question for the USMC vets here....

[rondog]

Our grandson is 17, a Junior this year. He'll turn 18 in December, in his Senior year. FWIW, he's lived with us his whole life.

He's been talking about joining The Marines, and has been doing workouts every week with them at the local recruiting office. Along with several other kids.

Now, the recruiter wants to discuss him signing up now, basically committing himself upon graduation. We don't know the details yet, something about doing this so he can select a job and get on the list?

Just thought I'd ask you USMC vets for thoughts, opinions, & experiences, if you don't mind! Any advice or guidance for a 17 y.o. boy? We're proud of him for wanting to do this, but we don't want him to make a mistake.

We want this to be a positive experience for him, and for him to enjoy it and be proud, maybe even make a career of it. We certainly don't want him to feel tricked or trapped, and end up angry and bitter about it.

Wife and I have zero experience with military life, but if he wants to do this we're behind him 100%. We sure as hell don't want him going down the same path as his parents.

Thanks! Any input appreciated!

[10mm-man]

My son wants to join when he grows up, this is what I tell him; join the Navy! lol... Why? Bigger budget, cooler toy's, lot's more options.

If I had to do it again, I would do college 1st, or at least study while I was in. As with anything you do though; you get out of it what you put into it! WORK HARD!! Bottom line, no free rides. Be the best you can, study, score high in all aspects; physical, mental, and appearance. Don't be a "Shit bird", be one of the most squared away Marines you can be! Start from the moment you go in; max out on your PFT, shoot the highest, and know everything you can about the Corps! As in; weapons systems, ranks, history, units, and any thing military related.

I graduated out of boot camp as the platoon honor man; I maxed my PFT score, shot expert, swam qualified WSQ and knew all I could about the Corps. I was meritoriously promoted out of boot camp, (and because I worked hard), it made my road a lot easier when I went to the fleet.

I wouldn't worry to much about being tied into any one particular MOS. If your smart, have a god work ethic, and shine, you can do almost anything you want. When I got out of the corps, I had 4 different MOS fields just after 4 years. Tell him to stay away from the ones who are there just, "to do their time". The ones who have no desire to exceed, and just do the minimum.

In all seriousness, if I had to do it again; I would join the Corps all over again! O, and your comment about wanting to make it a career. I would definitely had done 20, if I had the opportunity to do it again. I prob wouldn't have done it all in the Corps; maybe hit the Army, and the Navy too. Sky really is the limit, and it's all attitude. If he get's something (MOS) he doesn't like, he is young, and can always work into something else. Like I did 3 different times... lol

[DenverGP]

I was AF, so not sure if it's similar situation in the Marines. But for anyone going into the AF, the recruiters would always tell people "with your test scores, you'll be able to get any job you want", etc. That was total BS. Almost everyone who didn't get a guaranteed job when they enlisted got stuck with whatever job openings that have at the time. I had a guy I graduated high school with, was a genius with electronics and computers, and they made him an EMT. Not a bad job, he ended up liking it, but he really wanted electronics or computers, was told "with your scores, you'll be able to get any job you want". He got out of the AF 4 years later, and then went into electronics and computers.

I did delayed enlistment, where I was on a waiting list for about 9 months before heading off to basic, but I got my pick of job assignment before I ever left home. Sounds similar to what your grandson is looking at.

Best of luck to him. Military service builds character, and teaches integrity and commitment that'll be useful for the rest of his life, regardless of what job he goes into.

[10mm-man]

I was AF, so not sure if it's similar situation in the Marines. But for anyone going into the AF, the recruiters would always tell people "with your test scores, you'll be able to get any job you want", etc. That was total BS. Almost everyone who didn't get a guaranteed job when they enlisted got stuck with whatever job openings that have at the time. I had a guy I graduated high school with, was a genius with electronics and computers, and they made him an EMT. Not a bad job, he ended up liking it, but he really wanted electronics or computers, was told "with your scores, you'll be able to get any job you want". He got out of the AF 4 years later, and then went into electronics and computers.

I did delayed enlistment, where I was on a waiting list for about 9 months before heading off to basic, but I got my pick of job assignment before I ever left home. Sounds similar to what your grandson is looking at.

Best of luck to him. Military service builds character, and teaches integrity and commitment that'll be useful for the rest of his life, regardless of what job he goes into.


No "DEFINITELY" get the job you want locked in before you leave! Otherwise you can end up in a job you don't want, and you'll have to "work hard" to get into the position you do want.

[mikedubs]

Don't be first, don't be last, volunteer for nothing, and keep your mouth shut!

Seriously tho...it's much better to be in shape and squared away than not; he doesn't want to be labeled a shitbag or placed in a workout platoon. Focus on 6 minute miles and sets of 10-15 pullups and 100 crunches every other day.
Living at altitude helps a little when running in San Diego or Pendleton. Perhaps try doing some 24/48-hr sleepless periods to get used to the feeling of fatigue and to see how he will react to them.
Any leg up in this area will be very helpful near the end of boot, during the Crucible. Try some hikes in the hills with a pack, or better yet, try cross country running in boots.

If he is interested in college at all, I suggest looking into the Delayed Entry Program. Don't let the recruiter keep sweating him to commit to something; he has a quota to fill.
Based on ASVAB scores, he might get his pick of MOS, but FWIW, it might not translate to a civilian job later on. Be forward thinking on the matter, since infantry skills are not really a job qualification these days.

Also, "choice of MOS" might translate to "choice of MOS available at units that need that MOS filled"

Good luck!

[KestrelBike]

Has he thought about reserves? He gets to be a Marine, but after basic and job schools gets to go to College/Uni at the same time while he does his regular 1wkd/mo 2-week summers? He can theoretically "go full active" whenever he wants if he finds he's not interested in school just yet... Unless draw-down politics have changed this.

[Great-Kazoo]

1- DON'T SIGN ANYTHING till he's actually ready to enlist

2 - Been so long, not sure what they call it now. Have him take the test to see what he qualifies for

3 - COMMON SENSE ONE - BE IN SHAPE

4 The most important. What is the advancement rate for his MOS. Not sure about the Corp, however for the Navy Aviation field it was less than 1%, service wide.
We tried to get our kid to stay in. However her field was limiting advancement, after E5, so she left.

[tmleadr03]

What ever the recruiter says, get in writing. Lets be clear. GET IT IN WRITING!!!


And then I would say go infantry. It sucks. You are kept up long hours, worked like a dog, spend entire too much time being miserable in the dirt. But he is also getting paid to work out and shoot guns.

[Teufelhund]

If he signs a contract before he is 18, he is signing up for the Delayed Entry Program (DEP). It is a commitment, but it is not actual enlistment, so he can still get out of it before the enlistment papers are signed if he changes his mind (the recruiters will protest loudly). The day he leaves for bootcamp, he'll go to the local MEPS processing station for medical evaluation, sign the actual enlistment contract, and then stay there over night before leaving for bootcamp the next day.

If he wants a particular job in the Corps, he needs to make sure ALL FOUR numbers of the MOS designation are on his contract. I got a bit screwed on this point. My recruiter explained to me I was guaranteed LAN/WAN tech, but my contract only stated 28XX... which just guaranteed SOME job within the Communication/Electronics field. I ended up being a Ground Radio Repairman (2841), attached to an infantry battalion and humping a toolbox for my entire enlistment. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it and still cross-trained for the job I originally wanted, but it was a big let down when I found out what was happening, and way too late to do anything about it.

I'll disagree with one post above and say volunteer for everything, especially in bootcamp. He'll end up on a lot of shit details, but he'll also get to do a lot of cool stuff. My drill instructors got their squad leaders for the platoon by asking for volunteers without saying what it was for. The squad leaders got promoted right out of bootcamp. So volunteering sucks sometimes, but sometimes it pays off too.

I will agree that being an officer sucks a lot less than being enlisted. If you can talk him into it, get him to go to college first and join the Corps afterward as an officer if he still wants to do it. He'll make a lot more money, have better living conditions, do a lot less shit work, learn excellent management skills that translate better to civilian employment, and generally have a better time.

[tmleadr03]

If he signs a contract before he is 18, he is signing up for the Delayed Entry Program (DEP). It is a commitment, but it is not actual enlistment, so he can still get out of it before the enlistment papers are signed if he changes his mind (the recruiters will protest loudly). The day he leaves for bootcamp, he'll go to the local MEPS processing station for medical evaluation, sign the actual enlistment contract, and then stay there over night before leaving for bootcamp the next day.

If he wants a particular job in the Corps, he needs to make sure ALL FOUR numbers of the MOS designation are on his contract. I got a bit screwed on this point. My recruiter explained to me I was guaranteed LAN/WAN tech, but my contract only stated 28XX... which just guaranteed SOME job within the Communication/Electronics field. I ended up being a Ground Radio Repairman (2841), attached to an infantry battalion and humping a toolbox for my entire enlistment. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it and still cross-trained for the job I originally wanted, but it was a big let down when I found out what was happening, and way too late to do anything about it.

I'll disagree with one post above and say volunteer for everything, especially in bootcamp. He'll end up on a lot of shit details, but he'll also get to do a lot of cool stuff. My drill instructors got their squad leaders for the platoon by asking for volunteers without saying what it was for. The squad leaders got promoted right out of bootcamp. So volunteering sucks sometimes, but sometimes it pays off too.

