Joining the Marines

[Amadeus]

This may sound like a strange topic for someone like me, but joining the U.S. Marine Corp has become a serious option to me and I am wondering if anyone here is or has been a Marine. I am really scared about joining the military, and advice and comfort couldn't be any more welcome.

 

[Suzannah]

I was in a non-US Merchant Marine... but I guess that's not what you want.

I just wanted to tell you that I think you are very , very brave and I hope you gets lots of good responses. I can tell you that I have met many US military people in my time, and all of them were outstanding human beings. I wish you all the best in your decision and I will pray for you.

 

[Amadeus]

Thank you.
This whole thing kinda just sprung up on me, and although I never really considered the Military, I am now warming up to the idea, but unforunately I don't have enough time to really think about it, as I need to sign up REAL SOON, or so the recruiter makes it seem like. I am not so worried when I consider what else I could do with my life after Highschool, which isn't much, but the idea of the rigerous training and less individuality for such a time is a big turn off. I trust my life is safely in God's hands, and I won't be choosing a job in the Marines that will be directly involved with combat. But if I die, I die, and I will go to be with my Father in Heaven. This life isn't so important, so I have learned to just let go and bear what life brings my way, and I'll have plenty of bearing to do while I go through the military. But although I have my fears and worries, there are plenty of Benefits to make up for it. Things like travel, which I would be more able to do in the Marines than being a civilian, and education and financial security.

 

[Suzannah]

You're welcome! although I'm Irish, I live in the States....surely they have not said that you must chooose one branch or the other? America has no involuntary draft...Registering for the draft does not mean you must pick a branch of the service...that's signing up!
As a former sailor, I would love to see anyone join the US Navy! CF has a Military forum here, too, if you are interested.

http://www.christianforums.com/f238&page=1&sort=thread.lastpost&order=&pp=20&daysprune=-1

 

[Amadeus]

Ah, thanks.

 

[MrsGnomeCrusher]

I was a Marine, but I can only let you know from a gal's point of view. Check out the military section on CF.

You do not need to sign up real soon. The recruiter is probably trying to make quota--especially if it's towards the end of the month. Take your time. The Marines will be there for quite some time, I'm to think.

I think you need to gather as much information about The Corps, or even other military branches and inform yourself. Do not just rely on your recruiter. There are some decent ones and there are some slick ones that just want you in because it'll show as a number for them. Also, don't forget about The Coast Guard. That may be an option for you, also.

If you have any questions, let me know.

 

[12volt_man]

This may sound like a strange topic for someone like me, but joining the U.S. Marine Corp has become a serious option to me and I am wondering if anyone here is or has been a Marine. I am really scared about joining the military, and advice and comfort couldn't be any more welcome...

...This whole thing kinda just sprung up on me, and although I never really considered the Military, I am now warming up to the idea, but unforunately I don't have enough time to really think about it, as I need to sign up REAL SOON, or so the recruiter makes it seem like. I am not so worried when I consider what else I could do with my life after Highschool, which isn't much, but the idea of the rigerous training and less individuality for such a time is a big turn off. I trust my life is safely in God's hands, and I won't be choosing a job in the Marines that will be directly involved with combat. But if I die, I die, and I will go to be with my Father in Heaven. This life isn't so important, so I have learned to just let go and bear what life brings my way, and I'll have plenty of bearing to do while I go through the military. But although I have my fears and worries, there are plenty of Benefits to make up for it. Things like travel, which I would be more able to do in the Marines than being a civilian, and education and financial security.

OK, the first queston I have for you is why you think this "just kinda sprung up" on you?

Are you bored? Were you inspired by the stories of men and women such as Pat Tillman? Are you just at a point where you're examining your life and wondering what your place in the world is? Is it just that chicks dig the uniform? What?

A committment to the Marine Corps isn't something you want to do on a whim. This isn't "Stripes", where you and your buddy walk down to the local recruiting depot and everything is fun and games.

It's a serious committment. You are a servant of your country for the next four years. You will be away from your family and friends and home for extended periods of time. You could be placed in a situation where you could die or be crippled.

What you see in the movies isn't really representative of the Marine Corps (although most Marines do have a "Gunny Hartman" in their past). The only thing I've seen that even comes close is the old "Major Dad" TV show, but that's another story.

I'm not trying to talk you out of it. To the contrary, I think the Marine Corps (or any of the military branches) is a fine choice for young people. I just want you to be happy with your choice and confident that you've made the right decision. For you to say that this idea just suddenly came upon you raises a lot of red flags in my mind.

Now, about your recruiter, there are many fine recruiters who genuinely want to help young people make a good career decision and some who are more interested in their bonus than in your best interests. Basically, you have to remember that your recruiter is a salesman, kind of like the guy who gives you a free weekend in a condo in the Florida Keys but makes you sit through a three hour sales pitch first.

When your recruiter tells you that you have to make a decision "real soon", that's a good sign that he's not looking out for you. Basically, what he's really saying is, "if I don't hook this kid before he changes his mind, I'm not getting my bonus".

You don't have to make a decision "real soon". You have plenty of time.

There are a couple of things I want you to ask your recruiter:

How long do I have to enlist for? What's the minimum commitment? Generally the minimum is two years, but the amount of benefits you receive directly relates to your commitment.

Am I eligible for any special enlistment programs or bonuses? Make sure you tell the recruiter if you have ROTC, college or even Junior ROTC experience. Some services have programs that will allow you to enter at a higher pay grade than peers with no experience.

What do I have to score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test to qualify?

Do you have films or literature about military life and particular jobs? Most recruiters have videos and literature about their branch and particular jobs. In most cases you can either check the videos out or watch them at the recruiting station. Remember these are promotional materials.

How long is basic training? Where is it? What is it like?

What physical fitness requirements must I meet to enter the military and succeed in basic training? Physical standards vary from service to service. Have your recruiter spell it out for you.

What jobs are available? Use our job matcher to find jobs that match your interest, and ask your recruiter about openings in these and related fields. Then, use the delayed entry program to get the training you want. Training programs are related to the job specialty that you are assigned to. You should ask your recruiter about the entire career path in that chosen field. Most military specialties have follow-on training as you gain expertise and rise in rank.

What are the possibilities for remote or overseas duty stations? All services have overseas opportunities. Overseas service is often considered a "square to fill" for advancement. Ask your recruiter.

What are the training and advancement opportunities for jobs that I'm eligible for? Military promotions are based on performance, time in grade and job knowledge. While the system is objective, certain specialties seem to fare better in promotion rates. Ask your recruiter how the promotion rates are in your chosen field and compare them to several other fields you may choose from.

What would pay be like? Military pay is no secret but can seem complicated for an outsider. Check out the Military.com guides to military pay for active duty, Reserve, and Guard; then ask your recruiter to explain how temporary duty pay, hazardous duty pay and other special entitlements affect your bottom line.

How much money can I get for college?

Can I take college courses or other training programs while in the military? Yes. The military will pay up to 100% of the first $4,500 in tuition costs for college courses you take in your free time. Most bases have extensive education programs to help service members. Remember, off-duty courses can't interfere with your military duties.

Can a friend and I go to basic training together? Ask the recruiter about the "buddy program" which allows you to enlist together, go through training and even get advanced pay or bonuses.

What's the delayed entry program? You can delay entry into active duty for up to one year (normally used by high school students). This program can also help you get the job you want or to choose when you want to attend training.

What are the next steps? Recruiters have no problem telling you what to do next. Have them draw you a road map. Then make your own decision without any pressure.

How can I get more information on the Marine Corps?

Print these questions out to take with you and, above all, MAKE HIM ANSWER THEM IN WRITING! I can't stress that enough. Make him give you the answers in writing. This way, you're clear on what's going on and he knows that you're paying attention and he'll be less likely to try to take advantage of you.

I would then take the answers he gives you to another recruiter for a second opinion. Most of the answers will probably be the same but it's always good to get another perspective on things.

The best thing to do is to find Marines and ask them what they think.

I also post at http://rleeermey.com and there are a lot of Marines who gather there. Maybe you could go there and re-post your question.

Leadership skills, career skills, fraternity, travel, adventure, these are all things you're going to find the Marine Corps. I think it would be a great opportunity for you.

Semper Fi,
Mike

 

[desi]

Amadeus, you have to sign up fast so the recruiter can make his quota for the month/quarter! Hurry, hurry, hurry!-no don't hurry. Take your time and see what the other services offer and compare it to what the Marines offer. Let your recruiter know you have to get a good deal or you won't do it. Check out your options and do not hurry. Check the military part of the forums like my peer Caelda suggested. I'm a former Marine myself. It was one of the best things I've ever done for myself and my famliy.

