A little motivation..

  So tomorrow a few people leave to recruit training. Wednesday, was their last day at PT as a poolee. Usually, I try to make it a big deal and say see you on the other side or give some type of encouraging talk before I leave PT, but that's if I know who is leaving. One poole, Linder, came up to me like he was never going to see me again, when I said see you next week he's like no man I leave on monday! I was like oh snap I couldn't stay behind I figured I'd get at him on facebook. He beat me to it, the next day he sent me a pretty touching message. "Ayo Pinilla i just gotta say thanks a lot man...ur doing a fantastic job as guide..and dats G stuff..ur a great motivator..keep up da good work..ima miss PTing wit u guys..God bless brah..good luck in boot camp and see u in da fleet.." I replied, "Thanks man I really appreciate that, that's what I'm here for man. Stay motivated and keep your eye on that EGA man that title Marine something NO ONE can take away. I'll miss PTing with you too bro make us proud and show them Drill Instructors them boys from RSS FTL don't play. Oorah!" I like hearing feedback from my poolees because I am trying to be the best, at EVERYTHING.

A little run..

  So after almost a whole month of not running PT, it was finally my turn to take control over my squad and control the pain that goes into everyones body. I figured everyone could use a nice little run. By a little run I mean a 4.7 mile run across plantation, no big deal. It was this one kid's first day with us. He asked me a few things and I just told him all you need is some motivation, a lot of heart, and to never quit. Apparently, he had none. I am usually tough on everyone because I know the drill instructors will be tough on them. Also, if I am doing something, I expect everyone to follow my example. I wasn't really tired, except it was really really hot and humid and just not very nice conditions to run in. People who didn't hydrate were cramping up, people were emoving kind of sluggish and I was just getting really upset. After PT, I gathered everyone up and I told them what I thought. I expressed how I came to be a Marine. The reason I go every week is to become a Marine, that's why I give it 100% everytime I'm out there. If PT is to get us ready to bootcamp what's to say we can't make it as close to bootcamp as we possibly can? At bootcamp everything is done with speed and intensity so from now on I want everything to be fast and intense. I want people sounding off so loud that the veins in their necks explode. I want nothing that is not required to get through the 13 week vacation to hell we are all preparing for. The underlying motive for me, is that I want to be the best Guide ever. I want people to remember me and say you know what, that guy had a lot to do with helping me get through bootcamp and becoming a Marine.

Back to work..

 Although Sergeant Jean left, does not mean PT stops there and then. The only part that sucks about being in an organization like the Marine Corps is you meet really cool people and get to know them, but sometime or another they need to leave. People come and go and some you might always remember, some may not be as important. One thing I'll always remember from Sergeant Jean is something he said. He said, "Why are you here? Because ignorant people out there are not. You are here because you are selfless individuals who are willing to fight for those who are too lazy to do it themselves. Whatever it is you choose to remember about me always remember this, It takes an elite few to protect many." Anyways, The monday after he left Staff Sergeant Kean ran PT. His PT was nothing compared to Sergeant Jean, but his PT is more to get us to be loud.

IST !

Two weeks ago, we had another IST. It was one of Sergeant Jean's last days at the office. I decided that I wanted to run this one to see where I'm at now. The last IST I had I did alright, nothing crazy but more than average. This one, was pretty much the same. Run time of 10:25, 19 pull ups, and 78 crunches. So close to a 100% perfect score I just need to work on it a little more. I honestly thought that I wouldn't even come close to my old run time of 10:19 because the last time we ran an IST it was not humid at all, but this time it was pretty difficult to breathe.

See you in the fleet, Sergeant Jean.

  Last tuesday, Sergeant Jean had to go back to his station in Camp Lejune. It was a bitter sweet day because his workouts for PT are SO difficult, but he was a real good Marine. He was funny, but when it came down to business it was all work no play. I hope that I see him in the fleet one day

Stress Stress STRESS!!

