Why did you join?

[upps64]

I am trying to decide weather to join up or not. I think it might help me if I knew some of the reasons why others joined.

I'm 26 with a degree BFA Industrial Design, and right now I am building a house for starr homes. L.L.C. I do the books, take care of contractors, and all the other good stuff. It's kinda what ever. I would get a job as an ID guy, but everyone has said I'm to profesional to be hired, have to many skills. O.K.?

Then if I do join, I am think about OCT after basic, I know it is generally better to work your way up, but I have been leading people since I was 16, and I get their loyalty from true respect and through actions. I always look out for those under me, and don't micro manage. I got martial arts skills at world class level. I would like to be a great capitalist, and all, but I think I could regret not joining. Dang options lol. But I think I have to go up slowly, cause if I join its ranger or bust.

 

[+RubiesFire+]

I think you should do this at one step at a time.

Ask yourself tough questions and see if they have a good outcome answer.

Truly ask yourself if you want to join, or is it just a phaze.

Do some research online

And the Best thing:

Pray about it.

 

[upps64]

Well I have, it seems that I am bred for it. And I do feel guilty that I am not at the front helping my brothers helping them barring their burdon. Though I think if it would be worth it. There are many great men in the millitary who do not re-up cause they feel it does not matter what they do, or how long they fight. I think perhaps it's a need to choose right or left, and they seems equaly good. Millitary, or run a small company. Maybe I'm afriad of a what could have been either way. It always seems to come back to 50/50. Dand it, I like the financal, and design side, but I also like the work out and heading face on to an enemy. The recuriter's not helping much either. I'll finish the house first the hole gets dug this coming monday, then see where I am.

"Their is no better way to die, than in the face of the Hun."-Winsten ChurchHill

 

[Autumnleaf]

If you want to go in to fight and you have a degree at least start out as an officer, go to officer candidate school. If you want rangers be an infantry officer or better yet a Marine infantry officer. Ranger school teaches you how to use small unit tactics to take objectives like airfields. From what I understand you earn the patch after going to the school. For quick promotion you might want to be an artillery officer.

I joined the Marines because my girlfriend was pregnant and I wanted to marry her and get some money for college. I chose the Marines because it was the most challenging and my father is a former Marine. I'm still married to her and I have a good job and a doctorate degree now, so it worked out well for me.

Clarify what it is you really want, find out how to get there, then go for it. If you are married and have children you might want to rethink what you are doing. Call up a Lance Corporal in Iraq or one in Twentynine Palms who recently returned from an Iraq rotation and ask them what it was like over there. I suspect the visions of glory in your mind might be different from the reality of manning a checkpoint in 100 plus degree heat all day long.

 

[SailorCop]

Just remember, do research by going to another recruiter. But I am going to agree with Autumnleaf, if you are looking for something that is challenging and a brotherhood unlike any that I have seen in any situation, I have two words, SEMPER FI! I have been in the Navy now for 8 years, and I love it but if I could do it again the Corps would have been better for this squid. Although the navy is getting pretty high speed and we are doing alot of joint service training and believe it or not we are actually doing field and infantry type training now. Who'd have thought, right?

But I do have one thing to say, be careful for what you wish for because you may think that you are mentally prepared to face the enemy head, but you can never assume that until you have done, cause I said the same thing, and it is tough. My prayers will be with you brother, keep praying and everything will unfold. And remember, regret nothing, but learn from everything.

Semper Fi

 

[rppearso]

Just remember you will be treated as subhuman for a length of time. The living arangments and behavior of thoes in charge will be contrary to christian living.

 

[upps64]

Thank you all for your replies and input, I asure you that I am deeply considering these comments.

 

[justanobserver]

well, when I enlisted USMC back in '74, it was in my best interest to enlist and get out of where I was at.

after I got out, after about 7 yrs or so as a short haired hippy, I re-enlisted in '83 and went Army until I got out in Dec '00.

wasnt a bad life. Has its ups and downs but a lot of it is what you make it. The life isnt for everyone, and a tour is good for some and a career is good for others.

Know what you want and work to get it. Dont go in with a "well, what do you guys think is best for me?" - research, ask a lot questions, talk to those in and recently got out.

Also, look at what the job (MOS) is your interested in and then check what the civilian counterpart is sop when you get out, you can take your government paid training experience and use it.