How I joined the Corps

[CJ Haynes]

I know I'm pretty new here, but I thought I would go ahead and share my story about how I came to be enlisted in the Marines.

The whole story actually goes back to Feburary of 2006 when I was in 10th grade. That's when I first started thinking about military service after I finished high school since I only had two years left. The Marine Corps was the first branch I looked into. But, there was a major problem: I was 200 lbs. at 16 years old (and I was only 5'6 tall, btw). I knew I was totall inadequate for the Marines. So, I looked at the Army and Navy because, in all honesty and no disrespect, they have lower physical standards. Well, I pretty much gave up on the Marines at that point. However, I wanted to change my physical stature, so I prayed to God to help me, and one sunny day that Feburary I went outside for a 40 minute brisk walk. I got back home and eliminated sweet tea and sodas from my diet, and started drinking nothing but water. I went out and walked and such every single day from that time forth. After a month, I had already lost almost ten pounds. I was pretty excited, so I kept going with the same routine (though I admit at certain times I slacked off a bit). So, come summer of 2007, last year, I was at 139 pounds (thank God!). During this whole time, even though my physical fitness level had increased dramatically, I still had my heart set on the Army. I came VERY close to enlisting in the Army and going to basic during the summer break, but I told the Army recruiter that I wanted to enjoy my summer and such. Looking back, I thank God I made that decision. Later that summer, which would be this past August right before I started this school year, I was at home alone and headed out for a walk. I go outside and a man is standing there in uniform, and it turned out to be Staff Sergeant Cox, the Easley Marine recruiter. We set up a meeting for the next day so I could learn more about the Marine Corps and what it had to offer. I told him at the recruiting office about how the Marine Corps was my first choice, but how I knew I WAS inadequate, and I was going to go Army because of the lower standards. He then posed the one question that really struck me: "Do you want to live the rest of your life knowing that you settled for less?". After talking with him a while, I realized how special the Marine Corps was even though it didn't offer hardly any of the benefits the other branches offer (for example, the Army recruiter tried to hook me with the 40,000 dollar enlistment bonus you get or what not). I realize now that it was the "pride of belonging" that really attracted me (being part of something incredibly special). Honestly (and this is what I told my recruiter), I have never been on any sports team the whole time I have been in school or anything, and I have never exactly "belonged" to anything, and the closeness of Marines and that special unity really attracted me. Plus, college honestly, at this point in time, does not interest me; I am not incredibly interested in "chasing after the dollar" or something. I wanted to do something meaningful that would benefit others and be pleasing to God.
It took about a week for me to decide to join the Marine Corps. Really, it all went back to what my recruiter asked: "Do you want to live the rest of your life knowing that you settled for less?". I prayed about it the whole week, and I praise God for the chance He has given me to join the Marines. I also praise Him that Staff Sergeant Cox came to my house, and gave me this opportunity. I honestly believe this is what the Lord wants me to do. I prayed about it that entire week, and looking back to Feburary of 2006, I can see that God has had His hand in preparing me for this time.
I know boot camp is going to be tough, but with God's help I know I can make it through; I am so thankful to Him for the opportunity to be a small part of the Corps. I wouldn't have it any other way. :flag:

[Donut Brigade]

Sounds and looks too close to my story about enlisting in the Corps.

Met with Army recruiters several times, agreed to meet, took the ASVAB, nearly set out for MEPS. Then for some reason (I honestly don't remember why I did it), I noticed the Marine Corps Career Center right across the street (believe it or not) and just decided "what the hell" and just walked in.

Fifteen minutes later I knew these are the sort of men I want to be around and trust my life with! They showed me "Ears, Open, Eyeballs, Click" and debunked a few BS promises the Army gave me, which was a very unpleasant experience on it's own.

Six weeks later, the Army called again (woo, they remembered me!) and asked I was ever going to DEP; so I surprised them with news. The Sergeant there told me "well if it makes any difference to you, we pay people $1000 every month they are in the DEP"...

