How did YOU tell your parents? [Archive] - Marine Corps

futuremarine129

02-03-09, 08:16 PM

This question is for Poolees and Marines alike. How did you tell them you chose the Marines over all the other branches? If you chose Infantry as an MOS, how did they take it? etc. I'm very curious to see the answers you guys have, because I think it would help a lot of us out. I'll start...

I've told my parents about my plans to join the Marines, and they tell me "Why not the Air Force? or the Navy?!" It was always constant arguments, but eventually I felt as if I won, and they let me go to a few Poolee functions. Running with the other Poolees and working out with them and Marines was pure moto, I loved it. Then all of a sudden I got a bad grade on my report card, and that was the end of Poolee functions. I'm trying hard to get back to them, especially now that I'm 17. It looks like I might just have to wait until next January, when I turn 18 before anything can happen. I still haven't told them I plan on going 0311.

Please share, I'm really interested in your stories, as I'm sure many others are.

hempstead56

02-03-09, 08:17 PM

I was just like "mom, I signed up"........

Knight86

02-03-09, 08:26 PM

Your parents are worried about you, they probably don’t want you to join anything and think well if he is going to join the air force or navy wouldn’t be so bad because then he wont have “boots on the ground” that’s wrong but is the misconception a lot of parents have.

Just say I am joining the Marines with out without your support, If I have to wait until I am 18 then so be it. I would like you to support me in my decision, and I have many personal reasons that I can not put into words, I have looked at all of the branches and the Marines are best suited for what I am looking for. I know that you are worried, and I know what the risk is but that is a choice I have to make, and no one can make it for me, I want to become something greater than myself.

futurepoole08

02-03-09, 08:33 PM

I brought my recruiter home. I was already 18 and she told him she couldn't stop me, she doesn't like it, but she'll support me. I have yet to tell her what MOS I am going. Both of my brothers never told her, and she didn't ask. I don't think I'll be telling her what MOS I'll be going. Now if that dam*ed waiver will just come through lol.

Quinbo

02-03-09, 08:37 PM

When my recruiter rolled in the driveway to give me a ride to the airport I said ohh by the way mom I've joined the Marines ...see you in 3 months

BackhausD

02-03-09, 08:44 PM

It was hard for me to tell them since my parents are very liberal and my Dad thinks that his two years of experience in the Army was the worst two years in his life.
It took me about two weeks to get the balls to tell them. I was in college at the time and my Mom asked me if I had signed up for courses for next semester. I said I'm not coming back and I'm enlisting in the Marine Corps. There was a long pause and then she said OKKKKKKKK. I gave my reasons and she thought it over for two weeks until I came home. The day I moved out of my dorm, she was ****ed and my friends that helped me noticed it too. But it got better with time and now she is proud that I am doing it...who would've thought.
My Dad on the other hand has finally come to grip that I'm actually doing this and I wouldn't say he accepts it yet, but he knows that he can't stop me and kind of gave up with the talks about his experiences and how "it was the longest two years of my life".

Me telling them I was going infantry was easier for me, even though I caught more flack for it. My Mom accepts it and just wants me to be happy. My Dad on the other hand, still gives me sh!t. "Do you have a dealth wish?" He keeps asking me why and that only the dumbasses are infantry. I just ignore him and say it's something I want to do.
My recruiter couldn't even convince him. He compaires everything to how it was 40 years ago in Vietnam. Times have changed.

Just come out and tell them. You will catch sh!t for it, but if it's something you really want to do, it wont matter what other people have to say about it.
It does get better with time. Be it tomorrow or your graduation day.

temarti

02-03-09, 08:51 PM

Easy, I was in College came home to my Grandparents house and told them I got a new job. My Grandfather, WWII Vet asked where, I told him the Marine Corps, he asked why the Marines and I said that if I was going to do this I wanted to go all out. They congratulated and supported me the whole way.

Xtony

02-03-09, 08:56 PM

my mom called me while I was at the office and asked "What are you doing?" and I responded, "Signing some papers for the marines" to which she hung up on me. about 5 minutes later my dad called asking why I made my mom cry. then I came home and we sorted it all out. im supported 100% by them now!

mbrazil

02-03-09, 09:05 PM

When I told my parents, I sat them down and said "Mom/Dad, Im enlisting in the Marine Corps." My moms response was "sh*t..." lol

Theyre both super worried because im considering infantry, but my dad supports me. They try to come up with reasons why I shouldnt go, and if I do, why I shouldnt go infantry (mostly my mom). But I just tell them I want to do something special with my life and help the troops who are at war right now. And if Im going to put my life on the line, I want the man behind me to be a United States Marine:evilgrin:

