do it man. don't look back back, don't let b.t. break you it's a very strong way of life with a lot of rewards and respect when your done and out.
i was not marines but a navy squid and coast guard in the reserves i have never looked back and said i did not like it. truth is i loved it every min.
bmc ret

 

wow, thanks for all the replies, what did you guys do? i have been loking mostly at being a mechanic, possibly on aircraft.

 

I served from 90-94 I was in the infantry 1st battalion 5th Marines, I can honestly say it changed my life. I'd say choose a job in the Corps that you can transfer to as a civilian and make a good living. You'll come out ahead of the game, you end up with the discipline , education and experience all while you serve. About an aircraft mechanic a lot of the work is seasonal which means you find yourself laid off a lot, during the summer months most airlines try and schedule the most flights they can, which means theirs nothing for you to work on cause the planes are in the air. Good luck with your choice!

 

i don't want to change the subject of the great marines . but if you want aircraft mechanics . check out every branch including the coast guard .
again i was navy and coast guard. a boswains mate or in lay mans words a mechanic."diesel"
every one of the marines speaks the truth about the type of man you become. the training you get and respect after you have done your time. the life is not easy at times and at times is. basic training is the worst as there they give you every thing they can so they can weed out the not wanted ones and make a man out of you. time flys fast, make your way up the chain to as high as you can go and stay put for 20 or more if you can. retirement bennies are great esp. when you add them to a top notch civilian job . military law enforcement is another good end to think of.
ask any of the vets and retired vets in this site i think you will find it's a great life. good luck in your choice, god be with you.

 

Being a 20 year retired Air Force Master Sergeant, I, of course, would point you toward the Air Force, especially if you want to get into aircraft mechanics.

The Air Force takes a lot of ribbing from other branches about being spoiled, pampered, etc. while the Army and Marines portray a harder life. Everyone knows the Navy is not the best service to be in if you're married...unless you LIKE spending time away from your spouse

This country needs capable men and women in ALL branches...if you have your heart set on being a Marine, you should pursue that.

Just remember what others have said - it could be a "life or death" decision, given the current situation in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations. Make sure you pray/think about it long and hard before signing up for ANY branch of service.

It has to be something YOU want to do...don't let a recruiter BS you...that's what alot of them do. Just like mine did 25 years ago. (Having said that, I have no regrets...the Air Force WAS a Great way of life for me and my family)

Personally, I think a minimum 2-4 year hitch should be MANDATORY for ALL able-bodied high-school graduates (both male and female). I'm probably gonna get flamed for that, but I think it would do ALL HS grads some good.

 

78
you raise a very good point. there seems to be a little difference in the way we from the 60 and early 70's think. esp after doing some time.i will say it made a man out of me.
i did not want to change the thread much. but again you raise a very sound voice . right now we have 2 branches where your six is pretty safe. air force and coast guard and in both air craft mechanics can be had, more so in the force

 

Joining the Marines is a decision you'll never regret, you will grow up and mature quick, fast and in a hurry. You will get out of it exactly what you put into it no more no less. You'll make lifelong friends and enjoy the camraderie long after you retire. Now having said that the Corps is not for everyone, so make sure your up to the mental task of being yelled at for no reason, being told to hurry up constantly, being torn down to a nubbin' so that you can be built back up stronger, make sure your physically ready, able to run, you will run everywhere you go, able to swim and swim well, able to handle adverse conditions with very little sleep, do you get along well with others? Most importantly are you willing to learn and help others learn?

IN case you're wondering I am not a recruiter just a former Marine

Semper Fi
John

 

Good Morning John...

Didn't think there was such a thing as a "former Marine"

Scott

 

No flaming here I think it's a great idea.

Former Marine="A Marine Not on Active Duty" And I would return to Active Duty in a heartbeat if requested


John

 

i work with dog boys all the time . me being navy myself .
go for it joining the armed forces is great.

 

i don't care what branch. here's where we go in boys and come back men. bravo zulo to all active. non active, vets and will go back in a heart beat men .it's the best life i ever had. god bless every one of you

 

its better to fight then over there than in your back yard. we ought to just drop the bomb on em and end it all.

 

Beano,

I'm sure you meant that jokingly (about dropping "the bomb" and ending it all). If it were only that simple...

 

After service 24 years in the service and being a career counselor for several years (15) in my reserve unit. I would say look at ALL the services and see what they can offer. You can use this training from the military to better yourself in the long run of life. I have known people from the service that was trained in electronics and went on after the military to own their own very susesssful buisness. But whatever service you decide on it WILL be a 8 year commitment. Meaning that even though you only might serve actively for say 4 years you are subject to recall for another 4 years. If you want to talk about this please email me. Dave D.

 

to add another thing, im not worried about married life quite yet, im turning 18 in a couple of weeks and dont even have a girlfriend, and i still have another year of auto tech at college before I really do anything.

harvey, with the exception of the swimming (which i should probably learn before i join) and the running, it sounds alot like being around my dad

i wasn't aware that you are on recall for another 4 years