What would be the "right" reasons to do anything combat related?

[Flipadelphia]

I've been going through this in my head because it's so difficult to find any "right" answer to this. Sometimes when I wonder about joining the Marine Corps I wonder why go into the Marine Corps for anything other than combat. While the Marine Corps does offer training and jobs in pretty much anything else (except medical) I wonder whats the point of joining for that if I can go ahead and do that pretty much anywhere else.

It's hard when I want to say why I would or wouldn't want to do anything combat related. Some days I want to go as far as say "I want to do Recon, go Force Recon, go as far as MARSOC!". Then there's other days where I wonder well I dunno if that's smart I'd be scared as hell and face things that I'd never think I'd face. Then again I think of how normal it must be to be that scared of doing something like this.

I'm pretty much here asking Marines here that do anything combat related from infantry, to artillery, to even Special Forces if possible WHAT WHY AND HOW they decided how to do something like that (and please don't say ASVAB scores limited you to infantry or something). While I can see this is a Marine Corps forum I am hoping to see real views about this (if even in PMs) about how they really feel about going through what they're going through when they were deployed or training and if any regrets lay anywhere in there. It's a question I never really see asked in this manner and I hope to read some real responses to this. Thank you for your time.

[hussaf]

The Marine Corps is not a job fair at all. The skills you learn in the Corps are often not respected in the real world. That being said, the fact you were a Marine usually is. Organizations like Marine For Life, or even LinkedIn groups, put former Marines looking for civilian work in touch with each other. You would be surprised how many successful former Marines there are in all aspects of the US working community who like hiring other former Marines...regardless of your job. Some jobs in the Marine Corps are net sought-after skill sets and certifications/clearances, but not all. Most, however, are just going to maybe get you comfortable in a certain field...so when you get out of the Corps you will have the general attitude and "maturity" that kids straight out of college don't have as well as a possible comfort level of a certain civilian field.

With that, people join different branches/jobs in the military because they feel called to do so. They are compelled because the feel called to serve and/or are patriotic and want to do something substantial in their life...not just man a cubical preparing software for the 1999-2000 switch (anyone get the reference?).

My best friend wanted to be a SEAL from his sophomore year in HS...he was drawn to it and felt compelled. He was also raised conservative and patriotic and those qualities continued through his HS life and added to his desire to serve (even though his mom hated it...but she supportive as well). And when we graduated thats what he did.

I always wanted to be a pilot in the Air Force...since I was in 4th grade. I went so far as getting an appointment from my state for a seat in the AF academy. Like you, I was nervous about it....I knew if I wasn't smart enough to pass aviation training/classes I would be stuck in some menial job as an AF officer, which I really did not want to do...I only wanted to fly. Well I pussed out, but still felt compelled to serve in some way. I looked into all the different services and had a hard time making up my mind as their were many things interesting to me....join the SEALs with my buddy (he was a grade ahead of me and was in SQT by the time I enlisted), join the Navy as an underwater EOD or Air Crew Chief, I never considered the Arm..lol. But I had another close buddy who joined the Marines (also in the class before me in HS) who was getting ready to hop on the 26th MEU. He asked if I wanted to join the Marines...something I never really thought about. I was a big history buff in HS and most of the big movies and stories were about the Army, with Patton, Bradley, and those guys...so Marines were always kind of the DOD's dark kept secret in my opinion back then). Being that I couldn't decide on anything else, I decided to join the Marines. My reasoning being "well, if my job sucks, at least I'll be a Marine." This kind of came true...I didn't like my initial MOS, but I enjoyed the guys and being a Marine...and the life in general made man of me for sure. I found my niche, and happiness in what I was doing. Being a Marine, I excelled at my job and found fun in it and the guys in my shop. Still, I felt I wasn't doing anything to help the "real war effort." Nothing as tangible as the combat arms guys were doing...or even the air/ground transport folks. Well I changed my MOS a few years back and now absolutely love what I'm doing now. I may have lost the desire of being a combat pilot sometime in my first 5 years in the Corps...but now I wouldn't trade what I do for anything, which is directly supporting the combat guys. I feel what I do has high value to the war effort, I am contributing, and working my butt off to ensure guys in line companies/SOC are able to do their jobs as safely as possible.

good luck

[WKranz]

I was 18, bored and wanted to do something barely anyone in my generation had even considered.

