Do you believe anti-war Hillary Clinton actually tried to join the USMC?

2015-11-11T21:56:01-05:00

Manchester, New Hampshire (CNN)As the U.S. Marine Corps turns 240 years old this week, Hillary Clinton dusted off an old story that has previously been met with skepticism: When the Yale-educated lawyer moved to Arkansas in 1975, she says she tried to join the Marines.

She laughed Tuesday, the day before Veterans Day, as she recalled being turned away by a recruiter.

"He looks at me and goes, 'Um, how old are you,'" Clinton said at an event in New Hampshire. "And I said, 'Well I am 26, I will be 27.' And he goes, 'Well, that is kind of old for us.' And then he says to me, and this is what gets me, 'Maybe the dogs will take you,' meaning the Army."

It's an open question whether the Marines would turn a woman away, especially someone who had an accomplished background like Clinton.

According to the Women Marines Association, The Marine Corps Women's Reserve was established in 1943 and female reservists were deployed to Korean in 1950. And by 1975, according to the association, the Marine Corps allowed women to serve in all occupational fields except infantry, artillery, armor and pilot/air crew.

Clinton made the comments a breakfast with voters at a forum called the "Candidate Café," sponsored by WMUR-TV. It was not open to other reporters, but a clip of the event was posted on the station's website.

A Clinton spokesman declined to comment to CNN about further details on the incident.

Clinton has repeated her Marine anecdote a few times over the years, dating back to at least 1994 when she was first lady. Each time, critics on the right have raised questions about why a fervently anti-war college student -- who worked on the anti-war presidential campaigns of Eugene McCarthy and George McGovern -- and just moved to Arkansas to marry Bill Clinton, would have tried to join the military.

Clinton's telling of the story comes as Right-leaning blogs are highlighting it in the wake of the scrutiny Republican candidate Ben Carson is facing for saying he was offered a full scholarship to West Point despite the school having no record of the encounter. Carson described the offer in his 1990 book, "Gifted Hands," but on Friday clarified that he was extended an informal offer or "nomination" to attend West Point.

That story followed a CNN report last week that nine friends, classmates and neighbors who grew up with Carson could not confirm accounts of a childhood of violence, including an attempted stabbing and punching a classmate in the face with his hand wrapped around a lock.

A New York Times report from 1994 recalls how Clinton told the story during a lunch on Capitol Hill honoring military veterans. The then-first lady told a similar story: A Marine recruiter rejected her for being too old and suggested she try and join the Army.

"You're too old, you can't see and you're a woman," Clinton reportedly said, a nod to the coke bottle glasses she used to wear.

"It was not a very encouraging conversation," Clinton added. "I decided maybe I'll look for another way to serve my country."

At the time, according to the Times report, Clinton's spokesman chalked the story up to the first lady "exploring all her options."

"I'm never surprised when Mrs. Clinton is doing something service oriented," Neal Lattimore told the paper. "She was just taking in all her options, saying 'This is where I am in my life, this is what fits into my life right now.'"

Bill Clinton, too, has used a similar story about his wife's desire to join the military.

The former president told an audience in Columbus, Indiana during the 2008 election that his then girlfriend "went down and tried to join the Army and they said 'Your eyes are so bad, nobody will take you.'"

Hillary Clinton revives story of trying to join Marines - CNNPolitics.com

As the U.S. Marine Corps turns 240 years old this week, Hillary Clinton dusted off an old story that has previously been met with skepticism: When the Yale-educated lawyer moved to Arkansas in 1975, she says she tried to join the Marines.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Nov 11 at 2015 9:59 PM

2015-11-11T21:59:45-05:00

I don't believe anything that Hillary says.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Nov 11 at 2015 10:09 PM

2015-11-11T22:09:32-05:00

SSgt Alex Robinson - I am NOT buying this story....seems like some truth is missing

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2015 11:03 PM

2015-11-11T23:03:09-05:00

Will the left and RINOs attack her like they attacked Carson?

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Nov 11 at 2015 11:09 PM

2015-11-11T23:09:04-05:00

Everyone has an "almost Marine" story.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Nov 11 at 2015 11:47 PM

2015-11-11T23:47:43-05:00

Clinton spotted two handsome CH-53 pilots on leave, enjoying a beer at the local slopchute. She decides to approach.
Clinton: Can I join you two for a dinner?
Marine #1: No.
Clinton: Well then, Can I join you for a drink?
Marine #2: No.
Sure, she tried to join the Marines. It was just taken out of context.

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Nov 12 at 2015 2:18 AM

2015-11-12T02:18:33-05:00

SSgt Alex Robinson, I believe that like I believe that the attack on the US embassy in Benghazi was a spontaneous attack, in response to a video.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Nov 12 at 2015 2:29 AM

2015-11-12T02:29:58-05:00

Doubt it. Both she and Bill were anti-war hippies.

