This question is for Marines only, wanting to join the Marine Corps any advice?
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.
113550
Chris,\n\nThis is actually a very good question, and I'm glad you had the wherewithal to post it.  The only problem is that you're going to get a LOT (seems to me you already have) of answers from folks who have absolutely NO IDEA what military training, or life in uniform is about.  My opinion is that if you haven't been through it yourself, your answer is formed without basis, and is basically without any merit whatsoever...you people reading this that posted above...you know who I'm speaking to.\n\nAnyhow, good question, Chris!  There are a lot of advantages to military service, but it is not for everyone.  I enjoyed every second of my active service, even basic training...I thought it was FUN.  My experiences were positive, but I noted some things.  These are:\n\n1.  Basic training AKA "boot camp" - I had fun there...it's a mind game more than anything else.  So far as the physical part, that's easier to negotiate.  I saw a bunch of people break down however...but understand that this is what "they" want to happen.  If the lifestyle, mind-set, discipline and taking orders is not for you, you will find that out quickly...the military does not want folks that are not cut out for the life any more than those folks want to stay.\n\n2.  The enlistment period - this isn't as bad as it could be.  One can opt to sign up for two years at a time now instead of four...two years ain't so bad, but it could be if you're miserable.  Four years, if you're not having a good time, must be like purgatory.  Once you sign the contract, it is binding...so, if basic training doesn't weed you out, it could be a loooonng wait.\n\n3.  War - let's face it...that's what you're there for.  You could minimize your risk by picking a specialty that doesn't involve actual combat...nothing wrong with that, everyone has a job to do.  Combat situations are stressful in of itself though...\n\nThat's all I can think of right now.  I'm sure I'm missing something, and I'll update the answer if I think of any more.  Like I said before, it's not for everyone, but heck, either is say, being a CPA.  The only way you're going to know for sure is to try it...you never know, you might be the 1% of the U.S. population that could not think of doing anything else.\n\nADDED 2/25/06 1531 EST:\n\nmedolfan,\n\nPlease read my post, sir...did I single YOU out?  I opined, like you, that SOME folks are offering opinions without basis in fact...since you answered, Chief, are you feeling guilty about something?\n\nIf the statement doesn't apply to YOU, then it should be ignored.  Live and let live, guy.\n\nADDED 3/1/06 @1317 EST:\n\nmedolfan,\n\nYou did imply that you did retire, did you not?  If you cannot accept being called "sir" now that you are in the civilian sector, you're in a world of hurt.  To tell anyone unsuspecting that you "work for a living" when anyone dared show you a bit of respect would mark you as one who can't let go of being out of uniform...your loss, sir.\n\nIF what I wrote was truly meritless, then why post a reply?  Live and let live, guy...your FIRST lesson on being out in the civilian workforce.  I hope you learn it well Chief.
1122935
What do you want to know? I am in the Marine Corps, send me a note and I will try to answer well.
220776
First off this person definately has some valuable experience if they have spent time in the Marines.\n\nHowever, I would be leary of any degree offered from Ashwood University. They are not accredited by any agency recognized by the Department of Education.\n\nDo the degrees matter? Are they a requirement for the position the applicant applied for? If so, I'd might look elsewhere. If not, then look into an interview and see if this person is a "fit" for the organization.\n\nRespectfully,\nJeff Melvin
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.
1126427
You are trying to join an organization that has as its base the following:\nDuty.  Honor.  Courage.\n\nApparently, your recruiter sees these as words to throw away in order to fill his quota for the month.  It's up to you how you start your career- with Honor or without.\n\nI am a veteran of the nuclear field of the navy.  The reason why the nuclear program is the best in the world is the absolute ironclad personal integrity that the program demands from everyone involved.  If there is the slightest question about a person's  ability to do what is right, regardless of the consequences, that person does not belong in the program.\n\nThere are going to be a lot of marines relying on you.  You also will be a representative of every marine who has come before you when you wear the uniform.  It is up to you to decide if you want to serve as an example of the Marine Corps tradition of personal honor.
589749
marine corps boot camp first. OORAHH!!!!!
234731
Look on the United States Marine Corps website and follow the LOCATOR link.  All information needed to locate an active duty Marine is listed, as well as additional websites you can use.  Good luck!
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.
682212
Just hold off until you're 18 and then go for it.\n\nTake the time until then to REALLY work on your physical fitness.  Work up to a 10-mile run every other day.  On the interleaving days, work on strength training, especially upper body strength.  Work on repetitions, not maximum weight. You want strength, not bulk. Bulk is an impedimnet to flexibility and you'll need flexibility as a Marine.\n\nDon't forget to exercise your mind as well.  A Marine must follow orders, of course, but leaders also think quickly under stess.\n\nRegardless of how fit you "think" you are, you're NEVER too fit for the Royal Marines.
751437
that's easy join the Marines
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,,,,,,,,,,
333322
I don't specifically have Marine experience but I joined the Army at 17.  I did not really feel any discrimination, there were some jokes every once in a while but, that's all in good fun just like we would pick on the guys who were 35.  What you're going into is a brotherhood that supersedes all age, race, and religious preferences.  Don't expect any problems unless you are incompetent.\n\nFinal note: Good luck and be proud.
542354
There will always be a few people crazy enough to join the Marines. The Marines will take anyone. The only thing good about a Marine is they keep the prison guards employed.
800673
Lots of my buddies are in the Marine Corps. They joined up right out of High School, and many of them today are Staff Sgt's and above, And the highest rank Marine Corps guy I know is a Colonel and serving in Iraq right now. They are pretty hard core guys, can't lie about that. \n\nSemper Fi
582180
Sorry, but that PROBABLY won't help you.  The USMC gets it's officers from the US Navy, and they have, for the most part, attended Annapolis.  \n\nIf the marines have an OCS, then you might be able to go that route.
737580
Marine Wife here....\nHere is a good link to a place where you can actually find a community of people with family and friends in the Marines.  There are also boards for people who are thinking about joining!  \nGood luck!\nHere are some links:\nThis is the board for future recruits:\nhttp://p088.ezboard.com/fparrisislandfrm105\nThis is the General board for Parris Island (if you are in Eastern NC this is where you'd go to boot camp)\nhttp://p088.ezboard.com/bparrisisland\nThis is another website:\nhttp://p067.ezboard.com/bmarinecorpsreality