I will agree that being an officer sucks a lot less than being enlisted. If you can talk him into it, get him to go to college first and join the Corps afterward as an officer if he still wants to do it. He'll make a lot more money, have better living conditions, do a lot less shit work, learn excellent management skills that translate better to civilian employment, and generally have a better time.


Include quarterdeck time in that. If one of his squad mates gets dropped, he better drop to. He will be squad leader by the end of the week. Dont fuck that up and you get promoted out of boot for it.

[USMC_5-Echo]

Teufelhund hit it on the head with his description. Here's my addition; have him look at the job board and go for whatever he's qualified for that he's interested in that will provide for him when he gets out. I was qualified for everything and didn't listen to anyone and chose infantry. Do I regret it? Sometimes, but as was mentioned before I did get to shoot a lot of cool weapons. The downfall? I didn't want to be a cop, state trooper, prison guard, or merc when I got out so I kind of started all over. Would I go back and change it? Probably not cause it was a great experience. My recruiter kept pushing for me to pick a job that would translate into the civilian sector because he knew that eventually I would get out, weather it be after 4 years or retire after 20. He will get out and need to transition. Don't get me wrong, being a cop or state trooper isn't bad it's just not what I wanted to do. So make sure he thinks of the far future not just the near future.

[Great-Kazoo]

Teufelhund hit it on the head with his description. Here's my addition; have him look at the job board and go for whatever he's qualified for that he's interested in that will provide for him when he gets out. I was qualified for everything and didn't listen to anyone and chose infantry. Do I regret it? Sometimes, but as was mentioned before I did get to shoot a lot of cool weapons. The downfall? I didn't want to be a cop, state trooper, prison guard, or merc when I got out so I kind of started all over. Would I go back and change it? Probably not cause it was a great experience. My recruiter kept pushing for me to pick a job that would translate into the civilian sector because he knew that eventually I would get out, weather it be after 4 years or retire after 20. He will get out and need to transition. Don't get me wrong, being a cop or state trooper isn't bad it's just not what I wanted to do. So make sure he thinks of the far future not just the near future.

This. how many times we suggest LE related field in the .mil. BUT NOOOOOOO. So what doe she do when she gets out, LE [facepalm]

[Teufelhund]

Teufelhund hit it on the head with his description. Here's my addition; have him look at the job board and go for whatever he's qualified for that he's interested in that will provide for him when he gets out. I was qualified for everything and didn't listen to anyone and chose infantry. Do I regret it? Sometimes, but as was mentioned before I did get to shoot a lot of cool weapons. The downfall? I didn't want to be a cop, state trooper, prison guard, or merc when I got out so I kind of started all over. Would I go back and change it? Probably not cause it was a great experience. My recruiter kept pushing for me to pick a job that would translate into the civilian sector because he knew that eventually I would get out, weather it be after 4 years or retire after 20. He will get out and need to transition. Don't get me wrong, being a cop or state trooper isn't bad it's just not what I wanted to do. So make sure he thinks of the far future not just the near future.

Well said. When I decided to enlist, I was dead-set on being an 0311 bulletsponge, but my dad wouldn't have it. He was adamant that I pick a job that would provide skills more viable than "I kill people real good" in case I decided not to make a career of the military. The whole "every Marine is a rifleman" thing is kind of a joke in the Corps; I know the basics, but I'll never be half the capable warfighter that Marines like tmleadr03 are. You get called POG and you don't get to play with big guns and other cool toys every day if you're not a grunt, but I also had a hummvee with my name stenciled on the door (I never had to walk anywhere) and my office was air-conditioned. I think it was the right decision since I only did my 5 years and got out.

[Hound]

Most all of the advice so far has been great. One big thing to remember... Recruiters lie. When you are fresh coming in, you are the most vulnerable, they have only one goal and it has no corrolation to anything you want. Everytime you deal with them, regardless of if you have never been in or been in 20 years, get it in writting.

When you are picking your job (MOS/Rate) figure out what that translates to on the outside. Even if you do the 20yr stretch you will eventually get out and not at the prime of your job hunting career necessarily. If you are fixing tanks, you can get out and be a mechanic. If you are an MM in the Navy, plumber or welder.... Etc. If you have that in writting before you go in you will get a crack at that job (nothing is guaranteed except that you will be given a chance to prove you have the apptitude to do that job. I got through 2yrs of training thinking/fearing about hanging off the side of a ship painting it while taking every test). If you go in as a basic grunt, if there is an opening, if nobody else is ahead of you, Venus is in line with Jupiter, etc you may be able to move to the job you want. Again, get it in writting first.

Anybody serving (and that is exactly what it is) in any branch deserves respect. All of them are demanding, a PITA, demeaning at times and most of all make you give up a basic foundation of most Americans... The ability to "NO!". That being said most people coming out are glad they went in and glad they got out. You will not have any place with more stories than the military. There is also an unwritten comradery between those that served once you are out. I would much rather work with those that have been in (any branch) than those that have not. To put it bluntly, there is much less BS from them... Generally.

