My son is considering joining the Marines next year. What should we be asking recruiters?

[RandySF]

He graduates high school next summer and is giving serious consideration to joining the USMC. What should we expect and ask before he thinks about signing up?

[kabi knit]

1. Discuss A Twenty-Year Career Effort Instead Of Just Four Years (n/t).

[Sky Jewels]

2. "What was the last justified use of force by the US military?"

“Why do we bomb so many brown people for corporate profit?”

[Victor_c3]

23. That's all on the politicians who want the wars

The military just does what it is told to do.

I would add that you can never trust politicians to not start a war. Even our own Democrat politicians are all too eager to throw us into a war like the one perpetrated on Iraq - and clearly the vast majority of us are just fine with that.

If we weren’t fine with it, then why did nearly all of us give our politicians a pass on their support for the Iraq Resolution?

[Sky Jewels]

82. His son should know that he very well

could be put in the position of carrying out immoral atrocities (like slaughtering innocent Iraqis for Blackwater) and if joining is worth that price. His chances of “fighting for freedom” or being involved in something that actually helps protect American lives (such as the Bin Laden raid) do exist but are exceedingly low.

[sarisataka]

87. There are more than a few vets on DU

Whose combined service is likely measured in hundreds of years. You should ask how many have been put in positions of carrying out "immoral atrocities"

[Sky Jewels]

94. Are you're saying U.S. military members haven't been put in those positions?

Because that is the reality. The military industrial complex must justify its massive contracts. The poor villagers who get in the way? Well, too fucking bad. The shareholders come first.

[sarisataka]

98. I did not say that

Nor would I. Sometimes orders may come down that are wrong and they should not be obeyed. I speak from experience.

That said, I never saw or heard of an order to murder civilians just for the sake of killing them. I gave been in situations where military operations do put non-combatants at risk. Best efforts were always made to limit those risks and collateral damage.

[Sky Jewels]

99. Well, what about Shock and Awe in Iraq?

How many hundreds of thousands of civilians were slaughtered and bombed into pulp by U.S. military members for no reason other than the Neo Cons wanted their war of profit?

[sarisataka]

101. I have always said about Iraq

We did the right thing for the wrong reason. We should have taken care of Hussein when he violated the cease fire in '91.

However if you believe we were carpet bombing Iraqi cities like it was WW2, you are very mistaken.

[Sky Jewels]

126. The right thing?! Are you fucking kidding?!

You think the invasion and mass slaughter in Iraq -- which we all knew at the time was based on massive lies -- was a good thing to do?!

Are you disputing that hundreds of thousands of Iraqis died at the hands of the U.S. military?

[sarisataka]

130. The right thing

Was getting a genocidal dictator out of power. He too was killing hundreds of thousands of Iraqis.

The pretext was false and the plan was a cluster fuck. Something I stated in those exact words but I was a small cog in a very big machine.

[Sky Jewels]

147. Funny how we only take out murderous dictators when

there's an economic advantage for U.S. corporations.

Why did hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have to die at U.S. hands? If we were really so concerned about Saddam, why didn't the military just do a surgical strike, a la Bin Laden?

The U.S. military was used as mercenaries for Big Oil and many big military contractors. It was in the cards, as the PNAC dictated.

His son should go into the military with his eyes open, knowing that his "mission" will primarily be to further corporate interests, not help or save people, either in our country or overseas.

[Calculating]

150. Lame

Stop crapping on our armed forces.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

40. Nice answer.

OP asks for advice and instead of helping, you decide, for whatever reason, to crap on the thread.

[Sky Jewels]

133. His son should know the implications and possible consequences

of signing up with the military and how infrequently the power is used for ideals like "freedom" rather than for furthering corporate interests. He's young and probably doesn't have the full picture of our country's history and frequent abuse of military power worldwide. I'm not saying it has always been poorly used (WWII being the obvious example). But in the past 80 years, well, the abuses are many and the number of justified uses of force is low.

[peppertree]

45. A) World War II - though Clinton's Kosovo intervention could count too

B) Because Republican voters like seeing it - thus making it a good GOTV tactic for them (of sorts).

[Hortensis]

49. OF, by and for the people. How many people refuse to vote or to

vote like serious, thoughtful people whose decisions are critical to the lives of themselves and others, including "brown people"?

I don't see serious and thoughtful in a statement that rushes to blames the military (and business) but ignores the people whose duty is to elect representatives to government, for which the military is a tool.

[JI7]

58. such bs

[diva77]

3. I don't know a thing about it but thought this might be of interest

12 Military Recruiter Lies
https://www.operationmilitarykids.org/12-military-recruiter-lies/

[TeamProg]

4. Why not the Air Force or Navy?

[underpants]

10. I agree. Randy - don't just go "leg" get a real world applicable real world skill

Leg means infantry. Grunt stuff. I was a Cav Scout in the Army and that had NO real world application. It did pay for the down payment on my house.

Some skill - aircraft mechanic or computer something etc.

[Duncanpup]

17. Very true underpants

Although I feel even today I could operate a floor buffer.

[underpants]

24. 😆 muscle memory

Used to do it hardly awake.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

42. The Marines offer a wide variety of job descriptions,

I operated heavy equipment in the Marines, that's where I learned to operate just about every piece of equipment ever built and that's where I learned to drive a semi, which is what I do now.

A Combat Engineer MOS is a great civilian related job, along with numerous other MOS's, it's not just about being a rifleman.

[underpants]

88. I didn't mean that as anti-Marines

I’m just saying avoid leg duty. Get a skill.
The military doesn’t offer near the training it used to. Food and lots of the maintenance type duties are sourced out now. Why pay an E-3 when a contractor can cash in?

Air Force is almost certainly easier duty. A buddy of mine’s kid joined the Navy. He got to see a lot around the Mediterranean but it was a 10 month deployment.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

102. And, quite truthfully, I jumped to a false conclusion that you did take it that way, my bad

and I apologize for that.

You are correct, the USAF is a great service to volunteer for, they offer more civilian related jobs than all other branches of the Military, but I'm just a bit more sympatric towards the USMC.

[underpants]

105. No problem

My stepfather is the first of 3 generations of Marines. The youngest was in Fallujah early EARLY.

My cousin, Captain America as we call him, went Army.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

108. Army?

Oh no's, Army?.

Just kidding.
Along with the Navy Seabees, we trained with the Army Engineers quite frequently with intra service exercises, matter of fact, when I retired, I was TDS with the Army Engineers at Fort Irwin.

[Aristus]

47. I was a tanker. I wouldn't have given that up for anything in the world.

I struggled for a number of years after ETS-ing. But now I have a solid career and earn a six-figure salary. I say do whatever he wants in the Marines that will gratify any sense of adventure he may have. Tomorrow will take care of tomorrow.

[underpants]

50. Oh I get that. It was a crazy adventure

but I could have walked out as an electrician (hey the Army can train ANYONE to do ANYTHING) or a plumber or whatever. Before I joined I worked in a kitchen with a retired Army cook. He could cook sure but most importantly he knew how to run a kitchen.

Like I said, I ended up benefiting in a lot of ways but….

[underpants]

96. A recipe for disaster 😆

[Aristus]

97. Oh, I don't know.

Last edited Fri Aug 11, 2023, 03:55 PM - Edit history (1)

Having seen first hand the level of intellectual failing among tankers, I'll bet I could teach a monkey to pre-set the freqs.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

104. Oh, snap!!!

I know this in jest, but it is funny.

[underpants]

106. I'm glad you said that.

They reformed our Cav unit and we got 3 tanks per platoon. The armor units didn’t unload their stars let’s say.
At gunnery I got in some trouble when I found out our tank sections scores. Kevlar slams into the ground “How the F do you miss?!??” I was pissed. We won gunnery anyway. Of course, we had a scout who never missed. 😉

[uponit7771]

144. +1

[RockRaven]

5. You should ask questions which you already know the answers to, but whose answers are

uncomfortable or unflattering for the USMC or which dishonest/misleading recruiter(s) would not answer honestly. See if they blow smoke at you. Find out if you are dealing with a cynical salesperson.

And don't just front-load such questions. Even after getting deep into a conversation or deep into the process (but before the point of no return, obviously) keep asking such questions occasionally. And if you DO get lied to, DO NOT brush that aside.

[msongs]

7. recruiters lie. discussion is just blowing smoke nt

[RockRaven]

11. Yeah, well, I saw trying to be gentle...

You will get no disagreement from me. But people seem to better accept their own experience than other people's say so.

[scipan]

140. That was what people who knew told me. Nt

[Victor_c3]

25. The point of no return when dealing with recruiters is when you actually take the oath of enlistment

A commissioned military officer has to give it to you and you raise your right hand and state “I ———- solemnly swear to support and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic….. etc”

You can have multiple conversations with a recruiter and even go through most of the process before you get to that point.

[Celerity]

6. War Is a Racket

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_Is_a_Racket

War is a racket. It always has been. It is possibly the oldest, easily the most profitable, surely the most vicious. It is the only one international in scope. It is the only one in which the profits are reckoned in dollars and the losses in lives. A racket is best described, I believe, as something that is not what it seems to the majority of the people. Only a small 'inside' group knows what it is about. It is conducted for the benefit of the very few, at the expense of the very many. Out of war a few people make huge fortunes.

https://www.heritage-history.com/site/hclass/secret_societies/ebooks/pdf/butler_racket.pdf

[MOMFUDSKI]

38. YES. THAT.

And don’t forget to ask “Where are the condos?”.

[Tetrachloride]

8. i know 2 good midlevel officers of the USMC

I know a young friend who went enlisted and then Iraq or something. he came back broken in the head.

learn to liason in multiple languages for regions of Horn of Africa, Mandarin, Japanese, Russian

[Tetrachloride]

9. Take a trip around the world first

[LT Barclay]

12. Has he considered the US Coast Guard?

Same benefits, but they are primarily focused on peace time missions that one can be proud of.
With a few exceptions the people are the best and it is the greatest organization I will ever work for.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

52. USCG,

Navy calls them Puddle Pirates, undeservedly so, but, just to let you know, during the cold war with the Soviet Union, every high endurance CG Cutter were equipped with the Harpoon Missile System and it wouldn't surprise me if those same Cutters were once again equipped with the latest offensive weapons system given the Russian/Chinese aggression.

[LT Barclay]

149. They have 2 issues in my opinion that cause this:

First is chasing appropriations rather than doing the jobs we’ve been given.
Second is that we have some fragile egos charge at times and even though they’d never admit it, they think the navy is better. I wish that group had just joined the navy.
Anyone who wants to speak negatively about the USCG needs to watch the movie The Finest Hours or the book. Or the book Bloodstained Sea: USCG in the battle of the Atlantic.

[bottomofthehill]

13. Know your worth! This is important

Take a bunch is practice ASVAB tests. Know what you are capable of scoring. Your MOS will be based on your score. The higher the score, the better you are with where you will be placed after basic training. Basic Infantry, Rifleman, Mortorman, low scores, not a lot return when you leave the corps. Higher score, electrical systems tech, logistics, aircraft crew chief, things that will get you civilian work. In the beginning of your military career, everything is based on your ASVAB. Also, although he currently thinks he wants to be a Marine, once he has an understanding of his numbers, he can look at other branches and see what those numbers get you. Again it’s vitally important to know your worth.

[maxrandb]

26. I could not emphasize this enough

Prepare for the ASVAB test, or whatever they call it now. The scores on that test will determine what jobs he will be eligible for.

Also, as a 28.5 year retired Navy guy, I say JOIN THE NAVY INSTEAD!!!!.

I managed to touch every continent in my time in the Navy, and their is nothing like standing on deck and seeing nothing but water in every direction. The sunsets and sunrises are pretty epic too.

Don't know if it's still true, but it one time, the Navy was the only branch that guaranteed the job you were going to do.

Nothing against the USMC, but I am a bit biased.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

43. Ahh jeez, you Navy squids.

Just kidding, I often worked with the Navy Seabees, they are the best, except, of course, for the Marines.

Semper Fi Navy.

[Hekate]

14. Coast Guard, Navy, or Air Force instead? Also, when I worked with the Vets for Peace after 9-11...

… the book “War Is a Racket” by the hero General Smedley Butler was recommended to me many times. It’s available at Amazon for only $5.99.

I had to wait until some other people responded to your OP before I could write. My problem is that I came of age during the Vietnam War. I thought maybe we and our government learned something about the sheer wastage of young lives during that war — but no, when we were attacked on 9-11 with BushCheney at the helm, and an unfortunate number of old Nixonians back in DC, it turned out we had learned nothing at all.

I am not a pacifist, and I believe there are times and places for military to be deployed. I trust Joe Biden — but I no longer trust our government institutions or the Pentagon to care for our sons and daughters as they should, especially the ground troops like the Marines and Army. There’s too much money to be made, and BushCheney’s pals made money hand over fist. They treated our troops like toy soldiers, not human beings.

This is the project my friends and I worked on for years, Arlington West at the beach near Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara. VFP Chapter 54’s member Stephen Shirrell, a local carpenter, birthed the idea and the chapter took it up and supported it fully. The idea spread up and down the coast from there.

https://www.independent.com/2008/05/26/five-years-and-counting/

All the best to you and your son.

[Solly Mack]

15. If your son really wants to enlist, nothing anyone says on this board will change his mind. So...

Tell him to review the various jobs (MOS') the Marines offer and decide what he wants to do now. Then y'all will have a better idea what questions to ask because you'll have a better idea what your son hopes to gain. Minds change, so adjust accordingly.

Recruiters lie and they will lie to your face with a smile and a handshake. They truly have no shame. Recruiting is a sales job, with everything that means about sales.

I say this as the spouse of a now retired 20 plus years veteran of the Army.

If he doesn't have a second language, he needs to spend the next year learning one. Delaying another year after graduation to learn to read, write, as well as speak a second language is also a good idea. That'll give him 2 years in a chosen language. It helps because it creates more options.

That said, the Marine Corps does offer language training. I just think it's better to have it beforehand.

Speaking the language of the native population is a definite plus.

Arabic, French (spoken in many parts of Africa), Standard Chinese are a few suggestions. As is Russian.

Good luck to your son and your family.

[Tickle]

22. Very nice 👍

That's some good constructive advice.

[Kaleva]

30. +1

[usonian]

16. Why not ask marine active duty and veterans instead?

They'll even suggest MOS's and what are the real chances of getting into them.

I chose Coast Guard myself. Semper Paratus.

[BlackSkimmer]

18. You need to be asking your son some questions too.

I was in USAF Basic Training many years ago.

I was horrified by the physical shape of most of my fellow recruits, many of whom could barely run a lap (and this was before the days of gamers and computers. Air Force Basic is a joke compared to some of the other services. Marines is 3 months I think, but it was 6 weeks for me in the AF.

Make sure he understands that Basic is a shock, especially with the Marines. Make sure he's in good shape, and things will go easier for him.

I saw people crumble emotionally and mentally too, so make sure he's good and solid in that department. It's a stressful environment.

[Emile]

19. If he wants three good meals a day, clean dry bunk every night and want to see the world,

join the US Navy.

[hunter]

141. My father-in-law joined the Navy. They trained him as a corpsman and sent him off with the Marines.

You can never be certain how these things turn out.

By the luck of the draw he didn't land in Korea to fight but he did get to see an atomic bomb test in Nevada up close and personal as a guinea pig.

[musclecar6]

20. First question

I’d ask of my son, is why the Marine Corp as opposed to one of the other services ? They all have their plus’s and minus’s, depending on what he is looking for.

I enlisted in the Air Force during Vietnam as a way to meet my military obligation ( as we know there was a draft going on and we were at war). I came from a small town in Connecticut and had a sense of patriotic duty. I lucked out as I scored highly on the administrative portion of the testing they gave me and was assigned to Procurement ( purchasing and contracting) and became a buyer for the Air Force. Of course I had no idea what procurement was and was quickly told it was a highly desirable field that tons of people knowledgeable on the subject, wanted to get into but openings were sparse. The reason was, one could stay in the Air Force for 20 years, retire and the next day take off your Air Force uniform, put on a civilian suit and continue to do the same job as a GS civilian at maybe a GS 11 and continue working for the government and double dip getting you Air Force retirement AND your GS retirement years later to add to it.

This is just one example of looking at the big picture for your son and not just having him focus on maybe the idea of coming home from boot camp in that fancy dress blue uniform to impress his friends or some other very short term misconception he may be harboring.

[Takket]

21. I would ask...

If drumpf is elected, and decides to use the military to attack blue states, will the Marines follow that order and wage war on American soil vs civilians?

I’m not kidding.

[Horse with no Name]

27. Two important things

Get every promise in writing, especially regarding education benefits.
Let him know, if he gets in boot camp and decides this isn’t for him, he can leave. They don’t own you until you complete boot camp.
My brother is a retired Marine and becoming a Marine is accepting another identity. He just needs to make sure it is the identity that he wants.
Good luck!

[Kaleva]

32. Written promises made by recruiters have no validity

Also, once you are in boot camp, you just can't leave.

"The catch? You can't officially ask for a separation. The best way to go about it is to document proof that you're not good Army material – poor test scores, emotional stress, negative evaluations – and present them to the command. You can work through your chaplain, the base counseling center or a military psychiatrist. If one of them recommends separation, that will go a long way with the higher-ups.

Don't, however, try to fake problems or poor performance to put one over on the Army. If the command suspects you're shamming, you're unlikely to get what you want."

https://work.chron.com/soldier-wants-quit-boot-camp-army-just-release-him-25422.html

[Johnny2X2X]

28. How are his grades?

If he has good grades, the Air Force probably has more opportunities for training and college. Navy too.

But the Marines have a lot of opportunities too if he wants to learn. The US Marine Corp is certainly different than all the other branches, it's kown to be more fanatical. And Marines learn to kill, not just how to, but they are prepared mentally more than any other branch to take a human life.

[RandySF]

29. Not academically inclined but excels when he decides to focus.

Loves contact sports like football and rugby. Revels in physical challenge. Very much a team leader.

[Johnny2X2X]

31. I think the military is a good option for him

He will learn discipline and how to apply himself.

I work in a very military heavy field. Someone told me the branches are like colleges, you try to get into the best one you can and then move to your 2nd and 3rd choices. It's quite hard to get into the Air Force right now. But all of the branches have great career opportunities, so what he wants to do for a career should be a huge part of his decision. You can get on the right tract for becoming an engineer, a doctor, or anything in between with any of the services IMO, aim high at the start.

[RandySF]

34. Thanks!

[Hortensis]

53. Sounds like great information. I'll be passing it along also.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

57. Very sound advice.

[Happy Hoosier]

33. As I said in the other thread... and to re-emphasize...

He can get some very in-demand training if he focuses on it. Aviation mechanic pays very well and the military is one place you can get that training on someone else's dime. Tha5t job is nearly AI proof for a while.

If he is inclined to leadership, he'll do well. Just try to focus him on some skills that he can translate easily to civilian life.

[RandySF]

35. Thanks!

[Johnny2X2X]

36. I work in aerospace

A good number of our engineers started out as in service airplane mechanics. Learning the systems on board military aircraft can lead to dozens of different good paying career paths.

And don't be afraid of officer school. Really are great opportunites, try to aim high.

[SomewhereInTheMiddle]

62. Pilots

I know a pair of retired USMC pilots, one of whom makes a great living flying form the airlines.

He would have to become an officer to become a pilot, but OSC is a thing or doing his initial tour as an enlisted then going to college taking ROTC.

My Grandfather enlisted in the Marines in the '30's and they put him through Med school. He then joined the Army as a doc and retired in '49. Buried in Arlington.

My experience with officers of the various services is that the Marines seem to accept a wider scope of variation in the personalities and interests in their service. The gruffest USMC Colonel I ever came across had skin like leather and a voice like he ate boots and spit out the nails, but he had a PhD in Medieval History and that led to some interesting discussions. He was just one example.

Encouraging your son to consider his 5yr, 10yr, and lifetime goals can help him decide what he wants out of the service and if the Marines, or any military, are the right choice. Realizing those plans will change frequently.

Now I'm just babbling.

[Happy Hoosier]

68. That's my point of contact....

I work in aviation R&D. I started by supporting the USN and USMC, thoguh these days I spend a lot of time supporting the Air Force.

Lots of post-service opportunities for Marine aviators, but as you said, that means college.

But a creer in aviation maintenence is a great option for young folks who want to enlist. A good aviation mechanic can make 6 figures without much trouble.

[DFW]

37. Wish I could help, but I'm clueless here

The last generation of my immediate family to be in the armed services was my father and my father-in-law. My dad was in the army in France and Germany in World War II. He came back with no lasting damage or trauma. My wife’s dad was drafted off his farm at age 17 and sent to Stalingrad, where he got a leg blown off by an artillery shell. He was returned to his farm at age 19, a cripple who was useless for farm work. Beyond the obvious physical damage, he retained vestiges of his trauma for the rest of his life.

The likelihood of your son returning home like my father-in-law is obviously practically zero, but that is part of the package all the same. No one who signed for the military in early 2002 thought they would be going to Iraq or Afghanistan. Not all of them came back in one piece, either. Know the whole package before you make a decision like that.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

39. I'm a retired Marine, (Enlisted),

and I'm thrilled he's considering the premier fighting force on the planet, of course I may be a tad bit biased.

What MOS is he considering?
I enlisted in '64 rather than waiting to get drafted so I could choose my MOS, I became a Combat Engineer operating heavy equipment and I did 2 years as a Marine police officer.

The thing for him to ask is what is the best MOS that will relate the civilian world, the Marines have a plethora of job descriptions available, but the most important thing to remember, every Marine is, first and foremost, a rifleman.

[Kaleva]

41. +1

[Hortensis]

55. :) More spot on advice, and from a retired Marine!

[MarineCombatEngineer]

61. I can't thank you enough for this,

many, many people call retired or separated Marines ex-Marines, they don't get it that once a Marine, always a Marine.

[Hortensis]

64. I confess, I wondered what was a proper term. I almost

typed "former," but you said retired. ("Ex-" never crossed my mind though. You don't sound -ex.)

[MarineCombatEngineer]

67. Former is also very appropriate.

[Hortensis]

78. Good to know, thanks. Like your name, btw.

[DashOneBravo]

44. Go Army !

They have some nice enlistment bonuses.

https://www.goarmy.com/enlistment-bonuses.html?iom=BNKH-23-NMTF_N_PSEA_71700000106914920_700000002644556_43700075317249801_58700008284166146_army+career&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3cGBjNrUgAMVUSrUAR3hYAorEAAYASABEgL3S_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[honest.abe]

46. I dont have any suggestions except that I do think its a good career move for many kids.

The military really takes care of their own and you tend to develop strong friendships with the people you serve with. Good for kids who may have social skill issues. I have a number of relatives who served in the Air Force.

We also have a young boy who loves playing with soldiers and combat videos and combat strategy. We think he might be interested in serving in the military when he grows up. We are not going to dissuade him if he chooses that route.

Please keep us updated on how things turn out.

Good luck!

[Sanity Claws]

48. Have him read The Charge of the Light Brigade.

That will let him know that his is to do and die.

Have him watch The Deer Killer. Let me know that war is like Russian Roulette. It is just a matter of chance that you will die or come out alive.

I had a young nephew who said he wanted to join the military. I said that you must like take orders. He had to think about that for a bit. Not too many people like the idea of taking orders.

[Hortensis]

59. Well, nothing wrong with recommending reading Tennyson,

but the notion that it's just a matter of chance whether an individual dies or comes out alive is wildly unrealistic.

One thing about those orders, they pretty much eliminate survival being mostly a matter of chance. And statistically, civilians are more likely to die on the job than military personnel. The 1800s were a different world.

[ProfessorGAC]

70. The Movie Is The Deer HUNTER, Not Killer (nt)

[MarineCombatEngineer]

74. Deer Killer?

It's not Deer Killer, it's The Deer Hunter.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077416/?ref_%3Dfn_al_tt_1

[sarisataka]

51. First congratulations on having a child

Who is willing to consider serving the country. We needs more who give less thought to their paycheck and more to what they can give by being military, first responders, teachers etc.

Look at all the services. Each has strengths the over the others so see what would be the best fit. They have different demands and work environments. (Many times I found myself shivering in rain and mud thinks "those Air Force guys are getting paid the same as I am.) Also consider skills that can be applied after the military, whether that is in four years or forty.

What is special about the Marines? They see themselves as elite, the best of the best. You do not join them, they give you an opportunity to earn a place among them. It may sound like propaganda but if you take that view, nothing will be a surprise.

The attitude of the Corps is expressed in their values-

Honor- do the right thing, for the right reason always
Courage- mental, moral and physical strength will overcome fear.
Commitment- discipline and determination always in everything.

These values will stay with a Marine for life.

-S USMC(Ret.)

[MarineCombatEngineer]

56. A huge +100.

If I could Rec. the post a thousand times, I would, but because I can't, here's this:


Thank you from a retired Marine.

[sarisataka]

66. Semper Fi brother

[Bobstandard]

54. Get him ready fo basic training with a book

If you show up prepared to deal with the bs of basic training you can avoid a lot of mistakes that make the experience even more miserable. A book like ‘The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook: Tips, Tricks, and Tactics for Surviving Boot Camp, can help.

Example, knowing how to make hospital corners when making your bed can help you avoid the wrath of your training sergeant on the very first day. Another, the way to fold fatigues and the order they’re supposed to be placed in your locker. Get it wrong and you’re on the ground giving 20 or worse.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

113. A book will help. Get a big book from a library sale or garage sale. It should weigh 5-8 pounds.

Have him carry the book while running. Slowly work up to five miles carrying the book. Also, carry the book during a series of 100-yard dashes. Make some of the dashes uphill, carrying the book.

The book will help a lot, but it's optiional. Mostly, just run.

If he can run, he'll have an easier time.

The drill instructors will yell in his face for trivial stuff. But, they really, really, want him to succeed, to graduate as a Marine. Failure is not in their interest, it does not reflect well on them.

[Bobstandard]

120. Good point. Make that two books. Nt

[mercuryblues]

60. Ask if he goes to college before enlisting

What can they offer him in the way of financial assistance.

How far can he go promotion wise, without college. What kind of training do the offer.


How long would he need to enlist to keep his end of the contract.

His career advancement and pay is much better with a college degree.

If the college he chooses does not have a Marine ROTC program, he may need to go Army. Then when he graduates swap with someone who is in the ROTC Marines who wants to go Army. Last I knew they allow that as long as the slots are available.

Get their promises in writing.

Look up online the difference between NCO and officers. Look up the ranks under each and the pay. Also ask the recruiter these questions. If they are wildly different, he is most likely blowing smoke up your ssss to get you to sign on the dotted line.

[sarisataka]

63. A recruiter is not going to lie

About easily verified facts such as pay.

It does not matter what a recruiter promises, even in writing. DD Form 4/1, aka enlistment contract, in section B says:

c. The agreements in this section and attached annex (es) are all the promises made to me by the Government. ANYTHING ELSE ANYONE HAS PROMISED ME IS NOT VALID AND WILL NOT BE HONORED.

Caps and bolding as in the document. There is a line for the enlistee to initial.

[UTUSN]

65. Excellent. & the post above, "Recruiters lie." That was the first topic in Boot Camp.

As for me, he didn't have to lie: I just signed away 4 yrs of life without a question. It was '67 at a height of campus protests and my reason for enlisting was for economic reasons, not to kill Commies. I had two years of college paid by my minimum wage parents and didn't know negotiation could be involved, like for a school for a Navy trade rate - or that 2 yrs of college might have meant a one step pay grade up. He put me in as a high school graduate, no bump up, which over the 4 years meant missing out on a whole potential pay grade at the end. And it was straight to Vietnam out of Boot. And 2 ships' worth of Sea Duty, only Shore for the last 7 months when they knew I wasn't going to reenlist and the Shore Duty was only 150 miles from home, so that they saved on Travel pay at the end.

*** But excellent point about considering the career route. We called Career types "Lifers" and didn't know about the long range financial plan framing.

[mercuryblues]

95. My oldest brother

enlisted into the Airforce right out of high school. He was "promised" bases close to home, because there was a lot going on at the time. He wanted to be nearby in case of an emergency.

If his 1st base assignment was any further away it would have been in the ocean. His next base was in Japan.

If your rank and pay were higher, would you have reenlisted?

[UTUSN]

100. No, never got past calling it a "Lifer" kind of thing. And have not overcome the anti-VA either.

[haele]

69. Look for an MOS that has a real world application -

Communications, Loadmaster/heavy equipment handler (crane and forklift operators make good money on the outside), cryptologist/CyberSecurity, foreign languages (analyst).

Basically, don't go in without a tech or other school waiting for you after boot camp. Which means score high on your ASVAB and have a documented skill or even hobby you can bring to the recruiter (like mechanic, computers, RC drones, music, languages) as proof of a skill. This also gives your kid a jump up for a career, which will be critical going forward, as having a pretty much guaranteed 20 years of a job with a ton of benefits and opportunities to figure out what he wants to be when he gets out. After 20 years, he can also have his retainer/pension, GI Bill, and guaranteed health care to help him through the rest of his life.

All he has to do is keep his nose clean, do what he's told (as long as it's safe and legal), and use those months of boredom to get some college or technical training under his belt.

Pro tip from a retired Marine Corps honor grad I knew - the first couple weeks in basic, don't kill yourself physically trying to be the best the first two weeks. You are expected to get better during basic, so stick to the middle of the pack in the beginning and turn on the afterburners at the end of basic.

Also, the blue and purple crayons have a better flavor than the yellow or "flesh" colored crayons.

Haele (Retired USN)

[albacore]

71. I believe he wants to be an ex-Marine. He wants the ...

..experience, the adventure, the bragging rights, etc. He's bought the whole package.
There are no "ex-Marines"... only Marines.
It stays with you. It's been over 60 years since I stood on those yellow footprints, and it's still there. The good....life-changing insights and experiences, and the bad...nightmares and hyper-vigilance.
He's bought the whole program and won't be dissuaded, so don't even try. The Marines are the only military service that will fill it's recruitment goals this year. That should tell you something about the mythos of being a Marine.
I'd recommend he look at the online comic strip "Terminal Lance"...all the 'toons. They give real insight about what it's like being a Marine today.

[albacore]

72. and this...

[LeftInTX]

134. My FIL joined the Marines because it just happened to be the recruiter that was available that day!

That is what he said for four years. The guy was another Sgt Carter.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

75. Ummm,

there is no such thing as an ex Marine, it's either former or retired Marine.
Once a Marine, always a Marine.
Learn the difference.
You just insulted former and retired Marines.

[albacore]

119. Read the post again. Clean out your headgear. nt

[albacore]

121. ...and "former" isn't right, either. nt

[MarineCombatEngineer]

122. Ummm... yes it is.

you're teliing a 35 year Marine vet that former isn't a correct term?

Well, alrighty then.

[albacore]

124. Not a correct term...

"There truly is no such thing as a former Marine, as after service our Marine Veterans are just as dedicated to advancing our Nation and defending its ideals. If you become one of us, the fight in you will always be a part of our Nation's moral cause."
https://www.marines.com/life-as-a-marine/life-in-the-marine-corps/once-a-marine-always-a-marine.html#:~:text=There%20truly%20is%20no%20such,of%20our%20Nation's%20moral%20cause.

[albacore]

125. And... again... from my post.

"There are no "ex-Marines"... only Marines."

[MarineCombatEngineer]

127. Well, at least you got part right.

Once a Marine, always a Marine.
That includes former Marines.
It's sad that you don't know the difference.

[albacore]

128. Have you actually read my posts. That "former" thing isn't something I made up. Nt

[MarineCombatEngineer]

129. Ok, I confess that I read your post wrong and i apologize for my wrong headedness

It's all good.

[albacore]

132. Now THAT is not a response I would expect from a Marine...

A REAL Marine would tell me to fuck off and say something about my mother.
Well... us 0331s would, anyway.
Be well..

[MarineCombatEngineer]

139. LOL.

Now that is a response I would expect from a 0331 puke.

Peace out
Dan.

[Brainfodder]

73. If he goes for any of it, tell him to take 3 months and get in superb physical shape beforehand.

Get to point 60lbs on his back marching 5 miles is NOTHING and he is then ready.

You are welcome.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

76. 100+. nt

[MarineCombatEngineer]

79. A career with the US Marine Corps is highly rewarding,

the benefits are awesome, the only downside is, and I experienced this firsthand, is the deployment to active combat zones, but, other than that, it was well worth the 35 years I spent in the USMC.

[Polybius]

83. Thank you for your service!

I have to ask though, was it rare being a liberal in the Marines? I'd imagine most were not.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

138. It wasn't as rare as people think,

there were a lot of like minded Marines, not a majority, but there were a significant amount, we just didn't parade it around.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

137. I guess what I'm saying is that if one is considering changing careers,

you can't go wrong with the USMC.

[sarisataka]

81. I don't see how the 13th Amendment would apply

A person is free to request a career change or leave the service once the terms of the contract are fulfilled.

Note- read the whole contract. There are some interesting clauses in there.

[sarisataka]

86. I asked several questions

And read the contract. I knew what I was getting into and accepted the terms

[sarisataka]

90. No need to fear

They still apply in military service

[sarisataka]

92. I'm not recruiting anyone

Never have. You can easily read for yourself if you are thinking of joining. It is written in surprisingly plain English
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.esd.whs.mil/portals/54/documents/dd/forms/dd/dd0004.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiAr-WrpdWAAxVkkoQIHSYBB7wQFnoECBcQAQ&usg=AOvVaw25-pMC9zh_0UlsOH0cbc4v

[sarisataka]

103. .

[sarisataka]

111. You won't see any questions I asked

Of the OP because I didn't ask any. Nor did I say I did. We were talking of questions asked to a recruiter.

[sarisataka]

115. Because it is a discussion board?

Is there some approval i need before posting in any specific thread

[sarisataka]

117. My response to the OP

Is in number 51.

[BlackSkimmer]

131. Lmao at this exchange.

But allow me to

[inthewind21]

84. Well

That's a good question. But you better ask BEFORE your son is 18 because after that, they won't be talking to YOU they will be talking to him. I watched my nephews recruiter (Marines) tell my sister in her own living as he was there picking my nephew up for some weekend thing that he would happily answer her question(s) this time, but next time, AFTER my nephew turned 18 (he was a little over a week away at the time) ,there would be no more dealing with his parents.

[underpants]

107. BTW Randy. It's an 8 year contract. At least it was.

You said up for an MOS and an active period. You can re-up of course but after your active is up they can still call you back. I saw a couple guys during the first Desert Storm who were just going along with their lives only to get a letter AND do that time in Germany.

[SYFROYH]

110. Should my son being able to run 10 miles with a 50 lb pack or 75 lb pack?

Just kidding, but not really.

[llmart]

112. If he's looking for adventure...

he can get that in the Peace Corps.

[MorbidButterflyTat]

136. +1

[Demsrule86]

135. don't sign anything without taking it to a lawyer...they promise much make sure they will deliver.

Both my sister and brother were Marines...

[MistakenLamb]

151. My cousin is about to finish his service

Worked as an airfield firefighter now he is about to train to be a commercial pilot. Never served a day out of America

[hunter]

152. I'm gonna tell a story of the sort I don't usually tell here 'cause it's not mine.

My brother encouraged his godson to enlist just before 9-11-2001. Seemed like a good idea at the time, the kid was trouble in high school and in need of some practical discipline and life experience. So he joined the Army.

Why not? Our own dad had been seemingly aimless in high school and the Army put him to work as a nearsighted Radar O'Reilly medical clerk. (It was just the luck of the draw he never landed in Korea during that war.) There he found some direction in life and he got some veterans benefits too. Just like his Army Air Force dad had promised.

My brother's godson ended up in Iraq recovering bits and pieces of his brothers-in-arms and putting them in body bags, sometimes under fire.

Kid was never right after that. "Macabre" hardly describes it. Stir in some PTSD and substance abuse issues too.

This job:

https://www.army.mil/article/99590/soldiers_train_on_battlefield_recovery_of_human_remains