Posted on Jul 17, 2020
Sgt Machinegun Squad Leader
9.45K
37
10
8
8
0
1. Get out of USMC with RE-3O reenlistment code and get a waiver from the Army to pursue my desire to be in special forces because my time running and gunning in the Corps is essentially over.

2. Complete my HSST as a DI, get promoted to Staff Sergeant*, and live a cushy life pushing pencils in the CP

It seems these are my only two options. If at all possible I would like to continue in a Victor unit even if it means switching branches. I'm also too senior of a Sgt for MARSOC and my only special forces options are in other branches. Am I missing something or does that seem about right? Also if someone could give some advice or insight that would be helpful. I'll take anyone's 2 cents into consideration.

-----------------------------------------Update-------------------------

After denial comes acceptance... I guess I can see whats available after my HSST is over. There is no reason to tarnish my career yet. Although I'm still let down by the lack of options, I am aware of, that are available to me. The path forward seems pretty cut and dry but maybe I'm under playing the challenge of things to come.
Edited 4 y ago
Avatar feed
Responses: 5
Sgt Field Radio Operator
3
3
0
I see no problem with being a Drill Instructor. Are you continuing your education for life after the military and a civilian career?
(3)
Comment
(0)
Sgt Machinegun Squad Leader
Sgt (Join to see)
4 y
I was a carpenter for four years prior to enlisting. If I get out my plan is to pursue a degree in construction management. I'm not too worried about civilian life because I feel like I have a fallback being a carpenter.
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
CW5 Jack Cardwell
3
3
0
Check spelling under #2. Staff Sausage autocheck got you.
(3)
Comment
(0)
CSM Charles Hayden
CSM Charles Hayden
4 y
That is not ‘Marine speak? CW5 Jack Cardwell After the ‘Staff Sausage’ and being on the ‘roaster’ for MCRD W I thought he was just being cool? CW5 Jack Cardwell
(2)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SSG Roger Ayscue
2
2
0
As a Drill Instructor you have the opportunity to train, mold and work with the next generation of Marines. This job, above all others is what the Marines, and indeed all the Services hinge upon. Those Trainees will see you, the Drill Instructor as what he yearns to be! IF you have a vision of what the Service should be, then step up, and train your replacement. As an NCO that is your job. There are lots of guys that want to do something, and I am not telling you to abandon your dreams, but I am encouraging you to be the best NCO that you can be and mold those young Marines into the best Infantrymen in the world.

A RE Code of 3 for failure to accept an assignment is a career ender in my opinion. ETS Rather than acceptance of an assignment is not popular in the Army just like it is not in the Marines.
(2)
Comment
(0)
Sgt Machinegun Squad Leader
Sgt (Join to see)
4 y
I like training Junior Marines and Im fairly confident I have been a level headed, approachable, and knowledgeable leader for my guys. In fact I believe I afforded them many opportunities that I never got IOT be better than I was. To be honest though everything is getting softer even in the five years I have been in. Boot Camp was a cake walk and I think it may be worse now. I was shocked at the quality of some of the guys they pushed through with me when I was at MCRD and I could only assume they had a quota to meet. I'm not a water walker by any means, but seeing grown men cry over an ass chewing only to be given a pat on the back and a "go gettem tiger" from the DI was aggravating. Worse yet getting a ride in the back of a truck to the top of the reaper when everyone else hiked only to still be given the EGA. What value has been bestowed upon the Eagle Globe and Anchor for everyone else at that point? That wouldnt be me. If I had it my way that kind of weakness would be gone, but I have a feeling I'm going to be told to shape and mold a couple guys that I think should be gone into a Marine when I think they shouldn't be.

Am I right in assuming they have a quota or some attrition rate that must be up kept?
(1)
Reply
(0)
SPC Steven Nihipali
SPC Steven Nihipali
4 y
fuck yeah.. right here! Train that FNG to not just the Marine Corps standards, but higher...
(1)
Reply
(0)
SSG Roger Ayscue
SSG Roger Ayscue
4 y
Sgt (Join to see) - Sergeant, re-read what you wrote to me. You stated in so many words that you do not believe that all of the new Marines that you have gotten from MCRD are up to Combat-Ready standard. Son, that is your job to make them so! You are a Non-commissioned Officer, the Backbone of the Service. By accepting the stripes that you wear, and the title of "Sergeant" you made a covenant, an agreement if you will with the parents, spouses and families of the Marines that you lead that you will do whatever you can to ensure that those young Marines are as ready for Combat as you can make them. When you look into the eyes of your Marines, you need to know that you have honestly trained them to be the best that they can be. You do not have to be a hard ass that yells all the time that your men feel that they can not trust or approach with a problem. I have found that if you yell all the time, the problem is not with the lead, but rather with the Leader.
Sergeant, Train your men to fight, win and stay alive. And when you retire, and you walk across the stage, you can hold your head high that you trained the BEST MARINES in the Corps, that every one of their promotions is a little bit yours, that you brought them home alive and safe to their families. You will be able to look at the reunions of Marines and Families, and say a silent prayer thanking God that He allowed you to return the Marines under your charge to the families that put their trust in you to do so.
Still Today, 15 years after I retired, I am in contact with many of my Soldiers and When I look in the mirror, I realize that I did my best.
AIRBORNE!
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close