As for the branch,

Army... General purpose, not treated well, bad food, lots of travel, hard life. No bed many times. Close group, friends will be friends for life (same with enemies).
Marines... Take the Army and add "Professional" to everything. Hive mind mentality. Closest group in the millitary as a general rule.
Air Force... Treated the best, closest to a 9:5 job. Good food, housing, travel.
Navy... Most work of any branch (and that is not saying the other branches are not working hard). Away from home the most, comms difficult, stuck out to sea with NOWHERE to go, good food, always have a bed, most training, most rewarding (that last part may be biased;)

Whatever he picks nobody can prepare him for the military life. All of the advice any of us on here or people around him give him is of little use. It is like trying to explain sex to a virgin, it does not work until they experience it..... Except..... GET IN WRITTING!!!!

Good luck to you all. When/if he goes in, the whole family enlists with him even if they do not know it at first.

[Aloha_Shooter]

If your grandson has good enough scores to select his MOS early, don't let the recruiter talk him into "selecting" vacancies. Put him in contact with a Marine senior NCO to find out what different MOSes are like before he commits to anything. One of my Eagle Scouts got talked into "selecting" HVAC technician before entering the AF but didn't tell the Scoutmaster (retired Army NCO) or me (retired AF officer) until about a month before he was supposed to report for training. I wanted to smack him because I could have talked to E-8s and E-9s to get some gouge for him if I'd known he was definitely going to enlist. I know he had high scores and probably would have qualified for a much more interesting field with higher re-enlistment bonuses.

[ghettodub]

Great advice in here. What everyone else said. Don't settle for an MOS that isn't what you want. You don't have to sign on the line unless you want to.

Doing school for a few years isn't bad advice; either finish college and go in as an officer, or at least do a few years and get a little better grade initially.

Picking something that can translate to real world experience after your out is good, or get going on something that would be good for career in the mil.

And as some people mentioned branches before, don't count out the puddle pirates (Coast Guard). That can be a cool gig.

[USMC_5-Echo]

Well said. When I decided to enlist, I was dead-set on being an 0311 bulletsponge, but my dad wouldn't have it. He was adamant that I pick a job that would provide skills more viable than "I kill people real good" in case I decided not to make a career of the military. The whole "every Marine is a rifleman" thing is kind of a joke in the Corps; I know the basics, but I'll never be half the capable warfighter that Marines like tmleadr03 are. You get called POG and you don't get to play with big guns and other cool toys every day if you're not a grunt, but I also had a hummvee with my name stenciled on the door (I never had to walk anywhere) and my office was air-conditioned. I think it was the right decision since I only did my 5 years and got out.

I'll admit it, I'm a hard headed SOB. My recruiter tried the entire 11 months I was in the DEP to change my mind. Since I was 17 when I signed and needed my moms signature he took the angle of trying to get her to convince me. She flat out told him "look he's made up his mind and he's the only one that can change it. I can either sign and let him be happy or refuse and piss him off and then he'll wait till he's 18 and do it anyway." Like I said I kinda wished I woulda listened but at the same time I now know I can walk 40 miles in one day with 120 additional pounds on my back LOL. I'll also admit that there were plenty of times I was jealous of POGs but at the same time everything happens for a reason. I also know I can stay up till 0330 cleaning the same 12' x 20' piece of floor because it STILL isn't clean lmao

[tmleadr03]

Well said. When I decided to enlist, I was dead-set on being an 0311 bulletsponge, but my dad wouldn't have it. He was adamant that I pick a job that would provide skills more viable than "I kill people real good" in case I decided not to make a career of the military. The whole "every Marine is a rifleman" thing is kind of a joke in the Corps; I know the basics, but I'll never be half the capable warfighter that Marines like tmleadr03 are. You get called POG and you don't get to play with big guns and other cool toys every day if you're not a grunt, but I also had a hummvee with my name stenciled on the door (I never had to walk anywhere) and my office was air-conditioned. I think it was the right decision since I only did my 5 years and got out.


Pogue, it is fucking pogue. Sigh. Boots these days.

And I would not say I am that much of a warfighter. I am fat, old and broken. And I was never an Army Ranger...

[Teufelhund]

Pogue, it is fucking pogue. Sigh. Boots these days.

And I would not say I am that much of a warfighter. I am fat, old and broken. And I was never an Army Ranger...

Personnel Other than Grunt (POG). I forgot to mention the 0300 MOS is almost entirely comprised of people who nearly failed the ASVAB!

[tmleadr03]

Personnel Other than Grunt (POG). I forgot to mention the 0300 MOS is almost entirely comprised of people who nearly failed the ASVAB!