[Lynn2]

"Then there's other days where I wonder well I dunno if that's smart I'd be scared as hell and face things that I'd never think I'd face."


This makes you sound-------normal.

Combat and the training for combat as a hands on grunt or reconner is something IMO you are drawn to.

And its special because it is so tough and because it is so dangerous.

Check out the KIA by MOS for VN and the Corps. Its not an equal opportunity thing as far as getting hit. No matter how much you might hear that all MOS's are at risk. Some jobs are a lot more dangerous than others.

I was scared only one time when I was in Recon in VN. The day I reported into Reasoner and was assigned to a Team. That feeling lasted only a short 12+ months.

But you get used to dealing with that pit in your tummy and the dread of going back out again. And you take GREAT pride in facing your worst fears and over coming them.

FYI the day I put my name into the hat to go to VN I mentioned to some of my co-workers that I was a touch concerned about my decision. I then listened to a load of crap from a few of them about being scared and my fears.

Afterwords I realized not to pay much attention to them. Not one of those heroes had raised their hand to go. Not one.

[Lynn2]

Now as far as being in combat itself? That is a mixed bag of eggs. Dam'd if you do and likely Dam'd if you do not.

The fact is that combat can haunt you for the rest of your life.

Some are really haunted by the fact that they never went. 40-50 years later you can read posts that just scream this fact.

No matter if its because of the MOS chosen. The time frame you were in. Or just luck of the draw. For many Formers the lack of combat can be a real issue.

And going through extensive combat can haunt you also. Many BTDT guys are dealing with the after effects of their tour(s) decades after the shooting has stopped.

In many ways its a no-win situation for you.

You just have to give it as much thought as you can and then decide which kind of "haunting" you want to live with years down the road.

I am glad I had my chance. I would never wish it on any one else.

It is what it is.

Good Luck

[Flipadelphia]

It's so weird when I read answers like that. More and more it confirms that it's something you have to experience to even start to understand.

Another thing I wonder is do any of you ever have those people that you just feel they didn't know what they were signing up for? Like those that at the first sign of battle are crying or hiding or anything like that?

[Marine84]

Even if you don't go into a combat position, you will still be taught to fight like one. That way, if you're ever needed, you can be pulled and sent to fight.

[Flipadelphia]

Even if you don't go into a combat position, you will still be taught to fight like one. That way, if you're ever needed, you can be pulled and sent to fight.

While I can agree I don't think it's the same exact course as a combat MOS would learn.

[Capital M]

While I can agree I don't think it's the same exact course as a combat MOS would learn.

As you have defined combat MOS as infantry, artillery etc. then you are wrong

Do you think we're here at Fort Sill learning how to kick in doors, clear multiple story houses and ****? **** nooo. Half of the Marines here are either sitting in classrooms all day, learning how to survey **** read a map, plot azmimuths and operate radar. 0811's and 0861's are really the only MOS's that do 'extensive' field work. We aren't issued rifles.. just flaks and kevlars for when needed.

Do you think that all ofthe 0811's and 61's that are graduating and hitting the fleet in the near future are going to have a year to work up and train to do that stuff. Nope. Some will be in Afghanistan before 2010 is over... with really only the stuff they learned at MCT.


It seems you also have this pre-conceived notion that only combat arms see combat. My heavy was something like a heavy equipment operator and had 3 stacks +1.. CAR, NAM with a couple of stars, etc. My senior was supply and was also pretty well decorated.

Another thing I wonder is do any of you ever have those people that you just feel they didn't know what they were signing up for? Like those that at the first sign of battle are crying or hiding or anything like that?

Do you know how you're going to first react when the first 7.62 flies by your head or your vehicle gets hit by an IED? No. Nobody does. You can only train so much. YOU could very well be that person who thinks they know what the **** they're doing and as soon as you hit country and someone shoots at you, you lose it. So could I, so could any Marine who hasn't been in country/seen combat yet. Don't judge.

