Active Army wanting to finish my time and join Marine Corps. Active Duty

[marty85]

I am an Active Duty soldier in the Army and I have a short time left in the Army. I want to enlist into the Marines as soon as I get out of the Army. I am a PFC right now but I will get promoted to Specialist very soon. I know that I will have to come into the Marine Corps as a PFC. I have already taken steps to prepare myself. I have memorized the Marine Corps Code of Conduct, the 11 General Orders for a Sentry, the Marine Corps Core Values, the Marine Corps Hymn, characteristics of a M16A4 rifle, and the History of the Marine Corps. MY QUESTION IS ARE THERE ANY PRIOR SERVICE RECRUITERS THAT CAN GIVE ME MORE INFORMATION OR ADVICE? I have nothing against the Army I would just like to be challenged. The military has changed a lot over the years but the Marine Corps seems to stay close to their history and heritage. I don't want to be an Army Ranger or Special Forces (nothing against them) I just would much rather wear an Eagle, Globe, and Anchor than a velcro patch or tab. Also I think of my family in this decision because I am married with a baby on the way. I want to show my wife and children that you can set goals and accomplish anything if you discipline and never doubt yourself. I want to serve in a Branch that actually weeds out the ones who don't have what it takes because the Army certainly doesn't do that.
Thank You

[Zulu 36]

OK, Marty. First thing, one of the main skills a Marine recruit learns is attention to detail. Read the site rules and complete your profile. I'm sure someone will be happy to answer your questions then.

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

Get that profile filled out and we'll have all the answers you could hope for.

[yellowwing]

Yes, fill out that profile and we'll show you how to be a green amphibious monster. Even if it is minimal and generic.

[Old Marine]

Never heard of the Marine Corps Code Of Conduct. I have however heard of the Armed Forces Code of Conduct.

[yellowwing]

Never heard of the Marine Corps Code Of Conduct. I have however heard of the Armed Forces Code of Conduct.

Oh that one, I am an American Fighting Man, I will kick your ass from here to Sunday! I like that one.

[marty85]

My bad, my profile should be good now.

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

Good deal. Now you said you wanted more information. What are you wanting information about? If you want to finish your time in the Army and then join the Marines- just be a good soldier. Get out with a reenlistment code of RE-1A and you'll be fine. Once you EAS you can get to boot camp and start your life as a Marine. The only real downside is that you'll only be a PFC (E-2) no matter what rank you hold in the Army.

[marty85]

Ok. Going in as a PFC will be worth it to me, but I've heard that the Marine Corps doesn't really look too highly upon recruits from other Branches. How much truth if any is there to that? I have heard that recruits who do well in Boot Camp may get promoted in Boot Camp, is that true? Also, do the Marines decide what my MOS will be according to my ASVAB score or will I have a choice. I know that every Marine is a Rifleman first and foremost which is one of the many reasons I want to join. Also the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. I mean if I am gonna get deployed I want to be trained to kill not defend.

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

You will get to pick an MOS field. For example, you could pick communications- but then you could be field radio, wireman, multi-channel, HF, Satcom, etc.

I served with a few people that had been in other branches. They weren't looked down upon at all. In fact, their experience was often valued by their peers. They may be a LCpl, but they have much more military experience than other people just entering the military. In boot camp our honor graduate was a former Navy Petty Officer and one of the squad leaders had been in the Army.

As for a promotion, you'll have to be company honor grad to get LCpl. But, if you're in good physical condition, that is something you could achieve. The Navy person mentioned above graduated as a LCpl (E-3). You will have to earn Cpl though.

[marty85]

Thats awesome. I am in pretty good physical condition but pushups are a lot easier than pullups so I'll have to work on that. The Army really doesn't do pull ups. As for running and situps and crunches, no problem. I know that nothing I do will really prepare me physically for recruit training but I am gonna use my time to my advantage. The Marines run in boots a lot too, huh? What do you think about your Utility Uniforms? I can't stand the ACU's. The velcro really sucks and they aren't very durable.

[sparkie]

Chesty Incarnate? You'll do fine, son. Just keep your nose clean, which means Grow up, and no braggin while still army posted. Never know who will Fork with you as you get out. Don't say a word. Wierd chit has been known to "appear" on many a discharge paper.

[marty85]

Definitely I appreciate your advice.

[JordanB]

There was one ex navy recruit that we had who graduated as a lcpl because he had been deployed so many times, but then we had an airforce guy in my platoon who was an e4 (in the af) who only got to graduate as an e2 so depends on what kind of a recruit you are. Marine Corps bootcamp, atleast for me, was a lot more mental than physical. To get ready I ran 3 miles twice a day on top of lifting weights and pushups and all that, but when I got there the biggest thing drill instructors would do to punish us was make us eat by the numbers, skuz brush the bulkhead *shudder* just keep in mind they are gonna give prior service guys a lot of ****, ESPECIALLY the army sry to say.

[Richman]

Best advice I can give is that you should keep your mouth shut and eyes open. We had one former Army Corporal in my platoon talk about what he did before and how things were in "the real military out there" to the other recruits. The DI's found out and gave him a ration of S**T everyday. Do not ever undermine the training given out by the DIs with ideas of grandor or the way things are once you get out of boot camp.