reagansquad
Member
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2004
- Messages
- 386
Any Marines or retired Marines around care to provide any insight? How was your experience?
Thinking about joining the Marines...
- Thread starter reagansquad
- Start date
- Status
stans
Member
I was not in the Marines, but I know and have known a number of Marines. From what they have told me, it is hard to become a Marine. No other branch of the military has the intensity of physical and mental training as the Marines. Some just simply cannot pass the phyical training. It is not for everyone and that is why the motto is "the few, the proud, the Marines". I would say that anyone who is lazy and does not like the great outdoors probably will not enjoy the Marine Corps.
By the way, all Marines are alike, even pilots. They all must first learn to be mud Marines, then they may progress to specialty training. This is thought to be the reason that Marine pilots are better, faster and more accurate than Air Force or Navy pilots when it comes to close air support.
It was either the Discovery channel or the History Channel that had a series of 1 hour shows about the Marines and boot camp. After watching that, I was inspired, but I knew that I did not have what it takes to be a Marine. Especially as I approach 40!!!!!
By the way, all Marines are alike, even pilots. They all must first learn to be mud Marines, then they may progress to specialty training. This is thought to be the reason that Marine pilots are better, faster and more accurate than Air Force or Navy pilots when it comes to close air support.
It was either the Discovery channel or the History Channel that had a series of 1 hour shows about the Marines and boot camp. After watching that, I was inspired, but I knew that I did not have what it takes to be a Marine. Especially as I approach 40!!!!!
juggler
Member
I also saw the show on Discovery about Boot Camp At PI. Not what I went through 28 years ago
(28 YEARS
) I'll tell you that.
It appears that they have improved upon the physical and mental training regime. The final "Hell Week" is similar to what we went through in Final Phase, but they've had some time to perfect the abuse.
Speaking of which, our platoon was the last to be issued satins (SP?). The next series kicked off the cammy uniforms. We were also one of the last to enjoy corporal punishment.
Look into it. I think it's an interesting time to be a Marine.....and you know what they say about interesting times. Good Luck and let us know how you do.
If you DO decide to join I'd be glad to write to you while you're in boot....mail is always good to get, it reminds you that there IS an outside world.
(28 YEARS
) I'll tell you that.It appears that they have improved upon the physical and mental training regime. The final "Hell Week" is similar to what we went through in Final Phase, but they've had some time to perfect the abuse.
Speaking of which, our platoon was the last to be issued satins (SP?). The next series kicked off the cammy uniforms. We were also one of the last to enjoy corporal punishment.
Look into it. I think it's an interesting time to be a Marine.....and you know what they say about interesting times. Good Luck and let us know how you do.
If you DO decide to join I'd be glad to write to you while you're in boot....mail is always good to get, it reminds you that there IS an outside world.
First of all HAPPY 229TH MARINES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have been active duty for 5 years now and I am currently a Sergeant. I can tell you one thing, I do not regret the descicon one bit. Especially now, this is the time to be a Marine. I have made 2 combat deployments, and am working up for my third right now. My MOS is as an 0311, which is a basic rifleman, so I can tell you how it is in the Infantry.
If you are married, or do not want to be gone most of the time, the military is not for you at this point. In my 5 years, I have been deployed or TAD elsewhere for about half of the time. In the last 3 years that I have left on my contract, I will be gone on at least 2 more deployments. For myself, I love traveling, and I love my job. I am just extremely lucky that I have an understanding wife.
As far as bootcamp goes, if you have a heartbeat, you can make it. You just can't give up. I have seen people with no business being a Marine, make it through. I have seen a person with undiagnosed scholiosis (sp?) come to an infantry battallion as a case in example. The trick is just to never give up on yourself, and the DIs will not give up on you.
Now when I say that anyone can make it through bootcamp, I do not mean to imply that it is easy. Where bootcamp is hard, is mentally. I will honestly say that it was the hardest thin that I had ever done up to that point. I have now done things harder, but bootcamp was a good foundation for me to build upon.
Feel free to PM or email me with any questions that you may have. I will be happy to help out in any way that I can.
I have been active duty for 5 years now and I am currently a Sergeant. I can tell you one thing, I do not regret the descicon one bit. Especially now, this is the time to be a Marine. I have made 2 combat deployments, and am working up for my third right now. My MOS is as an 0311, which is a basic rifleman, so I can tell you how it is in the Infantry.