[Flipadelphia]

Do you know how you're going to first react when the first 7.62 flies by your head or your vehicle gets hit by an IED? No. Nobody does. You can only train so much. YOU could very well be that person who thinks they know what the **** they're doing and as soon as you hit country and someone shoots at you, you lose it. So could I, so could any Marine who hasn't been in country/seen combat yet. Don't judge.

Oh no, not judging at all. Didn't want it to look like I was making fun of them or anything, but I'm just wondering what happens when something like that does happen. From what I have heard and read from other Marines there are recruits that straight up start crying or flip out in recruit training. At that point those recruits quit or figured out a way to get kicked out. I just wonder what happens when a Marine in an infantry MOS has this sort of episode. Do they reprimand them? Change their MOS? I mean, by that point you're at deployment and are IN the situation. Can't turn back from there, but are there people that from deployment just want to quit? ask to change MOS? refuse to go back out there to work and get court marshaled because they don't want to do the infantry MOS anymore?

[josephd]

I am not sure that you really understand what the Marine Corps does or is all about. Granted not everyone in the Marine Corps is infantry or arty, but everything the we do is combat related in one way or another. Especially now with the need for boots on the ground in Afghanistan. A Marine I went to boot camp with is supply and he's been on patrol numerous times. Also keep in mind everyone has to convoy in and out of everywhere which require security. Who do you think runs the security?....it is not your grunts most of the time.

[Lynn2]

"I just wonder what happens when a Marine in an infantry MOS has this sort of episode."

I have no idea what it is. Maybe its the water at PI or SD. Maybe it has to do with those yellow footprints I hear so much about.

But I never saw a grunt Marine (the only kind I have seen up close) that did not take to combat like that duck to water.

Those boys could fight. And at least from what I saw they looked forward to a fight. My Marines were at their happiest when we got word to pack less food and more ammo for the next days mission or operation.

Just remember the person you are today will be someone else after training at least as it concerns this topic.

I realize this does not seem real to you right now. But trust me because I am 100% sure it will happen to you.

[polizei]

While I can agree I don't think it's the same exact course as a combat MOS would learn.

No, it's not exact...most of the time. As a field MP, we learn infantry tactics and movements, which we use in both foot patrols and vehicle convoys. While I personally haven't deployed yet, it seems that a lot of MP's are providing security and they have to know combat tactics. I'm sure quite a few have gotten in some hot spots.

We have several guys from my unit with Combat Action, Purple Hearts, etc. etc. And also, on the reserve side, our admin and supply, etc. also train with us in all MP training, so they also know some "combat" related things.

[Flipadelphia]

No, it's not exact...most of the time. As a field MP, we learn infantry tactics and movements, which we use in both foot patrols and vehicle convoys. While I personally haven't deployed yet, it seems that a lot of MP's are providing security and they have to know combat tactics. I'm sure quite a few have gotten in some hot spots.

We have several guys from my unit with Combat Action, Purple Hearts, etc. etc. And also, on the reserve side, our admin and supply, etc. also train with us in all MP training, so they also know some "combat" related things.

Admin and Supply also have that training? What do you mean by that though like you all PT together or you all went to the same MOS school? I'm sorry I just thought the borders to MOS's responsibility were more restricted than that.

[Zulu 36]

In the Corps, especially, it doesn't matter what you MOS is, you could be in combat.

Read the history of the Battle of Wake Island. On the first day of the war, the Japanese bombed the hell out of Wake and killed quite a few ground crew of VMF-211 (a fighter plane squadron). They weren't grunts.

Once all of VMF-211's aircraft were out-of-commission, the surviving pilots and ground crew joined the defense battalion units as infantry. The first Marine to get a Medal of Honor in WWII was a pilot from VMF-211 (Capt. Elrod) and he was killed in action at Wake leading troops as an infantry officer.

I was in Vietnam with VMA-211. I was a truck driver. I was subjected to the same rocket and mortar attacks on the base that everyone else was. A number of ground crew in 211 and 311 were wounded by fragmentation. Plus I got shot at fairly regularly while driving my truck off-base. Additionally, I was a member of the squadron's provisional infantry platoon. My squadron had one KIA - he was our embarkation specialist, killed by a 122mm rocket. Luis was certainly not a grunt by MOS.

In the Corps, everyone can find themselves in some form of combat and the Corps expects everyone to fight as infantry if the need arises.