Perhaps a Future Marine?

[Pezzle]

Be warned, this may seem like a tangent. I just want to talk to informed individuals, as I know ZERO Marines personally. Please read this thoroughly, as many of my questions are embedded amongst the paragraphs ahead.

I am seeking information from all branches of the US Military, as I feel it is a time in my life that I should join some form of Military Reserves. I was considering the US Army or USMC, though I've noticed the training is night and day now for these two branches.

Let's face the facts with me (and hey all of you on goarmy.com if you are here). I am extremely overweight. I have started taking steps to eliminate that and have started a rigorous workout routine. Oh let's not sugar coat stuff, since the D.I. definately would not: I AM FAT AS HELL. Of course I would not ever think of enlisting until I dropped to 160 lbs. I have 100 lbs to lose in a little over a year, and possibly the largest frame a 5'7" female can have. Let's just say I have an abnormal amount of muscle mass from a female of my size.

And on that note, I was placed on antidepressants two months ago. They were something my general physician gave me (SNRI, buproprion hydrochloride, also an appetite suppressant). They are temporary, useless, and too often prescribed for things that can be figured out with a little soul searching--

-- like me for instance. Being overweight, too much sugar -- the crashes make you depressed, make you lack energy, make you hate your self image. I decided on my own that it's time for a change. I am being taken off of the antidepressants under doctor supervision, and he is helping me with my diet and exercise programs. I want to mold myself into a better human being.

Funny how being physically active can make all that 'depression' go away.

That being said, I would hope that would not disqualify me entirely from NBC work in the Marines. I have a passion for all things NBC. I was going to do some civilian utility plant shutdowns for DECON as well, but it's hard to do that without knowing somebody or having credentials -- of which I have neither.

I'm a very good artist as well but I don't know how much I could do for the Marines in the "Combat Crayola" position as someone once called it.

I thought the Army might be a challenge, but I want to push myself physically and mentally to the highest challenge I can find. I want to be an expert marksman. Even if I cannot serve a direct combat role, I take combatant ability very seriously. Since I am under the impression that Reservists get the same Boot Camp as Active Duty, I do not think this is an improper desire (personal).

I also desperately love my country. I want to serve the United States with honor and dignity, to give something back to the country that gave me a wonderful life. I want to be pushed. I want a challenge, and I want to serve. I'd love to hear your thoughts and any answers or advice you may have.

- Brittany

As an ending note: I do not plan on making the Military a full career for the rest of my life; that part of my life lies in illustration. However, I feel this is something I should do for others, and for myself -- I feel almost like I've been lead to it.

[PatriotGirl422]

Brittany, welcome to the site and thank you for filling in your profile!
From what I can see, it looks like you have the right reasons for wanting to join the military. In order to become a Marine, you have to truly want to be a Marine (not just want to be in the military). It is something that is earned, and you will be be tested to your limits if you wish to pursue the Title.

On to the next subject: Your weight. You have stated that you are very overweight. Being a 20 year old 5'7" female, your maximum weight to ship to boot camp is 151 lbs. So, you have a lot of work to do. However, as many former poolees will tell you, it can be done. And there will be a lot of inspiration and motivation from people around here to help you lose weight.

As for your medication, that could potentially be disqualifying. You said that you are getting off of it now and that you don't think you ever needed it. If that is the case, you will have to have a written explanation signed by your doctor and sent to your recruiter saying this. However, it still may be disqualifying since you are just getting off of them now. (It's easier to get a waiver if you took the meds a long time ago).

Other than that, the best thing I can tell you is to get yourself in shape (just for your own sake) and then begin talking to a recruiter once you start to lose some weight. There are many opportunities in the Marine Corps, and I'm sure you could find a job you'd enjoy. If you haven't already talked to a recruiter, I'd suggest just calling one up at your local office and giving him the run down on your situation so you can see what can be done.

Once again, welcome. Look around at all the topics covered on the forum. I'm sure there's many people who have asked some of the same questions you may have.