1. Make sure you get in as a Private First Class by having your recruiter assign one of his other recruits as a referral from you. Refuse to sign up unless this happens as it is quite a pay and rank difference.

2. Look into college money and get the best deal you can.

3. Look into jobs you want and what your test scores suggest you can do.

4. Never ever forget the recruiter needs you more than you need him, until the papers are signed. You have the leverage to get what you want.

5. Last but most important, if its not on the paperwork it didn't happen. Get everything your recruiter promises on paper when you sign up.



The Marines is the best of all the services in many ways. Amadeus I pray God is with you no matter what you decide to do.

 

[Thirsty4Him]

Amadeus, my dad was a Marine for 20 years and I am so extremely proud of him. He retired 2 years ago as a Major. I can't explain to you the pride I felt when I saw him in that uniform. I don't really know what I am trying to say, but I've been a military child all my life. I wouldn't trade it for the world. But I commend you for wanting to serve our country. You are so brave. My father was in the Pentagon on 9/11 and I was so scared for him, but the thing is, I have never felt God's peace more strongly in my life. That day was so trying and difficult, but God gave me strength. Sorry this is so random and I dont know if I am helping at all, but I hope that through prayer this decision will come easily for you. The Marines aren't just another service, they are a tight knit family that stretches across the world. They are disciplined, respectful, and the best. And if you are enlisting, beware of the Crucible! ( i think that's what it's called)(the big long endurance type thing like boot camp that you MUST pass before recieving the EGA and being commissioned) God Speed. Semper Fi!

 

[AirForceTeacher]

Get a guaranteed job or don't sign.
Get a guaranteed job or don't sign.
Get a guaranteed job or don't sign?

I think I said that enough. Don't let the recruiter pressure you. Check out the other branches. Check out what you will be doing.

Remember: we're at war, right now. Real war. Real fighting. Real death. You must be willing to die for your country, not just trying to get colege money or job experience. A lot of people were caught off guard by Desert Storm in '91. They thought nothing would ever happen. They thought peace over the whole world was just around the corner.

Having said all of this. I've been in 16 years, started out enlisted. The Air Force paid for my undergrad and now I'm getting my master's in computer science for free so I can teach it for them. It's a good life, but it is what you make it.

 

[desi]

Remember: we're at war, right now. Real war. Real fighting. Real death. You must be willing to die for your country, not just trying to get colege money or job experience. A lot of people were caught off guard by Desert Storm in '91. They thought nothing would ever happen. They thought peace over the whole world was just around the corner.

This reminds me of a friend of mine who enlisted in the Corps because he wanted to kill people. He told the recruiter he wanted to go infantry because he wanted to kill people. The recruiter said the infantry was booked up but he had openings in artillery, "You can kill a lot of people with artillery." the recruiter told my friend... This same guy got to his first duty station and saw people in, faded, camoflage uniforms which had a bluish look to them, he asked around to find out where he could buy some of those, . Finally, this same guy didn't know the sprinklers for the General's lawn used water which was nonpotable as it had been recycled from the sewers-we were in the desert. After one of his first runs he saw the sprinklers on and ran over to them to cool off, he stank for a few days after.

 

[rogsr]

Desi,
LOL!! Marines are so stupid sometimes..One weekend my platoon went camping (i.e. drinking binge in the woods) and we were out of food except for one comically huge can of raviolli. Well my drunk platoon sgt. couldn't find the can opener (which I doubt we ever brought in the first place) so he started hacking at it with a hatchet. He was saying the line from the movie Gladiator, "are you not entertained!" as he was trying to open this can with his hatchet. The words were so slurred you could barely make out what he was saying. By the time he was entertained fully there were like 3 raviolli's left.....What a bunch of meat heads we were!!

 

[12volt_man]

So, how's it going, Amadeus?

Are you finding out more about the Marine Corps?

Give us an update.

 

[Jkurtz]

This may sound like a strange topic for someone like me, but joining the U.S. Marine Corp has become a serious option to me and I am wondering if anyone here is or has been a Marine. I am really scared about joining the military, and advice and comfort couldn't be any more welcome.

