What do you think about the Marines? Any fmr ones here?

[YeLLa-TiGeR]

This summer so many doors have been revealed to me for the future. Moving to different states, different universities, etc. Last night I got a call from a Sarge in the U.S. Marines. All the way from N.Y. to here in Canada. He was a really nice guy and asked me the possibility of joining the Marines either right out of high school or after university. He also asked alot of questions like sports, grades, drugs etc, why I was interested etc. Now in Sept. he wants to set a meeting in N.Y. with my parents and I to talk about "my future"

I was wondering, when the Marines call you, does it mean anything significant? Like they are weeding you out? Or is it because not many people are joining anymore? What is the purpose of the interview?? Cause after he seemed to really want to meet with me after.

Also is a short stint in the Marines beneifical to a career in Law enforcement? More specifically as a Special Agent with Customs? How were your experiences with the Marines, any regrets? See, joining has some upsides like easing the financial burden of college for my folks, thats a big plus in my book, not to mention I get to serve my country.

I have to admit the phone call freaked me out for a second.

All I did before was send for a pamphlet on the Marines a few months ago to get some more info, and here I am.

What you guys think about all this? Would you join?

[Lacrymosa]

They're always nice when they're recruiting......

I know right after highschool a sargent representing every branch of the military wanted my signature.

[Bligh]

Not to discourage you, but if you asked for info they are going to call you.

Even if you don't ask for info, they sometimes call.

[pfsjkd]

Just take everything they say with a grain of salt. If something sounds a little too good to be true, it just may be. Independantly corroborate all the little 'good deals' he tells you about. Ask about the shit you're gonna have to put up with (lower level duties you may get like mess duty, cleaning, etc. They're all necessary, it's just that some people don't take to that sh*t very well).

Don't believe a job is guaranteed unless they give it to you in writing, and then ask what will happen if you flunk out of school for that job (it happens, and you might not have a choice about what job you get if you do flunk out).

The G.I. Bill is a GREAT deal, as is Tuition Assistance. So, if you want to go to college later you'll have that. BUT, don't bet on getting too much college done while you're in. Duty stations and work hours may prevent it, or make it very hard.

Above all, don't let them pressure you into joining if you're not ABSOLUTELY ready to make the commitment. And understand that it IS a commitment. It's not something that you just decide 6 months into that, 'OK, I've had enough, I'm going home.' Not without causing yourself a lot of pain and suffering.

[Szczepankiewicz]

Hoo Rah

The Marines are tough. Brainwashed and Belligerent, but tough. You have to be tough to be willing to become a bullet interceptor.

The recruiters are as sweet as pie. They go to school specifically to track down high school students.

They will tell you that "Once you become a US Marine, you are a Marine for life. If you join one of the other services, you are just a soldier while you are active."

You have to sit down and think of all the things you would want out of the service.

In my opinion, here are the things I would do if I had to do it again.

1) Get everything in writing before you enlist. If they promise a school, or a specific job, or anything else, get it in writing with a clause that releases you from your obligation if/when they cannot hold up their end of the bargain.

2) Decide why you want to serve. College Money? Manhood? etc, etc....
I went in for College money and to fly helicopters. Guess what, no helicopter flyin'. Once I was in they told me I would have to tranfer and stay in for an additional 6 years.... No thanks.

3) Look at all the services. The Air Force is the most like a normal job. My pop was career. It was a good solid career. He wasn't bloated with bravado thinkin' he was some super warrior. He was a dedicated soldier who did what he had to do to get the job done. End of story. Many a roughneck got the shit kicked out of him for "picking on the air force pansies". Moral-- the branch of service doesn't make the man.... No matter how much they spoon feed you.

4) if you are lookin' hard core, Special Forces, SEALS, etc, get it in writing. Lot's of people in my unit tried, it wasn't easy and the failure rate was high.

5) Don't buy that "high tech training" crap they sell. I was in during the Gulf War and we were stuck using 1950s technology (at least that is what it seemed like). If/when you get out, you will be hard pressed to find a good job without a degree, no matter what you did during your enlistment.

6) Don't be too worried. If you can handle MA training on a continuous basis, all the service PT will be easy in comparison. Especially if you are non combat. What you WILL have to deal with is "hurry up and wait"... Constant day to day BS. putting up with crap from idiots who can barely spell their names and your only option is UCMJ.

