Marines

[charger_cody]

Just got done talking to the marine rucruiter. I am VERY nervous about going in within the next couple years. Anyone here in the Marines? Any tips for basic? Or anything else?

Cody

[klutch]

Move fast, be loud and do what your told when your told and you'll be fine.

[chargerboy69]

I would guess most if not all who joined were nervous too.  The night before going to MEPS before heading out, I was bunking with a guy who signed up with the Marines.  He was on the phone all night to his family crying how he changed his mind, and did not want to go.  

Here are a few tips to prepare you.  Run.  If you are not used to running, start now.  And then, run some more.   I would get use to running five to eight miles a day.   Push-ups, sit-ups and iron mikes.  I remember in basic, guys would put their feet on the upper bunk with their hands on the floor, and do push-ups that way.    You will not only have to prepare yourself physically, but mentally as well.  It is their job to break you down and build you back up stronger than you were before.  Good luck in whatever you decide.

[elacruze]

I've been working with the Army for two years now, except for 4 months with the Marines in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

All I can say is, they get the job done every time, on time, never give excuses and they MAKE S**T HAPPEN. If you're not naturally motivated to keep moving at all times, look elsewhere. I've come to appreciate how elite they are compared to the rest of the services. They earn their right to be elitist and any other service who says otherwise must never have worked or fought next to them. They never fail to do more with less.

Oh yeah, if you're afraid to shoot people and get shot back at, forget it. They'd run in to a retreating Army unit and tackle them to take their ammunition.

If I was 18 again I'd join the Marines. I never even considered that when I actually was 18.

Eric

[twodko]

Cody,

I'll get the obvious out of the way first. If you have no direction right now and aren't ready for college joining the service, any of them, is a great way to build your future.
I enlisted in the Navy at 17 during the 'Nam, had to put in 6 years. It was the best decision I have ever made aside from marrying my wife. In hind sight I should have joined the Corps. I'm proud to have served but the Corps is a lifelong permanent part of who you are and what you stand for. There is nothing like it in any of the other services branches except the Navy Seals.
If you have seen the movie "The Three hundred" then you saw the ancient precursor of the modern Marine Corps. If you haven't get it and watch it.
Joining the military at any time is an anxious decision. During wartime joining can be even more so.  When bad shit happens we send our Marines because they are "the biggest badest in the valley" and they don't quit - ever.
Klutch and ChargerBoy69 told you the gospel - start to run now and and run everyday along with sit-ups, push-ups, crunches etc. The harder you work now the less painful bootcamp will be. From the first day you plant your feet in those yellow footprints on the deck listen more than you speak, speak loud, move fast and always help your buddies. Boot is a bitch make no mistake but you'll be there with guys who will help you get through it and they will expect you to do the same for them. On the last day of boot when you've earned your eagle-globe-anchor and you march past the reviewing stand it will be a day you'll never forget.You're a smart mature kid Cody, you'll do well in whatever you choose. There are leaders, followers and people who just need to get out of the way! Step up and lead Cody, find out who you are and what your made of. I'm proud of you little brother. Let us know what you decide. Good luck.

Tom

[Dans 68]

Good advice. Knowing now what I did not when I was 18, and I wanted to enlist, I would join the Marines. No hesitation (well, maybe a little.  )

Dan

[Ranger Max]

.

[charger_cody]

Well I talked to the recruiter 3 days ago and had a LONG talk. I have 2 choiced except one of them is a little more than one choice, if that makes sence. I could either,
1) Go to a community college for 2 years then transfer to a university for computer programing. (which is free for me)

or

2) Enlist in the military. I don't HAVE to go into the marines. I could go Air Force or anything else. (Which is also free) I'm not going Army for many reasons.

I want to do SOMETHING with computers. I am very computer smart. And I LOVE airplanes. It has been a dream to work on planes/jets. (programming, building etc..)

Thanks for all the opinions but please, keep em coming.