  Well, It's been a while since I've been here and I blame prom and graduation. Prom has me up the wall! I never knew it could be so stressful! I'm trying to finish all that up so I can have my full concentration and dedication to my project and the rest of my classes! Last week was pretty much the same deal except we did not  have PT on wednesday. I PT so much that I feel lost whenever we don't have PT! Recently, I've tried getting all the tips and pointers that all the Marines that just get out of bootcamp tell me and have everybody do them at PT! We are there to get ready for bootcamp, and my job as guide is to better not only myself or the workouts, but my fellow pooles. I have been focusing a lot more on the little things of bootcamp. For example, "sounding off" refers to acknowledging and basically screaming as loud as you can after every command. We will have to say "aye sir" "yes sir" or "no sir" A LOT to our Drill Instructors, so I am having them do it now. Also, everything in bootcamp is done with speed and intensity, meaning everything done is fast and loud. When we run we have to "form it up" and then I count down "10 seconds." Its more like 5 because that's what they do in bootcamp.

On tuesday we had Gunny chancay PT us. I didn't think it was too bad but the rest of the pooles with the exception of a few looked like they were going to die. Anyway, his PT was basically to show us how bootcamp is going to be. Doing a lot of things we will do in bootcamp. He shared with us that he is leaving to california within the next month or two. He also shared that the mission of the recruiters is to prepare us for bootcamp and that it takes, on average, about two weeks for our RSS FTL recruits to get acustomed to the stress at bootcamp. His goal is to cut that time down in hopes of graduating honor grads.

uhh..

Monday, marks my 90 day until bootcamp. Its getting closer and closer. I'm growing more and more anxious. I feel like I'm ready, I've been preparing physically and my recruiters have been preparing me mentally for almost 6 months. Not only is bootcamp getting closer but so is prom and graduation. Everybody talks about it, but actually realizing that after this year my life completely changes is still hard to fathom. Its a rollercoaster of emotions, but I'm enjoying the ride, a lot.

Beach day with Marines

  Everybody thinks BBQ at the beach would be relaxing and fun. Nobody pictures a crazy workout! This saturday was another monthly poole function at the beach. We arrived at the station at 730 took roll, and headed to the beach around 9. We set up the benches and everything and had a quick stretch. They destroyed us with circuit training. The fact that we were at the beach made it worse because the sand made it harder to do everything we tried to do. Even running was harder than it usually is. It was awesome though because we ran by the water and everybody was clapping and stuff. Felt kind of proud. We even had people approach the tent and thank us including NY's finest. After the work out we had a BBQ and had some fun in the sun!

"I haven't been this sore in a while"

  Tuesday was by far one of the most challenging PTs ever. I don't mean to come off concieted, but before then I hadn't been sore in a while. After 5 months of going to PT three days a week gets you into shape. Sergeant Jean knows some insane "grunt" workouts. Even I was sore. We were all hurting after that one. He makes it as realistic as possible by throwing in curve balls. For example, we thought we were all done with PT, we even started a cooldown stretch. Then, he threw in another part of PT out of no where!

Marine Corps vs. Army

  Of course, I respect all men and women in uniform, but up to a certain degree. If we're talking about selfless people who do extraordinary things, I can't possibly deny that any man or woman wearing a uniform is that kind of person; however, if we're talking about the best, I can't possbily deny that any Marine is just that. My brother and I are always fueding over Marines vs. Army. Marines have tougher training and held up to a higher standards. Of course my brother disagreed and said the Army is just as good if not better. I can see first hand that is not the case because we NEVER see army pooles working out. So I told my brother if you don't think Marines are hard then come to PT with me. This past monday, he came with me to PT. Lucky for him, it was raining real hard and started to thunder so I had to end it early; however, he did get to do some type of workout with us. We did circuit training for about 20 minutes. When he got to my station he came up to me and said man this is some pretty hardcore stuff. It was pretty funny because he looked like he was going to die.

