I just graduated bootcamp on the 7th, and have orders for ITB. I was just wondering what I can expect there, and how it compares to bootcamp?

Not really sure of what it is like now. When I went to ITS in 1981 it was more like 4th phase of bootcamp. Oh and just because you graduated basic, doesn't mean the thrashing stops. We had a few privates that thoight troop handlers where not the same as drill instructors. Just because they don't wear a smokey doesn't mean they wont drop you by yelling "JUST F*****G BEGAIN! Good luck and thank you.

This will inform you on what you will expect at Camp Geiger's, School of Infantry.

SOI, East Official Website

ITB was the easiest thing I ever did in the Corps or since then. Yeah you should be in shape when you show up in case you get some hardcore instructors, and be ready to thrash and maybe play a few games, but if you are motivated then you will learn quickly and probably enjoy it.
Maybe it's changed in a few years but mostly all I remember from SOI is the libo.

Also don't show up with bootcamp gofasters. Have running shoes and at least one nice pair for town so you don't look like a boot with sneakers.

Yea, I agree. It's basically the 4th Phase of boot camp. Little more laid back, No smokies and you get some libo. But you'll still get thrashed for f-ing up.

I went through ITS in 86 at San Onofre 52 area and it pretty much sucked. I got thrashed there more than I did in boot camp and no one really gave a crap on how long they thrashed ya. BUT, you did get LIBO and Hollywood was awesome. Got my first 2 tats up there !!! Hang in there for you'll never forget ITS as long as you live !!! SEMPER FI and keep the faith. Good luck

I graduated in October '06 from Camp Geiger.

Bring your cell phone - you can use on the weekends and text msg in the shitter. Don't be one to use in the racks and get it confiscated, though different companies will have different policies on this.

Stay in shape.

Libo will probably be progressive - you will be able to go to the rec center the first weekend, the big PX the next, out in town the next, then overnight in town for the rest. Save your money for overnights, don't waste it on stupid **** like PSPs or DVD players.

If you want to go Weapons, don't fall out of any piddly-*** runs or humps during the first 2 weeks, fall asleep, fail a test, or piss off your instructors in any way. Usually all the Weapons MOS's are oversubscribed (especially 0351 and 0331) except for 0341.

Go there with the same mindset as if you are still in boot camp. Lots of guys arrive at SOI with the mentality that since boot camp is over, they are going to be treated like adults. NOT THE CASE. You are still a lowlife piece of **** boot and you will still play many, many games, including rack hauling and hold-out-your-packs. You won't believe the number of guys who go UA or try to get out of the Corps with BS excuses once they realize this. We had one kid jump off the third deck.

Jacksonville is a shithole. Don't even look at ***** there, you'll catch something just by breathing hard. If you can get some folks together, cab it down to Wilmington and find some college chicks. Yeah, half of SOI will be down there too, but trust me, it'll be worth it.
Just make sure someone is sober enough to get everyone else back to formation on Sunday.

If you must hit a strip club, check out Cherry's.

The hardest part of SOI are the humps, and they ain't that bad. Just hydrate and suck it up --- buy a Camelbak if you don't get one issued. Buying a good pair of socks helps --- you could also try the old trick of wearing a pair of dress socks under your boot socks.

Do whatever you can to stay out of camp guard or SAC company. Wrecks motivation like nothing else.

quote:

Originally posted by ckrisz:
Jacksonville is a shithole. Don't even look at ***** there, you'll catch something just by breathing hard. If you can get some folks together, cab it down to Wilmington and find some college chicks. Yeah, half of SOI will be down there too, but trust me, it'll be worth it.
Just make sure someone is sober enough to get everyone else back to formation on Sunday.

No, stay in Jacksonville. You don't rate good libo yet I hate it when I see Boots with diggie day packs running around Wilmington. I go to Wilmington with my super low reg and weekend beard to try and get away and go incognito for a little bit only to have it ruined by an SOI kid

Skateboards and gofasters - what passes for style in Oceanside California.