Would it be wise or a good thing (when I am in boot camp) to volunteer to do things or demonstrations for the drill instructor?

PV2 J M — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 10:02:15 -0400

Response by PV2 J M made Oct 26 at 2017 10:03 AM

PV2 J M — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 10:03:12 -0400

or should i just sit back and be quiet?

Response by Col Jim Harmon made Oct 26 at 2017 10:07 AM

Col Jim Harmon — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 10:07:25 -0400

NO. Keep your eyes and ears open, and your mouth shut.

Do not try to impress your DI. That will explode in your face. Just do what your told to the best of your ability, as quickly and efficiently as you can. Be confident, yet humble in your bearing.

Help your fellow Recruits when you can, and don't wait to be told to help with any unit effort (swabbing, sweeping, etc.). Just do it.

Finish your work first, then turn to and help your fellow Recruits.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2017 10:11 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 10:11:57 -0400

The time you have to sit back will be limited.

Response by Sgt David Wyble made Oct 26 at 2017 10:12 AM

Sgt David Wyble — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 10:12:09 -0400

I will level with you. Please forgive me for being real. I cannot speak about the other service branches. Yet in the Corps, you will be noticed as a "dick-sucker"

Granted, you may be promoted faster if you at "shit-hot". Yet you will lose the respect of your fellow Marines

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Oct 26 at 2017 10:13 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 10:13:14 -0400

Only if you are a masochist and enjoy being mal-treated. Excel by doing well in your PT and training evaluations as that will bring positive feedback. There is a reason old Soldiers tell folks not to volunteer for anything.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2017 10:13 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 10:13:29 -0400

Never, I repeat, NEVER try to impress the DI. It will only go badly for you.
My goal when going through basic training with the Army was to remain as invisible as possible throughout the cycle. One of my proudest acheivements in the military is the fact that during week 6 of basic, our Drill Sergeant was handing out mai,l and when he got to my name he had absolutely no idea who I was. And that was with a small company of less than 40 recruits. As Col Jim Harmon said, "just do what you're told to the best of your ability, as quickly and efficiently as you can."

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2017 10:16 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 10:16:46 -0400

I can only speak from my experience, but having my Drill Sargeant ask me at the end of basic training "Private - who are you? Are you in my platoon?" was the "Best. Day. Ever." in basic. Standing out can go one of two ways, and usually doesn't end well.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2017 10:17 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 10:17:31 -0400

There is an old saying in the Army:
Don't volunteer for anything.
While as a leader I would apply an asterisk to that, the wisdom of it is wholly applicable to Basic Training.
Nails that stick out get hammered. Trust me on this.

Response by SSgt Ryan Sylvester made Oct 26 at 2017 10:33 AM

SSgt Ryan Sylvester — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 10:33:28 -0400

Hell no! The last thing you want to do is call attention to yourself! You will be voluntold enough as it is!

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made Oct 26 at 2017 10:49 AM

Sgt John Steinmeier — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 10:49:09 -0400

Boot camp will be challenging enough without volunteering unneeded attention to yourself.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Oct 26 at 2017 10:50 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 10:50:20 -0400

Do as you wish, but the best advice I got was "make like wallpaper". You're there; you can be seen, but no matter how ugly you are, you don't stand out, consequently no one wants to focus on you. That's a good thing!

Response by 1LT Kevin Chapman made Oct 26 at 2017 10:58 AM

1LT Kevin Chapman — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 10:58:24 -0400

YESSSS. Do it.

Response by SPC Diana D. made Oct 26 at 2017 11:04 AM

SPC Diana D. — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 11:04:44 -0400

NO NO NO NO, it will really really end up bad for you. Like most of the guys on here said, you do not want to draw attention to yourself. We had a girl who did that and the drill sergeant called her our every change he got. She ended up quitting and leaving the military.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Oct 26 at 2017 11:05 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 11:05:27 -0400

In a word, NO! I agree with those who say this is no time to be the nail that sticks up because there are lots of hammers around to pound you down. If the DI walks into the room looking for a volunteer for a one-time good deal, it's probably a good deal for the DIs, not you. Keep your hands down, feet glued to floor, and eyes ahead. There is no free lunch.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2017 11:09 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 11:09:47 -0400

Best advice, never volunteer for anything in boot camp. It won't get you any special treatment - or at least not the kind you want or need - and the other recruits will resent you for it. They'll label you as a smack or kiss a** and that makes it harder to become a member of the team. Your plate will be kept full and the least amount of attention you draw to yourself, the better. Just give 100% at all times and be a team player. You may not realize it at the time but both the DIs and recruits will notice that you are motivated and genuine. If you are motivated and give your all you may be selected as a Squad Leader or Plt Guide and that opens doors for you to exhibit leadership. Until that happens just do your best at all times. The DIs have seen about every scam there is and will see through it quickly. Do as you will, but this is my advice.

