new member with big question

[BIGFRED]

Hi all. i have been a long time reader and am now finally starting to participate. I am 23 and happily married. I am currently a resident in houston Tx. i am a strong supporter of an americans right to protect his or her property and family. I have been reading since the firing line, and i feel like i personally know some of you. I do not own a gun yet but I have learned sooo much by reading other peoples experiences. I have to say thank you to the most knowledgable group of people on the net.

Now on to my question! I am set on joining the armed forces,more specifically USMC. I just wanted to get some feed back from anybody who has had service time or knows someone who has. In fact anybody who prefers other branches can give personal info as well. Likes, dislikes, preferences, etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Thanx

 

[Marshall]

BF,

Welcome my Texas neighbor! I can't help you with your question, I don't have the experience necessary to do so. I know their are others here that do and will hopefully do so while hiding their personal ax to grind.

You might point out what it is you would like to get out of joining the armed forces and what you have interests in doing. That me helpful to those offering their opinions and experienced help.

Post more often, we would like to hear from you!

 

[strambo]

I spent 7 years in the Army, enlisted and officer. What sold me on the Army is that I got my exact job guaranteed before I joined. Don't think thats true of other branches, at least it wasn't then (in '92). Whatever you do make sure to take full advantage of all available college benefits (GI bill, college fund, loan repayment, etc...)

My recruiters were great, but if they tell you something that doesn't seem right get a second opinion. Learn as much as you can about the chosen service and the particular job (MOS-Military Occupational Specialty) and units you may be assigned to before you join, it will be a big help.

I've known quite a few former Marines who switched to the Army and every one I asked said it was because the Marines changed their duty MOS and / or they couldn't do what they wanted. A former Marine officer told me all he wanted to be was Force Recon and he was Infantry, but when he made Captain they switched him to a completely different occupation (like maintenance or supply, I forget) so he got out. This would never happen in the Army, you stay the same MOS (for enlisted) unless you want to change (and the Army lets you). Officers stay the same branch (Infantry, Armor etc...) but have different jobs within that branch depending on unit/rank.

Since my info on USMC is just informal and dated take it with a grain of salt, just be sure whatever you do you know what your in for. It would suck to join the Corps to be Infantry (the only acceptable choice IMO ) and end up being a cook for 4 years.

P.S. Army officers don't have any initial Branch/job guarantees like enlisted do, it's a wish list/needs of the Army kind of thing. The only good thing is it won't switch mid career.

Good luck!

 

[4v50 Gary]

Never been in the service but I hope you've discussed this with your spouse. Teamwork in the Corps (or any other branch) shouldn't be upset by Homework.

 

[yayarx7]

I did 4 years active duty Air Force and 4 more Texas Air National Guard, I must say that the Air Force can be a great place to serve.

I went in with a guaranteed job. I got stationed in Texas. I only went overseas once on active duty. Not bad if you are trying to raise a family.

I know other USAF types that are always TDY and always PCSing.

The best thing is, that if you get a guaranteed job, you will get trained and will get experience in a real world career.

 

[duckfoot]

I got out of the Corps five years ago, and had a good time while in. Shoot me a PM if you need help with those recruiters.

 

[Slow]

I spent some time in USAF when Reagan was President and concur with YAYARX7. I think it ultimately depends on what you want to do... My family has members who have served in Army, Marines and USAF during peace and during war. In hindsight (always 20/20) I think I would have chosen Army. I have asked family members and other veterans and they tell me about the teamwork and comraderie they found in the Army and Marines. My wife didn't want me in the Marines so that was out. I chose originally for the heritage of my Father serving during Korean Conflict in the USAF it seemed like a good enough reason ... Once I got in I found unless you had a position on the Flight Line it was sort of like every man/ woman for themself. Although more independent now, I was looking to be part of a team. If you want better food and lodging go USAF, training is comparable in the branches with a few exceptions. I served in a hospital (scary when teamwork is negligible) in Florida. The Navy corpsman I knew had outstanding training. If a combatant role is desired.. Marines or Army (Common sense dictates). If post service education is a goal, my experience was that a friend who served <6yrs active in Army had enough $$ under GI Bill (early 1990) that He paid for His and spouses college bill.
Overall, the military was a great experience that I will always cherish but remember this axiom, "Rank is everything!" I was enlisted and wished I had gotten into ROTC in the 70's when I started college (hindsight 20/20)
If you can manage to complete college first (may seem impossible... ) a commission as an officer is an even better way to serve. Enough rambling from an Elder friend.
Brett

 

[rayra]

On average, the first years in the Marines can put a significant strain on relationships. That said, your age is far older than the average recruit & you state you are happily married, so your mileage may vary.
Just know that the training and deployment routines can create a lot of separation time. Modern communications, and more importantly your spouse's ability to cope, fend for herself, and bond with other spouses in similar straits can go a long way towards easing the situation.

