Can you convince me the Marines is the way to go?

[candylandisreal]

So I finally talked to an OSO today. Actually a few people from the Army cause the Marine department was closed. I get the feeling from what I've heard and researched about...the army and marines are pretty close...or at least I could understand waht they were talking about. But anyways,..

I just want someone to convince me the marines it the way to go. Don't get me wrong, I want it really really badly, but I am feeling a little bit discouraged. Especially after talking with my parents. My dad was drafted for Vietnam and he absolutely hated it. (which is understandable) He keeps telling me the military is full of corrupted, kiss-ass, dumb-ass people. ANd that I won't be happy there. I want to do the reserves but then I heard that all the reserves are in Iraq now...I want to be involved with the marines somehow when I'm in college, but not go on active duty during my schooling.

Is the military really corrupted like I've heard it is?
Tell me why you guys picked the marines out of the navy/army/ etc

...convince me...please...I am feeling really discouraged.

Thanks

 

[Thisguy]

Corrputed, kiss-ass, dumb-ass people? Sounds like corporate america to me. I'm in the Navy, and I didn't do ROTC, USNA, or BDCP. After doing a couple of co-ops, I decided that corporate America just wasn't for me. Laying off people so the stock goes up? That's just wrong. People balk at the 4-year commitment, but keep in mind, you may be comitted to the USMC, but they have a commitment to you as well. I graduated in DEC 2001, and the previous summer I secured a job offer from a Big Five management consulting firm. They offered me in June, and said I would receive details in September. Well, I got a call a month later saying the firm over extended itself and had to rescind all summer offers. This sent me scrambling my last semester of college to intervew with companies who were interviewing 50 people for 2 spots. Needless to say, I don't regret joining the military.

 

[Steve Wilkins]

You want US to convince YOU that the Marine Corps is the right place for you? How 'bout instead, you convince us that you are the caliber of person who should be a military officer.

Basically, you need to do some soul searching and figure out what is right for you. Talk to your recruiter ask questions, ask questions on this site (direct questions, not the open ended ones), or talk to others that you know who are in the Marine Corps or Army.

Your dad's perspective is but one of many that you should consider. I for one would disagree with his observations.

If you don't want to go on active duty while you are concentrating on college, then don't join the reserves. The reserves is not a free ride. There is a good chance you could be mobilized to active duty for 6 months or more. This applies to the army, navy, and marine corps and not just for Iraq.

 

[Bevo16]

The Navy has been great for me. I enlisted after high school (the summer of 96) and went to enlisted nuke school after boot camp. I did not have a great experience in world of the nuclear navy, but after I got out of that (dropped for lack of academic aptatude) things have been great.

I went to Groton, CT for a different "A" school, and that is where I learned how great the Navy is. The student control officer of Naval Submarine School was a really dynamic warrant officer (Nigel Sealy) who would do everything he would to help his students. CWO3 Sealy ran a personal program that he designed to get junior enlisted men into officer programs. In the two years that I was there, (the last one I spent running the program) we got 15 guys including myself into ROTC, BOOST, OCS, or The Naval Academy.

One of the really cool things about the relationship that Nigel and I have (we are still close friends) is that he is a black man from Trinidad, and I am a white country boy from Texas. I guess my point is that people in the military take care of each other in a way that is foreign in the corporate world. Being in the military is a lot more than just flying cool aircraft and blowing **** up. It is about being part of a team with a vital mission and protecting the nation. I am positive that you will not find that kind of job satisfaction in the civilian world, and the friendships that you will form in the military are much stronger than the bonds that money can buy.

I know guys that got out of the military after their first tour and are now working civilian jobs. All they ever talk about is their time in the military and all of the cool things that they did and the places they saw. Early next year, I am going on an around the world cruise. You will not find that working for IBM or selling insurance.

 

[Grandmaster235]

I just want someone to convince me the marines it the way to go.

Entering this profession requires genuine self-motivation. This applies to any branch of the military. No one can give that to you -- you either have it or you don't. In other words: if you have to ask, don't bother asking.

Being a reservist during a war means being on active duty. Based on your post, my impression is that you are too self-involved to be a military officer. The profession of arms requires sacrifice, motivation, flexibility, commitment, and a thousand other virtues.

No offense intended -- if your post is not representative of your character, then good for you.