Response by Sgt Brendan Bigney made Oct 26 at 2017 11:29 AM

Sgt Brendan Bigney — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 11:29:15 -0400

You will come across as in it for yourself. Never be in it for yourself - especially when you become a leader.

Always ask yourself, without the moto-blinders, how the does the Corps benefit from what you're doing.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2017 11:56 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 11:56:37 -0400

I volunteered once and it worked out for me, but we were on week 10 at that point. DS needed two guys to help set up signs so the families knew where they were driving to. He didn't tell us what we were doing until we got in the van. It wasn't bad, AC, they listened to the radio, asked us if we had any final questions as we were graduating in the next few days. They drove us to a spot, we jump out and set up the signs and jump back in. It was literally the easiest experience in Basic I had and it was weird.

That said, if you volunteer it will probably not be my experience and it's going to suck.

Response by SPC Joe Haney made Oct 26 at 2017 12:22 PM

SPC Joe Haney — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 12:22:16 -0400

Yes. It'll all work out in the end!

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Oct 26 at 2017 12:41 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 12:41:37 -0400

I wouldn't. It rarely works out. Although it did for my grandpa apparently. I can't remember if he was in basic or at his first unit. He served right after WWII for a few years. Most of it in Japan.

The story I heard from my dad is that someone wanted volunteers for a duty and I don't think they said what it was. My grandpa raised his hand - well he lucked out. He ended up sitting inside a warm room typing up some reports or something all day while everyone else was outside in the cold weather.

I rarely see volunteering turn out well though.

Response by PV2 J M made Oct 26 at 2017 1:09 PM

PV2 J M — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 13:09:15 -0400

thanks for the advice!

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Oct 26 at 2017 1:15 PM

SGT Tony Clifford — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 13:15:30 -0400

Basic isn't the time to stand out. You will be singled out by the rest of your platoon and possibly get an add kicking. I can't speak for Marine boot but in my experience in Army basic volunteering won't even be on your radar. Once you climb on the cattle car from reception to your training unit, you're going to be scared. The second the door closes the drill sergeants flip the switch. As a brand new private, there is almost nothing you can do to impress them. They'll just know who you are and give you every detail. Keep your head down and do what you're told. When you get to your first duty station you'll get your chance to prove yourself. The culture between the Army and Corps are different, but good troops usually rise easily. Bad ones get sniffed out fast.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Oct 26 at 2017 1:21 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 13:21:09 -0400

If you are JROTC and coming in as a E2, you are going to get some unwanted attention anyway. Usually those guys were assigned as a platoon guide or squad leader first, and caught all kinds of hell when they failed their leadership responsibilities (and they usually do). No, you would rather be that guy in the middle of the third rank of the formation that nobody notices.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2017 1:21 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 13:21:18 -0400

Drill Sergeant have no problem with volunteers, it's called hey private come here.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2017 1:37 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 13:37:31 -0400

PV2 J M Volunteering is fine, but not in Boot Camp. Listen and observe so that you can quickly do whatever the Drill Instructors tell you to do. Your job is to learn so that you can become a squared away Marine. Drawing attention to yourself or standing out for needing extra attention, is not a good thing.

Response by SPC Bret Leduc made Oct 26 at 2017 1:40 PM

SPC Bret Leduc — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 13:40:42 -0400

It's wise and a good thing to keep a good attitude and cheer people up. I wish I had not been so bitter when I was in. Read the Smart Book everyday. Learn on your own on a regular basis.
Go to promotion boards early and often. Go to leadership schools. Get transferred to Redstone Arsenal in Alabama so you can hang out at NASA.
Have fun and keep in touch.
Oh yeah... the fact that you even know that there will be opportunities to volunteer yourself is a credit in your favor.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Oct 26 at 2017 1:49 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 13:49:45 -0400

As others have said, no. You are there to learn; let what you do in your actions, how you carry yourself, how you perform your tasks, and how you work with your fellow recruits speak FOR you. The old adage is that you want the Drill Sergeant on the final day to ask, "Who are you?" - but I'll add a sidenote to that.
During our graduation ceremony, the Drill Sergeant who happened to be the one pinning the Regimental crests on the row of Soldiers I was in was one most of us respected, and was at least my first example of an exemplary NCO. When he reached me, he remarked that it was "time to quit hiding in the shadows" - THAT is what you want to aim for.

