I enlisted into the Marine Corps, and i go to boot camp in june. what is it like, and give me some pointers?
83912
I'm a Marine who began boot camp at Parris Island, SC on June 1, 2004.  I'm now a Corporal, so I would like to give you some pointers that I wish I would've gotten beforehand.\n\n1.  Never look your Drill Instructors in the eyes.  The "Thousand yard stare" is all that is allowed of you.  That is, you can only look straight forward, as if off into the distance.  Your DI's will try everything they can to get you to break this discipline, including spitting in your face, screaming at your face from one inch away, and other ways that I will leave out here (there's alot).\n\n2.  Be in shape.  Get into top shape physically before you get there, and really "put out" (try your hardest) during PT (physical training) while you're there.  You'll only hurt yourself if you don't.  It's okay to be in the middle of the pack while running, but you better not be the fatbody who's last.  Everyone in boot camp suffers for the fall-out boy.  Don't be him.\n\n3.  Two choices--leader or ghost.  There's only two smart ways to go into boot camp.  One is to be a leader, that is, make your presence known to the other recruits.  Be very, very loud, be in top physical shape, and always volunteer for things.  When other recruits look up to you, the DI's will notice.  They will either make you a squad leader (there are usually four), or the Guide (recruit who is the leader of the platoon).  Volunteer for these positions if somebody gets fired.  An outstanding squad leader at graduation usually will get meritoriously promoted to PFC if he's a private, and the Guide (honor graduate) will almost always be promoted, no matter what his former contract rank (Pvt gets PFC, PFC get LCpl).\nThe other route (which I went) is to ghost your way through.  Don't ever mess up, but never volunteer, either.  This way, you won't stand out.  Near the end, though, your DI's will realize that they haven't been paying enough attention to you.  Then, watch-out!  If I could go back I would try to be the Guide, and you probably should, too.  If you're a contract PFC, being a Lance Corporal right out of boot camp is a huge advantage to you later.\n\n4.  Never think you are special.  At boot camp, you aren't.  You're a piece of crap, like everyone else.  That is the purpose of 1st phase (1st month); to make you just like everyone else.  You lose everything, including your name (you have to refer to yourself as "this recruit").  There are no special delicate snowflakes in Marine Corps boot camp.  1st phase strips away your identity.  2nd phase builds you up to be just like everyone else.  3rd phase is where you get some respect (Ok.  Not much from DI's, but other junior recruits look up to you alot.  Help them with advice when you can, and only when you won't get caught!)\n\n5.  Pay attention to what's going on.  Always.  Situational awareness is key in boot camp.  Following instructions EXACTLY without thinking will let you be a successful recruit.  If a DI tells you to do something crazy, just do it with no question.  I was a thinker (as well as a college graduate going in), and this was a hindrance to me.  Turn off the part of your brain that asks "Why are we doing this?"  If you just do what you're told life will be alot easier.  Trust me.\n\n6.  Don't get held back, and don't get injured.  If you fail at a graduation requirement (swim qualification, for example), you will be held back.  For many things, like swim qual or rifle range, you will be given a few second chances.  Falling out of humps is not one of these.  If you fall out of a hump, you go back in training.  Going back in training is one of the worst things that can happen to a recruit, because you leave the closest thing to friends or family that you have (your platoon) behind.  You are then reassigned a new platoon, and have to re-do what you failed, and you have to keep
166131
i am a sea cadet from Munro Division in Cape May, NJ.  If you have been in the program for a least two years, if you attend boot camp you will graduate at a higher pay grade.  If you plan on being an officer, it helps alot with the selection process if you choose an academy or NROTC.  I have applied for NROTC and have been accepted to The Citadel, VMI, and Penn State.  All are NROTC schools.
791416
I spent 8 years in the marine corps myself so im partial to my brother marines, but there not for everyone, go to go navy.com go army.com (etc) and see what they have to offer for your own personel needs and desires,that or go to your nearest recrutement center and talk with them personaly, no matter which way you go on your choice, if you get in and can hack the training you'll find yourself a better fit humanbeing.and no matter what branch you chose it falls true in all cattigories, you'll have an alliance of brothers that will be there for you and to help you out in almost all situations ,,,,,,,,,good luck too you always and god be with you,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Stinger5906,,,,,,,,,,
984471
Here's how it is going to work.  You'll be at the USO at the airport when you get picked up by a Drill Instructor.  You get on a bus with a bunch of other recruits and are told to keep your head down during the ride so you don't see the way in/out of the base.  This is to prevent you from escaping if you decide to go UA (Unauthorized Absence).  Once you get onto MCRD you'll be lead into a room where the DIs will search all of your personal belongings and confiscate anything they can.  Anything they don't confiscate (civilian clothes, shoes, backpack, etc) you will box up and put in storage the next day or two.  A couple of people in my platoon ended up having their stuff go missing when it was time to pick it up before graduating, so don't bring anything that you really care about. \n\nAnyways, back to forming.  After that you will get in a big single-file line standing at attention and waiting for your haircut.  Wannabe DI admin Marines will walk by and harass you and the occasional DI will yell at you.  They will cut your hair really quick and it will hurt a bit, but oh well.  After that you will get your first issue of uniforms and other stuff that you will use during Boot Camp.  Forming will last 3-5 days depending on when you arrive their and when your Company picks up.  Don't worry about forming, you will never see any of those DIs again.  I would advise you to try and volunteer for Guide of your Platoon in forming.  This will usually carry through to your Platoon once you get picked up and as long as you keep doing a good job, your DIs should let you keep it.  Guide gets promoted to PFC upon graduation and has a chance to get LCpl if he is the Company Honorman.\n\nTo answer your question, cut your hair short to make things easier and less painfull but don't buzz it.  They'll cut it no matter what and you'll get less shit from them.\n\nIf you have any other questions shoot me an E-Mail and I'll be glad to help.
