Spring Break
Marine society lends support, motivation
KATIE HOLCOMB
Issue date: 2/18/08 Section: Variety
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However, there is a group many may not know about.
For students who are interested in joining the Marine Corps, the Semper Fidelis Society is a group of about 15 University students that provides support to students looking to become Marines.
Semper Fi's purpose is to motivate as well as physically and mentally prepare students for Marine Corps OCS, and commissioned lieutenants for Marine Corps Basic School.
The group meets Monday through Thursday at 5 p.m. and Saturdays at 3 p.m. at the Intramural Fields to do a circuit run.
"Being a part of Semper Fi is not required before going to OCS, but it definitely helps," said Daniel Shumaker, a senior consumer economics major and president of Semper Fi Society from Alpharetta.
Chad Burger, the newest and youngest member of the Society, said the group is a good support system.
"It is nice to run with people with the same goals as you so you can motivate each other," said Burger, a Gainesville State sophomore from Alpharetta.
But to be able to make it to OCS, it takes a lot more than just daily runs.
"Being a Marine is all about leading the world's greatest warriors," said Matt Johnson, a junior from Lawrenceville.
To be qualified to make it into OCS, the candidate must pass a physical fitness test by scoring at least 225 out of 300.
The test consists of running three miles in 18 to 21 minutes, doing 20 pull-ups and finishing 100 crunches in two minutes.
Also, the student must have at least a 2.0 GPA and referrals from professors, which are sent to the Board of Military Officers.
At OCS, a candidate is tested to the limit to see if they have what it takes to be a Marine "warrior."
Completing one of those sessions will earn a Marine Corps commission.
After completing OCS, most candidates return to school, and upon graduating college, they are commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marines.
"Because only 66 percent of those who go to OCS graduate the program, being a part of this program is a way to prepare for that," said Lt. Mike Kline, a junior from Fairfax, Va.
If interested, contact Daniel Shumaker at danny84s@uga.edu.
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