New to the forums

[Keth]

Hey guys,

I'm new to the forums, but not the Corps. I've been in the DEP since last summer. I decided that I was sick of Idaho and wanted to do something good with my life. I went with the minimal term of 4 and 4 but if I like the Corps I want to go for 20 years. I figued out the math and decided that I would end up with like 300,000 saved up if I invest right, plus retirement benefits.

Went for basic mechanics since I love working on cars but don't know nearly as much as I want to about them. I'm hoping to get stationed over in Iwakuni, Japan for my first station. I ship for boot camp on July 7th after I graduate so any advice on how a 6 foot 150 pound not so tough guy can make it through is definately welcome. I've talked to a lot of people and they all say it's the first 3 week you have to survive then it just becomes routine.

My sister joinded about a year ago and is now a LCrpl, she met a Cpl and they just got married. Too quick if you ask me. She has been a great help for me though, I can't let my sister out do me so it's great motivation.

Keth

[TracGunny]

Keth: welcome aboard and "dig around", a lot of knowledge on this board, might even be able to teach that old salty-dog sister a thing or two...

[Keth]

Thanks for the welcome. As far as my sister goes I think she said something about changing to the Air Force when her 4 years are up if she decides to continue with the military. She wasn't sure though. Get this, she said that a lot of Marines have done that, and that the Air Force respects you if you're a former Marine. I just laughed and said yeah, I've seen the Air Force recruiter, if I were him, I'd respect just about anyone, especially a Marine.

[dep_baumy]

This forum is an endless stream of knowledge, welcome aboard bro, if you any questions feel free to PM me.

[yellowwing]

Welcome aboard! You probably not too far off about the savings. I met a Sgt that was at the end of a six year tour. He had been taking half his check and sinking it into savings bonds the whole time. When I asked him how much are those bonds were worth, he just got this big glowing grin and winked!

Get into a good PT routine and keep pushing yourself. This is a great knowledge base if you ever have any questions. It bet we have over a thousand man years of knowledge of the Marine Corps. Someone will know if you just ask.

[namgrunt]

Keth
Welcome Aboard! The comment your sister made about Marines joining other services may be correct. It also works conversely, when other branch members join us. I'm not a recruiter, so don't count this as gospel, but when Marines finish enlistment, and decide to join a different branch, they don't have to go through boot camp for that service. After Marine Boot Camp, what could be tougher?

I know for a fact that enlisted men, with prior service in other branches, MUST still go through our boot training before becoming Marines. We had a former Army SPC4, named Pugh, who joined up after his hitch ended. He found himself in the middle of 70 green boots. He had to endure everything we did. In fact, it was harder on him because he was expected to understand concepts we were unfamliar with.

If you do earn decorations as a Marine, which are specific to Navy/Marine forces, you are allowed to wear them on your other uniform, if you pogo to a different branch. If I'm wrong, I'm sure some salty Gunny or Top (1st Sgt) will "clarify" my statements.

Work hard, son, and enjoy the ride when it begins.
namgrunt

[cmbell]

Welcome Aboard, What _Yellowwing_ said about PT is the truth. I smoked a little too many cigarettes when I was in. Man PT and smoke don't mix especially if your running hills in Camp Pendleton. Showing up sister in Corps would be cool keep the motovation...

[Booyah!]

Hey guys,

My recruiter gave me the nickname of Booyah! and thought it would be perfect for a user name. I am new to the site but I have been in the DEP since December 9, 2003. All I need to do is just to get through high school and I ship out to Parris Island in August. Just thought it would be nice to introduce myself.

- Anthony (real name)

[tophor]

Welcome aboard Keth and Booyah! All I can is start running now, get into shape before you go to boot camp. Also start doing pushups that will help in building up your upper body. SEMPER FI!!!