Your desire to Serve is commendable, as is your choice of branch, but be sure your wife is as Gung Ho as you are.

As for the Marines itself, my own Boot Camp experiences are almost two decades ago. I was of a similar age, and that made the experience simultaneously tougher and easier. Tougher in that more was demanded of the the older recruits in terms of Leadership and Responsibility, and easier in that the rah-rah and chicken???? games were obvious for what they were.
Best advice I can give re the Boot Camp experience - Do everything you are charged to do as hard and fast and well as you are able, and expect to get dumped on regardless (either Individually or Collectively).

For the choice of MOS / Recruiter promises - you haven't said anything about your desired field or your particular abilities. Have you taken the ASVAB tests yet? Any Branch has recruitment goals to meet, though it is my understanding that isn't very difficult these days. Many MOSs are in high demand do to the current OpTempo, which means relaxed entry requirements AND longer / more frequent deployments.
You will get many promises from a recruiter. trust nothing. well, nothing but the contract you'll sign, which will state your primary MOS. The recruiter is supposed to pre-qualify you for this position, via said ASVAB tests, any educational background, etc. The service may not have a need for personnel in the filed you desire, in which case you'll likely not get it. Sometimes alternate MOSs can be selected, just be darned sure that they are in the same mega-field you desire - ie, don't accept Motor Transport if your primary choice is a Combat MOS.


More on separation - If you pursue combat arms, and particularly specialties key in the Fleet Marine Force (or whatever they are calling it these days), your deployments and separations, especially in the beginning, will be lengthy, with 6-9mos rotations at sea, or mmore likely right now, in a theater of war.

If you have more questions, or which to discuss the Marines at length, send me a private message, we'll exchange email addys.

Good luck with your military desires, and good health

 

[BamBam-31]

No advice, but a big THR welcome for you, BIGFRED! And thanks for serving our country.

 

[Leatherneck]

Fred,
Welcome to THR!

As rayra said, you'll be older than most of the recruits @17-18 years old, and more will be expected of you in subtle ways. That's OK; being a Marine is all about bringing out the best qualities you have.

Don't be hesitant to walk in and talk to your local recruiter; listen to what he can offer, and when you finally decide, make sure you get everything in writing. Even with that, The Needs Of The Corps are always first.

Expect considerable deployed time; all the services are stretched thin and likely to remain so. Make sure your wife understands the demands that will be placed on you, and the low income to expect for the first few years. The Corps has some pretty sucky bases in CONUS, and that takes a toll sometimes.

Have you considered the reserves?

Above all, thank you for wanting to serve. Semper Fidelis! It's a life, not a job.

TC
TFL Survivor

 

[Gus Dddysgrl]

I have no personal experience in any of them, but would say I'm slightly biased towards the Marines.

Dad was a marine before he met my mom. If I ever joined anything it would be the marines. Cause you know what ARMY stands for? Aren't Ready for Marines Yet. (that's dad's line not mine.)

I have not met a marine I didn't like (or think was ugly) yet. I have met army, navy, and air force people and they still don't add up to the marines I've met.

However that's just who I've met, I'm not sure what it's like actually being in any of the branches. It would be an honor serving our country so I wish you luck in your choice and let us know how you are doing. Have a good one.

 

[Rockrivr1]

Welcome BigFred!

The only advise I'd give is for you to "REALLY" make sure you and your wife discuss what it will be like for the next 4 years. You'll be away at boot camp and then training for at least 3 months before she see's you again. Then once you get stationed somewhere you'll need to sign up for on base housing. It won't happen right away as being very low in rank puts you at the bottom of the list. Plus, you'll be deployed sooner or later and be away for long periods of time. This becomes even more complicated if you have kids.

Now don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to talk you out of joining, just that you need to make sure you both know what your getting into. I spent 4 years in the Navy myself. I was stationed overseas on a carrier. I seen a good part of this world, had some of the best experiences in my life and still have some very good friends from being in. I wouldn't trade that for anything. But, I've seen some good friends go through hell being away from their families.

Good luck in your decision. I commend anyone who want to join the military. If you do decide to join the Marines and get assigned ship duty, try to get on a carrier. They get to the best ports everywhere

 

[yayarx7]

To comment on a point Slow brought up; I found the Air Force to offer camaraderie, depending on the job you had, relating to the type of unit you were assigned to.
The Services squadron always had the best morale. I think this had a lot to do with the number of females in the squadron.
On the other hand I know that the medical squadrons were not friendly places to work, you had to cover your posterior and walk a straight line.
There seemed to be that bond of brotherhood in the Security Forces units and I know that brotherhood exists in the Civil Engineer units.
In my CE unit we were family, we took care of one another. My father served in Communication units and did not experience this sense of family.