[Covey_Rider]

Welcome aboard. You do have some challenges to overcome if you do want to become a Marine. As previously stated your maximum weight in order to ship to boot camp is 151 lbs. Now I was HIGHLY suggest that you don't ship to boot camp weighing the max. As for the antidepressants...you will have to wait one year, from the time you stopped taking them, until you can enlist into the Marine Corps. So I would use that time to work out and get into shape. Working out will make you feel better about yourself...yes boot camp is the same length, no matter if you're reservist or active duty. Not sure whether or not your state will have the NBC MOS within it's unit. Good luck in achieving your goals.

[Pezzle]

Welcome aboard. You do have some challenges to overcome if you do want to become a Marine. As previously stated your maximum weight in order to ship to boot camp is 151 lbs. Now I was HIGHLY suggest that you don't ship to boot camp weighing the max. As for the antidepressants...you will have to wait one year, from the time you stopped taking them, until you can enlist into the Marine Corps. So I would use that time to work out and get into shape. Working out will make you feel better about yourself...yes boot camp is the same length, no matter if you're reservist or active duty. Not sure whether or not your state will have the NBC MOS within it's unit. Good luck in achieving your goals.

Thank you both for your replies!

I'm happy to say that this is exactly my goal: I would not even think of going to the recruiter until I was at LEAST the maximum weight. This means I'd be 21 and I don't know if that puts me in the 160 bracket or not, but I think the weight chart I saw may have been old. That way, at the maximum weight, I can work with the recruiter at that point to develop a solid exercise plan that would be effective. I have to lose something along the lines of 110 lbs. That is sickening, I wonder how I got here in the first place -- indulgance and weakness. It is entirely possible to lose this weight within a year safely, and though I will start the routine slowly it will rapidly pick up pace as I condition myself for more and more and more.

The medication would have been out of my system for over a year, with repeated visits to the doctor in this time to keep my medical records well documented. Is this a good idea?

Also, what if I can't get down too far from the maximum weight due to muscle mass? My doctors have all told me that underneath the overweight and fatty exterior it's highly likely that I have a lot of lean tissue to add to my weight. I'm not sure exactly how I would handle this.

As far as an MOS goes, I suppose that's what the recruiter is there to talk about at that point.

I actually mildly fear my family and SO's reactions to the possibility but my SO is actually pretty supportive of the idea of any Military reserves -- he believes I have a gift with art and wants me to pursue that with alacrity. Thus, why the Marine Corps Reserves is a much better option for me at this time -- while I can and expect to be deployed, I cannot lose my job and can attend college.

I will of course do a great deal more soul searching in the next 12 months. While both the Army and the Marine Corps have high appeal in their own right, I have to want to be one or the other. I have to want the Title. I would never, ever rush into a life changing decision this big so quickly.

It's strange that I can almost consider myself a psychological masochist if I psyche myself up for something enough. I'd get off that bus so fired up for verbal abuse that I'd almost want the D.I. to scream at me. That is until the Quarterdecking started, then I'm sure my opinions would change rapidly. In fact I'd dare say I'm prepared for the mental side of things faaar better than the physical at this point.

The USAF keeps contacting me for 1AX71 [Aerial Gunner] which is appealing (AC-130, I love you so) but I would not go in until I had a B.S. Degree, since that position as an Enlisted Airman means "Clean the shells out of the aircraft and mop" so to speak... so that's out of the question for years to come.

Keep the replies coming, I am absolutely loving your support and your advice, it's really helping my decision making process.

[Pezzle]

Just to note...

After doing more research... I definately think 4611 "Combat Illustrator" would be my ideal MOS as opposed to any NBC work. It seems to be a little more rigorous and selective than the Army's version of the MOS. I would love to illustrate anything from promotional brochures to instruction manuals to the streets of Iraq. It appears to have positive civilian translations as well, since I am going to college to be an illustrator -- I thought perhaps the experiences would work in tandem.

Portraits, people, action... I love drawing everything I see. The idea of submitting a portfolio of my best work to the USMC is tear jerking, I would be proud and honored to be accepted.

I hope this isn't viewed as a wuss' MOS, but it's where my heart and talents lie.

If there are any 4611s reading this, can you tell me if it would be wise to submit sculpture as well as 2-D artwork? Can I also submit digital artwork painted on a laptop, or just stick to traditional media? I was searching through the forums and found only a very small handfull of topics on this MOS.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

As far as Aerial Gunner goes, not so. I'm not trying to direct you AWAY from the Corps, but enlisted aircrew actually operate those guns on the airship.