So, you think I made the right choice this time? :thumbup:

[CJ Haynes]

@DonutBrigade: Sounds like we BOTH made the right decision! :)
Like I said, my whole reason for wanting to go Army was originally I was so out of shape, and the Army's physical standards are a lot less demanding than the Marines.
It's kind of funny: when I first met the Army recruiter (Staff Sergeant Gillens, who is a really good guy, btw), he thought I wanted a job with computers just because I wear glasses and I'm a little bit short; simply put, I can't stand computers half the time, so that was kind of funny.
But anyway, it wasn't just an instantaneous thing for me to decide to join the Marine Corps. Like I said, it took me a week of thinking and praying about it before I decided I wanted to be a Marine. Again, it really came back to what Staff Sergeant Cox asked me ("do you want to settle for less?").

[bonnjanry]

I have never considered joining the Army!

[CJ Haynes]

@bonnjanry: And that's probably a good thing, lol. :D J/K! The truth is, each service has something for each person. The Marine Corps just really appeals to certain people...being all of us here. :)

[YMPfcDeremer]

I have never considered joining the Army!

Same for me. The Marine Corps is the only branch of the military I have even considered joining!

[Parks]

I realize now that it was the "pride of belonging" that really attracted me (being part of something incredibly special). Honestly (and this is what I told my recruiter), I have never been on any sports team the whole time I have been in school or anything, and I have never exactly "belonged" to anything, and the closeness of Marines and that special unity really attracted me. Plus, college honestly, at this point in time, does not interest me; I am not incredibly interested in "chasing after the dollar" or something.
Same reason for me, though I've always done team sports. I'm an only child with no cousins or anyone near my age, so there was never really anyone I could play with. Sports helped, but the Marines offer the siblings I never had. Best benefit ever. 40K doesn't really match up, eh?

edit: I admit to considering the Army for about a day. It ended quickly.

[CJ Haynes]

@YMPfcDeremer: Just asking, but what is it about the other branches that turn you away?

[CJ Haynes]

@Parks: In my opinion, that 40K the Army gives you is nothing compared to what the Corps can DO to you (as far as changing you as a person). The Corps is much more special in so many ways.

[Parks]

Exactly. I spent a fair amount of time with the Air Force recruiter (long story) and he was forever going on about how great and easy it was, how he always back talked his superiors, and how it wasn't even like being in the military. Every word just seemed to make the Corps's values seem that much more important to me for joining.

And the Army...well, I don't want to disrespect them, but I can't say they had a lot of respect for themselves or their branch.

[CJ Haynes]

@Parks: If you don't mind, would you post your story about the Air Force recruiter (like I did)? I'd like to hear it!
And yeah, I hear that a lot about the Air Force (it's ease and such). People here at school always sprout out how the Air Force is the best of the forces, and when I inquire as to why, it always goes back to how easy it is (as far as training). 95% of the people at my school, even the football players, are too scared to join the Marine Corps because of how tough boot camp is. Lol, I always try to tell those guys that if I can do it, you can do it (though I haven't been to boot camp yet; I just mean taking the courage to enlist).

[Donut Brigade]

IMHO it was better in the end for me to explore other branches than the Marine Corps before finally making the big choice. It really gave me an image of the Corps being the best and second to none. After all, all great things are only relative.

[CJ Haynes]

@DonutBrigade: Really, the only branch I didn't check out was the Air Force (they didn't have anything that interested me too much). And from what I hear about the Air Force...I'm not missing too much.
What interested me about the Navy were submarines. I thought about becoming a submariner if I went to the Navy.

[Parks]

IMHO it was better in the end for me to explore other branches than the Marine Corps before finally making the big choice. It really gave me an image of the Corps being the best and second to none. After all, all great things are only relative.

Quoted for truth. Even knowing which branch I wanted, listening to the Army and the AF really made it that much clearer. (Granted, I didn't even bother with the Navy. Who wears white uniforms?!?)

Haynes: I'd post it, but it was really more of me being sneaky and not wanting to deal with my parents than anything interesting. I told them I was joining the military and the only branch the viewed as 'safe' was the AF so I went to the Af recruiter and told him I was interesting in joining. All the while I was filling out paperwork for the Corps and sneaking over there while my parents were out (lucky for me they travel quite a bit). When it was time to go to MEPS, I told my parents I was joining the AF. Went to the Marine office after school that day and the next, came home with my recruiter and the title of Poolee.

