So mad right now...

[CrazyBrave83]

Hey all.
I'm pretty angry right now and just figured I'd post about it to output some rage. I talked in an earlier post (the one about joining the USMC and how it affected relationships) about some former friends of mine that now decide (because of my enlisting) to call me a "Nazi" a "Brainwashed Killer", etc. Well today I talked to one of them and he proceeded to tell me he hopes I get shot, or blow my knee, so then I realize what a bad decision I made. First off, if I get shot, or blow my knee...that'll NEVER EVER make me think the Marines was a bad decision. But, even though throughout this entire situation I'm trying to be the bigger man, their comments get under my skin. Not that I believe them at all, but I mean, I seriously just want to kick his f***in a**. So bad. I'm trying to control it but I am so angry right now. My recruiter already told me not to fight him, cause the kid called my cell phone at one Poole function and started talking about how "Marines are Fags," And I told my SSgt. that I couldn't participate in drill because I was going to drive three towns over so I could kill him. My recruiter knows me, so he wants me to calm down.

I guess I won't do anything, I've got a direct order from a SSgt.
But I'm just so angry.
Did anyone else go through this bull when they enlisted?

[yellowwing]

If our Vietnam Vets could handle the chicken SOBs that greeted them, you can handle this.

My own personal experiece was of the female variety. I was dating real sweet girl. When I went delayed entry she was crushed. She ended up marrying a correctional officer and lived happily ever after. And so did I, with an Eagle Globe and Anchor forever over my heart!

[top1371]

You are the bigger man by not letting this get out of hand. Just ignore the punk and he will go away. He is only bother you because he figures it is fun to see you mad.

Just remember that it takes a special kind of person to even take the challeng of becoming a Marine. Your tormentor isn't that kind of person. He will live the life of a coward, while you learn what it is to be a Marine. People who are not Marines can not grasp what we are about. Its like trying to describe riding a roller coaster to someone who has never ridden one.

My advice, ignore him. If you must say anything, just tell him that his opinon doesnt matter, because he isnt anyone or anything to you.

Top

[Seeley]

CrazyBrave83,

You need to ask yourself this: What are friends for? What should friends do?

If your answers are something like: Friends are there to support eachother in the honorable and morale decisions that another friend makes; then you should tell your friends that if they do not accept your choice and quit harrassing you that you don't need them as friends.

I know its tough but another thing you have to ask yourself is this: How many people keep their high school friends for the rest of their lives? How many high school sweethearts get hitched?

I can answer that one for you: Not too many.

Besides, once you are a Marine if you pull through this and stick it out, you will have friendships that DO last a lifetime. You will have comrades who are willing to put their lives on the line just for you because they know that you would do the same.

Ask yourself this: Are the friends I have now willing to do that?

Just thought I'd try to help out. Hope everything works out for you man.

[MillRatUSMC]

Beating a fellow from the low end of gene pool.
Will make you happy for awhile.
But Marines have to rise above petty insults.
Those that hurl insults are really envyous of those that hold the title of United State Marine, a member of the finest fighting force that the world has ever seen.
I remember a quote from any Army POW in Iraq;
I'll never again say anything bad about the Marine Corps
Because they had liberated them from the Iraqi's.
Names don't mean dilly squat...
It's when they strike a blow, than when we will react.
So don't let any name calling get under your skin.
Look at the source, a dip xxxx.

Semper Fidelis
Ricardo

[Seeley]

By the way, I've experienced this a lot before (the last 2 years). I'm in a Marine Corps JROTC and I'm going to be the CO next year. We get called all sorts of garbage from the same kind of people that you are dealing with. Not only do I know I'm going to get it now in high school, I know that I'm going to get it later on in life as well. You just need to see past it and remember why you wanted to be a Marine. Keep on pushing man. We're all here behind you.

[thedrifter]

Why are you letting it bother you.....?

There is always people out there that will give you negative feed back....
I would look this person in the face, place a great big smile on my face....then walk away.....You are the better person.............
In 1969 when I returned from Nam I was spit upon and called evey name in the book..........I was and am still Proud that I served my Country as a United States Marine............As a Marine we have higher standard than everybody else..........If it bothers you and you let it get to you, than they have accomplished what they set out to do...............Also to be a Marine it has to be inside of you, Heart and Spirit............Something that cannot be bought and/or traded for..............

The Drifter
:marine:



Quote......

"Some people live their entire lifetime and wonder if they ever made a difference to the world. Marines don't have that problem."

[garryh123]

Welcome to the real world crazybrave83!! You just have to develope thick skin and brush idiots like that aside! At least you know that you are gonna do something that will make a difference- while they just sit back and complain about the freedom paid for by the likes of us!

[mel]

When my son first joined the Marines we had mixed feelings, but only because we didn't want him to get hurt. Your friends should stick by you and support you. If not, you will gain a lot of new friends throughout your career in the marine corps. We have come to accept my sons decision, even though we still worry. Walk away from negative talk, and talk to your recruiter, he is on your side. The best of luck to you. Mel

[Osotogary]

Some folks are so dissatisfied with their own lives that their only source of misplaced amusement is to criticize the upward mobility of others, sometimes up close and personal. If your verbal assailants are using nothing but rhetoric, they are the ones that need some work BUT that is not your problem. Walk away, politely.
Courteously agree to disagree and continue on your quest. You have nothing to prove to anybody but yourself. You're living and learning and you've just encountered an interesting learning situation that will make you a better person if you take the negative and turn it into a positive.
Best of luck to you.
Gary

[mrbsox]

Ditto to all of the above. YOU have to make your choices, and YOU have to live with those decisions.

Narrow minded people generally make narrow minded choices, and decisions. But generally because they either don't know the difference, or don't care.

Not knowing the difference can be corrected with information. Not caring is a character trait (or lack of).

Your on the right track, by not lowering yourself to their level. Let them see YOUR convictions, your inner strength, and your peace with that strength. You'll be the better person for it

NO ONE CAN MAKE YOU FEEL INFERIOR WITHOUT YOUR CONSENT
Eleanor Roosevelt

Good luck

[CrazyBrave83]

Thanks to each and every one of you. When I say that enlisting already is the best decision I've ever made I MEAN IT. I am not a Marine yet, but I already feel like I'm part of a family...the Poolees. And I'm trying not to let it get to me, I give you Vets so much respect...but part of me can't help but let it get to me, ya know? I mean, 95% of me says "Ignore it" that other 5% says "Shut him up with your fist", but I'm gonna be the better man on this one. The support will never go unappreciated. I have your sixes covered too...110%.

Thank you.

[richgitz]

To CrazyBrave 83
Full speed ahead my man. To Hell with any one who don't like
the way you act or think. I don't know how close you where
with these people, but there comes a time in every bodies life
when you have to part paths. What will they become? A part
of the cry babys of this country. You will become a part of the
GREATEST BROTHERHOOD this world has ever seen. Need I
say more. We're all behind you so GO for it.

[Osotogary]

CrazyBrave83,
That 5% is a mother, isn't it? You know why? Because it's easy. What out for it!
I used it once. I won the fight-lost the war. How was I to know that I would get blood poison from the guy's teeth.
Watch that 5%.
Adios from South Florida.
Gary

[Sixguns]

I'm sure we all heard negativity surrounding our decision to become a Marine. I did. Here's a piece of advice and a reflection from my past that I think you with experience in a few years.

I attended my 5 year high school reunion. I was a 23-year old sergeant who had just reenlisted. I had traveled halfway around the world and back and seen many places my peers had not. I was independent. I had a brand new car and the Corps was helping to pay for my education. I ran into one of those dirt bags who had criticized my decision to be a Marine. He was living at home with mom and dad. He was still driving the car he had in high school (only now it was five years older). He was paying off student loans that he used to get his business degree and he was gainfully employed as a bank teller downtown. His farthest trip from home was to Spring Break in Florida.

What I am saying is your time will come and it will be you who can laugh and make jokes of those who condemned your decision to be a Marine.


SIXGUNS

[Seeley]

LOL Sixguns that is great! My friend Tanner (his dad is the senior Naval recruiter in Seattle) told me it was stupid to become a Marine non the less an enlisted Marine. I told him to go **** himself and that it was my choice. He asked me if I was going to go to college and I told him that that is what tuition assistance and the GI Bill are for. He knew what I was talking about thanks to his dad, and then his dad came over, hearing our conversation in the other room. He laughed, told his son to back the hell off and congradulated me on my choice.

[jimreeb]

Keep your head up, stud. You're about ready to experience things that this dummy will only read about. Civilians don't understand, but we all do. You showed good discipline by listening to your NCOIC. Good luck on your quest to becoming a true warrior. Semper Fi.

[sgtfowler]

Some friend. They are not friends if they pull that crap on you.
If they are not friends they are not worth the time to listen to.
Stick to your decision. After all, it's your life and not theirs. You
will soon have more friends that count than you have every thought possible.

Sarge

[jegries]

You could look him right in the eye after his next comment and say " I will serve proudly cause there are d!@#less people like you who just can't"

[Barry]

Originally posted by Sixguns

I attended my 5 year high school reunion. I was a 23-year old sergeant who had just reenlisted. I had traveled halfway around the world and back and seen many places my peers had not. I was independent. I had a brand new car and the Corps was helping to pay for my education. I ran into one of those dirt bags who had criticized my decision to be a Marine. He was living at home with mom and dad. He was still driving the car he had in high school (only now it was five years older). He was paying off student loans that he used to get his business degree and he was gainfully employed as a bank teller downtown. His farthest trip from home was to Spring Break in Florida.

SIXGUNS

Had a very similar expirence one time on leave. I come home and run into a friend theat I haven't seen in years except the guy wasn't a bank teller, he was still working at McDonald's. Not a manager, just 'happy' with his job.

Look at it this way. You are better than them, plain and simple. Sure they might do something with their life, but when you all get back together in a few years, they will be more intrested in everything you've done, even the boring everyday stuff.

Since I have joined The Marines, I have received Alot of 'opinions' from those that totaly supported me joining the Army. It's like The Drifter said, look at them and smile. It drives them crazy :confused: .

It may be haard dealing with them now, but wait a while, see them again, show your pride, and watch them squirm.

[firstsgtmike]

Admittedly, most of you youngsters are unable to appreciate it right now, but file this away in your memory banks.

Moat people antagonize to get an anticipated reaction, and they are prepared for it.

Like a sentry dog, if you stand, hold your ground, point your finger and command "SIT!", the confusion is overwhelming.

Likewise, a response to an agitator of, "You're right, I DO look like a Volkswagon!", and a smile and a walking away creates more consternation than you could possibly imagine. You can laugh to yourself all the way out the door.

But if I hand is put on your shoulder to stop you, spin and deck the SOB.

Works for me. Always has.

[jenrmurray]

But if I hand is put on your shoulder to stop you, spin and deck the SOB.

*Great* advice! :)

[Delicious White]

I've had similar problems. Not as bad as you but similar.
Just imagine this: You're walking around on leave after bootcamp in your Blues, and you pass this guy on the street. As you walk by, he takes a look at you and you take a look at him. He glowers at you, maybe says a few choice words, but you say nothing. You just smile. Because you know you made it and he's nothing more than the dogsh!t you stepped on in a past life.

[thedrifter]

I could spend a whole lot of time relating all the incidents that I was involved in with civilians and other branches of the military. The whole idea is for you poolees to realize who you are and if you have what it takes to become a United States Marine. As I have said many times, it takes Heart and Soul and has to be inside of you. This Spirit of the Corps cannot be bought, traded for, it has to be part of you from the day you were born. We Marines are a rare breed, we are the Chosen Few..........Many have tried, but only few have earned the Title. Always remember, if you have what it takes, you will earn The Eagle, Globe and Anchor. So don't listen to those fools, BS artists and wanabee's, just listen to your heart and you will know what to do. Hopefully, I will someday beable to welcome you all into The Brother/Sister Hood.

The Drifter
:marine:

[NEWB]

CrazyBrave83,
There are many here on this site who have had similar situations happen to them. All the advice on how to deal with this "individual" has been based on tried and true methods. I just want you to know that when you do get the globe and anchor you will feel part of something that has been tested time and again for over 200 years. When the @!*t hits the fan all you will have to do is look to your left or right, you will not see your friends, but you will see your brothers. Semper Fi and good luck.