Cody

[twodko]

Hi Cody,

Smart to have an extended talk with the recruiter, it can only help you decide which direction to take in the next chapter of your life. If you have a free ride to JC and then university there is only one choice. Forget the military unless its something you want. Go to college dude! You can always joined the military afterwards.........as an officer and pretty much write your own ticket!

I regret not taking the pre-military college route because military life is soooo much better as an officer. Like RangerMax said, aviation would be a great choice be it Marines,Air Farce, Navy, Coast Guard etc. The mud and weeds get real old real quick if you're a ground pounder. I went Naval Aviation as a jet mechanic in squadron VT-86. It was a good fit for me at the time but I didn't stay in aviation when I got out.

Bottom line Cody - with a BS in computer science the world is your oyster! Keep us posted.

Tom

[Troy]

I started out in college as an engineer, then into aviation as a pilot, then computer science. I still work in IT but my first love is aviation. You can go to college to "work on" planes but, realistically, you just need the certificates (takes about 6 months I think). You'll get a LOT more experience in the military - *if* you can manage to lock down that particular assignment. I tried to go into the military when I was younger after high school but the recruiters kept pushing me away from aviation and into the medical field so I gave up. I'm happy with my life now but I think I could be just as happy flying and playing with aircraft. I'm not much of a fan of sitting behind a desk. If you can go to college free I'd recommend taking advantage of that for all it's worth. Get into a co-op program and only take assignments where you can do real work - no tech support or babysitting printer type jobs. The opportunity for advancement is huge compared to aviation.

Troy

[Khyron]

Get into Marine Aviation community.....dont be a Marine ground pounder crying for air support.
They always do.

LOL

[GreenMachine]

   Well, since I live in your area and work in aviation, I'll give you my   . I work at Tinker, and most everyone I work with is either ex-military or got their A&P certificate (airframe and powerplant) at a Vo-Tech. Of the ex-military, most are Air Force or Marines. It seems that most of the Air force guys are retired (20 years) and the Marine guys just did their 4 years. All seem glad they are out, but have plenty good of stories to tell. I coudn't enlist when I was younger due to "reasons I won't discuss", so eventually I went through the A&P Vo-Tech course which is 6 hrs. a day for 18 mos. (1950 hrs.). Either way, you will be working with your hands until you retire unless you have a degree. There are plenty of guys that do retire "working with their hands" and don't have any regrets (the money is good), but you have to ask yourself if that's what you want.

[Silver R/T]

Just do what John Cena does, oh wait a minute...he's NOT a marine lol

[mikepmcs]

Here's the answer, right here.

http://www.usna.edu///homepage.php

[mauve66]

i would tell anyone into computers to join the air force first , Navy 2nd, (i was Army), the things you do there will better prepare you for life AFTER the military, doesn't matter if its 4 years after or 20 years after, they have the most up to date equipment (especially computers) and they take better care of their troops than any other service
don't be surprised if they are still 2-4 years behind on computers due to bidding on contracts but at least they aren't 5 -8 years behind like the other forces. some examples......

when i was in Germany in 87 we where using a Wang computer that we thought was the cats meow, when i got back to the states that stuff was 4 years past its prime in 87.
the newest baddest wheeled vehicle in the Army had a Detroit V8 in 1986 that was the pinnacle of power in 1982

the Marines are by far the best force but that is also the first to go anywhere with the least amount of equipment to back them up and the most losses by nature

another option for you is the reserves, every force has them, you can still be deployed but still get ALL benefits including FREE education after basic /advanced training

[elacruze]

Cody,

If your ASVAB score is 85 or better, consider Navy Nuclear. I sent our daughter's boyfriend that direction, there is no better money in the military and hardly as good civilian-which BTW is 6 figures after you get out with an operator certificate for Nuc Power. He's been in less than two years and already makes more than I did most of my life. It's a posh job with an easy career before retirement, and enormous financial possibility. We were fortunate that his recruiter was a Nuke, maybe stop in the Navy recruiter and ask about the bonuses if you make the program. Nukes leave boot at E-3 pay rate, and he got a $10k bonus after his first segment of school. I think he gets like $50k signing bonus if he takes a second tour.