Thankfully, the AF recruiter didn't really have anything else to do besides play golf so he wasn't really upset with me about it. He was kinda shocked when he called a couple days later asking when I wanted to MEPS though...

[Donut Brigade]

The AF recruiter played golf with you? My recruiter told me tales of adventures, women, and snappy looking uniforms, it was plenty enough for me. :banana:

[CJ Haynes]

@Parks: Wow, your quite the sneaky one! :D I'd still love to hear your story! It sounds interesting!
So the Air Force recruiter really didn't care?

[Parks]

I'm sneaky by birth, my family sells cars. lol

And no, he really didn't care at all actually. He works like three days a week and has to turn people down more often than not because he doesn't need to recruit that many people. It was only my ASVAB score that had him interested in the first place, plus the fact that I kept finishing his sentences since I'd done a lot of research on the AF.

Come to think of it, I'd love to be an AF recruiter. He never worked. lol

[CJ Haynes]

@Parks: See?! That's why people like the Air Force so much. It has minimal input (at least from what I hear). I mean, I'm not trying to disrespect the Air Force, but this seems to be how they are.

[Donut Brigade]

Personally I'll hold off the trash talking until I make it through. The only only Airman I know personally is the most hardworking and dedicated person that has come into my life; grew up dirt poor, scored 99 on the ASVAB, went to boot a week after graduation, graduated an equivalent to honor man in the Corps being the DI Mouse and scribe, ended up being a Security Forces deployed to Kosovo and seeing some horrific things. Retired an E-4 after just 3 years.

Motivated and talented, he snapped out of his sh!tty situation and grabbed the opportunity by the horns. I'd say he is my #1 inspiration to enlist. Yes, an Airman. ;)

[CJ Haynes]

@DonutBrigade: You are right. Sorry if I was trash talking. I'll stick to facts only from now on, no mud slinging.
Back to facts: all the other branches just have lower standards, physically and morally. The Marine Corps has so much to offer through hard work that the other branches don't have, IMO.

[Donut Brigade]

I know you have respect for all branches, no need to for an apology.

Hell, I hear worse things on weekly basis from some of the poolees around here. Making fun of the Army, how 'gay' berets look, saying 'we' any time Marines are addressed like they've already made it and whatnot.

In for a rude awakening? You bet.

[CJ Haynes]

@Donut: "We" is something I am always tempted to say too. But I always have to stop and remember, "I am not a Marine yet". People say to me all the time at school, "hey Marine!", and I respond back, "I'm a poolee, not a Marine!!". :D

[Donut Brigade]

@Donut: "We" is something I am always tempted to say too. But I always have to stop and remember, "I am not a Marine yet". People say to me all the time at school, "hey Marine!", and I respond back, "I'm a poolee, not a Marine!!". :D

QFT!! My classmates always call me a Marine and I have to correct them that I'm still a nasty civilian like them.

OK, enough bantering, it's lights out for me.

[Parks]

I know you have respect for all branches, no need to for an apology.

Hell, I hear worse things on weekly basis from some of the poolees around here. Making fun of the Army, how 'gay' berets look, saying 'we' any time Marines are addressed like they've already made it and whatnot.

In for a rude awakening? You bet.

Those berets do look pretty bad. ;)

[Switchfire]

Yeah same here.. my wannabe cowboy cousin calls me a Marine when were messin around and I have to correct him.. Same with retards in weight training.

I like the story Cory. Reminds me of why I joined. The "Do you want to live the rest of your life knowing that you settled for less?" statement is important. Dont get me wrong im doing this for myself, but I like the way it feels to be looked at like im joining the Marines.. Which seems different then the way people interact or "look" at other branches poolees if that makes sense.

I also need to feel the pride of belonging. I messed up in other things in life (social interactions like not many friends.. or talk to girls or take chances) So im working on not messing up whats ahead and bettering my future.

[CJ Haynes]

@Switchfire: I hope and pray you do very well in the Corps. And I'm sure the Corps will change the both of us for the better.
In fact, I have yet another story to share if you all wanna hear it. It's more of a personal thing, but I believe it matters to my future as a Marine.

