I'm thinking about being a Reserve for the Marines.

[Jdm7399]

I've actually thought about this for a good while now. After speaking to some Marine recruiters, it has made me like the Marines even more. I first thought of joining the Army years ago, but I think being in the Marines would suit me best.

I know some of you guys are either in the Marines or in other camps. Your feedback would be much appreciated, as this is a life changing decision for me.

P.S. I appreciate what you guys do for our country.;)

[codedigital]

I went into the Army but got kicked out after 2 weeks. It sucked....but I made tons of money going AWOL everyday and buying cigarettes for people that were in registration with me.

Just remember that the recruiters are going to tell you whatever you want to hear to get you to sign up...that's their job. I found that it was nothing like my recruiters made it out to be.

On that note, I love the fact that people do these things for our country. I just couldn't take the degradation they call training. I'm too strong willed. I yell back. Their job in training is to strip you of your self. Hence why they just call you "you".

Kiss your hair goodbye :)

[Mr Arrow]

Thanks for considering serving your country...unfortunately there is no demo you can download to see if you like it.

I think code is right, the military needs people to do as they are told, don't think, just do as your told. If you think you'll have a problem with this you probably will not enjoy your time. On the other hand the military offers some job specific training and some great benefits (VA loan).

Good luck with your decision...living in San Francisco you'll be going against the grain if you serve that's for sure.

[TheLazyWolf]

I wouldnt.. First of all, no offense is intended towards any marines. That said, their recruiting Staff Sgts are notorious for making it seem like a lot more fun that it is going to be. I remember when i was in high school they came with their booth and offered to let us go shoot Assault Rifles on saturday if we just signed our name on the sheet of paper they handed us. Which was an enlistment form...

Also i noticed you said you would join the reserves.. What reserves?! In case you hadn't heard, we have a serious troop shortage as it is. You will probably be in Iraq within a month of completing your basic training.

Its your decision, but i would seriously think about it. If you feel that the military is the right place for you, you can always go to a college with a good ROTC program. Or you could be a mercenary. They get paid 4x as much as a soldier and they get body armor..

[Wolf]

And I thank you for it.

[n1n3t33nd3lta]

yeah, def. get at least a bachelors degree and go rotc. then you don't start out as a buck private like i did. you start out as a specialist. basic training was hell, don't get me wrong, but i loved it. and where i'm in the reserves, i love being able to do what i want until that one weekend a month. i couldn't handle putting up with that shit everyday. if you do decide to join, let me warn you, alot of pushups/situps/flutter kicks/running/and alot more exersizes that i can't think of right now are going to be involved. trust me though, by week 5 or 6, you'll be loving it.

[Shinobi273]

Get a masters degree so you can be an officer. I'm not military BTW but I worked w/ someone in the reserves and she said you need a graduate degree to be an officer. Don't listen to recruiters, assume they are outright lying to you. I have another friend in the navy reserve and went to the gulf and stayed on a ship but is going to Iraq next year and he didn't qualify for any of the scholarship money somehow because of something with his service length. His older half bro died in Iraq too and they are still sending him even tho he is the last son, he has a sis tho but still F-ed up. I'm especially not joining because 1) I am engineer and I know I would get sent right away to rebuild and 2) insurgents target officers, medics, and engineers.

Edit: I guess you only need a Bachelors to be an officer. That co-worker of mine was kinda dumb anyways. She almost was charged with missing a troop movement because she thought they were talking about evening instead of morning.

[n1n3t33nd3lta]

yeah, but the reserves is alot different than the regular armed forces. they don't go to iraq as much, and when they do go, their tours aren't as long, as of right now. me on the other hand, would love to go to iraq with my mos. raiding houses would be cool as shit, plus i'd make a shitload of money while over there.

[freekwonder]

I did four years in the Marine Corps. Got out in 2001. I miss the Corps and sometimes wish I never got out. At least I still support the Corps with my current job.

Don't believe everything the recruiter says, if he promises something, get it in writing before you sign anything. You will have some fun in San Diego, say Hi to Mount Mother Fucker for me. I miss her.

As for going to Iraq, the Marine Corps isn't so short on needing people to go, they are still on 6-7 month tours over there, and not all reservists go. The reserve unit near me only a certain amount of people went.

As for officer you need a Bachelors degree, and in my opinion go in enlisted THEN go officer. The Marines under neath will respect you a hell of a lot more if you are a Mustang (what we call officers that use to be enlisted).

[TheLazyWolf]

Oh, where im at pretty much all the reservists have been called up. Figured it would be the same everywhere. Id still wait till we are actively withdrawing from Iraq before i signed anything. And as was mentioned, you might wanna stay away from being a medic or engineer..

[Ash3n]

JD hit me up on live.

[n1n3t33nd3lta]

well, the 100th div. mountain cav is switching to the 89th next month, so i'd say we'll be going sometime soon, i hope.

[Jdm7399]

JD hit me up on live.

^^^Will do, Matt. If you see me on Live now, it's not me. It's my bros. I'm actually stuck at work right now.

To Code,
It's hard to look at myself being somewhat bald, but if that's how it's going to be then I have no choice.:(

I know recruiters are usually full of it, but I've always had an interested in the Marines. I know Boot Camp will be a pain in the @$$, but I'm the type of person that knows I can do it and can handle all the $hit they dish out at me.

This is a life changing decision for me and I appreciate everyone's feedback.:)

[freekwonder]

Boot camp is more mind fuck games then physical really. When I went to boot camp I was 6' 150lbs. I was able to make, came out 70lbs heavier (gained a lot of muscle). It is hard as shit I won't lie, but if I made it almost anybody can. My dad didn't think I would make it, now my dad (6'6" about 275-300) backs down to me. :D

[PerpetualHeaven]

I'm wondering, do the marines have hell week like the SEALs?

This is what a typical month of a SEAL looks like in terms of training or what they recommend for fitness:

http://www.navyseals.com/crossfit-workout-day

And here's another thing for the SEALs:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/navy-seal.htm

Totally different then the Marines but I'm sure you can expect similar things. Personally, I'll be using the whole SEAL workout thing because I like that kind of stuff. Good luck though. I really wanted to join the army for Canada (I know fireworks are our deadliest weapons :() but there's no way in hell my family would let me especially my girlfriend. If you do it, awesome job dude. I commend you for at least trying and hopefully succeeding.

[Ash3n]

I'm wondering, do the marines have hell week like the SEALs?

This is what a typical month of a SEAL looks like in terms of training or what they recommend for fitness:

http://www.navyseals.com/crossfit-workout-day

And here's another thing for the SEALs:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/navy-seal.htm

Totally different then the Marines but I'm sure you can expect similar things. Personally, I'll be using the whole SEAL workout thing because I like that kind of stuff. Good luck though. I really wanted to join the army for Canada (I know fireworks are our deadliest weapons :() but there's no way in hell my family would let me especially my girlfriend. If you do it, awesome job dude. I commend you for at least trying and hopefully succeeding.

The closest Marine equivalent to SEALS is Forced Recon. They follow a strict regiment similar to BUDs but it is painted with a thinner brush.

Marine Boot has several challenging features and is by far the hardest training period/boot camp out of all the U.S. Forces. That is, Non-Special Forces related. When you look at Special Forces training they are all hard, don't kid yourself. I have experienced 3 SF training regiments in my life and they are all challenging.

As far as Hell Week. BUDs hell week is different than the Marines. The Marines go through 3 evolutions during a 13 week period. Named as follows:

Black Friday
Hell Week
The Crucible

The SEALS go through 9 Months of training, then they are on a probationary period before being pinned. Their overall training period is almost 2 years before being a full team member. In BUDs every week is Hell Week. Now for 3 weeks before class is even started you're going through extensive PT. Most people who say they are SEALS, will make the mistake of saying that the first week is Hell Week. This is a good trick to catch someone in a lie. Hell week doesn't start until week 4. Also, ask their class number. Most wanna-SEALS just claim to be something they're not, they rarely understand the inner workings of the unit.