teamwork

Wednesday, I planned what I think was a really good PT. It involved determination, motivation, endurance, strength, but most importantly, teamwork. I split the platoon of poolees into two teams. First, was a relay race where each team had one 30 lb ammo can. The first person of each team had to run with the ammo can 50 yards put the ammo can down and run back. The next person had to run 50 yards to the ammo can and bring it back with them handing it off to the person behind them and so forth until everyone ran. It was a close one, my team barely won. The ammo cans were left on the 50 yard line and we were by the goal post. Problem? No, just another part of the PT. Next, we had to "build a house" all the way to the ammo can pick it up and sprint back as a team. "Building a house" means to get on all fours and arch your back like a tunnel for someone to crawl through. Then, the person on the end crawls through to the end and builds another part of the house and it just keeps moving. We unfortunately lost. The next was kind of fun. We placed people 5 yards apart from each other until the 50 yard line. Then, the first person would crawl with the 30 lb ammo can and hand it to the teammate in front of them, but they didn't stop lowcrawling there. Everybody continued low crawling until everyone from the team was at the line. Then, sprint back as a team. That was a draw. No body really wanted to lose because I told them the losing team will have some type of punishment. The tie breaker was yet another relay race where two partners within the teams would fireman carry half way then switch. When the whole team was across the 50 yard line that's when they won. My team won so we won the whole field meet for the day which means the losing team had some type of punishment waiting for them. On the run to the field we ran in two columns, as we usually do, and each column had an ammo can being passed around as they run; however, on the run home, I made the losing team make one column. Then, I gave both ammo cans to that column. My team was exempt from carrying any ammo cans on the run home.

Meet Sergeant John

  Tuesday, like every other tuesday is PT at the office. I drove there and open the door and saw an unfamiliar face. Usually, an unfamiliar face is someone one of the recruiters brought to interview and begin the recruiting process, but this unfamiliar face was a Marine. He wore three stripes up with crossed rifles in the center, meaning he was a sergeant. He was not introverted whatsoever so he introduced himself as Sergeant John and I introduced myself. After a few minutes of speaking he revealed that his line of work was an infantry "grunt" and that he's only at the office to help for a few weeks. He told of one of his battle stories how he charged a machine gunner all by himself. He showed us pictures that he had from overseas on his phone.

From squadmember to squaderleader to finally.. GUIDE!

   Two saturdays ago, the guide was not at the monthly poolee function.  Obviously, the poolees needed some type of leadership so I stepped up, as usual. During the poolee function Sergeant Packard called all the poolees into formation and told them "since Ms. Atas is not here, Mr. Pinilla is now the guide. Give him the respect he deserves as the guide, he has earned it." It was really touching to see what my recruiter thinks of me; however, I was under the impression I was the guide for that day only. When I showed up to PT I was told I was the new guide and needed to make plans for PT that same day. It was bitter-sweet because I'm pretty close with the former guide, Atas, but in the end she was cool about it and agreed that I am better at making hard work outs and better leader than she is. I wouldn't agree with all of that, but it was quite flattering.

Not even aliens can defeat Marines!

   This afternoon I went with my family to see "Battle: Los Angeles." It was very good the entire movie is intense. Throughout the movie I was able to see the Marine Corps traditions and creed portrayed in the movie. For example, there is one scene where a little boy's father dies. Of course, the little boy, Hector, was afraid, but the commanding non-commissioned officer told him that he needs to be his little Marine. He needed him to be his little Marine because they still had things to do and Marines never quit. Also, Marines are really big on no man left behind. When they get ambushed and one Marine gets blinded and runs another way then the squad. Three Marines go back to retrieve their lost brother. Also, toward the end the Staff Sergeant tells the pilot to hover at 40 feet so he can rappel down and recon an area. He told a Corporal he was in charge, in other words he was prepared to go in alone. When he lands on the ground more rappel rope falls from the helicopter, the other Marines followed him. They were not going to let him go alone. They end up defeating this alien command center that allows the rest of the military to efficiently attack the enemy. The commanding officer at the operating base says great job now eat and rest. The staff sergeant replies, we already ate breakfast sir, and after getting more ammo they hop in another helicopter to continue the fight. Overall, it really is a great film.