[Switchfire]

H3ll go for it.. I dont know if I would put it in a new post but whatever lets hear it.

[gobuffs10]

That's quite the story, I'm glad you made it! Sounds a bit like me...according to the Marines height and weight standards I was 5 pounds under the max, but my body fat % was high...so like you, I have cut soda, candy, fast food, all that crap, got myself on a strict diet, and have been running every day.

I've lost 10 lbs already. I still can't do push ups or pull ups worth a damn, but it will come. I'm not an official poolee til November for medical reasons, but my ASVAB and physical are supposed to be sometime next week.

Interesting story...I love what the recruiter said to you about settling for less. That would change my mind pretty quick too!!

EDIT: By the way, I admire your religious fervor...I was raised Catholic and it just didn't work for me. I bet I will find God come boot camp, hahaha. I dunno, the religion thing isn't for everyone, but it is nice to see kids like you because it means not all kids my age are godless heathens. Gives me a glimmer of hope, know what I mean?

[Switchfire]

I guess I know what you mean buffs.. The only thing that saddens me is the way people seem to hide it so much making me second guess their faith. I dont have it posted everywhere but its an easy answer when asked. I am Christian. Been all my life. And still working on it lol

[jungholee90]

I read your other thread but since I'm posting here, welcome poolee Haynes!

That's motivating how you got to 139, crazy determination right there. I almost ended up joining the Army as well, I requested for a packet from the Army to start talking to my parents and a letter came back saying I need to wait until I turn 17. I was 16 back then, so I didn't mention anything and waited. When I turned 17, the first branch that approached me was the Marine Corps. I got a letter in my mail and I checked out the site, set appointment, and boom, I got in the DEP. Then about 2 months into my USMC DEP, Army called me. It was a funny and exteremely short conversation, haha. I also think the same way as you, I love the pride of belonging and the tradition of the Marine Corps that other branches lack. Those bonuses Army gives out really doesn't matter to me. I want to be a Marine.

I have a friend who is currently in Air Force DEP rethinking to join the Marines. He's already spoke with my recruiter and I just gave him "Ears Open, Eyeballs Click" to watch. We'll see what happens.

[bonnjanry]

When I went to the local Armed Forces recruiting station, the Marine Corps recruiter was out but the Air Force recruiter happened to see me and asked me if there was anything he could help me with.

He was a pretty cool guy and made the Air Force sound really fun. I seriously considered it for the next three to four days, but then I asked myself, "Did I want to join the military to take it easy or do I want to be the best I can be (NOT THE ARMY)?"

Despite all the cool things that the Air Force recruiter talked about, for once in my life, I chose something that I needed instead of wanted (though I feel as though I need and WANT to be a Marine). I never went back into the Air Force recruiter's office again. I'm sure he sees me walk by when I go into the Marine Corps office every now and then Lol. He was nice enough to leave a note for the Marine Corps recruiter to call me back though.

[CJ Haynes]

@Buffs: I'll be praying for you, my man! Don't give up on God; believe me, He doesn't give up on you (in fact, to me, Jesus Christ is the epitome of Semper Fi!).
@Jungholee: Thanks! My recruiter keeps saying that that determination is something the Marines look for, anyway!
Oh, and is "Ears open, Eyeballs click" any good? I have only seen clips of it and my dad ordered it online the other day.

[Bonzack]

I've never considered any other branch. My dad is a former marine and he would have killed me...not to mention I want to be the best...and I wanna be super bad ass.

I just walked into the recruiting office, asked which one recruited for my school, and gave him all my info right there on the spot. Few days later I was at MEPS.

[CJ Haynes]

I've never considered any other branch. My dad is a former marine and he would have killed me...not to mention I want to be the best...and I wanna be super bad ass.

I just walked into the recruiting office, asked which one recruited for my school, and gave him all my info right there on the spot. Few days later I was at MEPS.

Those are the recruits that the recruiters really like (ones who simply approach THEM). Makes it easy on the recruiter since 99% of the time he's trying to hunt down people to enlist. :D

[Donut Brigade]

Yah I was a walk-in. Just showed up and started asking questions, I was their only customer so all five or six of them were talking to me at a time lol.

