seriously, just scream as loud as you can every single time they ask you a question or say ANYTHING. after every single word they say, they are going to say, "do you understand that?" i mean like every two words of every sentence they will ALL say that. just scream yes sir to every question, and aye sir to every word they say. it's like living in another universe, but once you get used to being there, it's a blast. it's going to freak you out at first, then you will settle down after a day or two. then you will meet your actual drill instructors, and they will IMMEDIATELY cause absolute chaos. it will be after like the 3rd day when you meet them. right when you meet them is the hardest part of boot camp. just know that they are going to instantly turn your life upside down. first few days are scary, but you get used to it. but then after that third day or whenever it is that you meet your actual drill instructors, it really feels like there is no way out and you are kinda scared to death. kids will be thinking of ways to escape, kids will be writing letters home to their parents to get them out. they read that stuff so don't do it. again, i was older so i didn't really experience it quite as bad as the younger guys, but just know that the drill instructors did the same thing to the group before you and will do it again right after you leave. it's ALL a big game. kind of a weird time of year to go down there. it's actually probably for the best. the summers there are hell because of the sand fleas. idk if they are around when it's cold. you will know the sand fleas all too well. just wait til someone gets caught itching or swatting at one lol and going to the bathroom is weird. like you have to say it something like this, it varies from senior drill instructors but it will be something like: " sir, good morning/afternoon/evening, sir. recruit so and so request permission to speak to drill instructor/senior drill instructor so and so. sir, good morning, sir."....... then they say, what, thing (yes, they call you thing). then you have to say, "sir good morning, sir. recruit so and so request permission to make a head call, sir good morning, sir."

Watch the marine corps birthday messages from the past 8 years... The fire will stay lit for awhile