bloodtsunami123
06-11-10, 12:35 AM
I've already decided that if I'm going to join the military, it's gotta be the Corps. I'm not going to work for the military for benefits or for what I can get out of it, I'm going to join the Marines because there is no other branch that can make me the best. Actually, there is no other JOB that could make me the best. I'm not looking to make a career out of it, I'm just considering it because, in the long run, it WILL give back to me, but not anymore than what I put in.
The only question is, officer or enlisted? After the Marines, I want to pursue a career in writing, be it journalism or freelancing or whatever. I don't want to be an officer to "be better than the enlisted men" or to "make it to the top", because that kind of careerist thinking is ****ed up and that's not who I'd want to be. I once heard that the Marine Corps is "about the enlisted men, and that everyone else, including the officers, is just support".
My grandfather was an officer in the Navy and he was the one who told me to be an officer if I joined. I have the grades and all that bull****. But I wanted to get a perspective from enlisted men first.
Another question I had: I hear a lot of former Marines ranting about why NOT to join, about the brainwashing and mental casualties and so forth. However, the vast majority of Marines and Veterans I've heard from are nothing but proud to be Marines, so I get the impression that these dissenting individuals aren't to be given as much credit. Obviously, as a liberal arts guy, I want my mind and my personality to remain intact. So I just wanted to hear from those who are better and far more experienced than I to enlighten me.
Another reason I'm drawn to the Corps is, I guess, a twisted, morbid fascination and irony. I am half Japanese, and I know that nobody is better at killing japs and gooks (or anything else, for that matter) than a United States Marine.
I have nothing but respect and envy for you guys, so I appreciate any and all input from you. Please enlighten this ignorant wannabe.
The only question is, officer or enlisted? After the Marines, I want to pursue a career in writing, be it journalism or freelancing or whatever. I don't want to be an officer to "be better than the enlisted men" or to "make it to the top", because that kind of careerist thinking is ****ed up and that's not who I'd want to be. I once heard that the Marine Corps is "about the enlisted men, and that everyone else, including the officers, is just support".
My grandfather was an officer in the Navy and he was the one who told me to be an officer if I joined. I have the grades and all that bull****. But I wanted to get a perspective from enlisted men first.
Another question I had: I hear a lot of former Marines ranting about why NOT to join, about the brainwashing and mental casualties and so forth. However, the vast majority of Marines and Veterans I've heard from are nothing but proud to be Marines, so I get the impression that these dissenting individuals aren't to be given as much credit. Obviously, as a liberal arts guy, I want my mind and my personality to remain intact. So I just wanted to hear from those who are better and far more experienced than I to enlighten me.
Another reason I'm drawn to the Corps is, I guess, a twisted, morbid fascination and irony. I am half Japanese, and I know that nobody is better at killing japs and gooks (or anything else, for that matter) than a United States Marine.
I have nothing but respect and envy for you guys, so I appreciate any and all input from you. Please enlighten this ignorant wannabe.