POG:

http://v1.milkcapmania.co.uk/Pictures/World%20Pog%20Federation/POGPOURRI%20SERIES%20II/series2(us)1-35.jpg

Pogue:
http://cmsimg.marinecorpstimes.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=M6&Date=20090906&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=909060313&Ref=AR&MaxW=640&Border=0&Inspectors-ensure-Marine-units-police-gear

[hollohas]

And I would not say I am that much of a warfighter. I am fat, old and broken. And I was never an Army Ranger...

I see what you did there. ;)

[DenverGP]

POG/Pogue: POG is a retronym/backronym. It started as "pogue", a derogatory slang term, and later the phrase "Person Other than Grunt" was created to match the first 3 letters of the term, and then common usage shortened it to POG. Another derivative phrase (from someone working harder to use all the letters of Pogue) was "Person On Ground with Unused Equipment"

[spongejosh]

I was AF but here's how it worked for me 13 years ago...

Beginning of senior year of high school decided I wanted to go in the AF.
Talked to a recruiter and learned about the Delayed Entry Program (DEP)
Went to MEPS - took the ASVAB there, got a physical, met with the AF "job counselor"
Picked my guaranteed AFSC/MOS/job
Picked the date I wanted to actually ship out after I finished school

My recruiter was cool and didn't require us to do anything while on DEP. Working out for the Marines sounds like a great idea if going that route.

Once I graduated and my ship out date came up I went back to MEPS, did the short physical again, signed paperwork and shipped out.

From what people said above it sounds like the Marines is pretty similar. The problem with just enlisting and shipping out the next day or a few weeks later is the whole job choice part. If you want to do something specific DEP is the way to go. Even if you don't score high enough on the ASVAB for the job you want I'm pretty sure on DEP you can take it again and try to get the score you need. As long as you get the job you want in your contract you are set to go to that school after basic. Plus you can get out of DEP if you change your mind. Recruiters will lie about it and say you can't but you definitely can.

[rondog]

Thanks guys! Much appreciated! I've got this all printed out for him and the wife to look over.

Delay Entry Program - that's w

[rondog]

Christ, I'm still having huge troubles with this site and my new PC......can't type responses cleanly, can't paste, can't put in photos.....

[rondog]

Anyway, thanks much guys! Delayed Entry Program - that's what he was talking about, I couldn't remember what it was called. College is out for him, he's not a great student, more of a slacker just squeaking by. One of the reasons he wants to join is so he can go to college afterwards on Uncle's dime. He also wants to go places, see things, experience the world some while he's young. He could also use the discipline and a swift kick in the ass now and again. Hopefully they'll work him so damn hard that he'll learn to be a little more diverse in his dining tastes, and eat more stuff. He's the poster child for picky eating. We think it'll be good for him, and he does too. This was all his idea, it surprised the hell out of us when he dropped it on us. He's also been doing a lot of weightlifting in school and at the Parker Rec. Center. He's not really a runner, but he's in damn good shape and loves to play lacrosse.

[10mm-man]

Anyway, thanks much guys! Delayed Entry Program - that's what he was talking about, I couldn't remember what it was called. College is out for him, he's not a great student, more of a slacker just squeaking by. One of the reasons he wants to join is so he can go to college afterwards on Uncle's dime. He also wants to go places, see things, experience the world some while he's young. He could also use the discipline and a swift kick in the ass now and again. Hopefully they'll work him so damn hard that he'll learn to be a little more diverse in his dining tastes, and eat more stuff. He's the poster child for picky eating. We think it'll be good for him, and he does too. This was all his idea, it surprised the hell out of us when he dropped it on us. He's also been doing a lot of weightlifting in school and at the Parker Rec. Center. He's not really a runner, but he's in damn good shape and loves to play lacrosse.

He should work on his running! We run a lot; 3 Mile run is part of the PFT. Don't be last!

[USMC_5-Echo]

He'll jump on the seefood diet in boot camp, he'll see food and eat it. No time to be picky cause you're so dang hungry from running around all the time.

[KestrelBike]

Anyway, thanks much guys! Delayed Entry Program - that's what he was talking about, I couldn't remember what it was called. College is out for him, he's not a great student, more of a slacker just squeaking by. One of the reasons he wants to join is so he can go to college afterwards on Uncle's dime. He also wants to go places, see things, experience the world some while he's young. He could also use the discipline and a swift kick in the ass now and again. Hopefully they'll work him so damn hard that he'll learn to be a little more diverse in his dining tastes, and eat more stuff. He's the poster child for picky eating. We think it'll be good for him, and he does too. This was all his idea, it surprised the hell out of us when he dropped it on us. He's also been doing a lot of weightlifting in school and at the Parker Rec. Center. He's not really a runner, but he's in damn good shape and loves to play lacrosse.