Of course, this is just one corrupt dumbass's opinion. (No one ever accused me of being a kiss-ass... perhaps they've all been weeded out over the past 35 years).

 

[manny7_99]

If you need to be convinced, look elsewhere. I really mean it.

Having said that, your dad was "drafted" and during that time many people didn't want to be there. Even now, in a volunteer military, you have dumbasses that "signed by mistake or for the wrong reasons." Don't be one of those.

The military is not for everyone. If you are not sure, take your time, talk to people, research. Have some self initiative, that'll help you in anything you pursue.

Lastly, The Corp is a family and a selective one. Standards are high, so are sacrifices you'll have to make. Each branch has their own culture, make sure you go where you would fit best or think will be happy. If you make the wrong choice, don't blame it on 111"somebody convincing you." You are not retarded (I hope.)

P.S. About the military being corrupt. You will have good apples and bad apples everywhere. No organization is perfect. It'll be what you make out of it and what you put into it.

S/F

 

[Fly Navy]

I mean no offense to your dad whatsoever, but the military of the Vietnam draft era and the military of now are completely different worlds and what he thinks of it doesn't necessarily hold any validity. He also has a dark view because he was drafted and didn't like it. Take that into consideration.

There is corruption everywhere. There will be some in the military because it is a cross-section of society, more or less. Though there is a bit of weeding out done in the military, unlike the civilian world.

Reserves. The military is built such that it is heavily dependent on reserves and national guard in times of large scale war. That's how we do it. It's not a free ride like someone already said.

Good luck. Do some soul searching. The military doesn't want people that don't want to be there, the Marines ESPECIALLY.

 

[trongod46]

now im not going to be so judgemental as all these other hard core been there done that's, i understand you are young and at an influencial point in your life lookin for a little guidance, not everyone was born as Chesty Puller, life in the Corps for a woman is a difficult one, my wife was a marine, you have to deal with a lot of prejudice and assumptions on your abilities how you handle that is going to be based on what your made of, so take your time no need to rush into anything if you have a few years of college still to go, go talk to a Marine OSO, and maybe some females that may be working in the office there enlisted or officer and see how they feel,

so take it easy you dont have to know by tommorow.

 

[VarmintShooter]

My folks tried to talk me out of it and now they are proud as hell. Other generations have different views of the military, but at least for my parents the reality hit home once I was in and everyone is glad about my choice. It's all my Mom ever talks about. Sure beats my derelict sister.

Just a thought.

 

[candylandisreal]

Well you know, maybe the word "convincing" is the wrong word to be using here. Deep down I really really want to do it, but like almost everyone here has said; I need to do some more soul searching. I'm trying to prevent myself from making a big mistake (if it turns out to be)..but you know, everybody makes mistakes and you just move on right? I really appreciate all of your replies because they have helped...a lot. really.

All my life I have dreamed about being in the military, either the Navy or Marine Corps. When I was little I used to draw ****ing air craft carriers for heaven's sake...then I got into a whole bunch of artsy stuff. Music, Photography, Art, Film etc. So now, I've landed myself a place in the best photography/film school there is and my parents have enough money to pay college for me. They're just worried sick about spending 50 grand on me and then joining the military...they think it would be a total, total waste, and a step-down. That is what they are giving me a hard time about. So now I have complete mixed feelings about everything. Should I do it? Is it REALLY what I want to do? Will it be miserable as hell? Will I end up taking stupid little pictures for people's ID? (I hope not)

I'm not sure I can picture myself working for National Geographic or doing "regular" photography...but taking pics in the Marine Corps sounds like the ultimate man..

I'm only 17, barely no ****...confusion you know? I have different opinons clashing into me...but you know what?...

...I really wanna do it. I really do. I'm going to research the marine corps like a madwomen and I'm still going to think about it, and try and "convince" my parents now...

Hey Varmint Shooter, I really appreciate your reply. I'm sure if I make it all the way through boot and what not, my parents will be proud as hell too.

They could call me crazy all they want, but if I want to do something, no one, or no thing will stop me from it. Trust me.


Thanks again everybody! It means a lot to me that ya'll are taking the time to help me out...

Sarah

 

[Fly Navy]

You'll find a lot of parents are against it at first, but become very proud once you're in. My grandmother was a soldier-hating, anti-war protestor in the Vietnam War, and she couldn't be more proud of me and the military now.