...they still try to convince me lol. Its stressful and everything, but I know once I go to boot camp and they come see me at graduation...theyre going to be the proudest ones out there.

kash

02-03-09, 09:05 PM

I came home after talking to my recruiter at school(my dad(27 years retired Navy/Army) knew but my mom didnt) and told him I want him to sign the papers because this is what I want to do. He said if im sure then he will. When my mom got home I told her and she was 98% against it. Finally like 3 months later my mom finally relized that this is what I wanted to do and signed the papers. Been a poolie since 06JUNE08 and ship 15June09!

richrs01

02-03-09, 09:13 PM

The recruiter called my house a few times before I was 17, just to make sure my birthday hadn't passed yet, and on our caller ID it said United States Marine Corps. Parents questioned me about it, but since I wasn't 17 yet I didn't tell them straight up that I wanted to join. Instead I would leave little hints and things for them to read on the Marine Corps, I had requested some information in the mail and would leave bits and pieces of it on the kitchen island.

When I finally turned 17 my recruiter picked me up, and I requested more packets of information that I could throw at my parents. The parents still didn't like it, they didn't want me to have anything to do with any branch of the military, let alone the Marine Corps.

Six months after I turned 17, and what seemed like a billion dinner time arguments later, my mom called my recruiter and invited him over. My parents, recruiter, Gunny and myself sat down and we all talked, at the end of the night my dad turned to me and said "Is this really what you want to do?" I said "Yes it is."

Two days later I was down at MEPS and became a poolee.

bstewar09

02-03-09, 09:19 PM

with me I told my recruiter that I would tell my parents and let him know when I told them so it wouldn't be such a hostile enviroment when he came. Well, apparently he got tired of waiting on me (about 3 days) so he called me when I was eating dinner and asked, "Hey, have you talked to your parents yet?" and I said, "uh, no but their right here so they can tell you what time would be most convenient for them" So my dad talked to him, and the rest of the supper was very quiet. After all the dishes were done I just kinda laughed stupidly and said "uh, hey mom and dad, I've really been thinking hard about joining the Marines and its what I want to do." They just glared at me and 2 months of arguing later, they finally signed the papers.

ThundaFromUnda

02-03-09, 09:25 PM

My mum knew from the get-go that there was no way she could talk me out of it. When I told her I picked Infantry she told me that she thought I was trying to commit suicide haha. It took me about a week to convince her otherwise.

My father thought I was an idiot and still thinks so. My whole family sat me down and tried to convince me to go to college. It was interesting. All in all they took it alright, the 'intervention' thing was a little extreme but that's just my family for yah.

polizei

02-03-09, 09:28 PM

I thought long and hard about my decision. I compiled a list of the pro's and con's, but I've always been military-oriented. So, after I decided for myself, I told my mom that "we needed to talk" and she had that "oh crap" face. Then I said I'm going to join the Marine Corps and she flippppppppppppped. So later I had to tell my dad. Well, I said the same thing to him, and he went off on a tangent. He told me I wasn't joining and that the last thing he needed was a chaplain knocking on the door. Needless to say, I ship in 4 days. :D

Zulu 36

02-03-09, 09:36 PM

When I told my parents I wanted to enlist and needed their signatures (I was 17 and going into DEP), my father just said, "Oh, and you think you're man enough to be a Marine?" (said the old WWII Marine). "Yeah, I think so." "OK, bring the recruiter by." My mother only said, "They're a pretty tough outfit you know. Do you think you might go to Vietnam?"

The next day the recruiter picked me up a school, took me home, and my parents signed the papers. When the recruiter explained DEP, my father pulled out his wallet and asked, "How much for you to take him right NOW?"

Paperwork done, my father and the recruiter went to a bar and had (quite) a few cold ones and some sea stories. My mom never said anything that wasn't supportive.

It helped having a mom who had been a Detroit cop. She didn't get too excited about stuff.

samfreed7

02-03-09, 09:43 PM

The way i told my parents..
Last year around this time my neighbor graduated from bootcamp and she called me up and was just telling me all of the great things and pretty much how it was the best choice of her life and I dunno it just sounded like something i should look into. I went and had an interview with my recruitor. That night i told my dad his response " are you serious", my mom was a little more touchy and cried. They both were questioning the same things, motives, ashley( my girlfriend at the time), benefits all that jazz. My dad was more open about it, my mom will prolly never be 100% okay with it.. But in june they finally came through and signed the papers and i enlisted on july 1st..
>> but honestly I think girls have it easier when it comes to the whole parents thing, With my persitance,, they came through

Tommy1089

02-03-09, 10:00 PM

My parents were actually excited when i broke the news to them, about me joining the Marine Corps...I think they were just happy as hell i was doing something with my life.