And...the Marine Corps has that MOS, in a sense, also. Flight crewmembers earn the Combat Aircrew wings aboard Helicopters as well as the Osprey. Something else to consider.

And, the Illustrator MOS isn't 'wuss'.

[jetdoc]

Hey Pezzle you seem to be on the right path and you equally seem to have a great attitude!! Good for you. You understand it was YOU got that you into your current position, and its YOU that has to get you out.

As you know, dropping the weight safely will take time, but you're still young, so do it the right way. There has been quite a few people on the board that had to lose some serious weight to get into the Marines, I seem to recall one young man that dropped around 150 pound? May have been more, I can't remember exactly.

Do a search as there are lots of threads on weight issues, weight loss sugesstions and training advise as well. You will get good support here if you ask.

Some people with a lot of weight to lose just give up and say, "fvck it, I can't lose that much weight", or complain about how difficult its going to be or blame the weight gain on everthing under the sun, except for themselves. You have not, which is half the battle.

I know you can do it....good luck with your future.

[karstenchu]

Hello Brittany. Just wanted to drop you some support. It seems to me that you've come to an important crossroads in your life and you're about to make a wise decision.

When I decided that I wanted to join the Marine Corps, I was the textbook example of a couch potato. As you know, running is a huge part of being a Marine. I'd like to point you to the Couch to 5k program to build up your cardiovascular system and get you up to running three miles. I followed the C25k program and went from only being able to run ~1/4 mile to 2.35 miles in about 3-4 months. Slow, but steady progress is the name of the game. Use lots of walking, swimming and stationary bike until your joints and tendons get used to the stress!

Become friends with the assisted pullup and lat pulldown machines as for the next year they will stimulate those muscles you'll need for your flex arm hang.

Oh yea, invest in an mp3 player and a "Running to Cadence" CD. Nothing will keep you moving better than the sweet, sweet sounds of a DI's voice.

Keep me up to date on your progress! If getting there is half the fun, then us fat bodies have way more fun than those scrawny cross-country dudes ;)

[Pezzle]

As far as Aerial Gunner goes, not so. I'm not trying to direct you AWAY from the Corps, but enlisted aircrew actually operate those guns on the airship.

In the USAF or the USMC? I was told by someone that only the Officers fired the weapons, but I want to speak to a recruiter before I make any presumptions in that regard. It's good to hear this.



And...the Marine Corps has that MOS, in a sense, also. Flight crewmembers earn the Combat Aircrew wings aboard Helicopters as well as the Osprey. Something else to consider.

And, the Illustrator MOS isn't 'wuss'.

That's great to hear! I love aircraft in general but I have never worked on electrical systems of that caliber. What MOS would I have to start with? Perhaps I overlooked something on the MOS list on military.about.com..

I don't honestly think 4611 is a wuss MOS because I think it's a great fit for me, but when I was looking into the Army I had a great deal of Soldiers telling me I would be worthless.

I wish I could serve in both the USAF AND the USMC in my lifetime and perhaps I will yet, I've a passion for many things in both (big guns and technolgy) :D.

Thanks for all the support regarding weight loss, I started to cut my calorie intake today and am doing so gradually enough to keep me from going "oh gords i'm so hungry". I also have officially cut soda completely out of my diet.

[LeonardLawrence]

In the USAF or the USMC? I was told by someone that only the Officers fired the weapons, but I want to speak to a recruiter before I make any presumptions in that regard. It's good to hear this.



That's great to hear! I love aircraft in general but I have never worked on electrical systems of that caliber. What MOS would I have to start with? Perhaps I overlooked something on the MOS list on military.about.com..

I don't honestly think 4611 is a wuss MOS because I think it's a great fit for me, but when I was looking into the Army I had a great deal of Soldiers telling me I would be worthless.

I wish I could serve in both the USAF AND the USMC in my lifetime and perhaps I will yet, I've a passion for many things in both (big guns and technolgy) :D.

Thanks for all the support regarding weight loss, I started to cut my calorie intake today and am doing so gradually enough to keep me from going "oh gords i'm so hungry". I also have officially cut soda completely out of my diet.

