman on the plane that I began my long journey home on. That gentleman told my mother “he doesn’t realize it– but he has just won the lottery”. To this day that quote is thought about, and always will be recalled. Even though this is a great reasoning- there is much more to it than just that.
Another important reason for applying for this position is to bring honor to me, my family, and my country. My Great Uncle, Jim Giess, was an Enlisted United States Marine. To this very day he takes very much pride in his service in Korea, and I wish to feel that life-long pride, and feeling of accomplishment. My grandfather served in the United States Army in World War II, and my grandmother is so proud to say her husband survived an enormous catastrophe- he was stationed in Hawaii and Germany during the war.
Alongside all of this- I believe that obtaining the position of a United States Marine Officer will make me a better, more well-balanced person- inside and out. I feel I am capable of accomplishing more great tasks in the future, near and far, just as the two gentlemen mentioned above surely did, by taking this contenting and meaningful, life-long path. I believe I’m doing this to better myself, my distinct personality, and country, all in one.
What I have to offer
I myself hope to offer my leadership abilities, my hard-earned responsibility, care, and perhaps my well-balanced life, to the Marine Corps. I also feel my responsibility skill level, and overall perseverance based attitude, will make me a good, well-managed asset in the United States Marine Corps. I am what many people commonly referred as a quiet, yet powerful leader. For instance, I lead by setting example. I set an example as an out standing citizen, student, and person of character, by taking every study group opportunity available to me, any chance I get I take advantage of. In school or any other place, in hopes my peers will follow my distinct path of purpose. I am very outgoing, and willing to step forward for my fellow man, whenever the time is necessary.
How I use these skills
I have used these skills multiple times every day; it truly shows in my academics. In grade school I always took the time to make sure of myself and of my decisions- always took the opportunity to learn and blossom my acquirement to accept new challenges that were placed in from of me. I always intended to associate myself in extra curricular activities such as track and

admin answers:

Mighty big “wall of text”, hence not worth reading.

Charles asks…

Lack of motivational skills–esp. to lose weight? Help?

I am 16 years old and on a fairly strict diet/exercise regimen. It’s been working; I’ve lost 4 lbs. already in under 2 weeks, but I’m starting to find it harder and harder to motivate myself to get up and do the exercise, even though it’s not very difficult work. I really, really want to be thinner; I’m not very heavy but I’m a good deal heavier than most girls I know (admittedly I live in a really rich town with snobs…) and I am transferring schools most likely next fall and I want to be thin and in shape in case I find anyone special, and just to generally make a good impression.
The thing is, I’ve always had a lack of motivational skills. Not to boast, but I’m pretty smart; I’ve won various achievements and awards pertaining to academics and got into 3 honors courses in freshman year (though the school I’m at now doesn’t offer honors courses), but I didn’t work hard at all to get there… I pretty much half-as*ed everything I did, knowing I would be fine; and if it was something important or big I’d wait until the very last minute to do it. I don’t do chores at my house really, except for on occasion… Even with my health I’m lazy (besides the whole fitness thing)…I have good hygiene, but when it comes to doing physical treatments for my respiratory disorder (Cystic Fibrosis) I’ve always had a habit of waiting until my parents are practically red in the face yelling at me to do them.
Do you have any advice??? I’m already in therapy… I have bipolar II disorder, OCD, and anxiety disorder, if that helps. But I really need to pick it up with doing my exercises and all. Any inspirational advice or quotes would be great… Please help. Thank you!!

admin answers:

Buy a copy of I Can Make You Thin by Paul McKenna. Worked for me. I was on a diet for 5months and couldn’t have made it without his NLP therapy techniques.
Or you could go to the I Can Make You Thin website,sign in, and watch the motivational videos for free.
I personally do not know of a better way. He teaches that imagination is stronger than willpower.
You won’t have to fight to lose weight if you change your thinking. It also might help you get motivated to do you respiratory treatments too.

Paul asks…

I love Wenger. He is so under rated. He introduced many of the preprations before games we all see today?

bought some world class talent to our league, introduced all this fitness stuff, does mircles with little money (placing higher then Spurs, LFC and City who all spent more) and brings out the best in young unheard of talent. Question is who agrees or disagrees?

Lets celebrate him with some of my favourite quotes. please feel free to add to them.

