cvfd1399 0 #1 September 3, 2004 * EDIT MARINE RESERVES* OK here it is let me know what you think 23 years old, married no kids, Full time job that I can leave to go to basic. Life time dream to be a Marine, about to meet all the basic fitness requirements. I would hate myself when I got old if I never at least tried to join. Other than being away for extended time which is only a comfort thing not a problem, nothing stands in my way what would you do if you were me? Back ground Firefighter EMT Search and rescue diver Reserve deputy sheriff Extended knowledge of CQB Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #2 September 3, 2004 drop me a PM if you like, and I'll put you in touch with my best pal Sean who'd be happy to tell you both the good and bad of being an enlisted marine. if you're married, though, definitely have a long heart to heart with your wife and see how she'd feel about you shipping out to war. Its something that's killed a lot of marriages, so she'd need to be behind you 100%. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bunge 0 #3 September 3, 2004 Quote Life time dream to be a Marine, isn't that the answer..... BUNGE I don't hate them, I just like us better. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpergirl 0 #4 September 3, 2004 QuoteQuote Life time dream to be a Marine, isn't that the answer..... I totally agree with this. If it's a dream, then have a long talk (as previously mentioned) with your wife and try to enlist. Good luck!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites cvfd1399 0 #5 September 3, 2004 Thanks I am really interested in the reserves Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JohnnyD 0 #6 September 3, 2004 What do you want? The older you get, the tougher it will be. Be prepared to have someone involved in every facet of your life. You are over 21, but you will be told you can't have beer in your barracks room (if you are lucky enough to be in a barracks room). You will be told when to eat, sleep, clean, work, etc, etc. Work weeks are long and often menial. Pay and living conditions are horrible. Haircuts are bad, uni's are good. Lots of things will depend on what type of mos you have. Some of these will involve people shooting at you. Boot camp (not basic) is not that physically demanding if you are prepared. It will take its toll mentally - its designed to. Not having kids will make it much easier. If you are leaving it up to a dz.com poll, I would say you have no clue what you are getting into. This is a decision that you need to make on your own (with your wife). Good luck, Johnny Cpl - GWI edit to add: You specified reserves, so definitely no. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites cvfd1399 0 #7 September 4, 2004 Na I have my own opinon, just wanted to see what my friends thought. I am used that kind of life at the fire department I am thinking infantry. Since I am 6'4, 255 lbs I will probbly be a morterman carrying that damn 100lb base plate around. My goal is a m60 gunner if possible Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JohnnyD 0 #8 September 4, 2004 Sounds like you have it all figured out. Two things - comparing life in the fire department to life in the Marine Corps is about the same as comparing life in your township high school to a boarding school in Sweeden. Simply put, there is absolutely no comparison. Second, get the weight chart for your height. If you are over, you will not be eating much and that will make boot camp ten times as bad. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites cvfd1399 0 #9 September 4, 2004 I am near the limit, but I have a few months to go so that is plenty of time to get ready. My "enlist weight" will be around 225 and 6'4'' Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites cvfd1399 0 #10 September 4, 2004 the comparison I was refering to was the micro managing, and the fact that the only way I know what day of the week i am living is due to the daily duties on the list for that day. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites rickjump1 0 #11 September 4, 2004 Good luck. I was a 23 year old platoon leader the first time I went to Vietnam. Surely you know this is serious shit. My hat is off to you. Be safe.Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JoeBobinNC 0 #12 September 4, 2004 cvfd1399 check your PM's and get back with me if you have any Q's Also go ahead and capitalize the M in Marine in the thread title please. It doesn't matter if a cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites AggieDave 6 #13 September 4, 2004 Kill! I'm envious! I lost my PLC contract due to blowing out my knee. My dream was also the USMC, I wanted that Eagle, Globe and Anchor bad, but due to my ACL and MCL in my right knee, I can't do it... So do it! If you want it, do it!--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ScrdofHites 0 #14 September 5, 2004 I am cvfd1399's wife. I am totally against the idea of the Marines (and so is the rest of his family). Thank you for pointing out that is important to involve your wife in life changing decisions. I support my husband in all that he does in other areas of his life regardless of my opinion of the behavior. But I cannot help but wonder what sort of recruiter would NOT discuss this possibility of enlistment with the 23 year old newly married man's wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jimbarry 0 #15 September 5, 2004 QuoteBut I cannot help but wonder what sort of recruiter would NOT discuss this possibility of enlistment with the 23 year old newly married man's wife. Don't wonder too much. Probably close to all of them. Recruiters usually spend most of their time finding ways to get people into the service. I can't see they have much incentive to find reasons to keep people out. Especially highly motivated very bright people like your hub. Sorry guy, I gotta vote 'no' here. On major life decisions, the spouse holds the security council veto privilege. That's the trust bond you both have with each other. (ed to add: hey, on the bright side, she lets you jump...) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JohnRich 4 #16 September 6, 2004 QuoteI am near the limit, but I have a few months to go so that is plenty of time to get ready. My "enlist weight" will be around 225 and 6'4'' If you're not running at least a mile and a half on a regular basis, then you need to start NOW. Don't wait until you get there to find out you can't hack it. Life is hell for recruits who drop out of runs - they are pounced upon like vultures on a dead skunk. Get yourself in shape before you get there, and then you can watch the vultures pounce on the other guys... You'll also need to be able to do at least three pull-ups, and 40 sit-ups. If you don't make those minimums, you get sent to a remedial physical fitness platoon, which delays your graduation. Those are very easy requirements, actually. Just make sure you can do them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JohnRich 4 #17 September 6, 2004 QuoteI am cvfd1399's wife. I am totally against the idea of the Marines (and so is the rest of his family). He needs to make the decision with you. The rest of the family doesn't matter - it's his life, and yours. They should be proud of him for wanting to serve his country and fulfill a dream. Shame on them! The life is hard for an enlisted man. There is low pay, frequent moves and seperations. He'll spend a lot of time getting yelled at, and doing menial chores like mopping floors and picking up cigarette butts. But since you two don't have kids yet, you would be free to work and supplement your income, making life much easier on you. Base housing and post-exchange prices keep things cheap. There's free medical care, but you have to wait in long lines for it. My first son was born as a civilian, and cost me $2,000, which took a decade to pay off. My second son was born in a Navy hospital, and cost me $24.50. Despite the hardships, after you've done a few years, you'll be damned proud of having done it for the rest of your life. John Rich USMC 1973-78 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites juanesky 0 #18 September 6, 2004 Hmm, John he is referring to the "Reserves". By the way CVFD1399, good luck, and hope you can get your dreams. Welcome to the Navy if you do"According to some of the conservatives here, it sounds like it's fine to beat your wide - as long as she had it coming." -Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites tbrown 26 #19 September 6, 2004 Go ahead. At least by now you understand there are two wars going on and you'll probably be going to at least one of them. At any rate, you won't be like some of these dumb kids who think it's just an occasional weekend in exchange for free college money. And it is serving your country too and that's an honorable profession. Your humble servant.....Professor Gravity ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites christoofar 0 #20 September 6, 2004 Marines??? Ugh remember the old joke about the military convention? The AF was in the Hilton with magic fingers and a heat lamp, the Navy guys were all stayin at the motel six, the Army had pup tents set up outside the convention hall, and the marines were living in a bar ditch on the side of the freeway.... Go Navy. Quote * EDIT MARINE RESERVES* OK here it is let me know what you think 23 years old, married no kids, Full time job that I can leave to go to basic. Life time dream to be a Marine, about to meet all the basic fitness requirements. I would hate myself when I got old if I never at least tried to join. Other than being away for extended time which is only a comfort thing not a problem, nothing stands in my way what would you do if you were me? Back ground Firefighter EMT Search and rescue diver Reserve deputy sheriff Extended knowledge of CQB ____________________________________________________________ I'm RICK JAMES! Fo shizzle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites juanesky 0 #21 September 6, 2004 As much as many would like to deny it, being in the Marines, still is part of the Navy"According to some of the conservatives here, it sounds like it's fine to beat your wide - as long as she had it coming." -Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Luv2Fall 0 #22 September 6, 2004 Serve dude.....you'll learn and experience things most don't. Remember this though...(sounding as if I'm contradicting myself)....especially if you're ever deployed...........it could cost you your marriage........it cost me my first.........neither a simple nor easy decision. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JohnRich 4 #23 September 6, 2004 QuoteHmm, John he is referring to the "Reserves". The reserves start out by serving 6-months active duty, before switching to one-weekend-per-month reserve mode. During that 6 months, everything I said applies. And to the wife; if you really love him, knowing that the Marines are his lifelong dream, then you'll give him those 6 months. The temporary absence will just make you realize that you love him even more. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites freeflir29 0 #24 September 6, 2004 Quotewhat would you do if you were me? Go to the Air Force and get a CCT, PJ, or TACP contract. Not sure what sort of garauntees they'll give you these days. Before I settled on the Marines I would even go to the Army. They will give you a RIP (Ranger Indoctrination Program) or Special Forces contract right at the recruiter's office. Puts you on the fast track to being "High Speed." Seriously, I can't think of ANYTHING good about joining the Marines other than the GREAT looking uniforms. When Marines say "Pride is all we have." They aren't kidding. It's shitty......... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Nightingale 0 #25 September 6, 2004 with the state of the world, it probably won't be just six months. Every reservist I know out here has been called up and is serving active duty. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