Probably one of the best things he can do is get flexible. Strength (sounds like he's already got that) and flexibility help avoid injuries.

[USMC_5-Echo]

He should work on his running! We run a lot; 3 Mile run is part of the PFT. Don't be last!

Sorry brother but I hate to tell you but they canned the PFT several years ago. They now do what's called the Combat Fitness Test. Here ya go: http://www.military.com/military-fitness/marine-corps-fitness-requirements/marine-corps-combat-fitness-test

[10mm-man]

Sorry brother but I hate to tell you but they canned the PFT several years ago. They now do what's called the Combat Fitness Test. Here ya go: http://www.military.com/military-fitness/marine-corps-fitness-requirements/marine-corps-combat-fitness-test


What happened to my BELOVED CORPS!! [gohome] Never mind (my last comment), now a days looks like they can be SOFT.....[LOL][Coffee]

[Mick-Boy]

Our grandson is 17, a Junior this year. He'll turn 18 in December, in his Senior year. FWIW, he's lived with us his whole life.

He's been talking about joining The Marines, and has been doing workouts every week with them at the local recruiting office. Along with several other kids.

Now, the recruiter wants to discuss him signing up now, basically committing himself upon graduation. We don't know the details yet, something about doing this so he can select a job and get on the list?

Just thought I'd ask you USMC vets for thoughts, opinions, & experiences, if you don't mind! Any advice or guidance for a 17 y.o. boy? We're proud of him for wanting to do this, but we don't want him to make a mistake.

We want this to be a positive experience for him, and for him to enjoy it and be proud, maybe even make a career of it. We certainly don't want him to feel tricked or trapped, and end up angry and bitter about it.

Wife and I have zero experience with military life, but if he wants to do this we're behind him 100%. We sure as hell don't want him going down the same path as his parents.

Thanks! Any input appreciated!

The time in the DEP comes off your IRR time. - You owe 8 years total, 4 active, 4 inactive reserve (don't have to do anything but you can get called up). If you're in the DEP for a year before shipping for boot you only owe 3 years on the back end. Not a huge deal, but something to consider.

I'd highly recommend finding a job that's appealing but will also give him marketable skills. I've been making a living based on my skills as a professional infantryman for almost 10 years... I'm the exception rather than the rule. Unless he's married to the idea of killing people/blowing shit up, tell him to find something that translates directly (or as close as possible) to a civilian career field. This is particularly true for skills that carry a certification that the military will pay for.

Get it in writing. No matter what it is. No matter what the recruiter tells you. Get it in writing. This is good practice for the rest of your time in the military. If it's not documented, it didn't happen. No one looks out for you except you. Get documentation.

There are a lot of retired/former Marines on the front range. If he thinks of a job that he wants to do, try to tap into someone who has done it and has your grandson talk to them.

If your grandson isn't married to the idea of being a Marine, have him talk to the other branches of the DOD and the Coast Guard. There can be a pretty big difference in how people are treated and the standard of living....


Personnel Other than Grunt (POG). I forgot to mention the 0300 MOS is almost entirely comprised of people who nearly failed the ASVAB!

I hope this is a joke or you have data to support it. This has not been my experience.


Sorry brother but I hate to tell you but they canned the PFT several years ago. They now do what's called the Combat Fitness Test. Here ya go: http://www.military.com/military-fitness/marine-corps-fitness-requirements/marine-corps-combat-fitness-test

My understanding is that the CFT is in conjunction with the PFT (run at different times), not a replacement for it. I was talking to a NSW corpsman today that just finished an assignment with the Marines and he mentioned running both within the last.

[Teufelhund]

I hope this is a joke or you have data to support it. This has not been my experience.

Just a dig at tmleadr03, brother. Some of the most brilliant Marines I know, and some of my best friends, were 03 ground pounders.

[Mick-Boy]

Tracking. I must have pulled on my thin skin this morning. ;)

[USMC88-93]

What happened to my BELOVED CORPS!! [gohome] Never mind (my last comment), now a days looks like they can be SOFT.....[LOL][Coffee]

How about a question from a recent Sgt's Course.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v651/PhotoTWB/USMC/IMG_418307342172141_zpse8248184.jpeg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/PhotoTWB/media/USMC/IMG_418307342172141_zpse8248184.jpeg.html)

[10mm-man]

How about a question from a recent Sgt's Course.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v651/PhotoTWB/USMC/IMG_418307342172141_zpse8248184.jpeg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/PhotoTWB/media/USMC/IMG_418307342172141_zpse8248184.jpeg.html)

I know I didn't just read that.......... WOW! I don't even have a response for that.

[Fentonite]

I know I didn't just read that.......... WOW! I don't even have a response for that.

Ditto.
I'm forever loyal to my Corps, but some things just aren't the same. I guess I'm getting old.

