Am I too old for the Marine Corps? (beware...long post)

[vicbx2006]

Saw my local recruiter today. Took the aptitude test. I go back tomorrow. So far so good.

[iamcloudlander]

My question is this--it seems as if you really don't know what you want to do with your life. I don't think that had you really wanted to go military you would not have gave in to your parents, if 9-5 m-f bored you and school is driving you to tears and you can't take any more of it. What are you going to do if you do join the military and it as soon as the new is worn off you want to quit it also?
I know quite a few men in your age bracket that joined the military during afganistan and Iraq and they loved it did their time and came home. To them it was a great experience and they did not let their age bother them in any form. Just be sure that this is what YOU really want before signing the dotted line, for once you sign there is no turning back. Whatever you decide to do I wish you God speed and the best of luck.

[vicbx2006]

My question is this--it seems as if you really don't know what you want to do with your life. I don't think that had you really wanted to go military you would not have gave in to your parents, if 9-5 m-f bored you and school is driving you to tears and you can't take any more of it. What are you going to do if you do join the military and it as soon as the new is worn off you want to quit it also?
I know quite a few men in your age bracket that joined the military during afganistan and Iraq and they loved it did their time and came home. To them it was a great experience and they did not let their age bother them in any form. Just be sure that this is what YOU really want before signing the dotted line, for once you sign there is no turning back. Whatever you decide to do I wish you God speed and the best of luck.

Thank you for your words. I appreciate hearing the other side of the coin, but the fact is this is something I've wanted to do since I was a kid and the desire has not ebbed one iota.

I'm not a high school senior wondering what to do with my life, nor am I someone who got caught up in the post 9/11 patriotic furvor. I want to make a career out of the Marine Corps. I always have, and since I didn't follow that desire, I have not found contentment in civilian life. I have given this much thought and I am going full steam ahead.

Thanks again for voicing what I'm sure is on many people's minds and what I'm no doubt going to hear from here on in.

God speed to you as well,
Vic

[OldMarineMom]

Vic,

I can honestly tell you that it came as a total surprise to me when my son came and told me that he had enlisted in the Marines, especially at the age of 29. I had never seen him show an interest in the military before, so I was even more puzzled. But I guess he came to a point in his life that he felt he was missing something, so he made the choice to enlist, and he hasn't regretted one day since doing so.

I'm very proud of my son, and as a third generation Marine, I know his uncle is also, and I know that his grandfather is looking down on him and watching over him.

[TheBandit]

Just to let all the old guys know that they are not alone. I am 26 now and I leave for boot 20060911. (There is an omen if I ever saw one.) I will be turning 27 while in San Diego. I know it will be weird at first and I will catch alot of crap for my age but this old boy will not be stopped from becoming a MARINE.

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

Yes, you will catch hell for being the "old man" in boot camp. But that shouldn't be an issue. If you were 20, they would find something else to give you grief about. It is what boot camp is all about. At least you know what the first thing they will find to pick on you about is.

[Regulatori]

Just wanted to let everyone know that I did end up joining. I'm current at Infantry Training Battalion and should pick up with a unit next month. My age was never an issue except for the occasional Drill Instructor using it as a tool to screw with me.....just don't let the DI's know it bothers you and they'll move onto something else. I know a lot of guys that are 25-28 here....and even a 31 year old.

[JWG]

Just wanted to let everyone know that I did end up joining. I'm current at Infantry Training Battalion and should pick up with a unit next month. My age was never an issue except for the occasional Drill Instructor using it as a tool to screw with me.....just don't let the DI's know it bothers you and they'll move onto something else. I know a lot of guys that are 25-28 here....and even a 31 year old.

Good to hear, Marine!

Don't forget to change your status to 'Marine' and put that new stripe on your collar.


MOTIVATED,

-Jon

[vicbx2006]

I had a lot of paperwork to work on. Not only am I old, but I have 2 tattoos (martial arts related) and had to square away my child support payments. Everything looks good and I should be shipping out 20060911 as well. Yeah, I thought that was interesting too.
Can't wait. Thanks everyone for the advice.
I'll try to post again before I ship.

Vic