dtsetzer
04-13-08, 01:18 AM
Well, first, forgive me if this isn't appropriate to post here, but I find myself in need of input! As a few of you may know, I'm currently set to ship with a Reserve contract as a 1371, and plan to attend college after boot camp. I'd do split training, boot camp this summer, MOS school the next. However, after putting off confirming that I will attend school, my mother asked me "You don't want to go to college, do you?" I couldn't answer, but I think I know what the answer is. The only reasons I have for even thinking of attending college are either going to be commissioned as an officer, or simply to give me some insurance of a job later in life.
On the other side of things, I do want to be a Marine, more then anything. My fear is that, provided I get through boot camp, I will wish I had gone active duty, but find myself having to fulfill a six year commitment to the Reserves. I also start thinking about Security Forces, which is really something I'm interested in, and the fact that I can't do that as a Reservist. I don't want to look back in six, ten, or even twenty years and wish I had gone active duty and served as MCSF and Infantry. On top of these things, part of what attracted me to the Marine Corps was the brotherhood. I know that if I make it through boot camp, I'm going to have over one hundred thousand brothers and sisters watching my back. I'm afraid that if I go with the Reserves, I won't experience as much of the bond.
As the last thing, and this will sound completely idiotic I'm sure...I'm sort of afraid of leaving my family and friends behind. I love my family very much, they've had undying support for whatever it is I choose to do with my life, and I know I'm going to miss them. It's the same way with my friends, I have very close friends who I would do anything for. I don't know if anyone else had this problem, but if you did, does that feeling ease up over time when you are with your brothers in the Marine Corps? I'm sure this sounds stupid, but I figured I'd put it out there.
Ultimately, I know this is a decision I have to make by myself, for myself. However, I would greatly appreciate any input, insight, or advice you could give me. I'm not sure how this thread will be received, but I would appreciate any Marines comments, be it advice, or simply "Stop being a pussy!"
All respect,
-Poolee Setzer
On the other side of things, I do want to be a Marine, more then anything. My fear is that, provided I get through boot camp, I will wish I had gone active duty, but find myself having to fulfill a six year commitment to the Reserves. I also start thinking about Security Forces, which is really something I'm interested in, and the fact that I can't do that as a Reservist. I don't want to look back in six, ten, or even twenty years and wish I had gone active duty and served as MCSF and Infantry. On top of these things, part of what attracted me to the Marine Corps was the brotherhood. I know that if I make it through boot camp, I'm going to have over one hundred thousand brothers and sisters watching my back. I'm afraid that if I go with the Reserves, I won't experience as much of the bond.
As the last thing, and this will sound completely idiotic I'm sure...I'm sort of afraid of leaving my family and friends behind. I love my family very much, they've had undying support for whatever it is I choose to do with my life, and I know I'm going to miss them. It's the same way with my friends, I have very close friends who I would do anything for. I don't know if anyone else had this problem, but if you did, does that feeling ease up over time when you are with your brothers in the Marine Corps? I'm sure this sounds stupid, but I figured I'd put it out there.
Ultimately, I know this is a decision I have to make by myself, for myself. However, I would greatly appreciate any input, insight, or advice you could give me. I'm not sure how this thread will be received, but I would appreciate any Marines comments, be it advice, or simply "Stop being a pussy!"
All respect,
-Poolee Setzer