Joining the Marines

jhnsn34 · 05-29-2005, 10:02 AM

Im 18 years old and im considering joining the marine corps. The only thing that im concerned about is my size. Im 5" 8' and 140 lbs. Would this keep me from completing basic training?

**cincymarsdad** · 05-29-2005, 10:10 AM

Height Standards

The cause for rejection for Armed Forces male applicants is height less than 60 inches or more than 80 inches. The cause for rejection for Armed Forces female applicants is height less than 58 inches or more than 80 inches. The Marines are more restrictive. For the Marines, height standards for male applicants range from 58 to 78 inches. Height standards for female applicants range from 58 to 72 inches.

Weight Standards

The services don't really have "weight standards." What they have are "body fat standards." However, it takes extra time and effort to measure body fat, so the services use weight charts to do an initial screening. Individuals who weigh more than the limits on the chart are measured to ensure they fall within the service's body-fat standards. There are no waivers for exceeding required body fat limits.

jhnsn34 · 05-29-2005, 10:44 AM

being a small bastard and all, would i be able to complete training?

**cincymarsdad** · 05-29-2005, 10:55 AM

It has more to do with your mental attitude than your physical stature. Quite a few of the Marines in my son's unit are shorter than 5'10". If you want it, and you work at it, and you prepare for it, you can do it.

USMCRET6391 · 05-29-2005, 11:01 AM

I was 5'9" and weighed about 145 when I went in. I retired 24 years later at 5'11" and 185....you will do just fine

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Cobra · 05-29-2005, 02:52 PM

There's a guy in my unit who's no joke 5'2'' and 103 lbs. He obviously made it through boot camp and we just did a 15 mile hump with full gear the other day. He fell off towards the end but never fell out. I guess it just depends on how big your heart is. By the way we're 0311, so it's not like he's admin or anything.

**cincymarsdad** · 05-29-2005, 04:30 PM

Good luck to you, young man. The country is in need of people wishing to serve.

jhnsn34 · 05-29-2005, 08:58 PM

Thanks to you all.

0311Marine · 05-30-2005, 05:15 PM

I went in at 5'7 145 lbs. and I completed it just fine.

333MP · 05-31-2005, 09:45 AM

Yeah so I'm 5 foot (60 inches) and we had a guy in training who was about 3 inches shorter than me, so I think that those standards are wrong.
As far as completing everything, why wouldn't you be able to? Have you ever had a problem because of your stature? Probably not, so remember that it is in fact a mind game. When you think that you can't do anymore, suck it up and drive one because you can.

jhnsn34 · 06-01-2005, 12:21 PM

Thanks again everyone. If anyone else has any input, I'd be glad to hear it..

ASUMarine · 06-07-2005, 03:32 AM

If you have the balls you will be fine. I was 5'9" 145 when I went in.

Akolang · 06-07-2005, 11:37 AM

man to me those weights sounds good, im 5'6" and 195.. i was overweight by 2lbs at meps and had to lose it in a week to qualify... so if anyone is "unlikely" to make it through it'll probably be me.. i shoulda joined when i was younger.. 21 now

Rusty24 · 06-07-2005, 11:49 AM

I am 5'8'' and 180 right now. When I entered I was 5'6" 130. So yes you can do it. If they say you can't, find the biggest recruiter there and jump up in his face. Ask if he wants to go outside. At this point one of two things will happen. 1.) They will admire you for standing your ground and "re-check" your height measurement

... or ... 2.) He will follow you outside. At this time you better run like hell