What are the ups and downs

[Bornagain]

So what are the good parts and the bad parts about being a grunt? I'm just trying to see if it's right for me.

[GreenRam]

Well, I can speak from experience. I'm a grunt (0311), and quite personally I think it's the best MOS in the Marines if you're looking to do something down to the grit as a Marine. Yes, every Marine is a rifleman, but infantry Marines train time and time again for this particular title. As a grunt, you can expect a lot of PT, hikes, conditioning, but not a lot of the same luxuries as POG Marines. Expect time in the field and eating more MREs than chow hall. Infantry are the backbone of the Marine Corps, and just about every other MOS works to someway support the infantry Marines, whether its a water purification specialist or a pilot manning a Cobra attack helo above you. Some of the greatest guys I've met are infantrymen, and they have a different type of pride than many other Marines.

Keep in mind that any MOS is important as a Marine and I've met some great Marines in other MOS fields that are great at what they do.

Keep in mind your experience may differ depending on where you're stationed and what line company you're in (COC, unit morale, etc, etc).

Hope this helped, I'm sure some fellow Marines will chime in as well and provide an even better knowledge base for you. Good luck.

[Bornagain]

Thanks

[Mxzero]

It depends on what you're looking to do. I'm not infantry (2621 intelligence) but I've worked closely with them on several occasions. It's quite physical, it'll destroy your joints, back, hearing and liver, you'll most likely hate just about everybody who outranks you and you'll deal with incredible stupidity. But, remember, stupidity in commands and hating those that outrank you will come with any job you do. It's not easy, by any stretch of the imagination. Assuming you deploy, you will get shot at, you will know someone who died and there's a possibility you'll end up dead yourself. But, the infantry ultimately are some of the cockiest bastards (though incredibly retarded in the end) I've met and the vast majority of them have an intense pride in what they do. Just don't be that idiot who rags on someone, seriously, because they're not infantry.

[Bornagain]

Ya I have heard from just a few grunts and they all have pride, more than anyone else. That's sounds like an appealing part of the job.

[thomasx2xx]

Remember, its "USMC 03....EVERYONE ELSE is support."
But without them we have to do a lot of walking, we get very hungry, we don't get pay checks, our shot records get lost and intel about where to go and what is there is real nice
ALL MOS's are important, but they can't all be GRUNTS
thats where the pride comes from

[thomasx2xx]

..... It's quite physical, it'll destroy your joints, back, hearing and liver, you'll most likely hate just about everybody who outranks you and you'll deal with incredible stupidity. But, remember, stupidity in commands and hating those that outrank you will come with any job you do. It's not easy, by any stretch of the imagination. Assuming you deploy, you will get shot at, you will know someone who died and there's a possibility you'll end up dead yourself. But, the infantry ultimately are some of the cockiest bastards (though incredibly retarded in the end) I've met and the vast majority of them have an intense pride in what they do. Just don't be that idiot who rags on someone, seriously, because they're not infantry.

Mx is right, knees gone hips not far behind, it was tough and if you aint crazy, masochistic, or dumber than a box of rocks, you really dont belong in the grunts
i did crazy, it worked for me, and its bragging rights forever!

[Bornagain]

This is depressing. I just heard that you can't get an eight year infantry contract and that most 0311's are getting out as lancecorprals. If all goes well I hope to make a career out if it, but have no clue how. Please help!

[Mxzero]

You get 8 years to pick Corporal, I believe 10 to pick up Sergeant and 13 to pick up Staff Sergeant. At that point, you can retire at 20. However, you have to pick up at least Gunnery Sergeant to stay in longer then 20. I'm pretty sure that's how it goes, but yes, getting to Corporal is hard from most infantry. Some (0321 and 0352 are the two I can think of) can pick up pretty easy but some, like 0351 are next to impossible.