May I pray that you may not fall victim to persecution at the hands of the enemy, should you fight them. May I pray that you find compassion in every being, if you are sent to war. You will be fine in the Military, if you enter battle, than remember to stand tall for your country, and for your Lord. Remember this if nothing else as you march or fight, or die, or battle, or smile, all your days. The Lord will protect and watch ovewr you, as a shepherd watches over his flock.

 

[Wave3Girl]

This is coming from my dad:

He was a SeaBee in the United States Navy for 22 years. He worked along side marines, dressed like marines. You think because you are going to be a marine that you won't have to go to sea, but marines go to sea just as much as the navy does. But the navy men have a job to do at sea, while the marines are pretty much confined to doing nothing while at sea. (of course eating, sleeping, and shining their guns) The navy you sleep in 3 and 5 star hotels most the time on shore, however the marines sleep on cots and in sleeping bags practically all the time. The navy eats 3 and 4 course meals when the marines eat a ready-made Bag of Food. You throw them an orange and it is seen as a delicasy. Marines are sharp and they know their job, a marine can stand in 30 minutes and teach me about his gun or bazooka and i'll know it up and down...where as a most sailors couldn't do this.

Do you want to kill?
Do you want to live to kill?
Or would you just rather asist someone in killing?

If you want to test yourself, join the navy if you want to see the world and be single. Join the air force if you want to be married and have a family. Join the coast guard if you want to be somewhere in between that. If you want to be more than a sailor, be a seal. If you want to be more than an air force guy, they have special forces too.

We are fighting a war right now where we were lied to. My brother and me both are retired from the navy. We knew that their were no weapons of mass destruction and the president is just mad cause they tried to kill his daddy. The marines and the army have both done an excellent job while they have been over there....but my advice to you is join the air force, navy, or coast guard.

The marines have to endure extense mental abuse. They break you down and build you back up. I would not recommend anyone putting themselves in this position but i commend them.

Good Luck.

 

[MrsGnomeCrusher]

But the navy men have a job to do at sea, while the marines are pretty much confined to doing nothing while at sea. (of course eating, sleeping, and shining their guns).

Grunts have a bit more "free" time, but you do quite a bit at sea if you're a Marine. You still have your job to do. If you're not needed for your specific job at that time, I'm pretty sure they'll find some place else for you do work.

The navy eats 3 and 4 course meals when the marines eat a ready-made Bag of Food. You throw them an orange and it is seen as a delicasy.

We are fighting a war right now where we were lied to. My brother and me both are retired from the navy. We knew that their were no weapons of mass destruction and the president is just mad cause they tried to kill his daddy. The marines and the army have both done an excellent job while they have been over there....but my advice to you is join the air force, navy, or coast guard.

Someone is asking about joining the Marines--not anyone's standpoint on the current events for the world. Wouldn't such talk be more appropriate for the "News" or "Current Events" forums? The fact is, if you're in any branch of the military, for any reason, be expected to do something that you don't see as right.

The marines have to endure extense mental abuse. They break you down and build you back up. I would not recommend anyone putting themselves in this position but i commend them.

Mental abuse? Go through boot camp now. There's no mental abuse. Discipline. Structure. They do break you down in the way that you think about "me, me, me!" It turns into "team, team, team." That's what they force down your throat. For some people, it's a drastic life change. For others, you're walking about pretty much the same person (attitude wise) as you were when you walked on the yellow footprints.

 

[12volt_man]

This is coming from my dad:

He was a SeaBee in the United States Navy for 22 years. He worked along side marines, dressed like marines. You think because you are going to be a marine that you won't have to go to sea, but marines go to sea just as much as the navy does. But the navy men have a job to do at sea, while the marines are pretty much confined to doing nothing while at sea. (of course eating, sleeping, and shining their guns) The navy you sleep in 3 and 5 star hotels most the time on shore, however the marines sleep on cots and in sleeping bags practically all the time. The navy eats 3 and 4 course meals when the marines eat a ready-made Bag of Food. You throw them an orange and it is seen as a delicasy. Marines are sharp and they know their job, a marine can stand in 30 minutes and teach me about his gun or bazooka and i'll know it up and down...where as a most sailors couldn't do this.

1. Not all Marines do sea duty.

2. When they do, they don't just "do nothing...eat sleep and shine their guns" (by the way, if your dad was a seabee, then he should know that Marines don't carry guns, they carry rifles. Guns are artillary.)