There is no value in soda and you are going to find your body releasing alot of water retained by the salt/sugar in soda products in the next week. Very good stuff...not to drink.

Good luck. :thumbup: Remember it takes work, not wishing to get it done.

[Pezzle]

Thank you. I of course will now refrain from spending too much time discussing plans, and instead spend time taking action. However, if any new questions or concerns come up I will add them to this thread when the time comes. I will also update this thread with weight and fitness progress.

[LeonardLawrence]

Pezzle,
If you are interested I have a weight loss motivation group of three potential poolees and myself...it is a way to track your progress and such as well as motivate others in the same situation.

I fronted the group originally and the join fee is $10 (to the host site, not me) if you are interested.

You track your weight, calories , excersize and whatever. It has been quiet as of late, but a fresh addition would be nice.

If you are interested in more intel, pop me a private message with your email...

[MotivatorOfTheGuard]

Brittany, in regards to the overweight issue, there is nobody on this planet who can change that situation but yourself. All you have to do is know within yourself that you can change that situation, and have the courage and endurance to accomplish the mission of losing weight and attaining your goal.

Secondly in regards to your question about NBC. If you have any questions i am a 5711, which means that my primary military occupation is a NBC Marine (now know as CBRN -Chemical Biological Radiological & Nuclear Defense Specialist-). So if you have any questions about how the MOS works, and how it differs with the Army, please feel free to ask. The differences are vast, and alone could help your decision in regards to which branch. Also know that right now NBC is merging with other MOS' and 5711's are going to be not only NBC defense specialist, but ATFP (anti terrorism force protection) among other things, so, think about that.

Also to your question regarding "Combat Camera", i have recently spoken to some individuals that were denied a lat move because the MOS is literally packed with Marines. It's a hot MOS and not even Marines who have been active for 4 years are able to do it, so, that may not be an easy MOS to finagle with your recruiter.

Again if you have any questions please let me know.

[Pezzle]

Also to your question regarding "Combat Camera", i have recently spoken to some individuals that were denied a lat move because the MOS is literally packed with Marines. It's a hot MOS and not even Marines who have been active for 4 years are able to do it, so, that may not be an easy MOS to finagle with your recruiter.

Again if you have any questions please let me know.

We'll see when I go to the recruiter in a year. Never know what will be available. I'm a fairly competent illustrator, so I would hope for it but would not give up the prospect of joining the Marine Corps just because I couldn't have Combat Illustrator as an MOS. So in other words I'd prefer Big Guns n' Geiger Counters as well as a 2B Strathmore and some Bristol.

I'd love to know more about 5711 and the changes it may go through. Hearing experience first hand is best for me. Tell me more about it if you can, PM it if you prefer, or post it here on the open forum for other wannabes and Poolees looking for information [god willing they use search anyway]. It's a very appealing MOS to me.

@Sgt. Leprechaun: Would the flight crew path be under Field 73?

[jetdoc]

Have you ever thought about seeing a recruiter now? We all know you have some work to do, and the recruiter will know too. It will sorta give you a goal to shoot for, if you meet the recruiter and tell him your goals.

Just a thought.

[Pezzle]

UPDATE:

I have lost about 10 pounds (the other 3 fluctuate depending on if I weigh myself before or after food). I am now walking 3.5 miles per day in 1 hr 8 minutes comfortably. I can still feel my legs working, but its not detremental. I have cut my caloric intake from about 4k per day to 1,500-2k, but never under 1.2k. I no longer drink soda at all except for the rare once-a-month occasion, as well as no longer eating fast food save for Blimpie. I feel much better.

Vitamins are a part of my diet now too, calcium, multivitamin, iron.. my nails and hair are growing like crazy and I'm feeling much more lively. I can't believe what an easy transition this has been so far.

I hope the weight drops soon again but I don't know... I don't feel as fat, in fact I'm fitting better into my clothing and everything's more comfortable. I think I have some muscle added to my legs, and soon I will start to lift weights and get acquainted with my best friend the lat pulldown. :)

I'll keep you updated.

[PatriotGirl422]

Keep up the good work! Keep building up your strength and stay away from the junk food! You'll continue to improve.