Hope that helps.

[Shinobi273]

I really wanted to join the army for Canada (I know fireworks are our deadliest weapons :() but there's no way in hell my family would let me especially my girlfriend.

Canada's military is small but it is highly specialized. Right off, Canada has some of the most talented sniper teams in the world. It may not be able to take on another country but the Canadian military is well trained, well equiped, and are professional.

[PerpetualHeaven]

Canada's military is small but it is highly specialized. Right off, Canada has some of the most talented sniper teams in the world. It may not be able to take on another country but the Canadian military is well trained, well equiped, and are professional.

Yes, I know I was just joking. I know our pilots are probably our biggest area (from what I remember). Most of our pilots end up in the American military anyways but if I'm not mistaken, we have some of the best pilots in the world.

Also, check this out Jdm:

The Crucible (http://www.marines.com/page/usmc.jsp?pageId=/page/Detail-XML-Conversion.jsp?pageName=The-Crucible&flashRedirect=true)

Talks about the Crucible but I only called it that because I wanted you to check out some of the other stuff (if you haven't).

[freekwonder]

The Crucible wasn't bad. It was hard, depends on how much has changed since 1997 when I went through it. Though I got my EGA at the top of Mount MF, but I heard they are not doing that anymore :( . I will say that was one of the GREATEST moments of my life was when my Drill Instructor put the EGA in my hand.

[Jdm7399]

I would like to take the time to Thank Everyone for their input and feedbacks.:)

I would love to serve my country by joining the Marines. Even though I don't like our current President, if he calls for some help, I know we'll be the first in line to go. I believe I am physically and mentally ready. It'll be hard like a motha, but I am expecting that.

I'm not afraid of the training/boot camp. I am more afraid for my friends and family. I have yet to tell anyone about this, but I think they may flip out on me...my girlfriend especially.

I am 23 and I have my whole life in front of me. I am getting a bit sick and tired of my retail job, but do I really want to give up my Management position and all my Seniority? I know I can go back to work after my training, but it's more of me wanting to stay there or not. I also take care of my grandma, which has a bummed leg. She can't walk too far, so I am there to give her a helping hand. On top of that, my mom always tells me that she thinks she's sick. I really hate to hear that $hit, but lately...she hasn't been looking that well...:(

I've always considered you guys like family to me. So I am willing to share this with you all. With all this going on in my life, I'm not sure what to do. I might be taking a break from x360a as well. These were the reasons why I had to decline on being in the Review Team.

[xJoex]

Whatever you do Jdm, good luck! I can't offer much advice because I'm just a kid but I wish you well with whatever you decide to do!

[freekwonder]

Yes, what ever you do Good luck. The military isn't for everybody, but it did help me get my job. I was a programmer in the Corps, got out and got a government job. Actually it was the same exact job, at the same desk, with the same computer. Just went from a Cpl to a GS-09.

[Raider]

I actually help run a royal marine boot camp as part of my course. I can tell you now that the drop out rate is very high for the marines boot camp. And if you join the marines in the UK there is a brief period where you can change your mind, not so for the reserves, you can't change your mind when your called up.

You may think, 'wow, they do all that cool stuff!', 99.99999999999999999% of what you will be doing will be extremely boring tedious work, fitness, drill designed to BREAK YOU DOWN, then they build you back up to be what they want you to be. You have to conform and be what they want you to be, there is no room for individuality in the armed services. Trust me, I'm in my 3rd year of studding them. I also took part in a short boot camp 2 years ago and can safely say it was probably one of the hardest weeks of my life.


EDIT, I edited my post as it was taken to seriously, I'm sorry I did not mean to offend anyone. I have friends in the royal marines and I do have a great amount of respect for them and what they do, I just think there mad to willingly join. The rest of what I posted is just the fact of boot camp.

[Ash3n]

I actually help run a royal marine boot camp as part of my course. I can tell you now that the drop out rate is very high for the marines boot camp. And if you join the marines in the UK there is a brief period where you can change your mind, not so for the reserves, you can't change your mind when your called up.

You may think, 'wow, they do all that cool stuff!', watch a film called jar head, its strangely accurate, 99.99999999999999999% of what you will be doing will be extremely boring tedious work, fitness, drill designed to BREAK YOU DOWN, then they build you back up to be what they want you to be. You have to conform and be what they want you to be, there is no room for individuality in the armed services. Trust me, I'm in my 3rd year of studding them. I also took part in a short boot camp 2 years ago and can safely say it was probably one of the hardest weeks of my life.

I like my lie ins, lazy mournings and chilled smokes. You get none in the marines, if you like getting up at 5am ever mourning then running for 2 hours and getting shouted at by sexually confused skin heads, sign up. If you don't, the marines could ruin your life. And as lazy said, in the US especially, withing a month of basic, you will be shipped off to fight for oil.

I'm going to bite my tongue concerning this post. I like this place and don't feel like a forum war on this subject. Most of the people on here know that I have a pretty level head. I for one found your post insulting. I served my country for 5 years and lets just say that you and I disagree. I would love to rip you apart, but after 15 years on forums, I know it will do nothing but solidify your position.

My Mum always told me, "When you don't know of what you speak, your mouth is better suited for chewing."

[Raider]

I did not mean to insult anyone with my post so I have edited it, I have friends in the marines who I am very open with and they understand my opinion and I usually present in in humorous manner, especially the sexually confused stuff (the willingness to be sent off to the desert with so many other sweaty muscular men, I'll stop there), all I meant to say was that the marines is defiantly not for me, from my perspective its being sent to prison but you get shot at whilst your there.

Staff Sgts are notorious for making it seem like a lot more fun that it is going to be.
Very true, no mention of going months without seeing your family or girlfriend. It all fun, no getting shot at all.

I remember when i was in high school they came with their booth and offered to let us go shoot Assault Rifles on saturday if we just signed our name on the sheet of paper they handed us. Which was an enlistment form...

What the hell? That can't be legal? 'Hey, were sending you to Iraq! Look we got your signature which we lied to you to get!' Did they actually get anyone with that?

That kind of thing is exactly why I sign things 'James Bond' when I am not sure what they are.

[TheLazyWolf]

They got a few people but mostly anyone who would sign up anyways. That was in the Clinton Era though, so it was something to consider, as you can get good money for college, and at that time, you weren't real likely to get called up for active duty.

Don't get me wrong, i respect the hell out of anyone who does do it, It's just not for me. At 23 it was even less for me than it was at 18. By 23 I knew who i was, as a person, so it would be much harder for me to let myself be torn down and rebuilt. It will truly test you, and if you need that test, then the Marines can happily give it you. Just remember that there is a very real possibility of being sent to Iraq, which is the only reason any of us who are discouraging you are doing so.

[Lunacy182]

My only advice. Don't listen to anything a recruiter tells you. Talk to marines and ex marines for the real information.

With that said. Marines? Come on. Whats wrong with the Army. Their tactics are so much more reasonable. Would you rather run straight at a machine gun nest and try and take it out, or lay down suppressive fire while another team flanks them to take them out.

I'm just joking. I was in the Army for 4 years and over in Iraq for 1, so I have to rag on the marines. I think it says so some where in the Army contract.

[freekwonder]

My only advice. Don't listen to anything a recruiter tells you. Talk to marines and ex marines for the real information.

With that said. Marines? Come on. Whats wrong with the Army. Their tactics are so much more reasonable. Would you rather run straight at a machine gun nest and try and take it out, or lay down suppressive fire while another team flanks them to take them out.

I'm just joking. I was in the Army for 4 years and over in Iraq for 1, so I have to rag on the marines. I think it says so some where in the Army contract.

