I just enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. A few weeks ago, when I went through M.E.P.S. (Military Entrance Processing Station) in Indianapolis, I found myself surrounded by recruits for the National Guard, Air Force, Navy, and Army. There were perhaps 115 recruits there. Out of all of these recruits, 5 of them wanted to be Marines, including myself. Out of these 5, 2 passed the physical evaluation, including myself (it’s the same evaluation for every branch.) There really is a reason why we are called “The Few, The Proud.” We are the most elite, and one of the more selective of the services. The Marines are not for everyone, and I say that with all honesty. The training camp is 13 weeks long, more than half of what other branches require. I have not gone through boot camp yet, I am awaiting my shipment date, but from what I have learned from other Marines, it is not an easy task. The Marines will break you down, to your core. And then, they will build you back up into Marines. If you do not like taking orders, or being told what to do, every day, and all day, the Marines are not for you. But just because you are a Marine, does not mean that you will be in the most intense combat. You can get desk jobs, you can be a repairman, you can do quite a bit, things you woulden’t expect (Combat Photography, Nuclear Engineering [dismantling nuclear weapons], Legal Services, etc.) Also, if you’re looking for a huge signing bonus, you probably will not get one at all unless you can speak a rare foreign language (Malay, Arabic, Hebrew, etc.) I chose the Marines for the pride of being able to call myself a Marine, the discipline and responsibility, and for college assistance. Don’t just listen to what the recruiter says, the recruiter is VERY good at not telling lies, but saying things like “Many of our barracks provide a room for each enlisted Marine.” This does NOT mean you will get a single room, but thats what most people will interpret. As my dad said, my recruiter would be a millionaire if he were to sell cars. They will act like hard asses with you, trying to get you to enlist, and as if other services are not an option. Stand your ground! Do your own research, look into other services! If you want to do something medical, then forget the Marines, we don’t have a medical branch (the Navy provides medics.) But even if the Marines don’t have what you want, if you are a valuable recruit, the recruiter will try and make you interested in something that you relatively don’t know much about. I learned more from my own, independent research through the internet and speaking with FORMER Marines. Most Marines that are currently enlisted will only tell you the pro’s, not the cons. So the moral of my post is, do your own research, don’t give in to what the Recruiter has to say (it’t not always bad, but know when to pick out the bullshit and ask plenty of questions,) and always know that you have other choices.
Semper Fidelis
How to join the marines
How I did it: I went to my Boyfriend's recruiter and talked over my options. I really want to become a Sign Language Interpreter and be a part of the Marine Corps. So after some research I decided to join the Marine Corps Reserves. I went to MEPS, took my physical, the ASVAB, and swore in. I will be able to go to school and be a Marine. I ship off on June 20th!
Lessons & tips: Do your research. yuku.com search Parris Island. Very good site for parents and recruits about boot and grad!
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well i am 14… i have just recently decided im going to join the marines… but i have begun to think about navy seals programs… whos better marines special forces or navy seals? any one can help.
Well I decided it’s past time to do something for my life. I have always carried an interest to join the Military. I need help with school, I love to travel, I desire to help others, and become something greater than what I am now. My boyfriend of 5 years is a marine and now I’ve decided that I feel a calling for it as well. I will be One of the Few.
My names ryan miller i am 13 years old and i am interested in joining the marines. I know still have 5 years but it is something that i really want to do.i know that yall probably think that i watch shooting movies and think that it’s just a cool thing but that’s not it. I understand the risk’s of dying like many already have.i want to serve my country and protect my home and family.
MikeyVas Im living life
I am proud to serve my country and die for everybody in the USA. No marine will go to hell and every marine has there place in heaven. I leave july 20th and will be in South Carolina for bootcamp. I am going to be in infantry because I believe god want me too. I want to be a recon sniper and help my brothers. Of course I am scared and I dont know what im getting myself into but I am willing to sacrifice all for my country and god. I feel like I have a gift for percussion and I can be in the marine band also. I dont know what path I should choose. To be a musician or fight for my country and protect my brothers in arms.
Dont join the marines enless you want to commit yourself to abuse, belittlement, embarassment, fear, hatred, betrayal, regret, sadness, being used, mistreated and finally losing the best years of your life!
I too wanted to join the Marine Corps and I am glad that I did. I am having a great time being stationed at MCAS Miramar in San Diego, Ca. I work on F-18’s and have a great time doing it. If anyone has any questions about joining in the San Diego area or the Marines in general, please contact my e-mail at EWBMarine@yahoo.com
I want to join the Marines to get another perspective in life. I’ve been living my life, meandering sort of. I’ve worked at BB&T, several Mortgage companies as Production Coordinator. Made a lot of money with nothing to show for it. I want to experience life from a survivalist perspective. I want to protect my family when the time comes. I want to know I can be better than I’ve ever been. These are just a few of many reasons i want to join the Marines.


