Intro

[michaan]

As a newbie to the board I figured a proper introduction was warranted prior to posting anything else so... my name is LCPL Anderson, Michael D., just graduated from recruit training at MCRD San Diego, on 23 Apr 04 2nd Bn Fox Co. Plt. 2065 and am currently on boot leave awaiting MCT and follow on training as a fire direction/control specialist (do not know specific MOS yet) at Ft. Sill, OK. I am a prior service Army wheeled vehicle mechanic/paratrooper, 29 yrs old, wife and two kids, one boy and one girl ages 8 and 10 respectively. Have been stationed at Ft.Bragg and Schofield Barracks.

With that out of the way, Any advice or current info about MCT, Artillery, or just being a better Marine in general would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for your time.

[LcplStud]

Who were your drill instructers? I graduated 23 Sept 03 with Fox, Platoon 2007. My Drill Instructers were SDI SSgt. Ward, DI SSGT Matthews, and DI SSGT Brown. WELCOME TO THE BROTHERHOOD!

Steadman,

OUT

[michaan]

Thanks for the Welcome, my Drill Instructors were SDI SSGT Matthews, DI SSGT Harper, DI SSGT Montoya-Sanchez, and DI SSGT Estrada.

[lprkn]

I have a question: What was the reason that you went from the Army to the Marine Corps? And, are you glad you did?

[michaan]

I left the Army as an SGT/E-5 promotable to take advantage of the GI BILL and pursue a higher education. Went to Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville for 3 years, worked a part time job and just missed the camraderie, esprit de corps,PT, and the military lifestyle overall. Never could find its equivalent in the civilian work environment. So.. I checked back in with the Army and by this time it was now the infamous "Army of One" and black berets, they would let me keep the rank but not change MOS. Then I seriously looked into the Marine Corps, read all the books, talked to everyone who had served, looked at the websites and made that decision. Walked in to the recruiters office and was gone 3 weeks later after all the paperwork got finalized. And I am extremely happy being a Marine, no regrets at all. The Marines hold themselves to a higher standard and I feel like its made me a better person.

[jinelson]

Welcome Aboard, I was compelled to ask why also and you answered that question. And you are right it has made you a better person.

Semper Fi
Jim

[8th&I Marine]

Welcome aboard marine

[namgrunt]

Welcome Aboard, Marine!

Nice of you to "pogo" over to our branch.
You made the right choice. I'm sure your prior experience will be a boon to your fellow Marines, once you are up to speed with the nuances between the two services.
Keep the Faith, and again, ...welcome to the Few, the Proud, The Marines.

Semper Fi!

[mrbsox]

Welcome aboard, and welcome to the brotherhood.

Sorry, no berets, no rose gardens, just a family that you can ALWAYS count on.

Semper Fi
And OHRA... not some puny 'whoya' ??

Terry

[thedrifter]

Welcome Aboard to the Best Marine Site on the net. Also welcome to your home away from home................
We have a great crew of Marines in here from WW II to the present............
Throw your sea bag in a corner, pull up a footlocker, sit and chat awhile.........

"AGAIN WELCOME ABOARD."


Ellie

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

My only advice is be careful at Ft. Sill. A buddy of mine used to be the Plt Sgt for the Marine Det, and they ran into problems with the Army dogs from time to time. (Just like Army guys would on a Marine base... nothing bad, just normal stuff) And enjoy your time in Oklahoma, also known as God's Country!

[DSchmitke]

Welcome to the Brotherhood and Semper Fi! Devil Dog

[Sgt0811]

Welcome aboard. What do you want to know about the artillery? I might be able to help. Was a 0811 (artillery) when I was on active duty 63-67. I know a lot has changed since then. They did away with my gun a 105mm howitzer. Old wwII type used in Vietnam. They still have a 105 but it looks quite differant.

Semper Fi,
Chick

[jdfairman]

I am a prior FDC man. Attended the course in 99 at Ft Sill. Its about a five week course if I remember correctly. You'll start out learning the calculations using a modified slide-rule and book. After that, you'll start learning the AFATDS system (computer). Its pretty easy. Good luck. Try not to get into a p-ssing contest with the Army personell. There is an Army boot camp battallion housed in the same area as the Marine Battery. You'll also be in class in the same area as their AIT students. Keep your nose clean, and try to get out on weekends.

[jdfairman]

By the way... if you know you are an FDC man, your MOS is 0844.

[michaan]

Once again, I appreciate warm welcome, it is the "second family" type environment I missed when I initially left the service and the Marines seem to be just that, A Family! As far as advice is concerned, I'll take any advice you gentlemen can give. MCT is the next hurdle, I take off this Tuesday, and really have little information on what to expect there.

As far as FT.Sill, I am really looking forward to learning my job to the best of my ability so any Field Manual reference or words of wisdom is more than welcome.

As far as dealing with soldiers at Ft.Sill, I believe that anyone who puts on a uniform and does his job the best he can is OK by me, I can still speak doggy so I should be able to communicate to that other service!

Take Care!

[LcplStud]

As far as MCT goes, if you didn't have any problems doing the humps during Field Week and the Crucible, you'll have a nice relaxing time at MCT. You get better gear, get to dip (if you so choose too), and most important you get to LAUGH! Also, as a word of advice, be prepared for a long night when you report in to SOI. Also, have a fresh pair of starched cammies awaiting you. you'll report in with you Alpha uniform on (make sure it looks good), and right after you get your name down you'll have to change quickly into your cammies. remember, the faster each individual moves, the faster you'll get to bed. But don't think you'll get lots of sleep that night, you have to wait until EVERYbody is done with their **** test, and all done reporting in. By the way, if you intentially fail your **** test, not saying you would but, if it happens you won't even get put in the brig till 1 week before you graduate, so it's not even worth it. Just a little advice, let me know if you need some more.

Steadman,

Out