Eric

[Rolling_Thunder]

The USAF is a bitch to get into currently...     Ask me how I know -  I am wrapping up my B.S. and scored a 96 on the ASVAB    

If you want to play with computers I suggest against the Marines...    I bought into a lot of their stuff back when I was getting out of highschool and am glad I did not enlist at that time. I am now finishing up my B.S. and on my way to USAF in a communications field (TACP) - I did a lot of research and the Marines could simply not give me what I wanted...     unless you plan on going into a special community (Force Recon) I suggest against it.

The Army...   well...     they will take anyone...  

Navy...    great schooling and generally offer more things that will benefit you later in life -  easier PT

Air Force...   most difficult to get into...    easiest PT (Except CCT, TACP, and PJ)...    but excellent schooling

Don't forget that the US Coast Guard is also an option - travel a lot, good schooling, you won't get shot at (unless you're on a seisure team)


Just be aware...   any military branch only has to garentee you a field of MOS - not an exact MOS unless you go in as a reserve...    so just remember - once you sign your ass belongs to them.

Remember not everyone will be a hard c*ck door kicker....    that is about 10% of all military...        I have nothing but respect for Marines, one of my good friends is currently Force Recon with 1st out of Oceanside, CA....     however I realized that what he does is NOT what I want to do...        

Signing bonuses...   will generally be broken up into sections - don't get hung up on dollar amounts...   Marines generally give no more than $10,000....    USAF is telling me $25,000...    big difference there....     

If you're balls are made of iron you can go to any branch and request Ordinance Disposal...   they are gods among men but I don't even think I could do that job...    USAF EOD also get tech training in nuclear weapons.   


A friend of mine was in about 15 years ago and he was a Nuke sub tech and made very good money...   




On the other hand -  if you go to college and get your degree you can go as an officer and have a lot more options...    if you want to play with computers that may be a better option... 

[charger_cody]

  Well, since I live in your area and work in aviation, I'll give you my   . I work at Tinker, and most everyone I work with is either ex-military or got their A&P certificate (airframe and powerplant) at a Vo-Tech. Of the ex-military, most are Air Force or Marines. It seems that most of the Air force guys are retired (20 years) and the Marine guys just did their 4 years. All seem glad they are out, but have plenty good of stories to tell. I coudn't enlist when I was younger due to "reasons I won't discuss", so eventually I went through the A&P Vo-Tech course which is 6 hrs. a day for 18 mos. (1950 hrs.). Either way, you will be working with your hands until you retire unless you have a degree. There are plenty of guys that do retire "working with their hands" and don't have any regrets (the money is good), but you have to ask yourself if that's what you want.

I sat down and read every post word for word and I like every bit of it. Honestly guys if I can avoid going into the service I would LOVE too. Greenmachine I really appreciate the input because I have friends and family that work at tinker (computer engineering part of it) that have given me tips. I still have questions. About this A&P certificate, what are the pros and cons of missing out of college for this then going back to college? Is it worth the time?

Inputs from everyone please.

Cody

[69charger440]

  Well, since I live in your area and work in aviation, I'll give you my   . I work at Tinker, and most everyone I work with is either ex-military or got their A&P certificate (airframe and powerplant) at a Vo-Tech. Of the ex-military, most are Air Force or Marines. It seems that most of the Air force guys are retired (20 years) and the Marine guys just did their 4 years. All seem glad they are out, but have plenty good of stories to tell. I coudn't enlist when I was younger due to "reasons I won't discuss", so eventually I went through the A&P Vo-Tech course which is 6 hrs. a day for 18 mos. (1950 hrs.). Either way, you will be working with your hands until you retire unless you have a degree. There are plenty of guys that do retire "working with their hands" and don't have any regrets (the money is good), but you have to ask yourself if that's what you want.

I sat down and read every post word for word and I like every bit of it. Honestly guys if I can avoid going into the service I would LOVE too. Greenmachine I really appreciate the input because I have friends and family that work at tinker (computer engineering part of it) that have given me tips. I still have questions. About this A&P certificate, what are the pros and cons of missing out of college for this then going back to college? Is it worth the time?

Inputs from everyone please.

Cody

Well cody,

I just got out of the Marines just over two years ago!! I went in as a Aviations Structure Mechanic. I loved the job as a structures mechanic!!! But , the marines DO NOT give you an Airframes & Powerplant CERT. They give you the necessary schooling to understand and work on aircraft. Then when your out of school it is up to you to expand and further your knowledge!! But, you really dont need a A&P. I was in the Marines for 5 years and got didnt even have to apply for a job. People came looking for me!! I had a job lines up 7 months before I got out. And I make more then most people my age!!! But as stated by others I would recommend going to college and get your Bachelors degree. You can get a Degree in Basket weaving, just get one and go in as an OFFICER. You will make a lot more money month to month, and you will be calling the shots for the enlisted members! You can also become a pilot that way! ENLISTED guy will never fly an aircraft in the Military, only Officers!! Boot camp is a joke if you decide to go enlisted, dont even worry about it one bit!! Just do what your told and do it the best you can!!! Boot camp has gotten really soft in the last couple years!! Might as well do it with the Airforce!!!       OH AND IF YOU OWN A CHARGER------- DONT SELL IT!!!! KEEP IT IN STORAGE!!!! if you decide to go in!!!  That was one of my biggest regrets.... POOR 70 CUDA

[Rolling_Thunder]

Boot is getting pretty lax....     the USAF standard has remained constant (not high) but the Army and USMC have gone downhill...   my friend stated that there are guys exiting boot with maybe a 190 or 200 PT score...     The army is graduating RANGERS with 180+ PTs...     AIRBORNE no longer requires 6 pull ups...         COMBAT DIVE still requires the 6 pull ups I believe...     but no branch's standards is where they used to be...     Different kind of wars now-a-days   

[69charger440]

Boot is getting pretty lax....     the USAF standard has remained constant (not high) but the Army and USMC have gone downhill...   my friend stated that there are guys exiting boot with maybe a 190 or 200 PT score...     The army is graduating RANGERS with 180+ PTs...     AIRBORNE no longer requires 6 pull ups...         COMBAT DIVE still requires the 6 pull ups I believe...     but no branch's standards is where they used to be...     Different kind of wars now-a-days   

It has nothing to do with war!! It is Mothers of America, complaining about the children being treated unfairly. Been going on for some time now. As long as there are mother complaining they will continue to get easier in boot camp!!

[mauve66]

Boot is getting pretty lax....     the USAF standard has remained constant (not high) but the Army and USMC have gone downhill...   my friend stated that there are guys exiting boot with maybe a 190 or 200 PT score...     The army is graduating RANGERS with 180+ PTs...     AIRBORNE no longer requires 6 pull ups...         COMBAT DIVE still requires the 6 pull ups I believe...     but no branch's standards is where they used to be...     Different kind of wars now-a-days   

It has nothing to do with war!! It is Mothers of America, complaining about the children being treated unfairly. Been going on for some time now. As long as there are mother complaining they will continue to get easier in boot camp!!

part of the reason i left in 94, too many babies crying about their "rights" and nobody would give me the "right" to shoot them when down range

[69charger440]

Boot is getting pretty lax....     the USAF standard has remained constant (not high) but the Army and USMC have gone downhill...   my friend stated that there are guys exiting boot with maybe a 190 or 200 PT score...     The army is graduating RANGERS with 180+ PTs...     AIRBORNE no longer requires 6 pull ups...         COMBAT DIVE still requires the 6 pull ups I believe...     but no branch's standards is where they used to be...     Different kind of wars now-a-days   

It has nothing to do with war!! It is Mothers of America, complaining about the children being treated unfairly. Been going on for some time now. As long as there are mother complaining they will continue to get easier in boot camp!!

part of the reason i left in 94, too many babies crying about their "rights" and nobody would give me the "right" to shoot them when down range

Yep, The marines a few proud whiners!!! Agree totally!

[hemi68charger]

Cody, if you're into computers, see what the Air Force can offer you. All Air Force bases/units/etc, for the most part, have a Communications Squadron. Like the rest of the world, they are connected as well and rely on computers for day-to-day tasks. Also, the Predator program is growing and growing and of course, again, computers are there..... I've been in the Air Force in either an Active Duty or Guard/Reserve capacity for over 20 years now and counting. I agree with everyone here that joining the military was the best thing I've ever done, with my wife and kids as the exception to that. I was a punk kid at 23, skipping Community College classes in Palm Beach, Florida to play with my cars and hang out. I FINALLY wised up and realized I was going NO WHERE FAST !!!!!   If I ever wanted to accomplish my dreams of a college degree and owning a Daytona like my Dad, I'd better changed.

I joined the Air Force in '87, got out after Desert Storm and went immediately to Houston Community College. Two years later I graduated with an AS in Pre-Engineering with a 4.0 (award of highest graduating Veteran). At the same time, I joined the Air National Guard and have seen the world. Some very cool places ( Hawaii, Denmark, Destin  ) and some not-so-cool places ( 2 tours Iraq ). I wouldn't change a thing !!!!

Now, I have my family, BS degree (Geophysics), a good job, still having fun in the Air Force ( Afghan, here I come I bet ) and yes, finally a Daytona similar to the one my Dad owned.

VERY LONG reply short.......... Do it !!!!!  Any branch and don't forget about the Coast Guard, it's a regular branch of the Department of Defense and need computer geeks too ( just kidding on the geek part  )

Troy

[charger_cody]

Cody, if you're into computers, see what the Air Force can offer you. All Air Force bases/units/etc, for the most part, have a Communications Squadron. Like the rest of the world, they are connected as well and rely on computers for day-to-day tasks. Also, the Predator program is growing and growing and of course, again, computers are there..... I've been in the Air Force in either an Active Duty or Guard/Reserve capacity for over 20 years now and counting. I agree with everyone here that joining the military was the best thing I've ever done, with my wife and kids as the exception to that. I was a punk kid at 23, skipping Community College classes in Palm Beach, Florida to play with my cars and hang out. I FINALLY wised up and realized I was going NO WHERE FAST !!!!!   If I ever wanted to accomplish my dreams of a college degree and owning a Daytona like my Dad, I'd better changed.

I joined the Air Force in '87, got out after Desert Storm and went immediately to Houston Community College. Two years later I graduated with an AS in Pre-Engineering with a 4.0 (award of highest graduating Veteran). At the same time, I joined the Air National Guard and have seen the world. Some very cool places ( Hawaii, Denmark, Destin  ) and some not-so-cool places ( 2 tours Iraq ). I wouldn't change a thing !!!!

Now, I have my family, BS degree (Geophysics), a good job, still having fun in the Air Force ( Afghan, here I come I bet ) and yes, finally a Daytona similar to the one my Dad owned.

VERY LONG reply short.......... Do it !!!!!  Any branch and don't forget about the Coast Guard, it's a regular branch of the Department of Defense and need computer geeks too ( just kidding on the geek part  )

Troy

Thanks Troy!!!!!! I really appreciate the help. And a touching story about you wanting the same car as your dad made my day. I hope I have kids that want to build and save chargers too!!! What I think I have decided to do is I think I am going to take advantage of the free college. The service will still be there when I get out. Not only that, a good majority of the people I have asked said that they would MUCH rather have a degree then be in the miltary. So I really appreciate it guys at DC.com. Good to know I have friends on here that I can rely on!!!! 

Cody