Did he dive for that penalty? “I erm didnt see it”
Was it a sending off? “I err didnt see it”
was your second goal offside? “I erm didnt see it, very far away”
Was the ref right to show them a second yellow or did cesc play act a little? “Im tired of this! people accusing my team! the opposition was over physical today and kicked my players too much….” so cesc didnt over-react? “I erm didnt see it”
who threw the pizza at fergie? “I erm didnt see it”

I love Wenger even though he is clearly too tight fisted to buy anyone over 15million or some glasses.
But he should of went to spec savers for that 2 for one! Lets round up some money for him to get some
quality answer MJ haha. I really do respect Wenger, just a little friendly ribbing ;op

admin answers:

Hmm my sarcasm detector is broken, but I think I know genuine sentiment when I see it :p

Wenger is fantastic, sometimes he can be arrogant, but that is a given. You cannot manage a team like Arsenal and not collect a few chips on your shoulders. Everyone is always having a go. Whether it be the lack of English in the team (a good thing IMO, we don’t want a WC-esque mental choking on our hands) or the oodles of passing with no sting in the tail. Fergie said Wenger didn’t know anything about the English game and in that respect he was correct. He brought a whole new style that people are in awe of!

As far as not seeing things, he allows himself to be ridiculed about this when he is just protecting the players. Everyone has their own mechanism of BS. I think the kicking of the water bottle was less psychotic than the boot of Fergie at one of his own players. Yes, yes, an accident! An accident to get so royally angry you lose control of yourself and endanger your player.

In summary, yes Wenger is ace. Behold him.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Your Questions About Physical Fitness Bullets

Posted on by

Mary asks…

Physical Fitness test? Army requirements? Am I physically fit and healthy?

Im 15 years old and I weigh 137 and I am 5″6. I can run one mile in 7 mins and 26 seconds with a little difficulty and by the time im done im sweating bullets. I can do 57 sit ups in 2 minuets.
Is that the normal fitness area I should be in? How many push ups, situps, and miles should I be able to do at my age?
Im wondering because I want to go into the army when im older and I need to know if I am in shape. Im EXREMELY nervouse about the Army Physical Fitness Test. According to what i told you, what would you say? Will I get stronger?
Also, what breakfast food gets you the most energy in the morning and will help drop some pounds?
Also, what time should I go to sleep at if I must wake at 6:00am?
Another thing about the running.
As I said, I run one mile a night non-stop in approximatly 7 mins and 30 secs. While I’m running, I have to really force myself to keep running and I always end up finishing without stopping, but I need something to keep me running without feeling the need to stop. The biggest problem with me is boredom and breathing difficulties. The breathing thing, i do NOT have athsma so its not that. For the boredom, I have my ipod which is actually the thing that keeps me going. Without it i doubt I could do it all at once running full speed. Any tips? And any ideas for a good song that will keep me running while listening to my ipod? As relation to my dreams of going into the army, what I REALLY need is a song with drill sergants screaming at me :P haha

admin answers:

You’ve got a good start. Slow the run down a notch and start pushing the distance. Keep pushing it until you get three miles and then start working for time at 2 miles.

Start working on push ups but make sure youre going all the way down and up in a straight line (Lock the elbows at the top and make sure your shoulder blades go down as far as your elbows.) Remember your neck spine and legs must be a straight line all the way down and up.

Keep working on your situps, maybe work on crunches instead for some of the sets.

At 15, you have a good start and two years to even sign on the line. It’ll come. Plan on at least 6-8 hrs sleep.

Breakfast: the tradionals still work quite well (eggs, pancakes, hot or cold cereals).

Keep up the good work! A good PT program will help you with school and everywhere else in life as well.

Chris asks…

Please answer (especially if your a doc or were in the army) Am i physically fit according to this?

Im 15 years old and I weigh 137 and I am 5″6. I can run one mile in 7 mins and 26 seconds with a little difficulty and by the time im done im sweating bullets. I can do 57 sit ups in 2 minuets.
Is that the normal fitness area I should be in? How many push ups, situps, and miles should I be able to do at my age?
Im wondering because I want to go into the army when im older and I need to know if I am in shape. Im EXREMELY nervouse about the Army Physical Fitness Test. According to what i told you, what would you say? Will I get stronger?
Also, what breakfast food gets you the most energy in the morning and will help drop some pounds?
Also, what time should I go to sleep at if I must wake at 6:00am?

admin answers:

You’re doing great and are on the right track. Don’t worry, when you go to Basic Training you will get better. I am 6’3″ and when I enlisted I weighed 235 pounds and when I finished I weighed 195 pounds. My time for the 2 mile run was over 21 minutes but I could complete the run, that was the big thing at first. By the time I took my final PT test in basic it took me just over 14 minutes. You sound like you are in a lot better shape than I was, so you will do just fine.