If you are married, or do not want to be gone most of the time, the military is not for you at this point. In my 5 years, I have been deployed or TAD elsewhere for about half of the time. In the last 3 years that I have left on my contract, I will be gone on at least 2 more deployments. For myself, I love traveling, and I love my job. I am just extremely lucky that I have an understanding wife.
As far as bootcamp goes, if you have a heartbeat, you can make it. You just can't give up. I have seen people with no business being a Marine, make it through. I have seen a person with undiagnosed scholiosis (sp?) come to an infantry battallion as a case in example. The trick is just to never give up on yourself, and the DIs will not give up on you.
Now when I say that anyone can make it through bootcamp, I do not mean to imply that it is easy. Where bootcamp is hard, is mentally. I will honestly say that it was the hardest thin that I had ever done up to that point. I have now done things harder, but bootcamp was a good foundation for me to build upon.
Feel free to PM or email me with any questions that you may have. I will be happy to help out in any way that I can.
goalie
Member
You usually regret NOT doing something later in life. For everything I didn't like about the 4 years I spent in the Corps, well, I still am glad I did it.
As for Boot Camp: if you are not a quitter, you'll do fine.
As for Boot Camp: if you are not a quitter, you'll do fine.
juggler
Member
Goalie has it right, I've never regretted it.
Nice to see others have remembered the Corp's birthday. I asked for the day off but that didn't fly
Nice to see others have remembered the Corp's birthday. I asked for the day off but that didn't fly
First Person Shooter
Member
- Joined
- Nov 6, 2004
- Messages
- 33
Alot of how fast you advance will depend on your MOS ( your job). The USMC is a very small force compared to the US Army. Advancement can take a VERY long time. I'm not bashing the Corps just making an observation. I've seen guys in the Infantry make E-5 in two years.
My brother in law was active duty of 8 years and only make Lance Corporal ( E-4). He went to Lebanon and a few other hot spots.
My brother in law was active duty of 8 years and only make Lance Corporal ( E-4). He went to Lebanon and a few other hot spots.
Glockdude59
Member
- Joined
- Nov 9, 2004
- Messages
- 2
In this day and age of growing unemployment (I[m 45 and soon to lose my job), I wish in retrospect I had made a career out of the military instead of staying in the civilian sector.
rdbrowning
Member
My nephew is now stationed at Lejunne (sp?) and has enjoyed his 2 years so far. He said that boot camp was fun, but he played hockey year round before going in so is judgment is a little in question. He spent one year in Okinawa and is expecting a possible deployment to Iraq. He looks forward to it, his mom is already a basket case.
Best of luck to you.
Best of luck to you.
Timmit
Member
No matter how slow it is in the Marines, it's still faster than the Air ForceFirst Person Shooter said:
Steve in PA
Member
I think everyone here just about covered what it is like to be called a "Marine". I went in right after highschool in 1979 and served 4 years. I went in under contract as a guarenteed grunt, which was a bonus program back then.
I've been overseas three times (three Med floats including a stay in Beirut), plus a few trips out to California for desert training. Of the four years I was in, I probably spent a year in the states (more or less) and the other three somewhere else. My MOS was 0351 (anti-tank assault) but I cross trained as 0331 (M60 machinegunner) and 0341 (60mm mortar).
Being a Marine is like any other service member. Being in the Marines, I of course spent time around the Navy and a few years ago I did a couple of years in the PA Army National Guard. Even the regular army officers and senior NCO's now serving with the Guard look at and treat you differently. They know who you are and what you've been through. They know the hihg standards that you've been held to.
Anyone who serves in any of the military services is a cut above the rest. But, to take it to the next level, you need to be a Marine Corps grunt!
Semper Fi.
I've been overseas three times (three Med floats including a stay in Beirut), plus a few trips out to California for desert training. Of the four years I was in, I probably spent a year in the states (more or less) and the other three somewhere else. My MOS was 0351 (anti-tank assault) but I cross trained as 0331 (M60 machinegunner) and 0341 (60mm mortar).
Being a Marine is like any other service member. Being in the Marines, I of course spent time around the Navy and a few years ago I did a couple of years in the PA Army National Guard. Even the regular army officers and senior NCO's now serving with the Guard look at and treat you differently. They know who you are and what you've been through. They know the hihg standards that you've been held to.