7) Enlist for the shortest time possible. Many times that is two years. The college money and bonuses are smaller, but then if you decide you like it you can re-up and get an enlistment bonus. I don't care what they say about the great college benifits (they put me through college) but getting AnYTHING from the VA is like pulling teeth on a crocodile. And guess who hands out the college checks.

8) Go ROTC or Aviation. That way you are in at a much higher level, get real training that you can use to get a job (college degree or pilots liscence) and you don't have to mop floors, dig weeds, peel taters, etc...

Bottom line, I am glad I served in the US Army Infantry. And I was damn glad to get the hell out. They helped pay for my degree and gave me a good look at what's it like to be stuck in a dead end bullshit job that I hated.

But I will admit, that rappelling out of Hueys, glacier climbing and firing every small arm the US has was pretty freakin' cool....

Peace,

SZ

[Lacrymosa]

I don't know much about the Marine Corp, but there's something "funny" that happens to people when they get out of basic.

I've had several friends that decided to join right after highschool. They were my best friends throughout school and really the nicest and most thoughful people I knew of at the time. When they returned, there was something "empty" in their expression that was distressing. Gone was their easy sense of humor and their optimism in life. It's difficult to describe how I felt when they came back.

A wife of a Marine explained it to may one evening while I was waiting tables.......

"They don't train those boys to be soldiers.........they brainwash them into becoming 'machines'...."

I'm a firm believer that America's Marines is the most formidable branch of our armed forces........but sometimes I wonder what the price is for that reputation.

Again, I don't know much about the Marine Corp, but a sergeant DID knock on my door on day in the summer. He was very nice....almost too nice......and kept insisting that joining the Marines would be the answer to my questions in life. "Let's start making them dreams come true, buddy!"

His easy-going facade ended when I told him my true opinions of the military.

However, that didn't stop the Air Force, Navy, National Guard, and the Army from sending me letters and accosting me with phone calls. Even West Point sent me a packet and had a rep call me several times to get me to commit.

I will say this: These people mean business. Make sure this is really something you want to do, Yella before you sign on the dotted line.

[YeLLa-TiGeR]

OH sheit, you guys make it sound depressing as hell! Especially you Lacrymosa! But the general consensus was the same on the OG as well.

IF i join, I will go to college first, thats for damn sure.

F_uck I had the wrong idea about the military all along, I just want to serve my country, why all this bullshit? I still see soliders as heros too, but am I the only one?

Szczepankiewicz, it really looks like I have to watch my back on this one. I have to admit he was very convincing, I see what you guys mean.

What I was thinking was an ROTC program in college then I would have some money compensated for my education, then maybe 2 years in the Marines after. But ONLY when I get my Masters degree.

[Lacrymosa]

Sorry if I come off as a cynic. You never know, it may really be something worthwhile you want to do. I'd to take Szczepankiewicz's advice and make THEM commit to their promises (in writing) before YOU commit to their regimen. I discovered long ago, that the military wasn't right for me, and I stand by that decision.

Trust your instincts, bro.

[Mad Dog]

I spent 6 years in the Corps from 82 to 88. I was in field artillery.
It was a lot of hard work, but a lot of fun, too. I was able to travel around the world and see and do things most people are unable to (that sounds real awkward). It's a great way to see the world and obtain some education funds. If you score high enough on your tests (do they still use the ASVAB?) you can pretty much pick your job. The spiel about Marines being brainwashed automatons is BS. IMO bootcamp justs brings out whats there all along. If you want something easy join the AirForce. There's no shame in that. My dad retired from it. It was a lot of fun growing up as a "air force brat". If you want something to test your character, something you can brag about later on, join the Marines, or at least the Army.

[Chuck]

Marines

I want to say if you can go to college by all means go to college and start a regular career outside of the military. You have to understand when you sign a contract with the government especially the military you belong to them. And they will and do use you in anyway they see fit to defend the USA. If something happens to you while in the military such as health or you get hurt there is no recourse to seek damages. You can't sue uncle sam. One thing for sure is if you do go in you belong to them and be prepared to give 100% of your life to what ever branch of service. The recuriters will say anything to get you to sign on the dotted line. They don't lie but they sure don't tell you what all can happen. Good Luck.