Hamelink83

02-03-09, 10:08 PM

me - "Dad, I'm going to join the Marines and want your blessing"
dad - "do you understand your decision"
me - "yes"
dad - "you got it, you sure you don't want to be a navy man instead?"
me - "no"

My dad is retired Navy thus the last quesiton.

Books

02-03-09, 10:25 PM

My parents never believed me...

I told them when I was 16 what I was going to do. They didn't think I was serious.

I told them when I was 17 that I had spoken to my recruiter at his office. They didn't think I was serious.

I told them when I was 17 that I needed their consent to enlist. They lauged... Seriously, they just laughed.

I told them when I was 18 that I needed my birth certificate and social security card. That got their attention.

Ever since December 6th, 2008, the day I took the oath, my parents have been absolutely hysterical. Right now they busy themselves with my college-bound twin sister in an effort to avoid the issue. Well, they can't stop what's coming...

sparkie

02-03-09, 11:05 PM

Jan, 1969, I just said, Dad, lets go sign,,,, Didn't need mom in those days. 120 day delay, max back then, I was a Senior. Another guy signed outta High School with me,,,,, Jim Perkins,,,,, He didn't come back,,, I did. So much for signing,,,,,,,,,,,,,

mbrazil

02-03-09, 11:24 PM

So if you read my last post on this thread (which was about 2 and a half hours ago) I said how my mom was trying to convince me not to join and constantly arguing with me...

Well I sent her an email (I dont live at home) explaining how I felt about joining and how I know she doesnt understand why just that she needs to understand I want to. She called me up afterwards and told me she will support me and if I need help with anything she will do watever she can. She is even going to help me get a waiver for my tattoo.

:marine:

Poolee Turner

02-03-09, 11:41 PM

I told my mom when I was about 5 thats what I wanted to do after seeing my uncle in his dress blues. She smiled and said, "You'd make a good one" blah blah blah.

In December, I let them know I was going to talk to a recruiter after I got off work and they were thrilled. My recruiter (Sgt. Smalls) came by my house and my mother said, "Take him now."

Needless to say, my parents are excited that I'm doing what I've wanted to do since I was a child. I'm shipping out August 24!

Jfriesner

02-03-09, 11:55 PM

sparkie

02-04-09, 12:03 AM

Big Boy,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,[ You ain't there yet].

ThundaFromUnda

02-04-09, 12:07 AM

Maybe it is must my independant nature or the fact that I am 24 and have lived away from home since I was 17 but man what is up with this permission bull****? When I decided to join a few months ago I just told my family what I was doing. I don't need to ask permission. I would have done the same if I had joined right out of high school. If I wanted to join when I was 17 I would have told my parents what I was doing and if they wanted to help me out I needed signatures other wise I'll wait till I'm 18. I have a great relationship with both my parents but damn at some point in your life poolees you have to remove your balls from your parents hands and make decisions yourself and worry less about what your mommy daddy are thinking.

What's with the permission thing? Well some of us are 17, or still living at home. So we either need parent signatures or allowance from our parents. It's a respect thing. Not saying you don't respect your folks, but a lot of us do and when you're making a decision so life changing such as joining the USMC, we need to seek their approval because of respect and love for them.

That's how I see it at least, it has nothing to do with my balls being held by my parents. Just the fact that I respect them enough to ask if they're okay with it. If they say no, it doesn't mean I'm not enlisting :P

HammerOfJustice

02-04-09, 12:32 AM

SHORT VERSION: I told my family over dinner, my mom cried, ultimately my family agreed to support me when they knew I was serious.

LONG VERSION:
I'm 22 and live in an apartment with my better half and son in Orange County, CA, my parents live in San Diego, CA with my younger brother (17) and sister (20). Without knowing about my decision, my parents asked me to come out to San Diego just to casually visit and we all went out to dinner. At dinner, without preamble I just said I have an announcement to make, I've decided to join the United States Marine Corps. Stunned silence across the table, followed by my sister asking if I was serious. I nodded, she took a second to think about it, then said well if it's what you really want to do I'll support you big brother. My brother said the same. My mother just said in a very weak, defeated voice, no you can't join the Marines, they brainwash you and send you to bad places. My father shook his head and tried to reason with me, suggesting that if money was tight I could always just move back home and go to college. I calmly but firmly explained that this isn't about the money (I'm taking a pay cut to join, how much did they think Marines make??? :p), this is a calling, this is what I want to do with my life. After a bit of conversation about the field I'm interested in and my future plans, my father realized I was serious and acknowledged that he would support me no matter what, and that I should follow my dreams.

My mother cried uncontrollably. Nothing I could do or say was able to calm her down. I was the first to "leave the nest", and she had a big enough problem with that as-is. She supports the country in general, but not the military in specific especially if it involves one of her kids. My father said I should really think about coming home and going to college, and that before I sign anything I should at least call my cousin (veteran Marine, Harrier mechanic) and my uncle (retired Air Force full-bird Colonel), both on my father's side. I did that and also called my Grandfather (retired Doctor and WWII Corpsman). My uncle and grandfather whole-heartedly gave me their full support, although both tried to talk me into joining their branch of service. My cousin wasn't necessarily for or against my joining the Corps, he mainly wanted to grill me on why I wanted to join and what research I had done so far, to make sure that I wasn't joining for the wrong reasons.

Mothers worry, that's natural. I asked mine to talk to people about it. Talk to family, friends, co-workers, anyone she knows with any sort of military experience to get some perspective and help her come to terms with my decision. I explained to her that as a grown man this is my decision to make, but that I value the support of my family as I take this important step in my life. She can talk to me now without crying, and I think she's coming around.

Tolerance

02-04-09, 12:38 AM

Honestly, this is how it went...

11th grade- Mom, please get me a car for my 17th birthday. I get straight As, 4.0 gpa, have a job, stay out of trouble. All I ask for is a car.

her: we'll see
me: if u dont im joining the Military
her: no you're not.
me: ok, "we'll see."
(I've always had an interest in the military since middle school. My mom is against it, so after telling her something she wouldnt want, it kinda turned into "hm.. im gonna dig up info and see if ill like it. and, here i am.)

12th grade- ok mom, im almost 18. maybe a car now?

her response: I cant afford it (understandable, bc this economy has been crap)
me: ok, i've saved up a couple thousand, i'll buy a civic. oh by the way, im joining the Military after graduation.
her: your uncle loved the Air Force. im sure you'll like it.
me: well, I'll never know. but I know I'll love the Marines
her: WHAT?

in the end, it came down to me having my tuition paid for by the state (good grades in HS), but there were still all of those other expenses such as car/gas/food/housing/etc. and being a "weekend warrior" wasnt gonna cut it and I didnt wanna think in the back of my mind "well, what would active life be like................"

I was initially going to go Reserves, but thought no way... Active = better experience, get the full effect, more benefits, and ill enjoy my time in service. (and, my recruiter/2 friends who became Marines explained the same. another friend of mine is Reserves and, well, he's going to community college and working at a gas station. yea.....)

My dad (parents divorced when I was 3) doesnt mind my decision. I've always been the type to be very "independent" and get things done on my own when they need to get done, so he sees it as that. He's not worried.

NoRemorse

02-04-09, 08:18 AM

I was 23. Myself and the folks headed out to the KFC on Central Ave in Yonkers, NY. Had ourselves a family dinner. The mashed potatoes sucked. The chicken wings were bleh.

Told them afterwards. My mother walked out crying. The day and location live in infamy. Now as a joke I invite people to KFC in Yonkers. They always say "What the hell did I do to you?" and go kicking and screaming.

Zulu 36

02-04-09, 08:36 AM

What's with the permission thing? Well some of us are 17, or still living at home. So we either need parent signatures or allowance from our parents. It's a respect thing. Not saying you don't respect your folks, but a lot of us do and when you're making a decision so life changing such as joining the USMC, we need to seek their approval because of respect and love for them.

That's how I see it at least, it has nothing to do with my balls being held by my parents. Just the fact that I respect them enough to ask if they're okay with it. If they say no, it doesn't mean I'm not enlisting :P

Well put. It's a respect thing if nothing else.

I should have added to my post that I had been talking about being a Marine since I was a pre-teen, so the news wasn't terribly surprising to my parents.

ElDiablo

02-04-09, 08:59 AM

In 8th grade I told them I was going to enlist when I was old enough. 9th grade through 11th I was constantly talking to my recruiter Sgt. Webb, and asked them to sign the papers for me. They refused, so I told them I'd just do it when I turned 18 (they didn't believe me).
October 26, 2008: My 18th birthday.

October 27: I signed all the paperwork with Sgt. Webb.

October 28: My recruiter showed up at my house to pick me up to got to MEPs, and mom broke down and began crying, dad didn't say much.

When I got back on the 29th, mom was over it, dad was speaking again, and they both support me (dad a little more being a Marine and all). Hasn't been to bad since. Except when mom tries to bribe me, like with a car. Haven't told them I plan on going Infantry yet, I'm thinking it will be bad with mom.

0231Marine

02-04-09, 11:38 AM

me: ok, i've saved up a couple thousand, i'll buy a civic. oh by the way, im joining the Military after graduation.
her: your uncle loved the Air Force. im sure you'll like it.
me: well, I'll never know. but I know I'll love the Marines
her: WHAT?

That is awesome. Easily one of the funniest things I've read on here in a while!

BackhausD

02-04-09, 12:00 PM

Maybe it is must my independant nature or the fact that I am 24 and have lived away from home since I was 17 but man what is up with this permission bull****? When I decided to join a few months ago I just told my family what I was doing. I don't need to ask permission. I would have done the same if I had joined right out of high school. If I wanted to join when I was 17 I would have told my parents what I was doing and if they wanted to help me out I needed signatures other wise I'll wait till I'm 18. I have a great relationship with both my parents but damn at some point in your life poolees you have to remove your balls from your parents hands and make decisions yourself and worry less about what your mommy daddy are thinking.

Well, you're 24 and most poolees here are still in high school. You've been living by yourself and making choices that most of them haven't had to make yet. This is the first major life decision they've had to make.
Plus, most people don't like to make their parents unhappy or worry about you more than they have to. Volunteering to join something that takes you into the two most dangerous countries and could result in your death is not really what most parents want the answer to the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" to be.
It is also a time of war. Which means a greater chance of us dieing. Nobody wants their children to die before they do.

Our parents love us and we love them, we don't want to hurt them any more than we have to. Death would kill our parents. That's why it's hard for a lot of people.

commdog7

02-04-09, 12:43 PM

Just before my 17th birthday, I started contacting recruiters from various services to gain some info. I kept it a secret from my parents at first, because I knew they would not understand my desire to join the military. I did my research and narrowed down my choices of which branch I wanted to join. I didn't want the Air Force, Coast Guard, or National Guard because they were too "easy". I didn't want the Navy because their uniforms looked funny and I didn't want to be known as a 'sailor' or 'seaman'. The Army was too big and bland, and therefore the Marines were the only one left standing (plus they were the toughest!). I liked how the Marines presented themselves, and I like their uniforms too.

When I eventually told my parents, they were not happy. My father thought I was stupid while my mother thought I didn't know what I was getting myself into. I told my parents why I wanted to join the Corps and persuaded them to sign the release form. I told them if they didn't sign it, the day I turned 18 I would enlist- by not signing it now, they would just delay me 6 months or so from carrying out my ambition. They signed.

As time neared for me to ship, my father increasing though I was stupid, while my mom actually started feeling proud of my decision. I didn't really care about what job I got, I just wanted to be a Marine. A week and a half after my high school graduation, I shipped to MCRDPI and earned the title Marine. I have never regretted my decision to join the Corps. Semper Fidelis

Rains

02-04-09, 12:55 PM

I HAD ALREADY DECIDED I WAS GOING TO JOIN, AND I WAS THINKING OF HOW I WOULD TELL THEM WHILE WE WHERE WATCHING T.V.

AND THEN THE MARINE CORPS COMMERCIAL WITH THE SILENT DRILL MARINES CAME ON, AND I JUST SAID "DAD, I'M JOINING THE MARINES".

AND HE IS LIKE WHAT? WHERE DID THIS COME FROM?
SO I SAY IVE WANTED TO BE A MARINE FOR SOME TIME NOW AND I'M GOING TO JOIN SOON AS I CAN.
HE SAYS YOU KNOW THAT YOU WILL MOST LIKELY GO TO IRAQ OR AFGHANISTAN? AND I SAY YES I DO THEN HE SAYS I'M PROUD OF YOU SON AND WE GO BACK TO WATCHING T.V.
BY THAT TIME MY MOM HAD ALREADY COME IN FROM THE KITCHEN AND WAS KIND OF SHOCKED, BECAUSE TO THEM IT CAME OUT OF NO WHERE.

spotts

02-04-09, 12:56 PM

My father and grandfather were in the Marine Corps. It wasnt a huge surpise when I turned down my college scholarships and joined up instead. best decision Ive ever made.

blackshirts

02-04-09, 01:13 PM

I had been talking to my older brother about joining. He pretty much tattled on me and I told them, "yea, I'm thinking about it." Later on, let them know I had made my decision. I was 21 so they knew they couldn't say much.

My dad kept telling me not to go ground combat, but I wasn't intending on it anyways. I want 70xx (Airfield Services) or 66xx (Aviation Logistics). My mom is really backing me, but my dad's still hesitant. He wants me to finish college since I'm a JR at Nebraska, but I'll finish later (no doubt).

KawiGunny

02-04-09, 01:35 PM

I called my dad one day after my shift (cop) was over. I told him I was thinking about joining the Marines and he asked why. I told him I wanted something more than the law enforcement community could provide. He asked me if I knew what I was up against? I told him I knew it would be the toughest thing in my life and I felt like I was well prepared. He then told me he was proud of my decision but I better not call mom and tell her over the phone. So I drove over that weekend and broke it to her. I had to wait for my dad to get back from running errands first. She took it a lot better than either one of us thought. Her reply was "Well your dad served in Korea in the Marines and came out a better man and I am sure you will too". And after 22 yrs I think I did good for myself and the Corps.

Chumley

02-04-09, 01:56 PM

"Hey, Dad. Guess what I did today? Let me give you a hint...I leave for Boot Camp next month."

Drill for life

02-04-09, 09:06 PM

Well when I told my mom I wanted to be a Marine she took it wel adn hugged me, being a US Marine is better thatn being a queer or a drug dealer. My dad yelled at me beat me a little bit and then went and talked to my recruiter(SGT washington(was SSG Moore the SSG creed now SGT starks. He then went and talked to the ARmy(SFC Plucker and SSG bailey(now SSG willliams), teh Navy(PO2 Pinellie),Air FOrce(don't even know teh guy) and teh Coast Guard(DK). Well he wants me to go to the citadel adn become a office in the US Army Engineer Corps. I am not goign to do that. Just ask God how to tell them.

ed345

02-04-09, 09:37 PM

I sat down and had a talk with my parents. My dad is all for the service he just wants me to go to collage first. I told him I can do all that later, the marine can not be put on hold and he understood. My mom being a mom was scared out of her mind but said if this is what you want to do you have my 100% support.

Abyss

02-04-09, 09:40 PM

I've told my parents I've wanted to be a Doc since I was a young kid. When I turned 17, I asked them to sign my papers. They said no because they "Don't want to sign my death warrant". I was a little shocked because my mom was a Navy E-8. I keep asking and they keep saying no. I'm going to have a recruiter come over and talk to them to see if it helps.

BackhausD

02-04-09, 09:44 PM

better thatn being a queer

Come on now, that's not necessary.
Keep your ignorant bigotry to yourself.

ironheart

02-06-09, 07:45 PM

I told my mom and she said she doesn't have any disagreement left in her to try and stop me. Then she asked for bumper stickers and sweaters.

DGardner

02-06-09, 10:27 PM

As my mom is going into her room to goto sleep....

Me: Mom, I joined the Marines, I leave in January.

Mom: No.

*door closes*

took her a week or two to realize I wasn't joking. haha.

FutureMarine09

02-07-09, 11:18 AM

I wanted to join the army my junior year in high school, but then started contacting Marine recruiters. Then I realized how much better the Marines were. So one day I came home, told my parents I wanted to become a Marine. And the next day they went and signed my papers allowing me to join the DEP. And I ship out June 22nd to MCRD SD

polizei

02-07-09, 12:21 PM

As my mom is going into her room to goto sleep....

Me: Mom, I joined the Marines, I leave in January.

Mom: No.

*door closes*

took her a week or two to realize I wasn't joking. haha.

Are you leaving NEXT January? Why don't you have a poolee tag?

DGardner

02-07-09, 05:21 PM

Are you leaving NEXT January? Why don't you have a poolee tag?
Nah.. this was back in November 2007.

DocGreek

02-07-09, 05:33 PM

"MEN".....when I joined the Navy, back in 1966, I was in the DEP TOO!! 90 DAYS!! I really enjoyed Navy "Boot Camp", LOT'S OF FOOLISHNESS, LOT'S OF LAUGHTER!!!!......Best of LUCK to you ALL!!!.....Doc Greek

Donut Brigade

02-07-09, 09:24 PM

Lot's of folding, too. haha

zrkl05

04-30-09, 03:16 AM

Interesting topic here. I didn't have to deal with convincing my parents to let me enlist, my obstacle was my wife. It took two years but we're in talks with the recruiter now and working on getting a damned bipolar diagnosis out of my way. I swear it's a misdiagnosis and I'll fight to the death for the waiver to prove it. The Corps is what I dream of at night...my wife got sick of me talking about wanting to be a Marine and enlisting. Oddly enough...it took her dad, an old Army soldier, to convince her to let me join the Marines.

As far as telling my parents, it was simply,
Me-"Where's my birth certificate, Social Security Card, and my diploma?"
Mom-"Why?"
(Recruiter comes around the corner from hiding in the hall like I asked him to)
Recruiter-"Because I need them to finish the paperwork."
Mom-Just stands there completely dumbfounded.

The look on her face was priceless...

GavinL91

04-30-09, 08:42 PM

Man,when i told my folks about me wanting to join,they had different reactions.My mom acted like any mom would act and got all worried and said"your not sticking to your football"and then she said,"You be sent to iraq,and i cant live with that".My dad reply was the worst,"Yeah be stupid and join the Marines,they'll have your ass sleepin in the field and out there on the front lines gettin shot at".

After all that,DEPing after football season,joining after i get my diploma.

MarinesFTW

04-30-09, 09:42 PM

I preaty much told them how it was.. Im enlisting when I am done with my junior year.. You sign or ill just enlist when I turn 18 you'll never know I did it and I wont tell you when I ship.. There signing soon :)

bennyklien

05-01-09, 12:11 AM

I am 25 and I don't see my parents acting any differently.

dribbler

05-01-09, 12:18 AM

I told my mom there was the possibility of me joining the Marines, and she cried. Later on when i told her i was gonna join for sure, she said i had to talk with my dad first. He **** bricks. Doesnt want me to join the military at all, especially the Marines, and especially infantry. My mom and step-dad and grandparents are all on board, not too sure about my dad. just suck it up and tell them. its not like you did something wrong, and its your life and your decision. just be upfront and real with 'em.

Pandza03

05-01-09, 12:20 AM

Well I'm still very young but I broke it to my mom when I was 13. She sees it as a phase I'm going through and now almost 16, she's starting to believe me more. Being born during the Bosnian war, she's terrified but she supports me regardless of what happened to us in Bosnia and she is ok with my choice of Infantry. She's yet to speak with the recruiter. (SSGT Asafo)

FirstGen

05-01-09, 12:30 PM

Called my mom at the recruiters office before I left for MEPS.

Told my mom I was ensliting in the Marine Corps.

That was that.

GSEMarine94

05-01-09, 02:28 PM

As far as telling my parents, it was simply,
Me-"Where's my birth certificate, Social Security Card, and my diploma?"
Mom-"Why?"
(Recruiter comes around the corner from hiding in the hall like I asked him to)
Recruiter-"Because I need them to finish the paperwork."
Mom-Just stands there completely dumbfounded.

The look on her face was priceless...

Did you try that same setup on your wife? :D

Zaiik

05-02-09, 10:59 PM

was pretty much "hey I'm joining the Marine Corps"

With an Air Force dad and an alarmist overprotective mother, it went over very well.

Didn't really care though, not like they can stop me or anything.

Hartford

05-14-09, 01:01 AM

I wrote up a note and left it out for them to read as I snuck out at 4:30AM to go to MEPS.

Worst idea EVER. They freaked and were balling their eyes out supposedly until I got home that night at about 6PM. FML.

Patriot34

05-14-09, 07:52 AM

Well first I called my dad at work when I got wind that I could join no problem (medical history DQ'd me from Navy). I jumped up and down, ran around my house yelling like a maniac. Then when my dad came home he came and found me and said,
*actaul converstaion*
"You're telling your mother."
"Sh*t. Do you support me?"
"Yea, but I ain't associating with you when you tell your mother this."
"Sh*t."
"I'm not even gonna be in the house."
*He leaves.
My mother's freaking out about this whole thing. I mean she is DEAD set against this. Any ideas to get me shipped at 17?

Zulu 36

05-14-09, 08:27 AM

Patriot34

05-14-09, 08:37 AM

No ideas. Finish high school first, worry about shipping afterward.

Thank you. I think I just needed to hear that from someone that's on the other side of the fence.:thumbup:

echo3oscar1833

05-14-09, 09:09 AM

Told my dad (Marine Veteran 1979-1986) that I was going to join, I was 17 he said well you better graduate high school, and get that diploma boy. He also told me that he wouldn"t sign for me as I was 17 at the time. If I was going to do become a Marine I would have to do it all myself. So on the day before I turned 18 at the beginning of my senior year. I called up my recruiter told him I was ready. I packed a bag, and spent my 18th birthday at MEPS, spent 10 months in the DEP. My dad supported me all the way. Graduated High School in May of 2001, got to the Yellow Footprints on July 9, 2001 graduated Oct 5, 2001. The rest is history.:marine:

tracs2142

05-14-09, 10:06 AM

Told my Mom to sign the papers...I'm joining the Marines...just like my Dad and Uncle did;-) Graduated high school, trained all summer, then spent my 18th birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year at Parris Island!

Amw088

05-14-09, 11:41 AM

When my recruiter rolled in the driveway to give me a ride to the airport I said ohh by the way mom I've joined the Marines ...see you in 3 months

Lol, that's the easiest way I guess, they don't have a chance to argue.

ramos360

05-14-09, 01:10 PM

Well I went talked to my recruiter. I wanted to know about the jobs that were open to me with the ASVAB score that I earned. That night I got home around 8:30 because I was signing some papers as much as I could without parent signature. Then I went home and said well Mom I know what I will be doing after I graduate and I hope you stand behind me and just sign the papers. Her jaw dropped and then the tears came. She accepted it and told me she is proud of me. Then she signed and well I am still a poolee waiting to go to Parris Island. The journey has yet to begin.

futuremarine129

05-14-09, 02:56 PM

Hartford

05-14-09, 03:06 PM

you were a recruit during 9/11? What was that like?
Hopefully he see's your post, futuremarine129, that sure would be interesting to hear about. Just gave me the chills just thinking about it...probably reinforced very strongly the reasons the recruits were where they were and was very motivational to accept nothing but the best knowing they were now a country at war.

echo3oscar1833

05-14-09, 03:43 PM

Hopefully he see's your post, futuremarine129, that sure would be interesting to hear about. Just gave me the chills just thinking about it...probably reinforced very strongly the reasons the recruits were where they were and was very motivational to accept nothing but the best knowing they were now a country at war.

I cant say it wasn't like any other day, to be honest. we were actually up north during snap in week. However you could tell something was wrong when all of the DI's rounded us all up in formation, the Series Gunny told us what had happened. They read off a bunch of names, Recruits that had Family in the areas of the incident. Plus they asked all of us if we knew anybody in the areas. They were all marched away. Later that day they came back, some of them packed there shi$ and left others stayed with the Platoon. I remember most of the afternoon just sitting in the Squad Bay, and cleaning rifles, and other misc stuff. It was kinda weird though, things were different, plus there seemed to be more security around the area and such. Other than that not to much diff we still had a training cycle to complete. None the less training still goes on.

And yes the DI's after that kept reinforcing on how all of our lives changed on that day, and how training was more important than ever.

BigGunz90

05-14-09, 06:49 PM

My parents knew I was joining before I even signed up. I told them that as soon as summer comes (between my Junior and Senior year) that I was going to enlist. The old man was supportive of me as well as my mom. They signed the papers and here I am now with 1 month left until San Diego.

DGardner

05-14-09, 06:58 PM

I did a search for "parents" and came up with a whole lot of topics on this exact same thing... go figure...

http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/search.php?searchid=1208866&pp=25

futuremarine129

05-15-09, 04:42 PM

I cant say it wasn't like any other day, to be honest. we were actually up north during snap in week. However you could tell something was wrong when all of the DI's rounded us all up in formation, the Series Gunny told us what had happened. They read off a bunch of names, Recruits that had Family in the areas of the incident. Plus they asked all of us if we knew anybody in the areas. They were all marched away. Later that day they came back, some of them packed there shi$ and left others stayed with the Platoon. I remember most of the afternoon just sitting in the Squad Bay, and cleaning rifles, and other misc stuff. It was kinda weird though, things were different, plus there seemed to be more security around the area and such. Other than that not to much diff we still had a training cycle to complete. None the less training still goes on.

And yes the DI's after that kept reinforcing on how all of our lives changed on that day, and how training was more important than ever.

That's wild. The training kept going on, but you guys probably all knew you were going to end up at war. Very interesting to hear from someone who was actually training when it happened.

Patriot34

05-18-09, 08:36 AM

underdogBJJ

05-20-09, 03:39 AM

My father served in the Navy for 5 years, right out of high school. Naturally he gravitated toward me joining the Navy, but my heart always had belong to the Marine Corps. My grandfather was a Marine, and now I'm headed out most likely next month.

I didn't really have to tell my dad, he knew what my plans were. I had been in MCJROTC in high school and talked about enlisting with him before I started my senior year. I did a few semesters in college, hated it, came home, said "dad i'm going to join the Marines, I'm talking to a recruiter tomorrow". He said "I support you and would be very proud", and now I'm taking it day by day until I get called to step onto the yellow foot prints.

DevilPupUSMC89

05-20-09, 04:25 AM

I told my mom I wanted to join when I was in high school and somehow she talked me out of joining... two years later, here I am, finally joining.
When I told my Mom, she had already known because I posted a comment on my friend's facebook saying I had to go to PT.. I came home that day and she said "So what'd you join?"
I told her "Marines"

Daily, things are getting better, though.
I keep hearing from her "They won't take you, you're too small"
"You won't make it"
But I know in my heart, it's what I want to do and what's best for me.
I love my family to death, and I know once I graduate from basic, they're going to be the first ones there, running to me, with "My daughter is a Marine" bumper stickers on their cars.

Parents are funny like that.
I think it's more the fact they think you're doing it because you don't realize what it's like.
Parents always think their kids are dumb and naive.
Things will start getting easier for you, and their support will come...

But much like earning the Title of being a US Marine, you have to earn the support of your parents...
Coming home and saying "Hey Ma, I joined the Marines! Oorah!"
Probably not going to get you much.