LOL I think it is in all our contracts to rag on each other. :). I give my in-laws a hard time because they are all Army. Also there is NO such thing as an EX Marine :D

As for everybody else giving advice. Honestly if YOU have never experienced the military you really can't give any advice. Yes I understand your friends have been in the military, but that is like me giving some woman advice about her pregnancy because my wife had a child. It just doesn't work. Everybody has a different experience.

[alex4283]

raiding houses would be cool as shit, plus i'd make a shitload of money while over there.

I bet you wouldn't like it none too much if some troop from another army in the world busted down your door in your house and roughed up your family thinking it would be "cool as shit" because he's going to make some money.

[Ash3n]

I actually help run a royal marine boot camp as part of my course. I can tell you now that the drop out rate is very high for the marines boot camp. And if you join the marines in the UK there is a brief period where you can change your mind, not so for the reserves, you can't change your mind when your called up.

You may think, 'wow, they do all that cool stuff!', 99.99999999999999999% of what you will be doing will be extremely boring tedious work, fitness, drill designed to BREAK YOU DOWN, then they build you back up to be what they want you to be. You have to conform and be what they want you to be, there is no room for individuality in the armed services. Trust me, I'm in my 3rd year of studding them. I also took part in a short boot camp 2 years ago and can safely say it was probably one of the hardest weeks of my life.


EDIT, I edited my post as it was taken to seriously, I'm sorry I did not mean to offend anyone. I have friends in the royal marines and I do have a great amount of respect for them and what they do, I just think there mad to willingly join. The rest of what I posted is just the fact of boot camp.

I appreciate that. I believe everyone has a right to their opinion. I wasn't trying to bully you into changing your thread. This subject is very close to my heart and soul. You did nothing but express your opinion on the matter and that is 100% ok. I just didn't agree with it is all. No worries man.

As far as the breaking into houses and the money factor. All I can say to that is, War is not a video game. The taking of life is by far the most damaging conflict of the soul. It maybe easy to claim 1000 lives in GRAW or AA, it is just a little different IRL. Freekwonder is 100% correct in his observation. Doing it and reading or hearing about is not the same. Unless you have dragged a buddy 2 clicks down a beach with the thoughts of you being hit next.....you really can only imagine how fearful that situation is.

This is one of the taboo topics of the world. Along with Religion, Abortion, Sports and the other passion orientated topics. It will create a lot of heated conversations. So all I ask is that people attempt to be respectful. Thanks.

[Jdm7399]

I appreciate that. I believe everyone has a right to their opinion. I wasn't trying to bully you into changing your thread. This subject is very close to my heart and soul. You did nothing but express your opinion on the matter and that is 100% ok. I just didn't agree with it is all. No worries man.

As far as the breaking into houses and the money factor. All I can say to that is, War is not a video game. The taking of life is by far the most damaging conflict of the soul. It maybe easy to claim 1000 lives in GRAW or AA, it is just a little different IRL. Freekwonder is 100% correct in his observation. Doing it and reading or hearing about is not the same. Unless you have dragged a buddy 2 clicks down a beach with the thoughts of you being hit next.....you really can only imagine how fearful that situation is.

This is one of the taboo topics of the world. Along with Religion, Abortion, Sports and the other passion orientated topics. It will create a lot of heated conversations. So all I ask is that people attempt to be respectful. Thanks.


Hey Matt, sorry I haven't hit you up on Live yet. Work has been hell lately...:mad:

The last thing I want, is for everyone to get into a heated discussion. Granted that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I just don't want you guys arguing over something I brought up. I don't want you guys hating each other or anything.

I am currently still thinking long and hard about joining. Thank you everyone for your insight.:)

Edit with Update: I've been struck with another problem in my life. My newly acquired puppy is now sick and may need surgery. I'm not going to get into it, but I'll probably create a thread for it. I don't see myself joining the Marines any time soon. I must take care of everything here first. Again, Thank You to ALL for your feedbacks!