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Practice Field Meet

Sometime soon, either April or May, we have a field meet against all other recruiting sub stations. Saturday, we were preparing for some of the events we will see in the competition. Since we won last year, our recruiters are really pushing victory again this year. I have no doubt we will come up on top because we have great recruiters and a bunch of studs in our pool. we went over everything from relay races to push up competetion. I must say, I'm pretty excited. Also, I was "promoted" to say the least. I went from squad leader to guide. It feels great to know hard work pays off in the end.

avionics with SSGT Roberts

  Saturday, I was able to speak with one of the Marines at the office about my MOS. He went in with the same contract as I did so I figured that if anybody would know anything about it, it would be him. So I asked him several questions such as what type of jobs fall into that BA contract and where I would be stationed. What kind of work it is that I would actually be doing. He gave me great answers and I was able to learn A LOT about avionics. It sounds very complicated, but I assume once I learn everything he did I will do just fine.

sweat dries, blood clots, bones heal, get over it

Wednesday was Private Llambes' last day at PT as he is shipping out to the next phase of his training. After a long month of strenuous and challenging training he decided that we all earned a recreational day. Everyone elected to play football so that's what we did. I assumed the quarterback and captain position as so did he. The game started off nice and fun, but then I get hurt. I have no idea how to explain it. I tried running faster by striding and I suppose I hyperextended my knee and felt my knee pop. It hurt really bad, but after a few seconds I got back on my feet and my knee gave way so Private Llambes caught me. I walked it off even though I still felt stiffness and pain in every step I took. After two laps I was back in the game. As soon as I got back I was thrown the ball and out ran everyone with my busted knee. It hurt so badly after that, but whatever. The run to the office was really painful and long. My knee wouldn't be a problem, except there's a field meet sometime this month. Its against all the sub-stations and last year our sub-station won. I feel that every poolee has big shoes to fill and step up, but me especially being a squad leader. I'm pretty sure my knee is sprained and despite the fact I can't bend it as much or straighten it as much I will be at the field meet giving nothing by my best. That's what Marines do. Adapt and overcome and lead by example.

mind versus body... me versus DLAB

Monday was a bad bad day for everyone. I have no idea what it was if it were something in the air or what but no body was motivated. Everyone was realy sluggish including myself. Needless to say, monday was mentally challenging and Private Llambes, not in SOI, still went on like a normal regular tough PT. Although on monday some man had the audacity to come up to Private Llambes and complain saying that his poolees were yelling and screaming obscure things to civilians. When, in reality, we were screaming to each other to be be cautious of the civilians. Private Llambes knew we would never do such a thing mostly because what we were doing. But it really bugs me that some people have absolutely no respect. Here we are busting out rears to get better to protect THEIR freedom and they complain about it.


On thursday, I needed to go take a DLAB to get the job I wanted. The DLAB is an language aptitude test to see how well he testtaker can learn a new language. I needed a 100 to get the job, and I got an 85. I was really angry, I woke up at 4:30 am to wait until about 7 to take the test and fail. It was rather difficult though. The test basically taught you a made up language then was like here, translate this for me.

Forever young..

October 5th, 2010- there was a car accident in Miramar, Florida at about 2am. The accident included two teenage boys a honda civic and a home. The accident was fatal for those in the car. The driver, Ian Guckian, was a pretty good friend of mine. Now, this may seem absolutely unrelated to my project, but it isn't. Ian had thoughts of joining the Marine Corps, at least, that's what his brother told me. Although this is not what prompted me to join, it is motivating. I am, in about 4 months, do something my friend is now not able to do. Its just something worth writing about.

Motivation Pep Talk

Wednesday we decided not to kill our fellow poolees and ourselves. We decided to see what the PFT (physical fitness test) feels like first hand. PFT consist of a three mile run. We ran about three and a half miles, no big deal I had a lot more in me; however, there were a lot of people who didn't. I, by now, realized its all mind over matter. Of course it hurts, of course I get tired, but I always remind myself of the prize that comes later. Its clear that some of the poolees don't think like that and it wasn't just me who saw it. There were several "fall outs." Fall outs meaning people who fell out of formation to stop and puke or cause they were too tired. I would then go back with them to scream at them. Nothing personal, but try to get them motivated. After, we all gathered around and I shared my concern for motivation. We are all family so I let them in on a personal reason of why I do what I do every morning. I'd rather not discuss all of the details but I will say that it has to do with my dad. He once told me that before he dies what wants to see that he's raised a successful man. Since then, I've strived to be the best at whatever I do. Just to make him proud, if he was proud I was happy. Also, striving to be the best isn't a bad habit.

