Reelistment (All Vets)

[Robbie0311/1800]

:marine:
How many of you Vets would reup if Pres, Bush did a recall
on Marine Vets???
Robbie

[NEWB]

Robbie0311/1800:
Your question is a very interesting one and one which will, I'm sure, cause some interesting replies. I myself would reup if the President did recall. However, if this were to happen, the situation must be in a hell of a shape. You see, I would have to be with the armor because my creaking joints would alert anyone within hearing range. Then comes the problem of how do I keep all my meds from clattering around. And also the smell from all the liniment would scare a buzzard off of carrion. And last but not least would be the wheezing caused from age,cigarettes and Budwiser.
Actually, Robbie, I am just yanking your chain. Even though I am 57 years old, I would do it in a heartbeat. Thanks for the post and Semper Fi.

[yellowwing]

No no no! We'd have centralized re-prep camps. LA, Boulder, St Louis, Houston, Atlanta, Pittsburg. There we would be whipped back into shape as per needs of our beloved Corps.

I started construction at 28 yrs old. At 32 I was a foreman. Me and another 'old timer Army Ranger Vet' would kill ourselves during the day, just to show the 19 yr olds how easy it was.

At 38, I'd do the same! Semper Fi!

[top1371]

As many of us that would like to go back, even for a short time, I know that the physical would kick most of our butts :dazed:

I was talking about this with someone tonight. My chances of getting recalled is slim to none. Retirees come after Reserves (for the most part) and disabled are further down the list.:rambo:

But if they would take me, I would pack up in 5 minuets.:marine:

[firstsgtmike]

I posted this about a year ago.

For some reason, I think it fits here as well.
==============
Several month's ago, after watching the umpteenth rerun of the Over the Hill Gang, I had an idea for an updated version.

For those who haven't seen the Over the Hill Gang, it was a comedy about several long-retired marshalls, sheriffs, and cowboy heroes who came out of retirement for one last ride into the sunset. The actors were relics remaining from a long list of former cowboy sidekicks and character actors we easily recognized from long forgotten western scenes we grew up with.

Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear, when out of the west came the echoes of "Hi Yo Sadaam, Awaaaaaaaaaay!

Instead of a calvery bugler trilling to the beat of The William Tell Overture as a lead-in, we have the sound of chopper blades wump wumping the beat of Proud Mary.

I don't have much of a storyline put together yet, just bits and pieces of scenes to be developed.

A standing vet, tossing a hand granade. He joints lock up and he is frozen like a statue until two buddies can get to him and tip him over.

Every squad has one man tasked with carrying the squad's daily medication requirements, and is responsible for their timely ingestion. He wakes them up, if it's sleeping pill time.

Attached to each platoon is a corpman, two physical therapists and a shrink. Also a dietician responsible for the daily preparation of the individual food packages for those on restricted diets.

A scene where two men are carrying a buddy, while two others are trying to get his all-terrain mechanized wheel chair out of a ditch.

The CO back at HQ is in an iron lung, while two of his staff are attached to portable respirators.

A scene where the med-evac chopper pilot, wearing dark sunglasses, is walking out to his aircraft tapping a white cane.

A scene where the explanation for disregarding a radio msg is that the battery went out on the operator's hearing aid.

A rapelling insertion from a hovering helo, and some practical joker substituted a bungee cord.

The morale officer was a Korean War vet, and the USO show he booked for the troops had the survivors from the original cast of a show he saw in Inchon.

I can see a machine gunner or a helo mech with palsey, and a Plt. Sgt. with Alzheimer's.

You get the idea. I think if we put our talents together, we could really make this thing work. No actors need apply. All roles will be played by retreads just being themselves.

Semper Fi


__________________
Mike Farrell
Cagayan de Oro
Philippines

[yellowwing]

I still think we could make a difference. Last job, difficult at best mission. We would be a Pentagon Press Relations wet dream. Michigan businessman saves 12 fellow Marines. LA Times, Long Beach Long Shoreman leaps on grenade. Washington Post, Williamsburg native knocks out RPG nest! This is nasty business and that don't bother us.

[Red Dragon]

A simple yes or no would do, we don't need a BS story or a wind bag. I would gladly go back in if I was needed, I know with the knowledge that I have could help these younger Marines.

Red Dragon aka HL

[yellowwing]

Okay. Yes. :)

[Super Dave]

Bags packed...ready to go...just waiting on the call..

[shoreparty]

to do over what we could do maybe better?you bet yer ass id go,maybe then we could come home>??? SEMPER FI,god bless all,DAVE from oregon

[SGTPOLISHPRINCE]

I'VE TRIED TO RE-UP THREE SEPARATE TIMES, TO NO AVAIL. BUT IF THE PRESIDENT CALLED, HELL YA, I'D GO IN A HEARTBEAT. GREAT QUESTION. GIVES YOU SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT.

[Robbie0311/1800]

You know Guys I figured all of you were still Marines to the Bone.
I'm 58 and I'd go in a Heart beat. I don't think the Pres. knows how
much talant thats out here.
Robbie

[Studawg]

yes, just say the word.

[MillRatUSMC]

63 years old and counting.
I could still train some to shoot, releasing some that could be used some place else.
But it would have to be a last ditch measure.
Many of us would still have to get past a physical.
For some that might be a big hurdle.
I'm within my weight/height standard.
Meeting running time miminum might be a big hurdle.
I need to start running at 3.0 mph increasing up till I'm at 6.2 mph max.
That translates to around 14 minutes miles plus.
A tad too slow to keep up with the "new breed".
As I said before Afghanistan, I would go back in a heart beat.
But the Marine Corps could get by without this old fossil.

Semper Fidelis
Ricardo

[Legalbeagle]

Would be back in a heart beat. Not as Lean, Not as Mean , Still a MARINE. Semper FI

[btrogu]

Would'nt that be something. I do miss my buddies and sleeping under the stars. I know my wife would kill me first before the enemy if that happened. That's one of the reasons I didn't reenlist when the time came. I still run 3 miles atleast three times a week and I have my running cadences to help me along.

[mrbsox]

"I still run 3 miles atleast three times a week and I have my running cadences to help me along.

Would probably take me 3 weeks to do it :banana:

That's why God created MORTAR's..... Reach out and touch somebody.

Yhea, I'd go if I felt like a contribution. The wife knows I'd go if things got THAT BAD.... but she won't say it.

SEMPER FIDELIS..... means ALWAYS

Terry

[ivalis]

Are ya out of you're bloody mind? One horsh!t political war in a life time is one too many.

[greensideout]

Ivalis makes a good point.

Most of us have had our war.

Is the world a better place?

[firstsgtmike]

Ivalis &amp; GSO, <br />
<br />
I think we are dealing with FOUR audiences here. <br />
<br />
1. As my post obliquely tried to point out, there are many of us who are too decrepit to even consider stuffing ourselves into ...

[CAS3]

I am not in one of those groups.
I have tried to reenlist several times.
I was told to get out because of asthma during the first Gulf War and in my heart I know I should have fought to stay in. I regret getting out every day of my life and wish I could be in now. I know I would be in the rear somewhere but I believe I could still make a contribution to the CORPS.
I LOVE GOD, COUNTRY AND CORPS.
SEMPER FIDELIS

RED DRAGON..sorry to go on a tangent! My answer is hell yes!

[Sixguns]

CAS I would have appreciated your contribution!!!!

I serve my country and Corps for 20 years. Where the USMC chose to send me was not my decision. I served during both Gulf Wars and the closest I got to action in the sand was being caught behind the plow truck with the spreader on some New England roads. Some times fate determines the course and speed we travel. I am just proud to have claimed the title Marine.

SF,

[GySgtRet]

Yes,

If I could pass the physical.

[Sparrowhawk]

Or, was it suppose to be a New York minute?

Makes no difference, I would go there without hesitation, but this time I want more ammo, and I want my ration of beer.


In Nam I was given the opportunity to do what others have never experience. I made a difference in History, some Marines are alive today because I was there, some died because they were at my side or took my place in front of a bullet coming my way.

Some Vietnamese civilians as well are alive today because I was there. I made a difference, and it changed my life as well as that of others. I was glad to have served in that war and any other war that protects us and keeps terrorist and our enemies away from our front door.



Some commies no loner live, and I feel the same way about the NVA I fought then, as I do about any terrorist striking out at America today.

YES, I would go, 9-11 only made me mad, and the score is not settled. Iraq, Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia, I'll go, and hump that M-60 anytime...


Cook

[JChristin]

reporting for duty.


semper fi,
jchristin

[thedrifter]

Yes............Would gladly go if My Beloved Marine Corps called me .............The World is a better place because of what we did in Viet Nam..........The knowledge that is here among the Veteran Marines would be a great help to the Marine Corps..............Colleen would gladly have you in my Platoon and knowing you are there covering my "6".

"GOD BLESS AMERICA AND THE MARINE CORPS."

Sempers,

Roger
:marine:

[greensideout]

firstsmike, <br />
<br />
You are right, I was guilty of looking at my present moment. <br />
<br />
I have been in all the groups that you list. <br />
<br />
I was the hardchargeing 17 year old that joined the Marines. <br />
I was the...

[sinjye]

Give me a rifle and a bandaleer and a good team, I'll give you your results. I'm not predujice, I hate everyone equally.

[Sniperone]

Sign me back up..........on two conditions!

1. I get to bring my Yamaha 660 ATV with gunrack.

2. Colleen isn't allowed to touch a map or compass!!;)

[CAS3]

SNIPERONE...
Not letting me live that down...one brief error two years ago!
I had just moved here and Shaffer had not specified NW or SE!!
I have my bearings now and you can test me next year!

[Phil]

I gotta 5 year old little girl. I'll stay on gear guard.

Besides, I already got my C.A.R. :banana:

[USMC-FO]

Jeez how'd I miss this posting ???

59 yrs old, children are 36, 31 and 10. grand kids are 14 and 8. I have creeky knees and gimpy shoulders and a less than A-1 ticker and if I had any ladies interested I'd need to mainline viagra. BUT I can still shoot, I am sure I can still coordinate arty and I can certainly still duck incoming. So would I sign up if asked...

In a jiggy heartbeat ! Semper Fi also mean forever.

[CAS3]

Submitted by: MCAS Yuma
Story Identification Number: 200391112142
Story by Cpl. Daniel Thomas



MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz.(Sept. 11, 2003) -- When a Marine decides to get out of the Corps, they are gone but not forgotten. Whether their decision is based on retirement, medical or personal reasons, they are considered to be "once a Marine, always a Marine."

In many cases aboard station, not only are these Marines not forgotten, they are not even gone. This is because many Marines decide to stay on and work as part of the station's civilian Marine team.

There are a range of reasons why these warriors decide to stay a part of the "green machine," whether it be the camaraderie, professionalism, esprit de corps or just making an easy transition to the civilian world.

Alfred Schutt, who retired as a master sergeant after 23 years, recently joined the station's civilian Marine family as the enlisted mess hall manager.

"It's basically the same job I've been doing for years," said Schutt. "I still feel like I'm in the Marine Corps. Nothing has changed. I still have a good working relationship with all the Marines."

Schutt said getting a job that is centered around Marines has made his transition to the civilian world a lot simpler.

"This may be a stepping stone to getting involved in the civilian community, but I think it has been a good decision so far," said Schutt.

Another retired Marine who enjoys working alongside of his fellow "devil dogs" is Harold Dean, the station gymnasium's athletic director. Dean retired as a sergeant major after 30 years of service, and was involved in Marine operations in Vietnam and Lebanon.

He said his job aboard the station enables him to feel like he is still part of the Marine Corps Family.

"I'm part of the family," said Dean. "I wouldn't want to move anywhere else. I just love the Corps."

According to Dean, he enjoys the involvement he has with Marines.

"I feel like I give support," explained Dean. "Sometimes I have staff (non-commissioned officers) ask me, 'what should I do,' and I give them advice. But I tell them not to forget that the Marine Corps has changed a little since my day."

Dean said the Marine Corps has been his life for many years, and it's basically all he knows. He said he would do it all over again if he had to.

Another person who enjoyed his time in the Corps is Ken Polk, the director of installation security for the station.

"I thoroughly enjoyed it all the time I was in," said Polk.

Polk got out of the Marine Corps in 1994 as a sergeant. He served for eight years, but he said his family's interests and the Marine Corps' interests didn't completely coincide, so he had to choose family over corps.

But the conflict of interests didn't mean Polk wanted to leave the Corps completely, so he decided to stay on as a civilian security clerk.

"I guess, really, I wasn't ready to leave the Marine Corps, and so that was a good balance," explained Polk. "It kept me connected and yet I wasn't moving and being sent to other things that took me away from my family."

Polk said he had a definite attraction for taking a job in a Marine Corps environment and there are things he still enjoys.

"I just enjoy the esprit de corps -- the camaraderie that's within the Marine Corps family and the men and women in uniform," he said.

According to Polk, there are also negatives to getting out and joining the civilian world. There are things he misses about being enlisted.

"I still think I made the right decision, but there are times I do miss being in the Marine Corps," said Polk. "I miss the marching and the field stuff. I've never missed sitting behind my desk and doing work, but I have missed rappelling, shooting weapons and doing Marine things. As a (non-commissioned officer), the opportunity to go out and lead your Marines is absolutely awesome."

