The ultimate personal debate

[jstengle13]

I want to be a Marine. I want to prove to myself that I can do something that a lot of people would not think I can do. I have the drive and determination.

If I were to start my journey to become a Marine I have no doubt in my mind that I could get through boot camp. It's what happens after that in which I am nervous. I want work in administration. I have always enjoyed doing these sort of tasks. I am five foot and four inches tall at one hundred and fifteen pounds. I know that in reality being out in the front lines with all of the men, I probably couldn't pull the same load. I like to think of myself as a realist. How likely is it, if I were to go through all the steps, would I be put in the combat area?

Please do not be hateful towards me. This is a serious inquiry. I want to push myself to the limits and then go further. I LOVE challenge and I thrive on it.

[sparkie]

Google this,,,,, How big was Audie Murphy?

[jstengle13]

He is quite impressive. I actually knew of him because of his movie but never researched him. Thank you for pointing him out!
Does any one have any information though on where admin are generally placed? Do they tend to get shipped off a lot or are they generally here? I am debating talking to a recruiter but I thought I could get some input here first.

[ArtyOps]

They are generally placed in offices throughout the Marine Corps. They get shipped out just as much as any other Marine in the units they are assigned to. That's the thing about it. There is no "generally". It all depends on what unit you go to. Talk to a recruiter, and continue to talk here too.

[jstengle13]

Thank you. I was kind of thinking that was how it worked.

[sparkie]

My son-in-law is in the sandbox, Army, is a truck driver by MOS, Issue weapon is the SAW, and is currently stuck in Admin. Go figure.

[Marine84]

Admin is needed everywhere but, you always have to keep in mind that, if the Corps needs you to fill something else, they can pull you.

[jstengle13]

It would just be apart of a challenge that I want to take. I guess it is just nerves that keep me second guessing. I have wanted to be a Marine since I was in high school. I was going to give it a shot when I was 18 but chose the family road instead. I am not a stay at home mom. I mean, I am but that is not me. I can do more and I want to do more. I have been studying at colleges here and there and as thrilling as that is (yawn) I don't want to die with out doing something that I wanted to do and pushing myself as far as I could be pushed. I try to push myself at home but it just is not enough.

Thanks for all the reply's. I like hearing what every one has to say.

[skipper72]

IMHO, the primary reason for being in the Corps is NOT for self-enhancement. It is to serve, protect, and defend the United States of America and its Constitution from its enemies, both foreign and domestic. Attitude is everything !

[jstengle13]

Of course! I agree! That is what I meant by what I want to do. I want to serve our country. But it takes a lot of "personal enhancement" to do that which needs to be desired as well. Without that you don't get to the next step right? Perhaps I need a boost in my patriotic attitude to get me to my next step, which is the recruiting office....

[skipper72]

In 1953, the DIs at PI provided the "enhancement," by the second, minute, hour, day, week, and month. I should hope that it is now the same. Times change. Hopefully, Marine attitudes and values do not. Semper Fi!

[jstengle13]

The Marine attitude is why I admire them so greatly, it's why I admire you all so greatly. I respect every branch whole heartily, but the Marine Corps I respect that much more. I would not want to be in any other branch. Marines is the only one for me.

[KawiGunny]

Your profile shows you are from Arkansas and currently in Virginia Beach. You mentioned you are a student and mom. Are you currently married and if so is it to a service member?

[jstengle13]

I was born in CA, moved to AR while I was a teen so I consider it home, my husband is currently in the Navy. He is getting out this next month. I have two gorgeous little girls. While my husband and I dated in 2003 (I was 18) I mentioned to him I wanted to join the Marines and he said he would break it off with me if I did. SO, I did not do it. I regret the decision honestly. Funny thing is though he joined the Navy and I only have respect for his decision to do so. He is PO3/E-4. He supports me now 100% with whatever I decide. That is why I have been considering it so much. I have support and I want this. But to be embarrassingly honest, I am afraid to take the next step, but I want it so bad. May be absurd, but I can't help but be intimidated by some of the stories my husband has told me about his 2 deployments. He has over 13mos of overseas deployment time.

[jstengle13]

I just looked at your profile. Seems we are in the same area and same home state. Maybe you could share some general words of wisdom?