Motivation... Who has it?!

  Tuesday, we had another PT. It was rather difficult, but the point is to make it so hard that you think you can't go any further. When that happens, I usually just push myself harder. This PT made me want to puke, but I don't like to show that my body is saying enough. So instead, I kept it in even if it meant swallowing, yeah, gross. I've learned to never anticipate, so when people ask me what time is it or what we're doing next I just tell them you'll find out soon or just to keep going until we stop; however, a lot of people aren't motivated as much as they should be. I know I am, because, well, I'm doing a whole project on it! Also, there are personal things that keep me motivated for everything not just PT. Private Llambes, a Marine on RA, said sometimes all you have is motivation. Bootcamp gets tough and its a lot to endure that's why you need to be motivated. I see where he's coming from because several Marines have told me that there are times when they've been through so much and their bodies have endured as much as they could, but they had to keep on going. Tuesday also brought out a lot of thoughts of squad leaders from poolees. It felt great that one of the kids actually went up to their recruiter and said this is the only squad leader that I see is motivated and does his best to motivate others as he put his hand on my shoulder. Also, when I was waiting for a ride home another poole, Veliz, came up to me. He said, "Hey man I just wanted to let you know that you're one of the few people that I can look at and I feel motivated by you." This really meant a lot to me simply because Veliz has been there a lot longer than I have and he's just a beast. He's one of the best poolees we have. It was nice to know that someone I kind of look up to, also looks up to me. I feel like I am a great squad leader just because I like to take charge. I am a friend before and after PT I will joke around all day before PT, but once PT starts, I tend to get a little... aggressive. I need them to respect me, and they won't respect me if I'm nice.

no pt?! no school?! beach!?

The monday that just passed as we all know was President's Day. We had off from school and as the President's right hand force, the Marines also had leave from work. Meaning, the office was closed and there was no PT. I was as much excited as disappointed as I was I decided to go to the beach. Being squad leader not only am I responsible for my actions and attendance, but I'm liable to my squad. I called my recruiter, Sergeant Packard, to confirm the rumor of no PT but he did not pick up right before I was getting out of the car. He said there was no pt and that's it, but I was so wrapped up in what I was doing I left my phone and went to the beach. I completely forgot to tell the people in my squad there was no pt! Anyway, the day was perfect for the beach. Nice, warm, and breezy weather. The water was a bit too cold to go in but it was still nice to lay out. Of course, half of Cypress was there. We were there for about three hours, and as everyone knows alcohol and heat are never a good combination. Two random drunken men were making absolute fools of themselves. Then, out of nowhere one starts throwing punches and chokes and spit! The ocean rescue squad came and long story short the drunken idiots ruined the fun.

MEPS.. worst place ever.

 When I first joined I wanted to do the reserve program and in the mean time go to college. The longer I'm in high school the less I actually want to go to college. I'm so anxious to start being a Marine already so I figured I might as well go full time. So, I talked to my recruiter about changing my contract from reserve to active duty. He said that would not be a problem and all I had to do was go down to MEPS and do a component change. Now, for anyone who does not know what MEPS is, this may sound fairly simple. MEPS is the worst place in the world. MEPS stands for "Military Entrancing Process Station." Basically, if you join any branch of the armed forces you will eventually take a trip to Miami to go to MEPS. Of course my recruiter wanted to get me there as soon as the doors open at six. This meant that he had to be on the road by at least five o'clock which meant he had to get me at least at four fourty-five. I was up by four in the morning. I am not a morning person whatsoever. Anyway, after actually getting there and waiting for the doors to open we wait for an hour just to get a name tag that allows entrance to most of the building. We got a quick medical examination just checking weight and height and went back to the boring stuff. I sat in the waiting room for about two to three hours. I qas doing what I already did when I went to sign my reserve contract. I swore in with all the rest of the people which were going to the Marine Corps as well. We all shook hands wished each other good luck and waited for our recruiters to come pick us up. This sounds like it was nothing, but trust me if you were in my shoes you'd want to pull your hair out.

