Im thinking about joining the marines..any advice?

T A

First, consider why you are planning on doing it. Do well on your ASVAB and choose a M.O.S. that actually promotes. I was in one, in which noone was able to get promoted, because the higher ranks had bottle-necked the system and no one was able to get promoted until a lot of the older ones retired. To make things worse, after Desert Storm, the hierarchy decided that I was in a "critical" M.O.S. and would not let me out at the end of my contract. They did however, let all of my associates with "short" E.A.S. times out. Remember, they needed to down-size after recalling too many reservists.
I was not a reservist - I was active duty.
In fact, I got "involuntary extensions" added to my contract after I was supposed to E.A.S.-out.
"involuntary extensions" usually happen to Marines who get into some kind of behavioral trouble. I wasn't in any trouble. I even lost a full scholarship to a good college because of the extensions.
According to the USMC - I was too valuable to let go. However, I had to remain on active duty for several more years without the possibility of promotion.

The kicker of this story still remains. 6 months after finally leaving the USMC - I was enjoying college life with scholarships. Then, I got contacted from friends in D.C. with copies of a "draft-type" notice indicating I was going to be recalled and sent to D.C.. I already served my contract time plus two involuntary extensions. But, I was going to be recalled.
In addition, the USMC still owes me three months pay. the Senate Armed Forces Appropriations Committee - led by my Senator investigated the Marine Corps Finance Department. The Marine Corps lied about the money and destroyed the paperwork. I spent my last three months in the USMC without pay. So much for Marine Corps Integrity. As far as I am concerned, the USMC currently doesn't have any.

I won't say not to join. But, you should be aware that things are not always as they should be in the USMC.
My advice: Join the USAF or USN and go into the meteorology field. When you finish your contract time you'll have all of the necessary training and experience to be the Weather person on the local news station. That's a good salary.

I hope this insight helps you make the best decision for you.

bettercockster2

Go to school instead or as theose above me have suggested...join the Air Force instead.

M.O.A.B

good for you

Johan from Sweden

Train hard and get used to long hours. Boot camp is tough. Females have their own batalion at Quantico so youre not gonna feel like a goldfish in a sharknest. But men are men...

If youre like more info read Tom Clancys excellent work Marine: A guided tour of a Marine Expeditionary Unit. Good luck!

Nickname

When you go in, look for a job that can easily translate to a position in the civilian world. I'm glad you're willing to take a step that most college-bound pansies aren't even considering.

The Marine Corps was such a great time in my life, I decided that after I got out for about 3 years, I wanted back and I'll be swearing back in next week.

Good luck to you. Remember this....like anything, you only get out of it what you put in.

seawolf

DO NOT -Join the US AIR FORCE -learn a job that will help you when u leave the military-IN the marines u end up in Iraq-think of long term-can be permanently hurt..and u are in your 20's

Tom H

Join the Navy instead. Better education and training. Women are treated better.

helicopterjen

Uhhh....DONT!

YA! Nazi Hamster

Join the Air Force instead.

bucaneers8

Pick the branch of service that you want based on what you like. If you like being around planes join the air force, if you like water the marines or navy would be great. If your a land animal stick to the army. All offer great potential for advancement to you career and the military is the funnest thing you'll ever do.

Marvel SchÃ¶ngÃ¤rten

If you want to have fancy pants...join the Marines. The Marines are not bad at all and they feel so proud about they affiliation, The Marines, The proud The Few.

But if you want a military career, go for the Army and choose the right job...or go to school and ROTC and get your commission, don't let the recruiter to choose for you...take your time and think about it, you will not regret that.

chris s

If you plan on making a career, or at least have the intention....dont.

The potential in the Air Force and Marines for promotion is very limited...ask someone in. Compare people with the same time in service of each service and look at their current grade.

LAVADOG

http://360.yahoo.com/lavadogmarineone

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