Something to think about

[KevinR90]

So I just wanted to let you poolees in on a secret that I know many of the Marines on this site have mentioned to you but I'm sure you're ignoring.

Boot camp IS the easiest part. I might not have been in the Marine Corps too long but believe me. I know you're getting nervous and excited and your looking forward to boot camp and becoming a Marine. You should be. But don't think your life is going to be easy afterward. You're just getting started. Once you get to your MOS school and you actually have freedom compared to boot camp and MCT.... don't go crazy. It is very easy to do something stupid and get an NJP. I don't know about other commands, but mine gives out NJPs like there's no tomorrow.

So keep this in mind. You didn't join the Marine Corps to go to boot camp and go home on boot leave and show off your dress blues. You have a career ahead of you. All you have to do is this:

Do what you're told, when you're told to do it, to the best of your ability.

Do this and you're good to go. And if something is unclear- ask. Don't let gray areas creep in and allow the possibility of you doing something that'll get you in trouble. It's much better to know what to do than guess and hope you don't get in trouble.

[NoRemorse]

Outstanding post, Marine! Semper Fi :flag:

[biesseb]

So I just wanted to let you poolees in on a secret that I know many of the Marines on this site have mentioned to you but I'm sure you're ignoring.

Boot camp IS the easiest part. I might not have been in the Marine Corps too long but believe me. I know you're getting nervous and excited and your looking forward to boot camp and becoming a Marine. You should be. But don't think your life is going to be easy afterward. You're just getting started. Once you get to your MOS school and you actually have freedom compared to boot camp and MCT.... don't go crazy. It is very easy to do something stupid and get an NJP. I don't know about other commands, but mine gives out NJPs like there's no tomorrow.

So keep this in mind. You didn't join the Marine Corps to go to boot camp and go home on boot leave and show off your dress blues. You have a career ahead of you. All you have to do is this:

Do what you're told, when you're told to do it, to the best of your ability.

Do this and you're good to go. And if something is unclear- ask. Don't let gray areas creep in and allow the possibility of you doing something that'll get you in trouble. It's much better to know what to do than guess and hope you don't get in trouble.

Very true statement right there.

Every command at every MOS school is pretty bad about handing out NJP's though. I got a page 11 for just happening to be in the same bar of another Marine who drank underage, yet I wasn't even his libo buddy. It's not much different in the fleet either and if you get a DUI consider yourself done.

As for all the poolees that think they just need to make it through boot and they're free, you are in for a huge surprise. MCT is a rude awakening to the fact you're a$$ now belongs to the Marines. BTW, people get dropped all the time in MCT except this time you cant go home. Had guys in my platoon that had been stuck at MCT for over a year.

[Mindgame]

It isn't as bad as it sounds. Just do what your told, and you'll be fine. When people get liberty and some freedom, some people do stupid things. All there saying is just be smart, and don't be the one who gets to his unit with an NJP under your belt. Not a great first impression.

[hempstead56]

Most of the NJP's I ever seen was underage drinking, and going UA. Like a Sgt of mines said, " Listen here Devils, If your gonna do something stupid make sure you don't get caught, cuz lord knows I should be in the Brig for the stupid $hit ive done." lol. But seriously don't be the idiot who tries to take the fall for some stupid Marine. We may be in the same team and all but If you see some stupid **** go down correct your fellow Marines @ all times. Your friends are not gonna be there to help you when your standing tall getting your a$$ handed to you by Ssgt, Gunny, First Sgt, and the almighty CO, who now that I remember I only saw once or twice a week, lol