PT.. Bootcamp style

  As I stated in my earlier blogs we often meet new Marines on recruiters assistance. One way they assist the recruiters is by running PT for them. Well, when you have newly born Marines straight out of bootcamp they tend to remember the kind of torture that was done to them a lot easier. Point is, its extremly tough when they come out to do it. Some of the things he told us to do I thought were completely impossible. I guess that's the mental toughness part. Monday, a fellow squadleader and I ran PT because the guide wasn't there. Whenever she can't go she always asks me to take her spot. So, of course we made them hurt. The next day never got any easier. I'm starting to realize that anything related to the Marine Corps is a lot easier when its over, if that makes any sense. Tuesday, was more teamwork with fireman carries and drags and runs around the park. Sounds a lot easier than it really is. Wednesday they decided to introduce circuit running to us. Long story short, circuit running sucks. We sprint about a football field then immediately go into some type of exercise for a certain time interval. As soon as time is up, we sprint another football field and etc. I was hurting for about a week, yeah, that bad.

See you in three months..

  Last week, a fellow poolee, Travis Hull, had a "going away BBQ." I realize since I won't be leaving for another five months or so I will be meeting a lot of new people and seeing a lot of people leave. This really sucks because I am so anxious and grow only more anxious to leave. Anyway, it was freezing but of course he still had the BBQ on the beach. Its pretty cool how his family treated me because I was also a future Marine. I recognized his cousin as a fleeting Marine MOS 03 infantry. He and I started talking because I knew I knew him from somewhere I just could not remember where. He said he ran PT one week at the office and I immediately remembered. He asked me when I leave for bootcamp and I told him in July, he shared that he's going to be deployed to Afghanistan while I'm in bootcamp. We all played basketball, which was kind of hard thanks to the wind. We ate and finished by having a cake with the Marine Corps insignia, the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. After that, everyone, including me, started packing up and went on their way. I shook Hull's hand and wished him goodluck to write to the office when he gets his platoon and everything. It takes about a week so we should be getting his address soon. I intend to write to him so he can tell me a little about bootcamp from his perspective.

WISE journal 9

     If you were on school on Thursday, then you probably saw a mass crowd around a Marine hummer. Well, Daniela and I were the ones to make that happen. Wednesday after PT my Gunnery Sergeant asked me to get approval from the school to do a "Pull up Challenge." Immediately after I got home I texted my mentor, Coach Love, because she knows almost everything about the school. She told me I would have to ask Caruso so I had Daniela go because I couldn't during second hour. I told her to ask for a DJ that was my idea of getting attention that idea, however, got denied; although, with a bright red hummer and seven Marines attention was not really a problem. It was interesting to see how other people reacted to the presence of the Marines. Alex, the security guard, was excited and put everything down to shake the hand of my recruiter, Sergeant Packard. We stood out for all four lunches in the heat getting peoples information and looking for more to recruit to the Corps. Also, it was kind of funny to see the "jocks" and the guys that think they're SO big do the pull-ups. Little did they know, all of them were doing them incorrectly. After D lunch, I helped them set back up to go back to the office, then went home.

WISE journal 8

On Tuesday, we had yet another PT. Except, this pt wasn't physical it was more mental. Instead of doing what we usually do PFC Curtis decided to teach us some of the basic drilling techniques that we will learn in bootcamp. The Marines are extremely competitive so they feel that whatever recruit that comes from our office has to be the best. If you've ever seen a drill it looks really easy, that's what I thought. Its actually a lot harder than it looks. You have to be mentally and physically disciplined. Any type of movement or anticipation of an order is considered undisciplined. On Wednesday, they planned to have fun. I always enjoy a hard pt because it pushes me to my limits and only makes me better. Also, I learn how far I've come. We had to go on a steep hill and pick a partner around our weight because we would be carrying them. I always pick my friend Bizmark Mendoza mostly because he and I are alike: we never quit and we always give our best. We had to fireman carry each other up and down the hill four times and then run a lap around the park. After that, we went to the other and steeper side of the hill, still in partners. We had to wheel barrels up the hill and sprint down. We did that maybe 6 or 7 times then we took a jog to the football field. This is where it started to get really difficult. We had to sprint half the field low crawl a quarter get up and sprint the rest and all the way back. We did this three times and in between we all got "ITed" for not sounding off loud enough. IT stands for intensive training, yes it sucked. My logic is if I work hard now I have to work a little less hard in bootcamp.