670458
join the marines if you want to, nothing bad about that. realize, you will be put into harms way and at times it will suck, but at times it was worth it.
737810
As a Veteran Woman Marine:\n\nI am invited to job interviews because they know I will approach the tasks assigned to my position with a discipline and a level of confidence most lack.\n\nI endured basic training at Parris Island. I can do anything.\n\nI have a title for life: United States Marine. People are surprised when they learn there are women Marines.\n\nI am one of the fewer and prouder: a Woman Marine\n\nThe time I spent in the Marine Corps was one of the finest experiences of my lifetime. It taught me so much about calling upon inner resources I never knew I had. It taught me how to work independently and as a team member. \n\nI was 27 years old when I went to boot camp, following a failed marriage. Boot was harder for me than it was for those right out of high school. But the pride I graduated with is unsurpassed in any other thing I have accomplished in life - next to motherhood.\n\nIf you have the guts, become a Marine. If you haven't, we don't want you.  \n\nSemper fi
1109573
I enjoyed my stay in the Army, had a pretty high ASVAB score, but still wanted to be combat arms (fire support specialist), and had the time of my life.   I also had some friends that went in the Marines, and they loved it too, I don't think you can go wrong, it will probally be some of the best years of your life.  Just make sure you figure out your job options first, I chose the Army because I could pick my specific job instead of just a general field, not sure if that has changed lately.
942119
When I was 18, I was dared to walk into a Navy recruiter's office - 7 months later I was in boot camp.  I really enjoyed it.  Boot camp is difficult, but it is designed to "weed out" those who could not handle a military life.  I stayed in 3 1/2 years, met my husband (who was also in for 8 years), and do miss it sometimes.  If I would have stayed, I would have been in 25 years next May.\n\nIf it is what you want to do, go for it.  But remember that you are signing a contract, and you can't just "quit" if you don't like it.
590409
I was stationed at FT Jackson as a Drill Sergeant for a time in the 1990's. Lots of sand and bugs. Lots of heat as well. Expect early mornings and long days. Just remember it is all a head game. The Drill Sergeant's job is to make you a soldier. It is not hard, you just have to listen and do what is asked of you. You can do it. Their job is to make you think, walk, talk, like a soldier. You will have to learn military customs and tradition, rank structure. How to properly maintain and fire a weapon. How to properly wear your uniform, boots and how to have a professional look about yourself. Be proud to be in the US Army. \n Physical training is a big part of it. Be ready to get fit and lean. Don't worry, they will not leave you behind. They will make every effort to help you and make you a soldier. Also weapons qualification is the other key. If you don't qualify with the M16A2, you will not graduate. A soldier is nothing if he or she cannot properly use the weapons they are given. \nBe ready for FTX(field training exercise) for about 2-3 days and a 10-20 mile road march. Don't worry they will be checking on you and you will stop and take breaks. Keep plenty of water in you at all times. You can't drink enough water. Drink it till it makes you think you will hurl. You don't want to get stuck by a medic with IV bag or in the hospital. Also you will have access to medical care. If you have a problem,let your Drill Sergeant know. Good Luck!
953450
It is where he will go to be trained for his MOS which is his job, his specialty. Here is a link that will list a whole bunch of MOS's and where the schools for them are located. http://www.marinemoms.us/USMC/usmc-mos.asp\n\nSemper Fi! By the way please tell him thank you for serving! oh and get in good by impressing him. Let him know  that you know tomorrow, November 10th is the Marine Corps 231st birthday. I make a Marine Corps birthday cake for hubby every year!
447234
Like everyone else has stated above, you do not get your first choice.  They give you options, but remember as a marine your first duty is a rifleman, you are a foot soldier and most likely will see some type and form of combat in a war time environment. The only way out is if you have some speak law degree and or super computer skills, but that is normally left to the Navy to do for us.  You much understand that the MARINES own you, you do not think for yourself, you do not plan for yourself. If the Marine Corps wanted you to have a wife you would have been issued one in boot camp.  So if you have a girl, drop her.  I can not tell you how many "Dear John" letters are out there that have made grown men cry.  In the end you get only what you want out of the Marines, nothing else.  It is a commitment of your body, sole and life for the Stars and bars.  You would be the first and last line of defense and will be required to do things that you never thought you would or could ever do.  This is the worst case, my brother never saw anything more than the underside of a HumVee (JUNK) give me an old MUTT any time.