Response by COL David Turk made Oct 26 at 2017 2:31 PM

COL David Turk — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 14:31:28 -0400

I would agree with most of the posts, with one exception. Yes, you don't want to be noticed, but sometimes there's a situation that arises where volunteering can only help. Be very selective if you do it; pick the right opportunity (special situation). I did it in AIT, and earned the respect of a supply sargeant.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2017 2:52 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 14:52:09 -0400

Once you are in the fleet nobody will care if you were squad leader or guide in Boot Camp. You can be promoted up to Lance Corporal if you are the guide but that is about where the benefits end. Guides definitely earn that promotion with all of the nonsense they go through. As others have said already never be in it for yourself it truly is about the other guys. That being said I wouldn't go in looking to become the guide or a squad leader it really just means a tougher time while you are in boot. If you are selected give it your best and again after those 13 weeks it never really matters again (word will not get to your unit about how awesome you were in Boot Camp). Once out of training and in the fleet is when you want to focus your efforts on making your unit better and that is where things begin to be recognized.

Response by PO2 Hank Kaczmarek made Oct 26 at 2017 3:28 PM

PO2 Hank Kaczmarek — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 15:28:37 -0400

Here's what you do. Keep your mouth shut. Do what you're told, WHEN you're told. If you have leadership experience (Eagle Scout for Example), the DI may ask you to be a recruit officer like a squad leader. If not, if he calls for volunteers, go ahead.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2017 4:11 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 16:11:36 -0400

Before I went to basic training I was advised to never volunteer. I was also advised to not be in the front of any line as those in front got pulled out for detail. I thought to myself that if I am in the rear and we due an about face I would be in the front. Therefore I stayed in the middle and it worked out very well.

Response by SGT Mark Halmrast made Oct 26 at 2017 4:29 PM

SGT Mark Halmrast — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 16:29:25 -0400

No.

So, you have a decision to make: be smart, take the advice of people who know; or be dumb and think that somehow you are smarter and know better.
It's that simple: be smart or be dumb.
Your choice.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Oct 26 at 2017 5:39 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 17:39:32 -0400

It's a double-edged sword. If you eagerly bring attention to yourself, that will blow up in your face. So don't volunteer until your DI volunteers you. But do volunteer yourself to help your fellow recruits to keep them in line or help them improve their deficiencies. This could lead to being put in a squad leader position (but don't do it for the rewards or you'll be disappointed).

Response by MSgt George Cater made Oct 26 at 2017 5:45 PM

MSgt George Cater — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 17:45:24 -0400

To amplify on what others have said (most notably Col Harmon), do not under any circumstances let on that you already know anything about drill, regulations, uniforms, MC history or anything else. Do not volunteer anything about your past or volunteer FOR anything. You appear to be on JROTC and this probably will rate guaranteed PFC out of boot camp. The SDI & his DI’s will know this, but don’t YOU ever bring it up to anyone.
Believe it or not, DI’s are just above average NCO’s who were chosen (a minority volunteer) for a tough important job & managed to pass a very tough school. They have egos, like all of us, BUT they also have almost ultimate power over your little platoon world. They WILL not like a low life scum-sucking civilian puke of a prive behaving like anything but just that.
Be a sponge. A sponge with good eyes, excellent ears and a photographic memory for what they teach you. Once you are taught somthing, perform it or recite it to the best of your ability from then on. Let your abilities and performance be a reflection of what outstanding teachers they are.
Be as physically fit as humanly possible when you ship. It will pay off. Know as much recruit knowledge as you can, too. Just keep it to yourself.
A little war story... I did 4 yrs in CAP (14-18) before I joined the Corps because there was no JROTC then and it was as close as you could get then. It became my full time boot camp prep job, as far as I was concerned. I knew MC drill literally well enough to teach it. I knew MC history, uniforms, lingo, the entire Guidebook for Marines (68 edition) out the wazoo. I had been teaching cadets all that stuff for 3 years. During 3rd phase, I even taught the platoon the class on the old M1941 pack system we then wore because I asked why we weren’t using the belt suspenders on the pack. (They were a pain to put on so most never did in practice.) The DI said, ‘Okay, wiseass, you know so much, you teach it”. Stupidly, I got up and did it. Did a good job, too, since I’d owned that pack since I was 12. How I survived that, I’ve never understood. They were all Vietnam combat veterans and I was realty just another wannabe low life prive at that time. I see now I disrespected them. Maybe they thought I was a Regimental Spy.