WISE journal 7

   Monday was yet another PT day at the office. This PT was fairly easy nothing really too special. There's a new Marine here on recruiter's assisstance, I like that he pushes himself and us for the physical part, but to be completely honest I don't really think he's all there mentally. The worst part about becoming a part of something like this is that you can't get too close to anyone. Over these past weeks I've made friends within the poole. Which kind of sucks because you get pretty close with these people and then they leave. We found out that about three to five people are leaving on the upcoming monday. It's bitter sweet because you want to see them go and be Marines, since that is the whole reason everybody is there, but at the same time its hard cause they're friends of yours. Also, it sucks because I have to wait until I graduate in order to leave. I knew I had a long time to go, but seeing everybody leave makes me more anxious and frustrated! I want to leave already!

WISE journal 6

On saturday we had a poolee function. That's basically where everyone who's waiting to leave to bootcamp gets together with their recruiter and let's them know if anything has changed that would prevent them to leave to bootcamp. Usually, the recruiters have something planned for us. I remember my first poolee function was the combat fitness test. That was the worst thing EVER invented. My second was a touch football game with a little thing they call circuit training. That's also the worst thing ever. Yesterday, they got orders from higher up to run an IST on us. An IST is an initial strength test. This includes a mile and a half run in under 12:30 do at least 6 pull ups and at least 60 crunches in 2 minutes. My first IST was really bad since I was so out of shape and my second one was a big improvement, but those were only practice and didn't count; however, this time a captain and the sergeant major of the Marine Corps were there watching us. No pressure or anything, right? I did pretty well on the pull ups as usually with seventeen. I really don't know what happened with my crunches but it upset me when I only got 60. I guess this helped fueled my motivation for the run. Especially being a squad leader you need to be a "stud" at everything. I honestly did not know if I could improve since I improved by 2 minutes plus on my second run from my first run. I ran a 13:34 the first time and a 11:07 the second. Either way I ran hoping to beat 11:07. So I ran and of course I got tired at the end, but I'm really competitive and don't like to see myself be beaten. A friend of mine was barely in front of me and Gunnery Sergeant Chanchay was yelling to sprint and past him. I have no idea where I found this type of energy to sprint for a good 30 seconds and past my friend to get a time of 10:19.

After everyone finished the IST, we started practicing drilling. I thought it was so cool, we looked like recruits at recruit training. The Marines walked around and did to us as the drill instructors will do to us at bootcamp. They went around trying to make us laugh trying to make us move. Some of the things I over heard and saw were pretty funny, but I knew I couldn't break my poise and bearing or else they would come and pick on me- especially as a squad leader. After drilling, we awarded the newest members of the poolee, meaning people who just enlisted. We gave them the welcome aboard ceremony that we all got when we joined which I personally enjoy just because I get to see what motivated others to join. After all that, we sat down with two Marines for about 2 hours and they told us stories of their experiences at bootcamp. They also gave us tips on what to do and what not to do. For example, I thought this was the funniest, one of them asked their senior drill instructor to make an "emergency headcall". (Headcall meaning restroom visit.) his senior drill instructor then made him run around screaming the sound of an ambulance.