93550
When he first gets out of boot camp he will go to a school to train him in his mos...you will not be able to go there, but when that is finished and he gets an actual duty station and you were married you would be able to go with him. If you are looking at marrying into the Marine Corps family check out LINKS (Lifestyle Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills (L.I.N.K.S.) \nThe Spouse's LINK to the Corps!)
790027
OK, OK, you really should be reported for "not a question," but anything for the Marines.\n\nWhen I was going to school this summer in a rather ordinary office building in Capitola, California, the elevator door was right next to the Marines recruiting station, and I got to see the recruiters and their recruits.  And after awhile, I had a look at some of the brochures out front.  I was very impressed with the high standards they express.\n\nBut what finally told me something about these guys was the chinning bar.  Above the door to the recruiting station, there was a metal bar, not unlike a coat rack, but somewhat heavier.  And whenever a Marine had nothing else to do, he would chin himself on this bar.  I couldn't help noticing what terrific condition they were all in.  And that obviously meant enough to them that they would chin themselves just for something to do with the odd five minutes.  These are men who know their muscles, and know what they are able to do.\n\nNow, it is clear that a Marine must be intelligent and skilled, too.  This is the 21st century, and we can't afford Marines who can't use their heads.  But what you will see is that they are in superb control of their bodies as well as their minds; the Greek ideal of the perfect hero.\n\nYeah, we can be proud of the best of the best.  Happy Birthday, Marines.
561295
i have.  26Th MEU.  we patrolled the Mediterranean.  helped out a bit in Bosnia back in 1995. we were part of the IFOR.  I loved it. I loved being a Marine.  wish i would have stayed.
1074994
a lot of these answers are great just to stress on a few get some college first and you will have a higher rank when joining. If you can't. just be prepared to be broken and rebuilt they will break you down and rebuild you into a soldier.  Your life will revolve around the USMC you can't come and go as you please it is up to your ranking officer. I think the Army is a little slacker and not as tuff as the USMC both are standing for your country which is a great honor make sure you pick the job you want when you sign up because it is hard as hell to change once you sign those papers.  Basic training and  the schooling after sucks you do stupid jobs like kitchen duty and detail work.  Defiantly start running/  it is up and at um every morning for PT during your first 6 months to a year.  Lots of push ups and sit ups.  But you build great bonds and great friendships and you make it into what you want it can be the best experience or the worst it is all up to you!\n\nProud to be an American
1000574
It really depends what you want to do.\n\nThe Marines are the most physical, tough and are sometimes the greatest effected by joining.\n\nThe Army is ground and usually fight with the Marines.\n\nThe Marines is also part of the Navy which go over seas, on various vessels for long periods of time.  They tend to see more of the world.  Usually, they sailors go out for six-nine months and then get to stay in the states for about the same amount of time until being deployed again.\n\nThe Coast Guard won't get involved in major warfare and are usually the ones busting drug rings around the south coast!  And also the ones that handle the refugees from Cuba.\n\nDo your own investigating (each branch has a website) and see what fits best for you.  Or even go to your local recruitment center and pick up packets from each branch before making your decision. \n\nAnd good luck!
1187548
How can I express my opinion without insulting anyone?  I agree with the comment that it is a completely different mission.  The Corps trains its troops to be strong, fit and tough both mentally and physically.  They have to!  When you know that your primary job is that of a foot solider you have to be dependable.  Example- You are a 22 year old Sergeant (E5) a squad leader responsible for the lives of 12 Marines.  Your given orders to enter a town and a certain house.  Those Marines are depending on you to get them in and out safely.  Plus each of them is carrying 80 extra lbs of equipment on their bodies.  You have to be tough.  ( Most 22 year olds back home are doing what?????  Playing video games living with Mom and Dad and bitching because life sucks so much.  God I'm so PROUD of this new generation of warriors we have today!  These young men and women are trying to build something good out of something that their fathers screwed up decades ago...God love them and watch out over them).\n\nNow for the so called whimpy Air Force guys.  I'll use my background.  You have to be an expert in your profession, you have to know your job as well as some of the specialists primary job.  You have to work long hours when deployed and be able to do so in the heat and cold.  You are working on mult-million dollar aircraft and weapons systems designed to kill or blow things up.  One mistake can kill you and your crew.  One mistake can cause an airplane to crash and kill a pilot.  In some cases you have to endure Scud attacks, motor attacks and even sniper fire.  Your primary equipment is a primary target and so are you.  Your exposed on the flightline and hope that your security forces are doing their job as well as you.\n\nI was told once by an Army Vietnam Veteran (Silver Star, Couple of Bronze Stars, and three purple hearts) that I wasn't really in the military, I was in the AF.  I kinda laughed and said, "Yeah you're right.  But it sure felt good for you when the Air Force was there providing close air support for you wasn't it?"  He didn't have much to say after that either.  Different jobs, different missions, but the same fight!  Semper Fi and Aim High my friend!\n\nVr  RJ