[CJ Haynes]

Yah I was a walk-in. Just showed up and started asking questions, I was their only customer so all five or six of them were talking to me at a time lol.

Customer? :D Lol, anyway, I always wondered how that was like (having five or six recruiters talk to you at the same time). How WAS it like? Were you more confused than anything?

[Donut Brigade]

Well at least I got my questions answered in a straight-up matter...I could tell they were having fun with me, and thought I wasn't serious about the whole thing like 95% of people they interview, so they were very very blunt.

I asked about bonuses and all of them just laughed and the Gunny pointed across the street and said "the Army office is right there".

I wasn't confused or anything, all of them gave their opinion on each of my questions...why they joined, why I should join, what kind of job is the best, etc.

They also showed me "EOEC" 30 mins in the meeting and warned me that it was a "horror movie". LOL, good times.

[CJ Haynes]

Well at least I got my questions answered in a straight-up matter...I could tell they were having fun with me, and thought I wasn't serious about the whole thing like 95% of people they interview, so they were very very blunt.

I asked about bonuses and all of them just laughed and the Gunny pointed across the street and said "the Army office is right there".

I wasn't confused or anything, all of them gave their opinion on each of my questions...why they joined, why I should join, what kind of job is the best, etc.

They also showed me "EOEC" 30 mins in the meeting and warned me that it was a "horror movie". LOL, good times.

So when you were interested in joining, were they surprised (since, like you said, most people aren't too serious about joining up)?

[Donut Brigade]

I think when I actually took the ASVAB and got a good score and started coming on Mondays to PT before I was even a poolee is when they thought: "oh wow, this guy is really going all the way, AND he was a walk-in! Sweet!"

[CplKJSpevak]

Check this out, The SNCOIC of my recruiting office was a Gunny, who was from the area but an active duty recruiter...He got promoted to Master Sgt. when I was at Boot...(this was in '92) The he got promoted to Master Gunny and retired in 2000....I haven't seen him since being on leave from MOS school summer of '93.....Last Monday (Memorial Day) I was at the local Marine Corps League for their open house (my neighbor invited me) I was in the chow line...I look to my right, and there is the Master Gunny, When I told him my name and went I left for bootcamp he remembered...I basically thanked him for making the impression on me ( an 18 year old at the time) to make the best decision of my life....As I had a beer with him I said, I had a great 4 years, and you didnt' put in no ****bird! It was a great feeling to see him....

[NicholasITALY]

Never considered on joining the Army! NEVER!
My goal is to enlist in the Marine Corps. And become a U.S. Marine.
That's the goal of my life.

[PooleeChick17]

Ha. I was originally going to join the Air Force. I was almost going to sign papers too when I got a call from my Marine recruiter. He said he noticed I wrote down on my ASVAB test at school that I was interested in the military. Then he asked me why I hadn't called him. It was sort of like he knew the Air Force wasn't for me. LOL. I was skeptical at first that the Marines didn't have anything interesting for me until we looked over jobs. Intel sounded pretty fun though. That and the MECEPS program sounded pretty nice. :)

[CJ Haynes]

Check this out, The SNCOIC of my recruiting office was a Gunny, who was from the area but an active duty recruiter...He got promoted to Master Sgt. when I was at Boot...(this was in '92) The he got promoted to Master Gunny and retired in 2000....I haven't seen him since being on leave from MOS school summer of '93.....Last Monday (Memorial Day) I was at the local Marine Corps League for their open house (my neighbor invited me) I was in the chow line...I look to my right, and there is the Master Gunny, When I told him my name and went I left for bootcamp he remembered...I basically thanked him for making the impression on me ( an 18 year old at the time) to make the best decision of my life....As I had a beer with him I said, I had a great 4 years, and you didnt' put in no ****bird! It was a great feeling to see him....

That was a cool story! There is a Marine I am currently looking for, but I can't find him. He taught NJROTC at my high school when I was in it back in 9th grade (2004-2005). Stupid me, I can't even remember his name. We all called him "Gunny", and that was it. :D