[OriginalReaper]

I'm thinking about joining the marines...

...

Idunno why... I've pondered and I think it's sense of adventure. Today I took one of their practice tests and scored a 73. The guy said it was a high score and I'd probably get into anything I wanted to, but recruiters are the sleaziest of salespeople so I didn't trust him much.

I'd like some of you to post your experiences about any branch of the US armed forces.

 

[averydonovan]

Tried joining the Navy. Well, actually I did. But it didn't work out in boot camp since I didn't cope well with it, and ended being sent home after being there nearly 3 months. I got an Entry-Level Separation, which makes it as if I was never there. It was an interesting experience, though.

Oh, and be very careful of recruiters. They will tell you anything to get you in. I had a pretty good recruiter, but I talked to many fellow recruits who had recruiters who blatantly lied to them. I have heard this goes for all the services. If you do join, make sure what your recruiter promises you for a job is in your contract. I don't know if it is the same for the Marines, but if you go in undesignated (with no rate, or job) you will be very limited in what jobs you can later get. And make sure you get any and all questions you have answered before you sign that piece of paper if you do decide to join. And be sure to check out the various branches and what they offer, since each one is unique.

 

[Tuberoller]

Holy smokes,

You must have been at the MARINE CORPS Recruitment expo. It was just held here last night. That's a joke,I know you weren't but it's almost spooky that you would make this post the day after.

My wife and Myself are Both MARINE CORPS Vets and we participate in recruitment and troop support activities. If you are seriously considering this I strongly advise calling a recuiter who is based in your area(not one at a fair or career day) and being very specific OVER THE PHONE about what you want to do. Don't visit a recruiter until you have spoken with him/her on the phone and made an appointment. Be very specific about what you want to do and don't even listen to the hard-sell on other "MOS opportunities". Try to get a parent to come with you if you are unsure about anything said and don't worry about signing anything. Do not show up late.


You have to come to some very stark realizations before you do this. We are at war,regardless of what you see and hear on TV. There are currently three combat theatres and all are being manned by MARINES. Every MARINE is a rifleman,which means if the need arises,you will fight. Every job in the MARINE CORPS is present in the MEUs (Marine Expeditionary Units) which means you could take a job as a Staff Writer and still see combat duty. Current combat tours are one full year,which means you will be away at least 14 months with 365 full days in a combat deployment. MARINES almost always see combat in some form. When the current troops are rotated out there will be replacements sent. You could also be "poked" for back-to-back combat tours with only a 30 day leave between them, as I was twice. It is even more likely you will be based overseas though I was lucky enough to serve my last few months at Fort McCoy,Wisconsin and enjoyed living in officer's quarters because my wife was a 1st Lt.

MARINE CORPS "boot camp" is the toughest in the world. You will emerge from this training as a Warrior and part of a Brotherhood that has existed since 1798. There are some very difficult things ahead but there are many there to aid you along this way.

If becoming a MARINE is your goal and you understand the risks and commitment involved,follow your heart. You will become part of a Fighting Force that is the best in the world. I learned much as a Soldier and it has certainly enriched my life in many ways. I consider it a honor to serve and anyone who so chooses is a hero in my book. It takes a different kind of person to follow the path and I know it's not for everyone. I'm so proud that you are considering enlisting and I hope you follow through. I have the upmost respect for any soldier but a special place in my heart is reserved for my MARINE COPRS brothers and sisters.

 

[fractus2]

U.S. Navy, 24 years 3 months. Six more? Pm if you have any questions.

 

[Jeff]

Currently serving in the US Army. If you have some standards in your life and want to run around a bit, I suggest going for it.

 

[OriginalReaper]

any comments on casualty rates?

 

[DanG]

Marines often take heavier losses because they can get sent in faster than the Army. For example, nobody was suggesting sending the Army into Liberia, but Bush considered sending in Marines to help protect Monrovia.

Then again, an old friend of mine in the Marines currently in Iraq has been quite safe just about his entire time there (last I heard... which was two or so months ago).

Don't go into the Marines if you're worried about safety is all I can say. The majority of soldiers killed in Iraq have been soldiers around the age of 20.

 

[jinxed84]

Im in the process of going into the Army for the Warrant Officer Flight program. so far ive done the ASVAB, the MEPs physical, the AFAST, and the class 1 and 2 flight physicals. all i need to do now is go infront of the board and they say yay or nay.

 

[Nisbeth]

I can't contribute anything about being in the armed forces (US or others), but I can tell you how sorry you'll probably be in xx years if you want to sign up and don't, because you'll always wonder what it would have been like and think about the opportunities you've missed. If you really feel like it, then don't just stand there - do it!!!

/U.