06 Stang
11-21-08, 09:06 PM
Hello all Marines,
I've lurked here for a while and have finally decided to post.
I'll start off by saying all I've accomplished so far is the practice ASVAB, signing up for the physical (I've got the flu, and the recruiter doesn't want them to fail me), and passed a drug test. I've spoken to many Marines, because this is a huge decision for my life. Everyone I've spoken with has said that it's the best move they have made in their entire lives. The Marine corps will set me up for life. I can become a career Marine, or I can go into the civilian world and get any job that I want (State Trooper, then FBI).
After saying all of that, I've scored an 82 on my practice ASVAB. I'm going take it Monday along with the Physical. I have signed up as a reserve, but I feel like I am cheating myself. I originally wanted to join as an active, and moreover a grunt. The recruiter put the idea into my head to go into Intelligence. The Marine corps training will automatically put me head and shoulders above most. Beyond that, a background in intelligence with the greatest fighting force in the world will be more than enough in the civilian world.
A wise man I spoke to from the Army told me his story. He went to the Army recruiter, and was offered $10,000 and a spot with the Army Rangers. He went to the Marine recruiter after, and asked him what the Marines could offer him. The recruiter said "I can offer you the title of Marine. Discipline, respect, and a brotherhood you will get nowhere else." The recruit joined the Army, did not get into the Rangers, and feels mislead and like he signed his life away.
But back to my story, the current path I have chosen is to do 6 years reserve, 2 years inactive reserve. Once I get out of my MOS I plan on doing the PLC. Once I get out of college, I plan on either going active duty, or serving out my entire 8 year contract and re-signing as reserve. The reserves are going to give me an opportunity to get my foot in the door, get the discipline, respect, and a sense of brotherhood, and allow me to immediately join the police force when I return.
Some questions now:
What should I bring for boot?
What are some tips on ranking up in boot?
Do the active Marines look down upon reservist Marines?
Is there any advice you can give me, or any questions I should ask the recruiter? I've covered pretty much all of the bases. I'm not looking for money, if I were I'd join another branch. If they are paying you that much money to get you to join (I'm looking at you Army), there is obviously not much glamor associated with that job. I'm not looking for great living quarters and conditions, if I were I'd join the Navy or Air Force. I'm looking to straighten out.
Thank all of you in advance, and thank all of you for serving our country. I refuse to say I'm a Poolee, and dare not say I'm a Marine. Not until I go through it, and I prove to myself that I am worth the title. After lurking for a while, I have realized that some here can be harsh and deter potential recruits. No matter what you say to me, it will only get me more excited. The more I hear about 70lb boots, the crucible, and everything else, the more I want to finish the process of the paperwork. I've got my flamesuit on. Shoot away!
I've lurked here for a while and have finally decided to post.
I'll start off by saying all I've accomplished so far is the practice ASVAB, signing up for the physical (I've got the flu, and the recruiter doesn't want them to fail me), and passed a drug test. I've spoken to many Marines, because this is a huge decision for my life. Everyone I've spoken with has said that it's the best move they have made in their entire lives. The Marine corps will set me up for life. I can become a career Marine, or I can go into the civilian world and get any job that I want (State Trooper, then FBI).
After saying all of that, I've scored an 82 on my practice ASVAB. I'm going take it Monday along with the Physical. I have signed up as a reserve, but I feel like I am cheating myself. I originally wanted to join as an active, and moreover a grunt. The recruiter put the idea into my head to go into Intelligence. The Marine corps training will automatically put me head and shoulders above most. Beyond that, a background in intelligence with the greatest fighting force in the world will be more than enough in the civilian world.
A wise man I spoke to from the Army told me his story. He went to the Army recruiter, and was offered $10,000 and a spot with the Army Rangers. He went to the Marine recruiter after, and asked him what the Marines could offer him. The recruiter said "I can offer you the title of Marine. Discipline, respect, and a brotherhood you will get nowhere else." The recruit joined the Army, did not get into the Rangers, and feels mislead and like he signed his life away.
But back to my story, the current path I have chosen is to do 6 years reserve, 2 years inactive reserve. Once I get out of my MOS I plan on doing the PLC. Once I get out of college, I plan on either going active duty, or serving out my entire 8 year contract and re-signing as reserve. The reserves are going to give me an opportunity to get my foot in the door, get the discipline, respect, and a sense of brotherhood, and allow me to immediately join the police force when I return.
Some questions now:
What should I bring for boot?
What are some tips on ranking up in boot?
Do the active Marines look down upon reservist Marines?
Is there any advice you can give me, or any questions I should ask the recruiter? I've covered pretty much all of the bases. I'm not looking for money, if I were I'd join another branch. If they are paying you that much money to get you to join (I'm looking at you Army), there is obviously not much glamor associated with that job. I'm not looking for great living quarters and conditions, if I were I'd join the Navy or Air Force. I'm looking to straighten out.
Thank all of you in advance, and thank all of you for serving our country. I refuse to say I'm a Poolee, and dare not say I'm a Marine. Not until I go through it, and I prove to myself that I am worth the title. After lurking for a while, I have realized that some here can be harsh and deter potential recruits. No matter what you say to me, it will only get me more excited. The more I hear about 70lb boots, the crucible, and everything else, the more I want to finish the process of the paperwork. I've got my flamesuit on. Shoot away!