WISE journal 5

   On Wednesday, our guide, which is the highest amongst us, was out and asked me to take her place that I would be guide when she left to bootcamp. I was honored and excited, that was until I actually got to the office. The Marines said that they were going to run PT. It was probably the most challenging, physical, and mental PT we've had in a while. I usually like when they run PT because its a guranteed workout, but I thought a lot of us were going to die. Some threw up, some quit half way through, and some did not even show up, but not me. After PT the Marines sat us down and explained why they are as tough on us as they are. They went on to explain the brotherhood of the Marine Corps. That every Marine should look out for the Marine next to them. One day, they will be leaving the Marine Corps and they feel the only way to give back to the Marine Corps is by training and getting better quality Marines to replace them. After that I realized, I have to strive to be the best if I'm going to replace the best.

Wise Journal 4

On tuesday, we again had pt. I can feel myself getting more physically fit, I was actually asking for a hard pt. I met yet another Marine on RA (recruiters assistance). I think what I enjoy most is at the end of PT when everyone gathers up and asks the Marines questions they may have about bootcamp. So far, everything about bootcamp doesn't really make me nervous except the gas chamber. Last night, another poolee after PT asked about it. The Marine looked down and just laughed and described just about the worse experience ever. He told us how the gas looked like how they make you take your mask off and gave us some tips on how to deal with it. I always try to listen and remember them because I know soon enough I'll be in that position. What intrigues me is the amount of courage not only in myself, but in others around me. To know what we are all up against and no one raised they're hand and asked to leave. No one wanted to quit. The Marines are the smallest branch of the military. Only 1 out of 10 people have the courage to walk in the office and enlist. That means that there were 9 people before me that did not want to take on the challenges they would be confronting. Realizing that has made me feel more confident and walk around like I've done something with my life. Before this I had no idea what I was going to do, and the Marines showed me another way.

WISE journal 3

   Okay, so last night had almost nothing to do with the Marines whatsoever; however, this is about our experience. Last night I went to the races in miami off route 27 countyline drag racing. I went with my little brother and my sister's boyfriend. Anyway, I ended up losing the first race, and the host trying to make the races fun decides to interview me. My brother told him to take it easy on me because I am a Marine. yes, he lied mostly I am not a Marine- yet. So he pulls me over and tells me to get out of the car. Then he continues to say, "although George here is a terrible driver, he is our very own United States Marine," and the crowd begins to clap and cheer. The amount of pride I felt at that very moment was immense. People, strangers at that, clapping for me for doing something many people can't do. For doing something that is bigger than myself. I just thought it would make a good journal.

WISE journal 2

    On thursday, I went to the recruiters office in plantation to start on my WISE project. There were two Marines that just came back from bootcamp which I love to talk to. Daniela Jimenez and I interviewed almost every Marine in the office including two of the recruiters. Major Bruce Morales of the Marine Corps was there, but he did not have time to interview; however, we got to interview one of my favorite recruiters, Staff Sergeant Jose Uribe. I enjoyed the interview mostly because he gave us some insight of when he was in the position we are in to where he is now. Also, I was able to learn a little more about him. For example, I had no idea he was ever in Iraq. I believe he said he went once or twice, and would go again if he could. That he enjoyed being over there, which for me was interesting given the stories I have heard from other Marines. Staff Sergeant Uribe told us the only thing he really enjoys about recruiting is being able to connect to people that remind him of himself when he was a poolee and giving other people the same opportunity and benefits he was given. Other than that, recruiting is mostly paperwork and getting their poolees ready to take on the challenges they will face at bootcamp.

WISE journal 1

             Even before we started the WISE program I was already well into my topic. I am enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as of Novemember and scheduled to leave in July. I've been working really hard in getting prepared, as I said, long before I was in the WISE program. Monday through Wednesday we have "pt" in plantation by the recruiting office on broward blvd. Which stands for physical training. Not too long ago I was named squad leader which is a pretty big deal for me. The most important part about that is that I earned it. I've come to realize that everything in the Marines is earned. Even the title "Marine" is earned through the completion of bootcamp. Not only do I learn things of my topic, but I also am learning things about myself. Tomorrow I have physical training, which I actually enjoy going to. I enjoy the motivational atomsphere. Most of the times we are not accompanined by any Marines but more recently we are running along side a Marine that just came back from bootcamp or on recruiters assistance. I enjoy that more because we get to meet new Marines besides our recruiters and hear their stories of bootcamp.