Anyone who serves in any of the military services is a cut above the rest. But, to take it to the next level, you need to be a Marine Corps grunt!
Semper Fi.
patentmike
Member
Best 4 years of education I ever had. Even if you don't take to it as a career, you will learn a lot about people from all walks of life, and especially yourself.
Moondoggie
Member
I retired as a Master Gunnery Sergeant in '99 after 26 years of svc. I was a DI in the 70's for 2 years. Made meritorious SSgt on the drill field. My oldest son served for 8 years. My dad was a WWII/Korean War Marine. One of my great uncles died on the Bataan Death March.
The ethos and camaraderie of the Marine Corps set us apart from the other services. Boot camp is an experience that will change your life forever. Once a Marine, always a Marine. You can do it as long as you don't give up...many thousands have done it before you. It's designed to be difficult, but not impossible. There are jobs/careers that offer greater rewards, but none that are more rewarding. You will KNOW that you have made a difference.
On the occasion of our 229th Marine Corps Birthday I offer one of our traditional toasts: "God Bless the United States of America, and Success to the Marines!"
Semper Fi!
The ethos and camaraderie of the Marine Corps set us apart from the other services. Boot camp is an experience that will change your life forever. Once a Marine, always a Marine. You can do it as long as you don't give up...many thousands have done it before you. It's designed to be difficult, but not impossible. There are jobs/careers that offer greater rewards, but none that are more rewarding. You will KNOW that you have made a difference.
On the occasion of our 229th Marine Corps Birthday I offer one of our traditional toasts: "God Bless the United States of America, and Success to the Marines!"
Semper Fi!
Sindawe
Member
I concur with goalie, if you've got an inclination to join and the Marines will have you (based on those who've said how stringent the selection is), go for it. "Could'a Would'a Shoud'a" 's are regrets you don't need your life. I had the desire to join after High School, but let my family and Gfriend of the time dissuade me from going down that path and go into college instead. One of the few things in my life I regret, and like the others, its a regret of NOT doing something.
Happy 229th Birthday MARINES!!! May your future be as illustrious as your history!!!
I was in from 85 to 89 and enjoyed my four years. I managed to get a semester of college out of the way and see four continents in four years. Then had a good chunk of my college paid for while going to school after the Corps. If you feel like it's something you need to do and you want to serve your country, then do it!
Happy Birthday to all fellow Marines out there!
Happy Birthday to all fellow Marines out there!
mons meg
Member
Moondoggie said:
For those of you playing at home, a Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9) is not something you see every day. They get that cool bursting bomb in between the chevrons and rockers. A Master Gunny is also immune to small arms fire and most forms of radiation, I'm pretty sure...
0luke1
Member
I spent 8.5 years on active duty as a helicopter pilot in the Navy. The OCS for aviation was run by USMC drill instructors. It was a bizzare four months and despite the fact that it was 22 years ago, I can still remember individual days.
If you are looking to join the service, IMHO the Coast Guard is the best deal for enlisted people (greatest jobs/most responsibility), Air Force is second (cushy lifestyle) - but there's nothing quite like going to sea and if you're at all thinking about the Marines, you should go for it. Just the thought of the Marines scares most normal people.
I agree with the others when they say that your greatest regrets in life will be what you didn't do.
If you are looking to join the service, IMHO the Coast Guard is the best deal for enlisted people (greatest jobs/most responsibility), Air Force is second (cushy lifestyle) - but there's nothing quite like going to sea and if you're at all thinking about the Marines, you should go for it. Just the thought of the Marines scares most normal people.
I agree with the others when they say that your greatest regrets in life will be what you didn't do.
Moondoggie
Member
Thanks for the recognition, Mons Meg!
Small arms fire? Merely an annoyance. But that Kryptonite is really a PITA!
Small arms fire? Merely an annoyance. But that Kryptonite is really a PITA!
How the heck did undiagnosed scoliosis make it through MEPS?
I just took my induction physical at MEPS today for the Air Force (three years of chasing paperwork and waiting..... finally over). I need to go back Friday for a Lasik surgery waiver, but this time next year I'll be in school as a imagery analyst most likely.
I too, refused to be of the coulda woulda crowd. I'm 27. Being surrounded mostly by 17, 18, 20 year olds was interesting. But there were some older reservists and a couple prior service's (including a Marine back from Baghdad last year, who got out, then decided to come back in) so I wasn't surrounded by kids completely.