What I didn’t have was sage advice or maturity. I thought I was “hot sh—“ and foolishly thought the DI’s would see so too. In short, they didn’t. I left PI as a slick sleeve private.
That was decades ago, but people, the Marine Corps, Parris Island & NCO’s really don’t change. In summation, keep your trap shut, be a sponge and don’t volunteer.

Response by SSG James Behnke made Oct 26 at 2017 5:46 PM

SSG James Behnke — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 17:46:54 -0400

Drill Sergeants love it when you make suggestions on how to improve. Such as how to boost morale.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2017 5:52 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 17:52:09 -0400

Just do what you are told when you are told. Keep your head down pay attention keep your stuff squared away and you’ll be fine.

Response by LCpl Marshall Tierney made Oct 26 at 2017 7:02 PM

LCpl Marshall Tierney — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 19:02:11 -0400

The word is "Invisible".

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2017 8:07 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 20:07:23 -0400

I truly applaud your enthusiasm. But, take it to heart that you will not have to volunteer. If the DS wants you to demonstrate, he will pick you.

Response by Maj John Bell made Oct 26 at 2017 8:55 PM

Maj John Bell — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 20:55:30 -0400

For the entire time you are in the service; Just do your job professionally, quietly, and well. If you get the reputation of glory hound, your career is over.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Oct 26 at 2017 9:11 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 21:11:05 -0400

Nope!...besides YOU already "volunteered!"

Response by LTJG Richard Bruce made Oct 26 at 2017 10:12 PM

LTJG Richard Bruce — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 22:12:12 -0400

Never ever volunteer. When I was in Cape May and had any small amount of free time, I would slow jog around base to look busy. A few times, I would grab some memos out of the trash and enter the A/C buildings and walk the passageways acting like I was delivering something important.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2017 10:40 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 22:40:33 -0400

I am not sure what service boot camp you are going to but in most you will be challenged...some more than others. Some people said you will be noted as a brown-noser. You don’t have to worry about kissing butt in Marine Corps boot camp because the drill instructors don’t much care for that and they will ensure you understand that point. They just want you to do what you are asked to do, when you are asked to do it...with speed and intensity. Instead of volunteering and trying to stand out, help your fellow recruits when you can or when they are down. Whatever you do, don’t be a Blue Falcon.

Response by SPC Robert Coventry made Oct 27 at 2017 3:12 AM

SPC Robert Coventry — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 03:12:15 -0400

You already volunteered to serve your country, That is enough.

Response by SN Daniel Garibay made Oct 27 at 2017 4:14 PM

SN Daniel Garibay — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 16:14:26 -0400

Yes volunteer for everything even if u don't make it

Response by Cpl Joseph Roberts made Oct 27 at 2017 6:33 PM

Cpl Joseph Roberts — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 18:33:15 -0400

You will be told what do do at all times.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Oct 27 at 2017 10:27 PM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 22:27:07 -0400

Can’t add anything to what’s been said already...

If you have an overwhelming desire to be stupid, wait until AFTER bootcamp & your MOS training then volunteer for shit that’ll be fun or get you extra pay... hopefully without getting killed...

What the hell, volunteering made me the man i am today (ask the VA)

Bwahahaha!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2017 1:10 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Oct 2017 01:10:53 -0400

NO. You also DO NOT WANT TO TRY TO SHOW OTHERS THE "CORRECT" WAY that you may have learned a skill. Focus on learning what they tell you first.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Oct 28 at 2017 1:16 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Sat, 28 Oct 2017 01:16:07 -0400

It would be wise to keep our mouth shut, hands and arms down, eyes and ears open, mind fully engaged.

Response by SGT Leon Riege made Nov 1 at 2017 9:29 PM

SGT Leon Riege — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 21:29:33 -0400

this may help ... the more one on one time you spend with the drill cadre the better soldier you will be ... if you survive