Are they worried at all because you're a girl? That happens sometimes.

 

[manny7_99]

now im not going to be so judgemental as all these other hard core been there done that's, i understand you are young and at an influencial point in your life lookin for a little guidance, not everyone was born as Chesty Puller, life in the Corps for a woman is a difficult one, my wife was a marine, you have to deal with a lot of prejudice and assumptions on your abilities how you handle that is going to be based on what your made of, so take your time no need to rush into anything if you have a few years of college still to go, go talk to a Marine OSO, and maybe some females that may be working in the office there enlisted or officer and see how they feel,

so take it easy you dont have to know by tommorow.

Excellent Post.

Well you know, maybe the word "convincing" is the wrong word to be using here. Deep down I really really want to do it, but like almost everyone here has said; I need to do some more soul searching. I'm trying to prevent myself from making a big mistake (if it turns out to be)..but you know, everybody makes mistakes and you just move on right? I really appreciate all of your replies because they have helped...a lot. really.

All my life I have dreamed about being in the military, either the Navy or Marine Corps. When I was little I used to draw ****ing air craft carriers for heaven's sake...then I got into a whole bunch of artsy stuff. Music, Photography, Art, Film etc. So now, I've landed myself a place in the best photography/film school there is and my parents have enough money to pay college for me. They're just worried sick about spending 50 grand on me and then joining the military...they think it would be a total, total waste, and a step-down. That is what they are giving me a hard time about. So now I have complete mixed feelings about everything. Should I do it? Is it REALLY what I want to do? Will it be miserable as hell? Will I end up taking stupid little pictures for people's ID? (I hope not)

I'm not sure I can picture myself working for National Geographic or doing "regular" photography...but taking pics in the Marine Corps sounds like the ultimate man..

I'm only 17, barely no ****...confusion you know? I have different opinons clashing into me...but you know what?...

...I really wanna do it. I really do. I'm going to research the marine corps like a madwomen and I'm still going to think about it, and try and "convince" my parents now...

Hey Varmint Shooter, I really appreciate your reply. I'm sure if I make it all the way through boot and what not, my parents will be proud as hell too.

They could call me crazy all they want, but if I want to do something, no one, or no thing will stop me from it. Trust me.


Thanks again everybody! It means a lot to me that ya'll are taking the time to help me out...

Sarah

Now, that's the attitude. You almost sound like a Marine now

It's been said...Do a soul search, compare the facts, and God-willing make the right choice. Take care and G' Luck

S/F

 

[candylandisreal]

Probably. My dad thinks I'll hate it and I won't be able to "take it" All of the mental and emotion "abuse". And the other thing they are worried about is just the whole school thing...But hey, just THINKING about joining makes me motivated..makes me exercise and run three miles each day to get in shape. happy as a turtle.

 

[usmcecho4]

low pay, long deployments, high risk of death, alcoholism, stds...what's not to like?

kill,
usmcecho4

 

[gaijin6423]

Just to add my own perspective: I had a LOT of options available to me when I was leaving high school, but instead of riding my SATs and grades to college (and quite possibly wasting my time) or pursuing other avenues, I enlisted in the Marines. Everyone thought that I was crazy; that I would be eaten alive; that I had made a huge, tremendous mistake. Hell, there were times when I was SURE that I had made a mistake. My father, another Vietnam era draftee and pretty outspoken opponent of the military, wouldn't speak to me for 3 months after I joined under the DEP. When he did decide to talk to me again, it was only to tell me that I'd made a mistake. I spent just under 4 years as an enlisted Marine, and the only reason that I got out was because I won admission to the USNA. The day he and my mother pinned my 2ndLt bars on my dress blues, my father broke down and cried. I've never felt prouder or smaller in my entire life.

When I was enlisted, I used to take new junior Marines who just checked in out to watch colors every now and then. I would tell them after the ceremony, "Look up at that flag. Do you see it? What does it make you feel when you see it up there on a perfect day? Because if you can honestly walk by that flag and not stand up a little straighter, walk a little orouder, or get that lump in your throat, then tell me right now. Because I'll do everything in my power to help you on your way out."

Everyone has their doubts about wanting to serve, but if it's in you to do so, then you'll know it. At the risk of sounding like yoda or something: Listen to what your heart tells you, because most of the time, it knows what's right.

"The universe tends to unfold as it should."