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Nov 12 at 2015 3:13 AM

2015-11-12T03:13:52-05:00

No, I don't. Her story has changed at least twice. First it was the Army, then it became the Marines. Her story is an attempt at garnering the veteran vote. I'd vote her...right off the island!

Response by PO1 John Miller made Nov 12 at 2015 4:30 AM

2015-11-12T04:30:26-05:00

"I almost joined the Marines but was told I was too smart and maybe the Air Force would be a better fit. I talked to them but they said I wasn't smart enough so I should talk to the Navy..."

And if you believe that story I've got a bridge I'd like to sell you! :)

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Nov 12 at 2015 6:44 AM

2015-11-12T06:44:07-05:00

You sure they weren't talking about this Clinton? He tells the truth and he brings the funk, the whole funk, and nothing but the funk. So I think any of the branches would've taken him.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Nov 12 at 2015 6:50 AM

2015-11-12T06:50:14-05:00

If you start with the premise that everything coming out of her pie hole is a lie, it all starts to make sense.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Nov 12 at 2015 7:44 AM

2015-11-12T07:44:28-05:00

There is no try. Do or do not.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Nov 12 at 2015 7:51 AM

2015-11-12T07:51:35-05:00

I recall my OSO (officer selection officer) telling me that the most rare of finds was a black female lawyer. So - a female lawyer (for the JAG corps of course) would be quite a find. I also recall how the OSO would set up shop in the student center about once a quarter. Maybe not at Yale though. To be an actual attorney and walk into the recruiters office seeking a boat space at Parris Island -- that is not credible.

Walt

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2015 8:46 AM

2015-11-12T08:46:32-05:00

Really? The Marines turned down a Yale educated attorney? I can see where a recruiter would be all over that, by the way recruiters are awesome at getting waivers.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Nov 12 at 2015 9:17 AM

2015-11-12T09:17:36-05:00

In a word..NO!

To the point, politicians will say anything in the attempt to "connect" to a segment of the population. Its a BOHICA moment if you are a Clinton believer.

Response by SPC David S. made Nov 12 at 2015 9:29 AM

2015-11-12T09:29:15-05:00

Hillary Clinton's “Dodging Sniper Fire in Bosnia” tale would have been so much better if she would have been in MARSOC. This lady is a sociopath -

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2015 11:13 AM

2015-11-12T11:13:41-05:00

Yes. And I believe she was dead broke when she left the white house.

Actually, I don't believe anything she says.

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Nov 12 at 2015 3:10 PM

2015-11-12T15:10:34-05:00

Bullshit as usual! And if it is true, thank God for that Recruiter . SEMPER FI!

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Nov 12 at 2015 3:11 PM

2015-11-12T15:11:23-05:00

I don't have an instant, knee-jerk reaction that it's a lie. I'm not a fan though.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2015 3:14 PM

2015-11-12T15:14:50-05:00

what? I only see her mouth moving and heard nothing ....

Response by SFC Stephen King made Nov 12 at 2015 3:20 PM

2015-11-12T15:20:00-05:00

Imagine this Bill can't remember if it was the Army or Marines

Last paragraph from the article linked makes you think about about current events

The Clintons, Bill in particular, have a long history of telling stories about themselves — illustrating how they became so gosh-darned public service oriented and good — that couldn’t possibly be true. This seems to be another installment in that genre.

http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/hillary_clinton_tried_to_join_the_army_or_was_it_the_marines/

Hillary Clinton Tried to Join the Army (Or Was it the Marines?)

Response by SGT Francis Wright made Nov 12 at 2015 3:23 PM

2015-11-12T15:23:12-05:00

As far as I'm concerned; she is an accomplished Liar, Traitor, and Thief. Really don't care what she has to say.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2015 3:32 PM

2015-11-12T15:32:03-05:00

Amazing. For the first time in her long political history, a tale of gender-based mistreatment surfaces! And just in time to make it a campaign issue.
What an amazing coincidence.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Nov 12 at 2015 3:33 PM

2015-11-12T15:33:51-05:00

It will be interesting to see if the MM follows up on this with the zeal that they attacked Dr. Carson. Any bets?

Response by SPC Mark Beard made Nov 12 at 2015 3:37 PM

2015-11-12T15:37:35-05:00

I dont Belieave her story

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Nov 12 at 2015 3:50 PM

2015-11-12T15:50:05-05:00

This woman simply can't help herself, can she? She lied to herself to remain married to Bill. She lied to US repeatedly to remain at the founts of political power. She will lie until she reaches the Pearly Gates and then, Watch Out!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2015 3:55 PM

2015-11-12T15:55:01-05:00

If she thought she was dead broke upon leaving the white house, I have to wonder how she would have felt on an enlisted salary.

Phony

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Nov 12 at 2015 3:55 PM

2015-11-12T15:55:04-05:00

I find it hard to believe anyone is antiwar is Hillary Clinton would actually try to join the military

Response by LTC John Shaw made Nov 12 at 2015 4:14 PM

2015-11-12T16:14:54-05:00

COL Jean (John) F. B. Sounds like a College sorority prank in the 1970s.

Response by COL Sam Russell made Nov 12 at 2015 4:17 PM

2015-11-12T16:17:44-05:00

I like the closing paragraph:

"CNN recently launched an investigation into whether GOP presidential candidate Ben Carson lied about past violent incidents that occurred when he was a young boy. The network even dispatched reporters to talk to his old classmates."

You can bet your next paycheck that CNN won't be due any back ground investigation or dispatching reporters to follow up on this latest example of Clinton's complete lack of integrity.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Nov 12 at 2015 4:22 PM

2015-11-12T16:22:43-05:00

COL Jean (John) F. B. - I had heard that slick willy once tried to join the brownies...

Response by Alan K. made Nov 12 at 2015 4:25 PM

2015-11-12T16:25:13-05:00

The sad part is you don't know anymore if she is telling the truth or a fabrication of the facts.....On that note, has she ever told the truth?

Response by Cpl Shane Cunningham made Nov 12 at 2015 4:32 PM

2015-11-12T16:32:32-05:00

Right Hillary. They said no so you moved to Plan B and married an Attorney General a few months later...

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2015 4:56 PM

2015-11-12T16:56:47-05:00

I heard about this before and though it had been pretty well criticized and debunked without being able to prove it was incorrect.

From what I understand, she did approach a recruiter (although it's been reported as Army in other stories...) but it was more of as a legal ploy and an attempt to test the system, not an actual desire to serve.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Nov 12 at 2015 5:09 PM

2015-11-12T17:09:44-05:00

This would have been about the time she was working as a staff attorney for the House Judiciary Committee (that must have been just awful for her). Yep, I can see her deciding to give up the pay, the parties, and political insider stuff for some good old fresh air and invigorating physical fitness time at Quantico VA. My guess is that somewhere along the line she spoke with a Marine (a really doubt it was an actual recruiter), possibly in the lobby of one of the Congressional office buildings, or on a train, or maybe even at a congressional dinner, and was told (truthfully) that the Marines would probably not be a good fit for her.

Response by LCpl Ash Carson made Nov 12 at 2015 5:35 PM

2015-11-12T17:35:06-05:00

I do not believe for one second that this is true. I feel she had lied about it.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2015 5:42 PM

2015-11-12T17:42:23-05:00

Are her lips flapping?

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Nov 12 at 2015 5:49 PM

2015-11-12T17:49:41-05:00

It's interesting that I have not heard about this before but heard lots about Dr. Ben Carson's USMA scholarship offer.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Nov 12 at 2015 5:51 PM

2015-11-12T17:51:09-05:00

COL Jean (John) F. B. you mean our next president Clinton?

Response by SrA Art Siatkowsky made Nov 12 at 2015 11:50 PM

2015-11-12T23:50:56-05:00

I am surprised the reporter didn't ' commit suicide' already like so many others on killarys hit list.

Response by CPT Edward Stapanon made Nov 13 at 2015 7:09 AM

2015-11-13T07:09:29-05:00

I guess they didn't need any commy anti war broom pilots at the time

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Nov 13 at 2015 7:51 AM

2015-11-13T07:51:33-05:00

I am calling bullsh!t on Madame Clinton. I am a graduate both of of the recruit depot at Parris Island and Brown Field OCS at Quantico.

After four years being enlisted I went to college and talked to an officer selection officer, or OSO. I recall him telling me that the rarest find for an OSO was a black female lawyer. This of course for the JAG corps. What would the next most rare be? -Any- female lawyer. If Ms. Clinton had told the recruiter she was an attorney -- I guarantee you she would have been accommodated.

Had she walked into a -recruiter's- office -, they specialize in signing up enlisted Marines -- she would have most assuredly been given a business card of the OSO, if the recruiter didn't call the OSO for her.
Her story is -completely- bogus.

Walt

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2015 7:52 AM

2015-11-13T07:52:33-05:00

She was a Ranger, too!

Response by Sgt Jerry Genesio made Nov 13 at 2015 12:21 PM

2015-11-13T12:21:58-05:00

Actually, I don't know. And I have more respect for the truth than to suggest that I do. If Hillary even so much as inquired about the possibility it would be more than any of the Republican presidential candidates other than Lindsey Graham did, as far as I know, and according to his web site, even he shied away from being a basic infantryman.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 13 at 2015 3:16 PM

2015-11-13T15:16:16-05:00

Hillary smoking pot and eating Cheetos is more believable.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2015 3:24 PM

2015-11-13T15:24:45-05:00

What a liar Hillary is and she cannot help herself because she is the worst kind of liar. Sociopathic.. lol COL Jean (John) F. B.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Nov 13 at 2015 3:30 PM

2015-11-13T15:30:14-05:00

Sir is it that she's not telling a lie (cough, cough), and that we don't understand her "truth"?

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Nov 13 at 2015 3:44 PM

2015-11-13T15:44:06-05:00

I am calling bullsh!t on Madame Clinton. I am a graduate both of of the recruit depot at Parris Island and Brown Field OCS at Quantico.
After four years being enlisted I went to college and talked to an officer selection officer, or OSO. I recall him telling me that the rarest find for an OSO was a black female lawyer. This of course for the JAG corps. What would the next most rare be? -Any- female lawyer. If Ms. Clinton had told the recruiter she was an attorney -- I guarantee you she would have been accommodated.
Had she walked into a -recruiter's- office -, they specialize in signing up enlisted Marines -- she would have most likely been given a business card of the OSO, if the recruiter didn't call the OSO for her.
Her story is -completely- bogus.

Walt

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Nov 13 at 2015 3:45 PM

2015-11-13T15:45:25-05:00

I am calling bullsh!t on Madame Clinton. I am a graduate both of of the recruit depot at Parris Island and Brown Field OCS at Quantico.

After four years being enlisted I went to college and talked to an officer selection officer, or OSO. I recall him telling me that the rarest find for an OSO was a black female lawyer. This of course for the JAG corps. What would the next most rare be? -Any- female lawyer. If Ms. Clinton had told the recruiter she was an attorney -- I guarantee you she would have been accommodated.
Had she walked into a -recruiter's- office -, they specialize in signing up enlisted Marines -- she would have most likely been given a business card of the OSO, if the recruiter didn't call the OSO for her.

Her story is -completely- bogus.

Walt

Response by CDR Zachary Kitchen made Nov 13 at 2015 4:30 PM

2015-11-13T16:30:43-05:00

As usual, Clinton is lying. Chalk this up with the "dodging snipers" story.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Nov 13 at 2015 4:49 PM

2015-11-13T16:49:47-05:00

SSgt Alex Robinson You do waste words! A more succinct query would be: "Do you believe anti-war Hillary Clinton?"

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Nov 13 at 2015 5:53 PM

2015-11-13T17:53:06-05:00

I bet she did, just like she came under fire at the airport in Bosnia and the Benghazi attack was the result of an internet video.

Response by SSG Dr. John Bell, PhD. made Nov 13 at 2015 8:56 PM

2015-11-13T20:56:36-05:00

She is and always has been a liar. She would never get her self involved in the Corps.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2015 10:24 PM

2015-11-13T22:24:54-05:00

I'm throwing the b***s*** flag on this story. Funny how it's all light hearted and fun when liberals outright lie, isn't it? Same deal with her wartime experience in Bosnia.

Response by CPO Andy Carrillo, MS made Nov 13 at 2015 11:22 PM

2015-11-13T23:22:00-05:00

Sure, like she was shot at while low crawling through a war zone to deliver flowers to orphaned children...

Response by COL Michael Birchfield made Nov 20 at 2015 8:22 AM

2015-11-20T08:22:43-05:00

I am highly skeptical [ nice way of saying she's a perpetual liar] of anything she says, unless it involves making the USA weaker, me paying more taxes for moocher programs, or trying to eliminate my 2nd amendment.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2016 2:06 PM

2016-03-08T14:06:48-05:00

In 1975, after Vietnam, during the transition to an all-volunteer force, when recruiters were desperate for anyone with a pulse and a GED, we're supposed to believe that the Marines blew off an inquiry by a college-graduate with an advanced law degree? If this story were true, the recruiter would have thrown her over his shoulder and carried her bodily to the nearest officer recruiter for a direct commission as a JAG.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2016 1:38 PM

2016-03-10T13:38:55-05:00

Another typical Hillary lie.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2016 12:24 PM

2016-03-17T12:24:44-04:00

Sure, just like she was under sniper fire, broke when she left the WH, and didn't tell the mother that Benghazi was due to a you tube video.

Response by Maj John Bell made Aug 1 at 2016 11:49 PM

2016-08-01T23:49:43-04:00

It is my understanding that as she left her vehicle to step into the recruiting office, she came under intense sniper fire. Fortunately a little Bosnian girl ran up and offered her a bouquet of flowers as camouflage. She came back but would have graduated OCS one day after her 27th birthday.