[tmleadr03]

Just a dig at tmleadr03, brother. Some of the most brilliant Marines I know, and some of my best friends, were 03 ground pounders.

I can count to potato!

[10mm-man]

I can count to potato!


Sorry but I call B.S. [ROFL3][LOL][Beer]

[Hound]

Ditto.
I'm forever loyal to my Corps, but some things just aren't the same. I guess I'm getting old.

Naw, that is just.... Off. I generally take the stance of stay out of the bedroom..... This is throwing you in the bedroom to watch and then taking an opinion poll on what you just saw.

[Irving]

It's a trick question anyway.

[Joe_K]

The Corps is what you make of it. He will find the slackers and shitbirds no matter what job or unit he is assigned to. Get whatever the recruiter tells him in writing. At the end of the day however the needs of the Marine Corps will never play second fiddle to what any 17-19 year old kid wants or what his recruiter told him would be his reality for the next 4-5 years. How responsible is he with his money? A friend of mine that I served with came out of the Corps with 80K after 5 years that he'd saved up by being extremely careful with his money. Dont buy a new car, bunch of clothes, pizza every weekend, or get the fancy off base haircut. The Infantry field 03XX is by far the most challenging, and tightly knit part of the Corps. No matter what MOS field he chooses he will have to cope with the constant mind games, hurry up and wait, non sensical orders, daft leaders, and crappy hours. The Marine Corps is not going to hold his hand and babysit him, if he wants to suceed he will have to find it in himself. Your Grandson would do well to read up on Marine Corps History, be a decent runner, be able to do at least 15 dead hang pull ups. Anything he knows about firearms forget it. They will teach him thier way. We are seeing the transition back to a peacetime Military and Obamas kindler, gentler, fabulous armed government employees. Tell him I said good luck and dont quit.

[<MADDOG>]

Back to OP: as a father/grandfather; I would first ask why he wishes to:

A. Enlist

B. In the USMC

I see an overabundance of "PT" being mentioned when it was stated what the youth was doing. Yadda, yadda, yadda...

He can push the moon, and it won't mean a damn...Weak minds fail a strong body 99% of the time.

Are his motivations and expectations clear? Is he willing to "embrace the suck" as they now say? (we just mumbled "hooah" in my day). [LOL]



Lastly; to mimic what Mick stated-have him check his options with other branches! The Army gave me a much better "deal" with the College Fund for two years instead of the four that the Corp offered (not that it mattered, I re-upped anyway).

[USMC_5-Echo]

Lastly; to mimic what Mick stated-have him check his options with other branches! The Army gave me a much better "deal" with the College Fund for two years instead of the four that the Corp offered (not that it mattered, I re-upped anyway).

Spoken like a true army dog. Not everyone out there is looking for the best deal. In fact when I was on recruiter's assistance we would flat out tell people that if you want money then keep on walking cause we're not going to buy anybody. But if you want to be part of an actual brotherhood and have a challenge then come on in. Thinking back to when I was waiting to join my parents had all of their military friends come talk to me. The only ones that ever tried talking me out of joining the Corps were all in the army at one point. I joined at a time when my friends got a $40,000 signing bonus for joining the army. Me, I got the satisfaction of knowing I was doing something much tougher than they were.

[rondog]

Spoken like a true army dog. Not everyone out there is looking for the best deal. In fact when I was on recruiter's assistance we would flat out tell people that if you want money then keep on walking cause we're not going to buy anybody. But if you want to be part of an actual brotherhood and have a challenge then come on in. Thinking back to when I was waiting to join my parents had all of their military friends come talk to me. The only ones that ever tried talking me out of joining the Corps were all in the army at one point. I joined at a time when my friends got a $40,000 signing bonus for joining the army. Me, I got the satisfaction of knowing I was doing something much tougher than they were.

I think that's what Cody wants, deep inside. Brotherhood and a sense of belonging, not money. Long painful story, but he's an only child and there's a lot of abandonment in his family background. My wife and I are the only constants he's known, I'm sure he longs for more and the brotherhood and closeness of The Corps appeals to him.

Just my take on it, he may not even be aware of those feelings himself. But when the majority of your own kin can't be bothered to even know you, that has an effect on a kid. We've done all we can, but we can't be his missing relatives. I feel he's craving a place to "belong", since his own blood makes him feel he doesn't belong with them. Which is fine with us, we don't want to see him become one of them anyway.