When Marines do sea duty, they have duties to carry out.

3. Onboard, Marines are not restricted from mess priviledges.

4. Marines do not sleep on cots and sleeping bags unless they're in the field and I've never met a sailor who wouldn't fall over laughing at the thought of being put up in a five star hotel.

Granted, the accomodations at "The Island" and San Diego are a little spartan
but you're not there for a vacation, you're there to become a Marine. If you want a place where they put little mints on your pillow in the morning, join the Air Force.

Otherwise, accomodations are pretty much the same as you'll find in civilian life.

We are fighting a war right now where we were lied to.

Really? What was the lie?

My brother and me both are retired from the navy.

And yet, you completely botched your description of a Marine's sea duty.

We knew that their were no weapons of mass destruction and the president is just mad cause they tried to kill his daddy.

1. If there were no weapons of mass destruction they why...

a. ...were Iraqi forces wearing chem suits when we invaded?

b. ...didn't Saddam allow the UN access? It would seem that the easiest way to have prevented a war and keep himself in power would be to have just allowed UN inspectors in to see for themselves that there are no WMDs.

c. ...couldn't he account for the weapons that he did have that he was supposed to have destroyed?

d. ...was he working on delivery systems to carry WMDs that he "didn't have"?

e. ...was sarin gas and Botulinum toxin found and one Iraqi scientist who testified that he was asked to hide strains of anthrax?

Do you understand the reasons we went to war?

a. WMDs
b. Iraqi violation of UN1441
c. Hostile acts on the part of Iraq toward UN and US planes
d. violation of the peace treaty that ended the first round of the Gulf War

WMDs are only one reason we went. If WMD are found not to exsist (and simple logic tells us that they do exist), this does not negate the other three reasons.

Second, as for the fact that we went to war because they "tried to kill his daddy", did you know that assaination or attempted assasination of the president is an act of war?

Did you know that the assasination of Archduke Ferdinand in 1914 was one of the causes of WW1? Do you think, therefore, that we shouldn't have fought in that fight to protect Europe?

The marines have to endure extense mental abuse. They break you down and build you back up.

Could you please give us an example of "extense mental abuse"? Did you know that DIs are closely monitored and that any Marine or Boot can go at anytime of the day or night to report abuse without fear of reprisal?

As far as the "break you down and build you back up" garbage, isn't it interesting that the only time I hear that is from people who aren't Marines?

The truth is, they don't break you down, they take all of your best qualities and build them up, while eliminating your bad ones.

Since you suggested that Amadeus look into the Navy, does the Navy employ such abuse in their training (think carefully before you answer)?

 

[12volt_man]

My brother and me both are retired from the navy.

Here, you say that you and your brother are retired from the Navy and, yet, on your public profile, your birthday is 25th May 1988 . In another thread, you talk about being a part of your church's youth group.

So, if you lied about being in the Navy, why should we believe anything else you say? Why should we believe what you say about the Marine Corps when you've been caught lying about this (not to mention that there are too many of us who actually know what goes on there)?

...or are you telling the truth and simply the youngest person in history to be retired to the Fleet Reserve?

 

[MrsGnomeCrusher]

Here, you say that you and your brother are retired from the Navy and, yet, on your public profile, your birthday is 25th May 1988 . In another thread, you talk about being a part of your church's youth group.

So, if you lied about being in the Navy, why should we believe anything else you say? Why should we believe what you say about the Marine Corps when you've been caught lying about this (not to mention that there are too many of us who actually know what goes on there)?

...or are you telling the truth and simply the youngest person in history to be retired to the Fleet Reserve?

Umm, at the top of her post she did state that it was coming from her dad. Not sure if he wrote it or what's going on . . .

 

[brinley45cal]

I used to be a marine,sometimes i wish i never left,i loved it.Dont listen to anything the recruter says though,you have plenty of time to decide,the marines wont shut down if you want to think about it for awhile.What you dont want to do is make a decision in confusion or in hast,pray about it.The military has its pros and cons but you do have to remmember what you are there for,you are there to be trained to kill.Its not a game and with everything going on in the world you have to ask yourself if you are willing to give your life or take a life.
I just finally decided that i was tired of the killing part and decided to get in to saving.
But its not wrong to be in the military,basicly thats between you and the lord.