I was researching about going to boot camp and a lot of the recruits I saw were fairly small. Are most skinny?

Question

I'm a small guy but I think I would manage in boot camp. What is the average size/weight of a marine recruit? I just don't want to fall behind in the PT or let anyone down by being too small. I definately don't want to fail due to my size. Any marines or former marines, your advice would be much appreciated.

Answer 1

From the ones I have known, right after and during boot camp they arent so much skinny as they are in the best shape of their entire lives.

Answer 2

Dont they have a cardboard teddybear by the front door that says "You must be THIS tall to enter!"?????

Answer 3

A common thing for 18 year olds.

I am 5'7" and went in at 128 with a 28" waist.

I came out 6 weeks later 135 lbs and 29.5" waist and my thighs had grown from all the double time about 2 inches. I could not wear my Levi jeans, my freaking legs did not fit them.

Now I am so close to the avatar that when Helen saw my Basic photo years ago she asked me if I had a son in the Army. The picture is in the kitchen at her business now. While standing next to it a friend of hers asked if I knew who the kid in the picture was.....is there a point.

The only thing permanent is change!

SSG US Army 73-82

Answer 4

They are fairly slim because they have to fit into certain weight requirements and reach certain physical standards.  

Answer 5

They arrive thin and leave with like 15 pounds of added muscle...

Answer 6

Werll, I don't know if this pertains because its a girl. But its a cute story. When she joined she was 18 and weighed 104 pounds. They told her if she lost 1 pound they wouldn't take her. Well her hair was down to her butt and we went and got it cut to her ears. I know the tail weighed 1 1/2 pounds. So right before her weigh in we had her drink about 32 oz of water. hahaha. Anyways I went to see her graduate from boot camp and I swear to you I didn't recognize her when she came up to me. She looked like they stuffed her with another body. She was huge. Biceps and triceps and muscles everywhere. She said they make you eat 3 squares a day. and work you hard. I thought she looked like popeye. HAHAHA. Good luck to you if you join. And thank you!

Answer 7

the marines have height weight standards.. if your recruiter signed you up.. you must meet those standards.. if you didnt meet the standards the recruiter would have let you know so you could apply for a waiver.

170lbs 69 inches is my guess for the avg weight height

Answer 8

You are just so more active their then at any time in your life. The military gives you more endurance then strentgh. They are running everyday, and no so much lifting weight. You will burn a butt load of calories.

Answer 9

I wouldn't worry about it.  A recuiter will let you know if there is a problem.  If you can do at least 3 pull-ups and run a mile and a half (prior to shipping) you shoudl be all set.  If you are unsually short, you may be restricted from working in a partcular field, again the recruiter can tell you.

i was 5'5" and 114 pounds when I shipped,

Answer 10

Most are young and young people usually are skinny.

  When I went to boot camp, lots of people lost weight.

I was skinny and gained weight in boot camp.

They take all your civilian clothes away during boot camp and when I got mine back at the end I could not fit into my jeans.

The food was nasty and I only ate only ice cream and pie and traded everything else.

I was in the Navy by the way.