I just joined the Marines.

[BergaminoCAV]

haha I think Sailors, Marines, and Soldiers always have their fights, but in the end we all know who has it the easiest.....thats right...THE AIRFORCE hahaha, not trying to make anyone angry just messin around, I sure would like to fly one of them a-10s though, man those are music to any ground troops ears!

 

[1911 guy]

Thank you.

My spirit goes with you. You are about to become a member of a fraternity with no dues and a lot of respect among those who know. Bone up on any info you can get out of your recruiter before reporting, stop smoking now if you do, running, pushups and pull-ups are going to be your constant companions. When you think you've had it, stop and think about it. Your body is capable of far more than your mind is willing to tolerate. Realize this and it's just guts to push on. "Pain is your friend. It tells you you're not *#@!ing dead yet."

 

[williegee]

"I admire marines, but just remember, your butt belongs to the Dept. of the Navy."

Yeah, The MENS department!

 

[bclark1]

Congrats MTMilitiaman.

I'm trying to go OCS while I'm still in grad school - everything's in order, including my PFT score, which is why I'm stunned that the docs at MEPS gave me a (completely unfounded) medical DQ. I got no ribbing at MEPS, except everyone there seemed to think I was crazy to want to bother going to school just to get my ass kicked in the Marines - everyone was telling me how much better the benefits are in the other services, etc. I guess if you're not the kind of person that thinks getting your ass kicked is valuable experience that builds character, you wouldn't understand. I've gotten a second doctor's opinion and am waiting on the waiver from Washington - hope I see you some day.

To busy your mind while you're waiting (remember, hurry up and wait), Marines write really good books. One Bullet Away by Nathaniel Fick was an awesome read, I read it (in all places) in Las Vegas over a long weekend. It was that good that I said forget seeing the sights, I can't put this down. Fick is a little into himself, and seems to pride himself on his Dartmouth education, which is the only bit that rubbed me the wrong way. Ivy League generally says to me "Mommy and Daddy have $40,000 a year to spend on an English degree that qualifies me to do absolutely nothing after college," but his liberal arts education probably helped him write a better book if nothing else. I'm also starting to read Shooter: The Autobiography of theTop-Ranked Marine Sniper, by Jack Coughlin, and I've heard great things about it.

Anyway, enjoy the ride and keep us posted on how you're doing.

 

[Q-Lock]

I'll second bclark1's two book recommendations. I have read them both and while they have their pros and cons (what books don't?)...the pros greatly outweigh the cons. Two thumbs up imo.

Thank you for your decision to serve our country and protect our lives! We will pray for your safety.