[SweepEm]

I don't know jack about the armed forces but from an outsider's view point, I see that in their big training maneuvers, there is an expected amount of casualities, training for war. For me, I don't want to just be a statistic in some practice.

But on the other hand, once you get out, and IF you make it as an officer, life is very good........

If you can use the armed forces for a career aftewards, you are set for life.

Something like a helicopter or jet pilot (ok, aviator) will set you for big bucks.

But as someone said you do need intelligence.
If you're stoopid, it's just a place for you to learn to shine your shoes and learn to be subservient. Yes, usually you will come out different, some say you will be a MAN, others say differently.

It's a big step and you need to talk to a lot of dudes that went through, not the recruiters that are there to BS everyone and get their commission on signing up stoopid/naive youths as yourself.

[DanInNeckaha]

How about joining the National Guard or the reserves? I chose the guard because it was paying for more of my school. In terms of time involved the guard is a much better deal than regular military in terms of college $. You can always move up to full time after joining the guard/reserves if you decide the military is for you. If it is not for you then at least it is only one weekend a month and two weeks during the summer and you are getting paid to go to school.

[E1am]

In my experience Marines are a bunch of dildos. You see them at their best in a foreign setting. They are the epitome of the ugly American. Of course I could always spot the military guys when I went out in Tokyo. But somehow the Marines stand out from the rest. It's that empty look that Lacrymosa mentioned. I don't know if the Marines makes them that way or if a certain type is attracted to the Marines. They really do seem to walk around with an attitude like they are the baddest dudes on the face of the earth (at least when they're in a big group). That's pretty funny considering they aren't even the toughest Military. When it comes to plain hardness the Brits have us beat. Even if they do pay for breast implants and sex changes.

-E

P.S. US customs is the biggest set of d!ckheads I've encountered in any airport in the world.

[Oldskulbus]

Yella some info for you.

Three semesters from now I graduate a Cal State University with a BA in Finance. And while all my friends in the major are planning their big money jobs I am going Officer Training School for The United States Marines Corps. Why? Because I want to travel around the world, I want to get interesting training, I want to experience life a different way then all of my friends.
When I was a wee lad I asked my Grandfather, (who was in Vietnam in the Navy) what the difference between the army and the marines were. He said: “If a commanding officer in the army gives a platoon the command to take a hill or bunker the platoon looks at the officer and complains or doubts the seriousness of the command. If a commanding officer in the Marines gives an order to take a hill the platoon is half way up the hill before he has finished the sentence.” That statement really stayed with me and when I was little I thought it was stupid that people would be that dedicated to a task that didn’t seem important to me. But now that I am the one who is going to be that commanding officer I want to be in an armed force that doesn’t doubt my ability and I want troops that follow me.
I have a friend that is in the Navy that I hadn’t seen in a year he was telling me about some of the training that he has received and some of the “rigorous” physical training he has been through. He told me that he had gained some 30 pounds since he enlisted. When I saw him I was pretty disappointed. He had gained 30 pounds of fat and was totally out of shape. I couldn’t believe that any armed force service would allow their troops (no matter what they did) to get fat and lazy.
Every man in the Marines is a trained infantry solider. So even if you are a cook you are expected to maintain your physical conditioning, practice various field exercises, and treat your M-16 like it is an extension of yourself.
After I graduate I enter OTS, then I am going to Infantry Training School, then I am going to a school for my profession (which I am hope to be field intelligence). It will be a lot of work but I can’t wait to finish what I have left of school so I can jump on it.
The Marines definitely aren’t for everyone. Yella, if you are looking for enlistment I wouldn’t recommend you do it. Get your degree so you can be a commissioned officer. But if you are looking to enlist then check out www.about.com. They had a great section on the different boot camps and what to expect. You can also email me… I am going be on vacation for a week but if you have any questions I will respond when I get back (check my profile for the address).

[Mad Dog]

E1am, without going into details, you made some pretty offensive statements, probably based on very limited experience.
Just like in any large groups of people, you'll find good, bad, stupid, smart, etc. Just be thankful that that group of "dildos" is around to defend your ass should the need arise.