I just took my induction physical at MEPS today for the Air Force (three years of chasing paperwork and waiting..... finally over). I need to go back Friday for a Lasik surgery waiver, but this time next year I'll be in school as a imagery analyst most likely.
I too, refused to be of the coulda woulda crowd. I'm 27. Being surrounded mostly by 17, 18, 20 year olds was interesting. But there were some older reservists and a couple prior service's (including a Marine back from Baghdad last year, who got out, then decided to come back in) so I wasn't surrounded by kids completely.
greasemonkey862002
Member
happy 229Birthday of the marines!
If you're not married, I say go for it. As others have already mentioned, life in the Corps can be very hard on a marriage. I served from 89-93 , including a little stint in Gulf War v1.0, and I wouldn't change a thing. Saw places I'll probably never see again and made friends that I still consider my brothers to this day. Of all the things I've done in my life, being able to say I served in the United States Marine Corps is one of my proudest achievements! To this day, If I'm walking around with my USMC T-shirt on, I get "Ooh-Rahs!" from complete strangers who I'm assuming also served in the Corps. If you join, that's the kind of camaraderie and esprit de corps you can expect from your fellow Marines. You are a Marine for life and no one can ever take that away from you. Check out my sig line! Good luck and let us know what you decide!
DevilDog
Member
I'll second williegee's post. '81-'87
Semper Fi
Semper Fi
JamisJockey
member
First, let me say, DO IT!
You'll never regret making that decision with your life. You will emerge a better man, willing to tackle whatever life throws at you.
Now that we've decided you are going to join
, lets lay some ground rules:
Don't sign anything yet. Take your ASVAB (or whatever they call it, now). Find out what jobs you are eligible for. If you have any former or current Marines close at hand, sit down and have a heart to heart with them about the MOS's (Military Occupational Specialty) you are qualified for. Figure out a few that would interest you, and ask the recruiter if there are any enlistment bonuses. Remember, you may want to make it a career, or you migh want out after 4, 5, or 6 years (depending on the MOS), but don't slam the door on either option. But, what you pick as an MOS might dictate what career choice you make. Also, do the GI bill!
Find out how you can make early rank from your recruiter, do everything in your power to make that happen. You'll be way ahead of alot of people if you emerge from boot as a PFC or even LcPl. Get in shape, and if you're in shape, get in better shape. Run, run, run! Do situps by the thousand, pullups, and pushups.
Good luck, and Semper Fi!
'92-'97, MOS 7252 (Air Traffic Control Specialist, Tower), the whole damn time at MCAS Yuma, AZ.
You'll never regret making that decision with your life. You will emerge a better man, willing to tackle whatever life throws at you.
Now that we've decided you are going to join
, lets lay some ground rules:Don't sign anything yet. Take your ASVAB (or whatever they call it, now). Find out what jobs you are eligible for. If you have any former or current Marines close at hand, sit down and have a heart to heart with them about the MOS's (Military Occupational Specialty) you are qualified for. Figure out a few that would interest you, and ask the recruiter if there are any enlistment bonuses. Remember, you may want to make it a career, or you migh want out after 4, 5, or 6 years (depending on the MOS), but don't slam the door on either option. But, what you pick as an MOS might dictate what career choice you make. Also, do the GI bill!
Find out how you can make early rank from your recruiter, do everything in your power to make that happen. You'll be way ahead of alot of people if you emerge from boot as a PFC or even LcPl. Get in shape, and if you're in shape, get in better shape. Run, run, run! Do situps by the thousand, pullups, and pushups.
Good luck, and Semper Fi!
'92-'97, MOS 7252 (Air Traffic Control Specialist, Tower), the whole damn time at MCAS Yuma, AZ.
MICHAEL T
Member
Walk into the recuriters office and slap him up side the head and yell I wanna kill! Then if your still standing slap him again and yell I wanna sign up NOW! When you get out of hospital , Go back and ask nicely if you may join.
Really Ive had 10 years active and 3 years in reserves,All Army but deep inside I always wanted to be a MARINE. I say, Go for it!!!
Then if your still standing slap him again and yell I wanna sign up NOW! When you get out of hospital , Go back and ask nicely if you may join. Really Ive had 10 years active and 3 years in reserves,All Army but deep inside I always wanted to be a MARINE. I say, Go for it!!!
- Status