1. Is it possible to recieve the G.I. Bill monthly along with the FAP (2700 a year/300 a month) and the MCTAP (5200 a year or/ 300 something a month)?
Make sure you read very carefully everything about those financial aid packages. MCTAP can really mess with your time in service, and thus pay, whereas FAP will add on a bit of extra time to your contract.
2. Which of these ^ actually go to your pocket or can be spent for other expenses like (rent, food, etc.) and which ones can only be spent for tuition and books? Im not too sure also if the FAP or MCTAP is monthly paid, any of the two lump sum?
FAP is nontaxable money that goes right to you. I've always seen it paid out as one lump sum for each iteration, however as someone else mentioned, when it actually gets to you is up in the air. MCTAP, I believe, is the same way, but I never personally took that so do not take that as gold (see above).
3. According to a chart I found in the recruiter's office, I saw that I would apply for PLC after boot camp with the reserves, after I do apply and become accepted, when exactly will I be able to recieve the MCTAP and FAP? (of course after attending the 1st OCS summer session)
I'm sorry, wait, you're trusting something you saw in a recruiter's office? And about officer training?
If you want the deal with PLC, go look up your closest Officer Selection Station (OSS) and talk to them about everything first. As far as financial aid goes, you may only apply and receive aid after you have gone through OCS (EG, after PLC-Juniors or after PLC-Combined).
4. What is the percentage of marine corps reservists applying for PLC who are able to get in?
I can't speak to such a specific question, but what I will say is that chances are good for anyonewith good recommendation letters and good PFT scores, and going before the earliest board that you can is always a plus as that is when the most slots are open.
5. Any advice to help me in getting into the PLC program?
6. Is it possible to get a higher score than a perfect score on the PFT?
You definitely need to get your PFT scores up. This will help you get in, and then help you to stay in. The thing about boot is that some people can go pretty fat and nasty because they will break you down anyway and build you into what they want and what the Corps needs. However, at OCS you need to be in peak shape when you get there, because you will not be built up. You are expected to be fully prepared ahead of time for the rigors of the physical training you go through. Even with a perfect PFT (unless your OSS does an Iron Candidate competition, 300 is the max), you're not going to have easy street at OCS at all.
pull-ups:13
Try looking up the Armstrong plan, a popular method for upping this number. I myself did a system of single-step, upside-down pyramids 4 days a week, and 5 max sets on the 5th day (5th set being an assisted 20) in order to get myself up to 20 originally back in the day. Of course, you can also use dip belts and machines and the like, though I am a fervent believer that the only real way to up pull-ups is to do pull-ups.
sit-ups:50 (How to improve w/out hurting your back?)
Are you doing crunches or situps? Because they're two different things and the Marine Corps does crunches. Also, in either case, you should essentially have a slightly arched back that stays static throughout the movement and for all intents and purposes simply rolls along the floor until your shoulderblades hit the deck. I would highly recommend going to a local gym (or even an OSS) to inquire about things like this.
3 miles: Horrible (Currently Biking 5 miles a day)
You must be able to run. There is no getting around this. When I went through PLC, I was running a 20 minute PFT consistently and most runs at OCS were still absolutely killer. This is one area where you need to seek advice from real runners and/or trainers, especially as you are not experienced as a runner at all yourself. You can seriously injure yourself or hinder your progress needlessly if you do not have knowledge about everything from the subject to the shoes to your body. I speak from personal experience: I gave myself horrible stress fractures when I began running because I had no idea about any of this and was stupid enough at the time to think running was just a simple bodily function.
Flexed-Arm Hang: ????
This is for females only. And it is ****-hard for most males anyway.
Leaving for Camp Pendleton June 19th 2006
Ooh-rah and good luck on it future-devildog.
hello i recently signed up for the marine corps reserves and plan to apply for PLC after boot camp.. just wondering if any people already in the PLC or marines in general can answer some of my questions that i couldnt find answers to on the internet,
