| So you feel you may be interested in joining the | | | | hardest, most challenging boot camp of any of the |
| USMC? As you may well know, the USMC is one of | | | | military services. Not only are the physical |
| the finest fighting forces in the world, and if you are | | | | requirements far greater, but USM's are required to |
| looking to be more disciplined mentally, and physically, | | | | learn a large amount of information. From war tactics, |
| then this is the place for you. The USMC will make | | | | to USMC history, to survival skills. The list goes on |
| you more disciplined in all aspects of your life. | | | | and on. |
| On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress | | | | To go through Marine Corps Boot Camp, aspiring |
| passed a resolution stating that "two battalions of | | | | individuals will be sent to one of two places. The first |
| Marines be raised" for service as landing forces with | | | | is Parris Island, South Carolina, where more than |
| the fleet. This established the Continental Marines and | | | | sixteen thousand USMs graduate each year. The |
| marked the birth of the United States Marine Corps. | | | | second location is in San Diego, California, where over |
| Serving on land and at sea, early Marines distinguished | | | | twenty thousand USMs graduate each year. Where |
| themselves in a number of important operations, | | | | you go, depends on where your hometown is. |
| including their first amphibious raid on foreign soil in | | | | Being that Marine Corps Boot Camp is the hardest |
| the Bahamas in March 1776, under the command of | | | | boot camp to go through, many recruits choose to |
| the Corps' first commandant, Capt. Samuel Nicholas. | | | | prepare themselves well in advance, before joining |
| The 1783 Treaty of Paris ended the Revolutionary | | | | the USMC. There are several programs available for |
| War and as the last of the Navy's ships were sold, | | | | getting your body in shape, and being able to handle |
| the Continental Navy and Marines disbanded. | | | | a certain amount of physical pressure. Believe me, |
| Following the formal re-establishment of the Marine | | | | this is a very necessary step to take if you are |
| Corps on July 11, 1798, Marines fought in conflicts | | | | considering joining the USMC. |
| with France, landed in Santo Domingo and conducted | | | | Being able to run five miles at a time is a plus, as well |
| operations against the Barbary pirates along the | | | | as being able to do many push-ups, and sit-ups at a |
| "Shores of Tripoli." (globalsecurity.org) | | | | time. Not only should you train for being able to do |
| Anyone who is interested in the USMC knows that in | | | | these things, but you should also focus on the speed |
| order to become a USM, you must go through the | | | | at which you are able to do them. |