.Has anyone giving Stew Smith's Recon/MARSOC Prep Guide a try?

[Bobby Mason]

Hello,
I was just curious has anyone ever looked or tried his prep guid out for Recon Marines and see if anyone had any success with it or if it is a great workout plan to follow? Thanks

 

[ChrismerPoole]

I've started about a month ago and have defiantly seen a increase in cardio vascular endurance. I do a lot of breast stroke, which is what they want you to be doing in the Marine Corps Recon or MARSOC. I would say give it a try.

 

[AWP]

I do a lot of breast stroke, which is what they want you to be doing in the Marine Corps Recon or MARSOC.

I would caution you against giving advice until you've completed those programs. We have a number of members in those communities who can chime in, many of whom have done so in other threads.

 

[ChrismerPoole]

I would caution you against giving advice until you've completed those programs. We have a number of members in those communities who can chime in, many of whom have done so in other threads.

Understood. I should have reworded that. "From what I have heard from other members on this site, they told me that breaststroke is a main form of swimming for the testing" Will work on giving people better advice in a better form!

 

[AWP]

Understood. I should have reworded that. "From what I have heard from other members on this site, they told me that breaststroke is a main form of swimming for the testing" Will work on giving people better advice in a better form!

If it is from this site, just post the link where you found the info and you're good to go.

 

[Bobby Mason]

Yeah I'd like confirmation on that. I thought they wanted you to use the CSS stroke, Sidestroke or Breaststroke

 

[8654Maine]

Chrismer,

You've asked me for advice by PM and I've given it to you without prejudice.

I'm stating to you outright: be quiet and read. Ask questions. But do not give advice on that which you have no experience.

Yes, swimming is integral. But it is more than breast stroke. Finning is also integral. Side stroke/CSS are important as well.

You seem like a highly motivated high schooler. I wish you success.

As of now, you are still a poolee who has not even gone to boot camp nor earned the EGA. A million things an happen in the interim.

You wrote that you were smart and a good learner...prove it.

Again, I would like to see you and the rest on here succeed...if you deserve it.

Prove that you have mettle to carry on the mantle: Swift, SILENT, and Deadly.

 

[AWP]

Ya'll need to do some "legwork" and go through old threads. Unless they were deleted I would swear this topic was covered ad nauseum. I'll do you a favor though, search for any post by the user @Stanimal and if that doesn't work go to the main forum and search for breaststroke or sidestroke.
When you're done with all of that return to this thread and tell us if you found the answer or not.

 

[Stanimal]

https://shadowspear.com/vb/threads/itc-prep-advice.21365/

The link above is a thread concerning preparation for ITC. The advice given therein should suffice for Marines attempting either MARSOC's selection or BRC, as both programs are somewhat similar from a physical perspective. I cannot say for sure what the current swim stroke requirement is at BRC. However, it is safe to say that you will be required to swim longer distances, with or without cammies, utilizing proper survival strokes. Survival strokes are the side and breast stroke. Also, expect to do shorter "races" and "pays to be a winner" type PT swims utilizing the crawl stroke, or freestyle, as it is typically the fastest stroke.

Freestyle/crawl stroke: Pros- Fastest stroke. Builds cardiovascular capacity. Cons- Hardest to master the technique and puts a lot of wear on the shoulder joints.

Breast stroke: Pros- Moderately fast. Builds cardiovascular endurance. Cons- So much forward propulsion comes from the frog kick that groin injuries are not uncommon. Still wears on the shoulders.

Side stroke: Pros- Conserves energy. Can be maintained almost indefinitely. Easy to learn. Cons- Relatively slow.

If there are any recent BRC grads, or BRC instructors reading this, feel free to correct me or caveat as necessary.

 

[Bobby Mason]

https://shadowspear.com/vb/threads/itc-prep-advice.21365/

The link above is a thread concerning preparation for ITC. The advice given therein should suffice for Marines attempting either MARSOC's selection or BRC, as both programs are somewhat similar from a physical perspective. I cannot say for sure what the current swim stroke requirement is at BRC. However, it is safe to say that you will be required to swim longer distances, with or without cammies, utilizing proper survival strokes. Survival strokes are the side and breast stroke. Also, expect to do shorter "races" and "pays to be a winner" type PT swims utilizing the crawl stroke, or freestyle, as it is typically the fastest stroke.

Freestyle/crawl stroke: Pros- Fastest stroke. Builds cardiovascular capacity. Cons- Hardest to master the technique and puts a lot of wear on the shoulder joints.

Breast stroke: Pros- Moderately fast. Builds cardiovascular endurance. Cons- So much forward propulsion comes from the frog kick that groin injuries are not uncommon. Still wears on the shoulders.

Side stroke: Pros- Conserves energy. Can be maintained almost indefinitely. Easy to learn. Cons- Relatively slow.

If there are any recent BRC grads, or BRC instructors reading this, feel free to correct me or caveat as necessary.

Thank you Stanimal for the post and link you provided to help prepare myself and others for BRC. I'll look over the link and get started preparing myself as I have a whole year still before I'm eligible to ship off to boot camp.

 

[is friday]

Side stroke: Pros- Conserves energy. Can be maintained almost indefinitely. Easy to learn. Cons- Relatively slow.

I was forced to use breaststroke while at BRC and had crappy times. Then while I was being slayed in the deep end an instructor suggested, "Hey, why don't you try sidestroke next time? See if you suck less." So I did and it dropped 2-3 minutes from my 500m time.

I dunno, I think I'm kind of a special case that has a strong scissor kick and a weak frog kick. Most guys I knew were much faster with breaststroke.

Point of the post for aspiring Recon bubs: Try both and see what you're comfortable with. It's good to know both.

Stew Smith's Workout Program:
I did this for a while (2-3 months) a long time ago when I was in Afghanistan. Obviously I couldn't do the swimming portion. The bodyweight workouts were great, though. It'll definitely get you ready and functionally fit. I do recommend it to build a good base for yourself before you go sport specific and try to improve one area.

note: I didn't take a look at his MARSOC workout if he has one. I'm speaking about his old Recon prep guide.

 

[8654Maine]

My observation is just the opposite. The side stroke is faster. Wait till you get fins on.

Good point about knowing both strokes.

 

[Stanimal]

One thing that helps some guys go faster with the side stroke is the fact that they have access to a breath of air any time they want it. Both the breast and freestyle strokes require the head, and consequently your airways, to submerge frequently (every 1-2 seconds). This is similar to "skip breathing". Unless you are accustomed to this through training, oxygen debt is almost a certainty which will definitely cause a slow down. At least that has been my observation. The bottom line is: Be able to perform all strokes at an adequate level, and if allowed, choose the stroke that you are most comfortable and capable with.