Breakfast foods – go with fresh fruit. But don’t start trying to lose weight by dieting, you’re still growing. Instead try to do more aerobic type work outs. Burn the fat off, don’t starve off.
Hiking, biking, running, swimming, team sports that require a lot of movement

Wake up – Lights went out at 2200 when I went through basic – thats 10pm and the Drill Sergeants woke us up at 0430 – thats 4:30am. Don’t know if that’s changed or not.

Best of Luck to you.

Daniel asks…

Questions about Marine Corps Boot Camp.?

I have made the decision to join the United States Marine Corps, however, I do have some questions that I would like to ask people who may have been in these situations before.

First, I would like to know if it seems as though I am in a state of physical fitness that will prove to be a good building block for what boot camp will provide. (AKA, do I seem ready for boot camp). I am 20 years old, 6’1″, and around 160 pounds. I can run about 2.5 to 3 miles before hitting the deck from exhaustion. In the morning, the first thing I do is hit the deck for a maximum effort pushup spree. I can only do about 20 at a time before getting ready, then I can normally do 30 at max because I have loosened up my muscles after my morning shower. After this, I go for a 2 mile run that takes me about 12 to 15 minutes to complete. After the run, I will then do around 50 sit-ups within at least a minute or so, but after 50-55 sit-ups, I’m pretty much dead. I can, however, keep going if I yell Oohrah! a few times and keep telling myself what I’m working towards, but regardless of what I am working for, (becoming a Marine), the human body can only take so much. I have never been the strongest or the fastest, but I have always been in good shape because I have always been athletic. I play soccer as a kid, then baseball, then (don’t laugh) bowling. When I entered high school, I was in (no kidding) one of the toughest drum lines in the state. We ran everyday during class, and then started warmups. We would only have a certain amount of time to learn the music and drill, and after that, for every mistake we made, we’d have to do something similar to boot camp’s quarterdecking. If you’re wondering why, it’s because our percussion instructor was a member of “The President’s Own” Marine Corps marching band, so you can bet he was strict. But, back to the topic at hand, I was hoping someone could tell me if it seems like I’m ready physically for boot camp.

My final concern is not what you may think it would be. I am not wanting to know whether it will be hard or not, because it must be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everyone could be one of the few, and that paradox just can’t exist. I am wanting to know if there is anyway to fail boot camp other than failing on the marksmanship test, or failing the physical fitness test at the end. I am going in with an understanding of how hard it will be. I understand why the Drill Instructors are going to be as harsh as they will be, and with this understanding, I feel that I can excel, and beat their mind games. The purpose is to cause chaos so they can teach the recruits how to focus regardless of all the distractions of the yelling (or in combat, the bullets, mortars, etc.). Lastly, I even understand that UNDERSTANDING and EXPERIENCING the real thing are different, so I am even psyching myself up for that part. My only fear is that regardless of how hard I try, how straight I shoot, how fast I respond to the Drill Instructors, or how well I do, that somehow, someway, I will fail. That is my only fear going into boot camp. I know it will be hard, and I intend to push and to strive until either I graduate….or die trying. I want only one thing, to become a Marine, and as I have already stated, my only fear is that I will fail. Is it possible that I could fail regardless of how hard I try?

I thank you for putting up with endless rambling to get to my primary questions, and I appreciate all answers. Also, any miscellaneous tips and advice on preparing for boot camp, or surviving boot camp, would be greatly appreciated as well.

(Oh how I wish I could say Semper Fi here, but I have not yet earned that honor).

admin answers:

Yeah sure you could fail – not everyone is cut out to be one of the few and the proud, but you sound like you may have the gung to make it – in any case how are you gonna know what you are made of unless you try?

A few things….