Polk said it is his love for the Corps that has made him a good station employee. He said although he is happy he became a civilian Marine after getting out of the Corps, it isn't for everyone.

"There are some Marines that shouldn't even be in the Marine Corps," said Polk. "For these Marines to get out and continue with that negative mentality is only counterproductive."

According to Polk, civilian Marines should hold themselves to the same high standards as those enlisted.

"Just because you take off your uniform doesn't mean you take off your pack," said Polk.

The Marine Corps' high standards and professionalism are what civilian employers on station are looking for as well.

John Mullen is the site operations manager for Sikorsky Support Services, Inc. The government-contracted company is responsible for maintaining aircraft for Marine Fighter Training Squadron-401.

Mullen said a high level of standards, proficiency and professionalism is required of his employees. Being a retired master sergeant himself, Mullen is no stranger to these ideals.

"We don't hire anyone off the street to do work on the aircraft," said Mullen. "Everyone turning wrenches on these planes has prior military experience."

Mullen said his employees work closely with Marines on a daily basis and, because of their prior military experience, are comfortable with the work load and regimen set before them.

"We work with the active reservists here, and they treat us pretty much the same as they treat each other," said Neil Tall, aircraft mechanic, Sikorsky Support Services, Inc.

Being treated like one of the Marines is something Tall accepts as a benefit of the job. Tall was formerly a sergeant with Marine Attack Squadron-214. He got out of the Marine Corps in 1998.

"I think partially what attracts me to the job is that I'm still in a military environment, and it's something I've grown accustomed to," said Tall. "I like knowing what to expect when I go to work."

Tall said he believes he has made the right decision by taking up a Marine Corps related job and settling down in Yuma.

"Not only do I like my job, but Yuma is the type of environment I want to raise my kids in," said Tall.

Tall said he would recommend that others who have or are planning to get out of the Marine Corps to stop and think about getting a job as a civilian Marine.

"I have already recommended the idea to three or four people I knew from (VMA-214), and they have actually stuck around," said Tall.

It doesn't take much asking around the station to see that more than just three or four Marines have decided to stay a part of the Corps. Whether it is because of the camaraderie, professionalism, esprit de corps or just making an easy transition to the civilian world, they are still a part of that "Once a Marine, always a Marine" family, and that makes them happy.

[Sgt Sostand]

i would but the best i can do right now is stand firewacth disable from past conflicts

[wstrianese]

If I weren't 38 years old and on disability from an injury while on active duty.....I would jump in feet first!!!!

Semper Fi!!!!!

[snipowsky]

In a New York minute I'd be up for it. Just waiting for the call, but us disabled Marine vets couldn't make it past most physicals. Semper Fi do or die!

[Lock-n-Load]

:marine: Sure I'd love to be in the Fleet Marine Force in Iraq, but one must yield to reality...I love adventure and got a bellyfull of it in two [2] volunteer tours in Korea [1950-1955]...no regrets...I wasn't issued to be a stateside pogue during wartime...color me combat...and damn proud of my SRB...I remain USMC young as a Lifetime member [10Nov51/Korea] in 1st Marine Div Assoc...US Marine Tankers Assoc and The Semper Fidelis Society of Boston...my advice to all you Poolies...if you want in as a Marine...serve in the Fleet Marine Force...you'll be better off for the adventure!! Semper Fidelis:marine:

[devildog12001]

War is hell, and anyone who is quick to say I'm ready is someone
who never fired a shot in anger. I would love to reenlist but I
got too many article 11's. . but if they call so be it. I am
a marine for life!!!!!!! semper fi

[ese4mc]

I*D BE SLIPPING IN "S--T" TRYING TO GET TRACTION---SIGN ME BACK UP

[benny rutledge]

There are hundreds,if not thousands of ready,willing and VERY able Jarheads chomping at the bit and ready to deploy.Including me!!!Lock and Load!!!Semper Fi!Put me back on the Flight line,I'm more than ready......

[hump_drop]

I am starting the process right now, trying to get back in. I am 27 years old, 0311, been out since March 2000. I have an appointment tomorrow to try and get back in.

[fulmetaljackass]

Good luck, hump drop. I tried getting back in last year, but the tattoo waiver was a no go. I figured out how to get around that, though. Laugh and ridicule if you will, but God willing, this time next year I'll be a corpsman.....POPPING YOUR BLISTERS, JABBING YOU WITH NEEDLES AND STEALING YOUR BLOOD!!!!!!

[hump_drop]

I have four tattoos, but they said it shouldn't be a problem since all are covered by a t-shirt, none on forearms or legs, etc.