cvfd1399 0 #5 September 3, 2004 Thanks I am really interested in the reserves Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnnyD 0 #6 September 3, 2004 What do you want? The older you get, the tougher it will be. Be prepared to have someone involved in every facet of your life. You are over 21, but you will be told you can't have beer in your barracks room (if you are lucky enough to be in a barracks room). You will be told when to eat, sleep, clean, work, etc, etc. Work weeks are long and often menial. Pay and living conditions are horrible. Haircuts are bad, uni's are good. Lots of things will depend on what type of mos you have. Some of these will involve people shooting at you. Boot camp (not basic) is not that physically demanding if you are prepared. It will take its toll mentally - its designed to. Not having kids will make it much easier. If you are leaving it up to a dz.com poll, I would say you have no clue what you are getting into. This is a decision that you need to make on your own (with your wife). Good luck, Johnny Cpl - GWI edit to add: You specified reserves, so definitely no. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cvfd1399 0 #7 September 4, 2004 Na I have my own opinon, just wanted to see what my friends thought. I am used that kind of life at the fire department I am thinking infantry. Since I am 6'4, 255 lbs I will probbly be a morterman carrying that damn 100lb base plate around. My goal is a m60 gunner if possible Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnnyD 0 #8 September 4, 2004 Sounds like you have it all figured out. Two things - comparing life in the fire department to life in the Marine Corps is about the same as comparing life in your township high school to a boarding school in Sweeden. Simply put, there is absolutely no comparison. Second, get the weight chart for your height. If you are over, you will not be eating much and that will make boot camp ten times as bad. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cvfd1399 0 #9 September 4, 2004 I am near the limit, but I have a few months to go so that is plenty of time to get ready. My "enlist weight" will be around 225 and 6'4'' Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cvfd1399 0 #10 September 4, 2004 the comparison I was refering to was the micro managing, and the fact that the only way I know what day of the week i am living is due to the daily duties on the list for that day. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rickjump1 0 #11 September 4, 2004 Good luck. I was a 23 year old platoon leader the first time I went to Vietnam. Surely you know this is serious shit. My hat is off to you. Be safe.Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeBobinNC 0 #12 September 4, 2004 cvfd1399 check your PM's and get back with me if you have any Q's Also go ahead and capitalize the M in Marine in the thread title please. It doesn't matter if a cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #13 September 4, 2004 Kill! I'm envious! I lost my PLC contract due to blowing out my knee. My dream was also the USMC, I wanted that Eagle, Globe and Anchor bad, but due to my ACL and MCL in my right knee, I can't do it... So do it! If you want it, do it!--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ScrdofHites 0 #14 September 5, 2004 I am cvfd1399's wife. I am totally against the idea of the Marines (and so is the rest of his family). Thank you for pointing out that is important to involve your wife in life changing decisions. I support my husband in all that he does in other areas of his life regardless of my opinion of the behavior. But I cannot help but wonder what sort of recruiter would NOT discuss this possibility of enlistment with the 23 year old newly married man's wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimbarry 0 #15 September 5, 2004 QuoteBut I cannot help but wonder what sort of recruiter would NOT discuss this possibility of enlistment with the 23 year old newly married man's wife. Don't wonder too much. Probably close to all of them. Recruiters usually spend most of their time finding ways to get people into the service. I can't see they have much incentive to find reasons to keep people out. Especially highly motivated very bright people like your hub. Sorry guy, I gotta vote 'no' here. On major life decisions, the spouse holds the security council veto privilege. That's the trust bond you both have with each other. (ed to add: hey, on the bright side, she lets you jump...) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #16 September 6, 2004 QuoteI am near the limit, but I have a few months to go so that is plenty of time to get ready. My "enlist weight" will be around 225 and 6'4'' If you're not running at least a mile and a half on a regular basis, then you need to start NOW. Don't wait until you get there to find out you can't hack it. Life is hell for recruits who drop out of runs - they are pounced upon like vultures on a dead skunk. Get yourself in shape before you get there, and then you can watch the vultures pounce on the other guys... You'll also need to be able to do at least three pull-ups, and 40 sit-ups. If you don't make those minimums, you get sent to a remedial physical fitness platoon, which delays your graduation. Those are very easy requirements, actually. Just make sure you can do them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #17 September 6, 2004 QuoteI am cvfd1399's wife. I am totally against the idea of the Marines (and so is the rest of his family). He needs to make the decision with you. The rest of the family doesn't matter - it's his life, and yours. They should be proud of him for wanting to serve his country and fulfill a dream. Shame on them! The life is hard for an enlisted man. There is low pay, frequent moves and seperations. He'll spend a lot of time getting yelled at, and doing menial chores like mopping floors and picking up cigarette butts. But since you two don't have kids yet, you would be free to work and supplement your income, making life much easier on you. Base housing and post-exchange prices keep things cheap. There's free medical care, but you have to wait in long lines for it. My first son was born as a civilian, and cost me $2,000, which took a decade to pay off. My second son was born in a Navy hospital, and cost me $24.50. Despite the hardships, after you've done a few years, you'll be damned proud of having done it for the rest of your life. John Rich USMC 1973-78 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
juanesky 0 #18 September 6, 2004 Hmm, John he is referring to the "Reserves". By the way CVFD1399, good luck, and hope you can get your dreams. Welcome to the Navy if you do"According to some of the conservatives here, it sounds like it's fine to beat your wide - as long as she had it coming." -Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tbrown 26 #19 September 6, 2004 Go ahead. At least by now you understand there are two wars going on and you'll probably be going to at least one of them. At any rate, you won't be like some of these dumb kids who think it's just an occasional weekend in exchange for free college money. And it is serving your country too and that's an honorable profession. Your humble servant.....Professor Gravity ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
christoofar 0 #20 September 6, 2004 Marines??? Ugh remember the old joke about the military convention? The AF was in the Hilton with magic fingers and a heat lamp, the Navy guys were all stayin at the motel six, the Army had pup tents set up outside the convention hall, and the marines were living in a bar ditch on the side of the freeway.... Go Navy. Quote * EDIT MARINE RESERVES* OK here it is let me know what you think 23 years old, married no kids, Full time job that I can leave to go to basic. Life time dream to be a Marine, about to meet all the basic fitness requirements. I would hate myself when I got old if I never at least tried to join. Other than being away for extended time which is only a comfort thing not a problem, nothing stands in my way what would you do if you were me? Back ground Firefighter EMT Search and rescue diver Reserve deputy sheriff Extended knowledge of CQB ____________________________________________________________ I'm RICK JAMES! Fo shizzle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
juanesky 0 #21 September 6, 2004 As much as many would like to deny it, being in the Marines, still is part of the Navy"According to some of the conservatives here, it sounds like it's fine to beat your wide - as long as she had it coming." -Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luv2Fall 0 #22 September 6, 2004 Serve dude.....you'll learn and experience things most don't. Remember this though...(sounding as if I'm contradicting myself)....especially if you're ever deployed...........it could cost you your marriage........it cost me my first.........neither a simple nor easy decision. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #23 September 6, 2004 QuoteHmm, John he is referring to the "Reserves". The reserves start out by serving 6-months active duty, before switching to one-weekend-per-month reserve mode. During that 6 months, everything I said applies. And to the wife; if you really love him, knowing that the Marines are his lifelong dream, then you'll give him those 6 months. The temporary absence will just make you realize that you love him even more. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #24 September 6, 2004 Quotewhat would you do if you were me? Go to the Air Force and get a CCT, PJ, or TACP contract. Not sure what sort of garauntees they'll give you these days. Before I settled on the Marines I would even go to the Army. They will give you a RIP (Ranger Indoctrination Program) or Special Forces contract right at the recruiter's office. Puts you on the fast track to being "High Speed." Seriously, I can't think of ANYTHING good about joining the Marines other than the GREAT looking uniforms. When Marines say "Pride is all we have." They aren't kidding. It's shitty......... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #25 September 6, 2004 with the state of the world, it probably won't be just six months. Every reservist I know out here has been called up and is serving active duty. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