1) You sound reasonably fit…the Corps will make you fitter – that is the easy part
2) You are up to speed (at least understand) as to what will happen in boot.
3) Right now your worst enemy is yourself – you are letting fear of failure start you on a self-fulfulling path – get off it right now!.
4) Yes you will fail some things in training – but that is the only way you learn and the only way you will try harder. Hopefully your training will give you more confidence in your abilities….success breeds success
5) You sound motivated – in the end, in boot, the only way you will fail is if you stop trying…. A lot of the training is meant to make you face fear and conquer it….NEVER EVER QUIT! Life, even if you don’t go into the Marine Corps, is gonna kick your azz, knock you down and grind you up at times. The best time to prepare to handle life’s future problems is now – Good Luck and Godspeed

Laura asks…

Weight gain and fitness during pregnancy?

For those of you who were particularly health and fitness conscious throughout your pregnancy, how much weight did you gain during the entire process? How much of that weight was baby and how much was fat? How difficult was it for you to get back to your previous weight? What about your previous level of muscle tone? What kinds of lasting physical effects have you noticed (stubborn fat in a specific area, wider hips, etc.)? Just the basic bullet points of your experience would be much appreciated :) .

I know this may sound shallow, and I’m sure these things will seem less important once I am expecting a baby. My body is something to worry about, though, and I’m interested to hear other people’s experiences and how difficult it is to stay in shape if you make the effort.

admin answers:

Weight gain for a woman who is in a normal weight range prior to pregnancy is between 15-25 pounds. The baby will weigh between 6 and 13 pounds at birth plus a placenta that typically weighs in at around 2 pounds. The rest of the weight gained though is not necessarily “fat”. The body will gain extra weight to support the baby inside both for energy supply and for support of the woman’s body during the extra “work” of pregnancy.

If you are able, continue to do modified exercise as appropriate for your health and size (sorry, no late term horseback riding) taking into account a change in gravity/shape will make some exercises more difficult (yoga, etc). If you maintain an appropriate calorie intake (not excessive and CERTAINLY not too low) then you will gain the right amount of weight for you and your baby.

Losing weight post partum is often initially simple- nursing alone can burn up 500 calories and some of the weight is directly related to the baby. However most women find problems losing weight because they are “used” to eating a bit more during the pregnancy and are also not able to increase their exercise post the delivery.

Take pride in your body but make sure you are following your care provider’s recommendations and getting appropriate amount of calories for your health status (pre-natal, pregnancy, and post delivery) as well as performing the right amount of exercise.

Charles asks…

Alternative Paths To Becoming A PMC?

I am interested in becoming a Private military contractor, and was wondering if there were any other paths besides being ex special ops or having experience in SWAT? Before I go any further I’ll state that I am Canadian.

I do private security work at the moment, along with bodyguard stuff on the side. And the company does do jobs that require us to have guns and body armor, but they don’t do anything out of the country or anything really heavy. My instructor also might be a valuable asset too, she said I could use her for a reference, she has a list of qualifications as thick as a phone book, counter terrorism, sharp shooter, etc and was a cop in South Africa for 16 years.

The only reason I don’t want to do law enforcement or be a cop is because I like my long hair(though I put back and under my hat when on job) and I like to smoke up in my free time, and I am very stubborn, compromise is something I don’t do often.

The “soldier” life style does appeal to me, just I don’t really wanna take a bullet for a country where I am not allowed to smoke a joint, but they give out opiates pretty easy to anyone with the slightest bit of pain.

So what things can I do outside of military and law enforcement that could be credible? I know they want to know that I am proficient with weapons. And for my restricted weapons permit(which is relative to my current job) I gotta belong to a gun club, and jump through some other hoops. Guns clubs also mean shooting competitions, which cover various relative weapons, they even have defensive shooting competitions(essentially simulating actual situations). Another thing I found out about is pretty much an appointment you make with some sort of government branch where they test your physical fitness to set standards and then give you some kind of certificate saying how fit you are.

So other than shooting competitions, extreme physical conditioning, working for higher end domestic security companies and what ever opportunities come with networking relative to my instructor, is there anything else I can do?

Just a job that requires a hard person appeals to me, and the harder the person it requires, the more it appeals to me.

Thanks for any input you may have, and if this may require more in depth discussion message me if you would like.

admin answers:

You do know that 99% of PMC’s have nothing to do with being security contractors.

That they are cooks, bakers, truck drivers, construction, ware house workers, etc ?

2. You do know, most security contractors, make about $50 per day and are third world nationals.

3. Security contractors like XE or Triple Canopy, only have around 1,200 employees, divided between iraq and Afghanistan

There is nothing you can do, other than the military, to get a job with them.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers