Just introducing myself.

[Lith]

Hey guys,

Found the site while reading up on the Corps tonight. I'm 17 years old, and currently waiting to enlist. My mother is still apprehensive to let me join before I'm 18, but I know this is what I want to do. She wants me to prove that this is definitely what I want by continuing to train. I started my training about 2 weeks ago. My immediate goal was meeting the IST requirements so I wouldn't have to go to PCP before I even went to boot. I brought my 14 minute mile and a half down to 12:30 as of today. Last time I timed myself, I did 47 crunches in 2 minutes. I can do 6 pull-ups. I'm 5'11" and 119, so I'm also trying to gain a bit of weight before I go. Just wanting to give y'all a bit of background on me. :) Anyways, the MOS I'm most interested in is Aviation Electronics. I'm also planning on taking the route of an Officer, either by getting my degree while on Active Duty, or going MECEP. If anyone can give me some advice, feedback, motivation, encouragement, etc. Please do. I want to be a brother. I want to be a Marine. I know this is the best choice for me. Though I have been told different by many people. "What are you thinking?", "Are you f***ing nuts?", "Why the Marines?", along with others. Why the Marines? Because everyone joins the Army, I don't want to be a sailor, and the Air Force does not impress me with their pampered lifestyle. I want to say "I'm a Marine" with pride and honor. My girlfriend's against it, my friends (most of them) are against it, my grandparents are dead against it, and my mother is against it. My father supports me, but I'm in custody of my mother. But, I'm doing it for myself, and not letting anyone get in my way.

Sorry if this sounds random, and pieced together. But, it's late, and I haven't had a chance to let anyone who can relate know how I feel besides my recruiter. And I'm sure his opinion is slightly biased because of his quota. He is a sincere and honest Marine though, and I respect him. Thanks for hearing me out, and expect to see me around the site now!

Semper Fi,
Lith

[dep_baumy]

When your 18 you can enlist so dont worry about everyone else saying "dont do it". My parents werent all giddy up about it either but once your recruiter talks to them or they find out more about it they will approve. Just keep working hard and improving on your physical stuff. I know it isnt very much fun to go out and bust your balls but its the only way any of us will become a Marine. Just keep motivated man, all of your hard work will pay off, good luck!

[namgrunt]

Welcome Aboard, Lith

I see you have found the Pool(ee) Hall and Marine Mentor sectors. Both good places for info and tips on the Corps and its offerings. You'll also meet others like yourself, who are waiting to enlist, or have already enlisted in the Delayed Entry Program (dep).

I wouldn't worry about being 119 lbs. The Corps will put on the muscle where you need it. As for the Officers programs, you will note some of the website members have officer bars below their names. Click on the [profile] button to find out whether they are active duty or retired. If they are active duty, they would be a good source for current information.

Semper Fi!
namgrunt

[Lith]

Thanks a lot guys. I just finished my nightly PT, before I checked this. I did 44 crunches in a minute, and I just kept going after that. I lost count, but I estimate around 80-100. I did push-ups for about 2 minutes too. I didn't count, probably around 40-50. Well, I'm off to bed now. Thanks for the encouragement. Oh, and my mom and stepdad have both talked to the recruiter and are still skeptical. More on that later. Good night and God bless!

Semper Fi,
Lith

[Osotogary]

It was nice to see your post, Lith.
Shoot for the moon but, right now, do it one step at a time.
You used the term "pampered lifestyle" when referring to the Air Force. Was this done because of something you personally have seen or experienced or because of what you heard? I'm just curious. I wish you well as you progress toward your personal and military goals.
I appreciate your logic and your presentation. It reminds me of when I was 17. Good work and take care.
Respectfully,
Gary(osotogary)

[cmbell]

Lith, Welcome aboard...

Theres no problem being 119lbs. When I went to bootcamp at the age of 22 I weighed 147 and left bootcamp at 164lbs. My family didn't agree with me enlisting in the Corps either, but I did it anyways. I come from a family of Army and my grandfather was in the Army Air Corps. So the thought of me being a Marine at the time was out of the question. After I graduated from bootcamp they were proud. All you have to show everyone is that you can succeed and won't back down and they should respect that.

Semper Fi,
Chris Bell (CMBELL)

[CPLRapoza]

When I went to bootcamp, I was the same as you 5'9' 120 lbs, I left bootcamp only gaining 1 lb, because they didn't put me on double rats, but anyway, three and a half years later, I now way 160lbs, not all muscle, but damn near close, can't seem to get rid og the mini-keg sitting in my gut.

[Lith]

It's because of what I heard Osotogary. The one thing the Air Force recruiter was trying to sell me on was quality of living. I researched the AF some more and it seems that most people join the AF instead of the other branches with quality of living as one of their cornerstones. That's just my opinion.

And if for some reason my mother condemns it and doesn't let me enlist while I'm 17. I'll just wait until I am 18 dep_baumy. Already thought about that. Well, off to school.

Semper Fi,
Lith

[Chain Breaker]

Originally posted by Lith
My girlfriend's against it, my friends (most of them) are against it, my grandparents are dead against it, and my mother is against it. My father supports me, but I'm in custody of my mother. But, I'm doing it for myself, and not letting anyone get in my way.


Howdy,
You remind me of my self, (your a bit older and don't want to be a grunt) allot of people I know/knew were not all that happy for me when I decided to become a Marine. My grandparents are sure I'll die in recruit training. (they saw a 20/20 show, were they weren't inside USMC recruit training) My Dad was really happy for me (I think if it weren't for my grandpa, Dad would have become a Marine) My Mom on the other hand was any thing but happy. She wanted me to be a Missionary. I told her that a Marine is a lot like a Missionary both save people. She did not think that was funny. My point is that I bet (and hope) that when they see me after recruit training, in my USMC uniform, they will be proud.
And if they ain't proud, I'll be. And that's what matters.

Ooh-Ra! :marine: