I am considering joining the USMC. I still also think about the Army. Any advice for a good high schooler like me on joining the Marines?

PV2 J M — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 19:47:03 -0400

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2017 7:51 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 19:51:41 -0400

PV2 J M Listen and observe those around you and emulate the best practices. Learn from your mistakes, and do not make the same mistake twice. Be a squared away Marine at all times. Continue your education, as there will be life after the Marines. Good luck.

Response by CW3 Harvey K. made Oct 7 at 2017 7:58 PM

CW3 Harvey K. — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 19:58:23 -0400

I remember the cries that greeted every recruit platoon in its "forming" at PI, "You'll be SOOORRRYYYY!"
Seriously, before my departure to boot camp, a Marine NCO told me "It is an experience you would not pay a dime to go through. But after you have gone through it, you would not sell that experience for $1,000,000 if it was possible to sell it."

Response by MSgt Steve Sweeney made Oct 7 at 2017 8:22 PM

MSgt Steve Sweeney — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 20:22:56 -0400

Make sure you are joining for the right reasons, regardless of what branch of service you choose. It is called military "service", and while there are benefits to serving in the military, what is in it for you should not be your main motivation.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2017 8:31 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 20:31:37 -0400

Keep your nose clean and make good grades. Be a responsible citizen while deciding. Do research on all services. Make sure you're joining for the right reasons and that the service you choose will best provide it. Talk to former servicemen for their input. Make your choice after thorough research and go for it. Study for ASVAB because a high score will look good on your record and help you with future options should you stay in. Give thought to what you really want in case you have a choice of MOS (job). Many think they want high-tech but later wish they'd joined Infantry or other Combat Arms. Each will prepare you for your future but in different ways. After that get in shape. The best shape. There is a lot of info online about the requirements and suggested workout strategies. I did none of this. Just called USMC Recruiter one day and told him I wanted to join. He laughed and asked what jail I was in. This, because most do a lot of window shopping. There are also wannabes that hang out at all the Recruiting Stations but usually never join. Many are not qualified. I did try to get in better shape and am glad I did. Most of it is in your mind and if your mind is right you'll make it. It does help to be in shape though. Good luck with your future. You'll be fine.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2017 10:25 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 22:25:16 -0400

Depends what you wanna do? What’s your interests?

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Oct 7 at 2017 10:44 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 22:44:18 -0400

Why are you considering entering the military service?Having a mission/reason will provide guidance.

I didn’t, it all worked out, back then, there was no social media to query or recruiters with any innate desire to guide a recruit. My guy said, “Sure, just sign here!”

Response by LCpl Robert Melson made Oct 7 at 2017 11:33 PM

LCpl Robert Melson — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 23:33:28 -0400

Go for you can't go wrong

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2017 2:17 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 02:17:17 -0400

The Marine Corps is a single Corps. The Army has what, 20 Corps worth of units? The Marine Corps is focused on doing one thing extremely well. The Army has many focuses. The Esprit de Corps of Marines is for life. Not so *all* of the Army. So, it comes down to one main question - what do you want out of your service? And if you decide on the Corps, go to boot camp with one solid thought in mind: I WILL GRADUATE. Makes the hell and WTF moments non-consequential.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2017 8:16 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 08:16:33 -0400

If you really want good advice, you should give an indication on what type of job do you want to do. Not all the branches have similar MOSs or even opportunities to branch out into a particular type of career field. Some branches do a better job at others in terms of certifications for certain technical fields that better prepare you for a civilian job. Each branch has a unique culture as well, so take the time to think about what kind of culture you want to immerse yourself with. Most career service members rarely join the military with the intent to retire, it just sort of happens because they like what they do. Others join a particular branch and find that there are issues with advancement in a particular career field because of various issues. For example, the Marine Corps is the smallest branch, and if you want a low density job you could face more challenges in career progression than you would in the same career field than the Army simply because the Army is bigger and has more slots to fill. Then again, the Marine Corps has unique jobs that you may not get offered in the Army. Figure out what you want to do first then go from there.

Response by PO1 Ernie Johnson made Oct 8 at 2017 9:05 AM

PO1 Ernie Johnson — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 09:05:04 -0400

I agree with the previous posts. I spent 2 yrs in the Army Reserve and then did 20 yrs in the Navy. If you are wanting to serve your country good for you. Not every person can be the man down range, and those down range need the support to be there. All services are great and have their specialities. If there is something you are already good at or desire to be good at, use that and the right branch to serve in bettering yourself, therefore bettering your country.

Response by SGT Mark Halmrast made Oct 8 at 2017 10:46 AM

SGT Mark Halmrast — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 10:46:58 -0400

Advice: once you decide, commit and don't look back.
Decide. Commit. Finish.

Whatever branch. Whatever MOS.
Decide. Commit. Finish.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Oct 8 at 2017 11:21 AM

MSgt John McGowan — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 11:21:18 -0400

Jordan. The Marine MSGT gave good advise. However don't make a flank movement when you are suppose to make a column movement. You tend to ruin a formation besides the DI won't be happy:)

Response by Cpl Everette Brown made Oct 8 at 2017 12:23 PM

Cpl Everette Brown — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 12:23:12 -0400

First of all....you don't join the Marines. You Join the Army, you Join the Air Force, you Join the Navy or you Join the Coast Guard. If ypu are looking for a challenge and want something yo push you past who you think you are then you can try to earm the title of a United States Marine.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Oct 8 at 2017 1:24 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 13:24:45 -0400

My advice. Join the Army.

Response by SGT Jim Ramge, MBA made Oct 8 at 2017 3:29 PM

SGT Jim Ramge, MBA — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 15:29:14 -0400

Jordan,
I will approach this one slightly differently... Before you raise your hand to do anything, do research as the others have stated... But do this for yourself - because this day in age you have a lot to both gain, and lose. Make a trip to one of the local VA regional Hospitals. Walk around one of the sitting rooms and have a seat next to some of those old guys and gals. Ask them why they did it? You might find that many of them didn’t have a choice - because they were in an era of drafts! Now ask them if they made it a career, if not, why, why not? What would they have done differently as a young man or woman?
Now that you have some more information than just a few people here... Some folks here are on active duty, some retired, and some veterans. You will find that though there are many different view point towards the services, each service has its pluses and minus in one way or another. More time at home vice away on deployments or on ships, more technically trained in specifically somebareas, better geographical assignments (depending on the MOS/Skillset). A few different arbitrary examples, an Army MP will guard GITMO, FT. Leavenworth, the White House. An Air Force Security Guard can possibly guard Air Force One or military top secret guarded bases 24/7. The Marines will guard Embassies and provide Naval ships Security. Each has their own K-9 units. Army has CID and Navy has NCIS. All of these are similar, to a point, with different promotion systems and rates and times to which you may get promoted. For example. If you are a good test taker, the Air Force Promotion System takes tests for promotions, where as the Army has localized boards and then Centralized boards for SFC/E7 and above. Promotions might come faster or slower in certain MOS’s, as well as the opportunity for civilian education depending on deployments. Married life is not easy by any stretch and anyone that tells you that it is or will be is lying. The military isn’t for everyone.
All that stated, not trying to scare you off, not trying to keep you from your endeavors. This decision comes easy for some and is the most difficult for others!
No matter your job, you will undoubted wear the uniform of whatever service element you choose. You will find an aweful lot of Interservice rivalry between the services - similar to sibling rivalry within a home, we literally despise each other on game day! But know this, we are all Brothers and Sisters, and wear our US Flag with pride when our time was called! You will find no other Armed Forces in the world that fight as ONE UNITY when called upon to defend a nation! And yes, after we have left the Military, Retired, there are still fun pokes and jabs, as we like to keep the spirit alive. But know this, we have gained much respect and admiration for one another through the years as comrades in arms!
All the best in your decision making... I know you will make the right choice for you and your future - would love to have another Brother! I am still trying to get my son to go in as he figures out life working at a grocery store at 22.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2017 9:24 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 09:24:12 -0400

I've served in both the Marines and the Army. Both are outstanding organizations and both come with their pros and cons. Message me if you want to know some of the specifics on those.

But in general, regardless of what branch you choose, make sure you know what you want and ensure that it is written in your contract BEFORE signing. If it isn't written in the contract, it does not exist. Other than that you should be doing PT consistently. Don't show up to boot camp/basic not being able to pass the PT test with flying colors. Simply passing it shouldn't be good enough for you. Max it, or get as close to maxing it as you possibly can.

Response by Cpl John Barker made Oct 9 at 2017 11:50 AM

Cpl John Barker — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 11:50:35 -0400

Don't join the Marines unless you intend to join the infantry, you can do literally any other job in another branch with a way better life style. Remember: If you're not 03, you're navy

Response by SP5 Joel McDargh made Oct 9 at 2017 9:23 PM

SP5 Joel McDargh — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 21:23:41 -0400

I am old army; mainly because my father was army also. Did my time in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade of which I am proud to have served. If I had it to do all over again I believe I would have gone into the Marines. Having a number of veteran friends who were Marines I have come to see that there is a much higher sense of pride in who and what they are. Their training is much more demanding and intense than any of the other branches of the military, but what you get in return is a camaraderie that carries on long after you leave your enlistment. I haven't found this to be so much within the army rank and file.

Response by Capt Michael Halpin made Oct 10 at 2017 10:19 PM

Capt Michael Halpin — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 22:19:52 -0400

I have work with high school kids over the years. Many have told me they were going to become Marines, even though it scared the hell out of them. A few did become Marines, many others joined the other services.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Oct 10 at 2017 10:46 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 22:46:19 -0400

Jordan,

Please do not fret about being issued a K-bar! The US Military will issue the equipment and training needed for you to: ‘Close with, capture and destroy the enemy’.

Your task will be to have learned, accepted, practiced, the methods/skills taught and to have the confidence in yourself and your capabilities to execute such!

Response by Cpl Armando Mireles made Oct 11 at 2017 5:33 PM

Cpl Armando Mireles — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 17:33:42 -0400

It will be one of the hardest challenges you will face and one of the proudest moments when you are handed the EGA. Stay in shape, build upper body strength and study USMC history.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2017 12:01 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 12:01:31 -0400

Two points. Make sure you consider how long you wish to serve, and what field you want to go into. If you plan to make it a career, consider positions that will allow you growth. If you plan to only serve for a few years consider what will allow you to find success in the civilian world.
Second point, USE THE DARN EDUCATION BENEFITS. These days they are looking for people to have a broad level of experiences, in broadening yourself you have a better chance at promotion and success. Military schools, earning a degree, all this are available, use them and make the education office people know your name.