[Inconel710]

A little late to the party, but here's my 2 cents for these types of questions:
1) All recruiters lie. Some more than others. And I say that even though I think my recruiter was fairly honest. However, he didn't know everything and had to make it sound like he did.
2) Have him take a good look at all of the MOS's available and shoot for something that really interests him. Then research it. Get in touch with someone at the Navy/Marine Reserve Center on Buckley and find out what the job is REALLY like. I enlisted in the Navy as a nuclear power MM on subs and was so bored after four years I went to college and an officer's commission. If he likes computers, cyber is the new "hotness", if he likes history, he should look at Intelligence. The USMC has some really cool human intelligence programs as well. Some of those guys go on to careers with the CIA.
3) If it's not written down, it didn't happen.
4) I also agree with the advice to volunteer as much as possible, especially in bootcamp. Embrace the suck and there will be rewards down the road.
5) Here's the bad news - more and more, the military is becoming a zero tolerance culture. A lot of it comes from budget cuts. When the Corps has to lose thousands of Marines over the next five years, who are they going to cut first? The fatties, the drunks, the sexual harassers, and the malcontents. Don't be one of those.
6) Being in the military is almost like being a Jedi Knight - Do or Do Not. There is no try. If you're only kinda sorta committed to it, you'll fail miserably and have a crappy time doing it.

[Hound]

A little late to the party, but here's my 2 cents for these types of questions:
1) All recruiters lie. Some more than others. And I say that even though I think my recruiter was fairly honest. However, he didn't know everything and had to make it sound like he did.
2) Have him take a good look at all of the MOS's available and shoot for something that really interests him. Then research it. Get in touch with someone at the Navy/Marine Reserve Center on Buckley and find out what the job is REALLY like. I enlisted in the Navy as a nuclear power MM on subs and was so bored after four years I went to college and an officer's commission. If he likes computers, cyber is the new "hotness", if he likes history, he should look at Intelligence. The USMC has some really cool human intelligence programs as well. Some of those guys go on to careers with the CIA.
3) If it's not written down, it didn't happen.
4) I also agree with the advice to volunteer as much as possible, especially in bootcamp. Embrace the suck and there will be rewards down the road.
5) Here's the bad news - more and more, the military is becoming a zero tolerance culture. A lot of it comes from budget cuts. When the Corps has to lose thousands of Marines over the next five years, who are they going to cut first? The fatties, the drunks, the sexual harassers, and the malcontents. Don't be one of those.
6) Being in the military is almost like being a Jedi Knight - Do or Do Not. There is no try. If you're only kinda sorta committed to it, you'll fail miserably and have a crappy time doing it.

I think all the time you guys sit in the back of the boat listening to the drone of the pipes does something.... Something really really.......... Weird to you.... Back in the back.........all alone. I was a cone'er. I always felt sorry for you guys in port.

[rondog]

You wanna talk about boring - my oldest brother was an electronics/radar tech on the U.S.S. Hancock during Vietnam. Going around and around in big circles for months. Said he spent a lot of time up in the antennas, smoking butts and watching the show down on the flight deck.

[<MADDOG>]

Spoken like a true army dog. Not everyone out there is looking for the best deal. In fact when I was on recruiter's assistance we would flat out tell people that if you want money then keep on walking cause we're not going to buy anybody. But if you want to be part of an actual brotherhood and have a challenge then come on in. Thinking back to when I was waiting to join my parents had all of their military friends come talk to me. The only ones that ever tried talking me out of joining the Corps were all in the army at one point. I joined at a time when my friends got a $40,000 signing bonus for joining the army. Me, I got the satisfaction of knowing I was doing something much tougher than they were.

Spoken like a true self-propelled sand bag! :)

Please don't propose the Corp's is the only service with a "brotherhood" or a challenging atmosphere (Although being stuck on a boat with a lot of seaman is questionable). There was, and probably still is, enough cross pollination amongst the services to know each one has it's strengths and weaknesses. If one is to look past his or her enlistment; I'm sorry, but the "buy" as you call it, means something.

[USMC_5-Echo]

Nope not proposing that we are the only ones that offer a brotherhood. I am however proposing that we don't try to buy recruits, or bribe however you want to look at it. Yes I look at a signing bonus as a bribe.

[10mm-man]

Spoken like a true self-propelled sand bag! :)

Please don't propose the Corp's is the only service with a "brotherhood" or a challenging atmosphere (Although being stuck on a boat with a lot of seaman is questionable). There was, and probably still is, enough cross pollination amongst the services to know each one has it's strengths and weaknesses. If one is to look past his or her enlistment; I'm sorry, but the "buy" as you call it, means something.


Funny how they all "try" to be like the "Corps"! All the way down to being in a thread, titled: "QUESTION FOR THE USMC VETS HERE"

Get out of here Army Dog!! [Pot]


In before the lock!! [LOL][Coffee]

[Joe_K]

Funny how they all "try" to be like the "Corps"! All the way down to being in a thread, titled: "QUESTION FOR THE USMC VETS HERE"

Get out of here Army Dog!! [Pot]


In before the lock!! [LOL][Coffee]

Yuuuuuutt! I can see your X-Ring shot from here 10mm man!