considering joining the marines...

[andylawcc]

my life is a total mess and hope joing some sory of high disciplinary insititution would kick my ass back to a normal person.
I know I will take a lot of SH|T, but that's well expected.
the only thing I don't want and like to happen is.... I became inhuman, like lost of feeling and emotion. The impression I get from a soldier is like a cold blooded brainwash who just listen to higher authority.
any thoughts and comments?

btw: anyone here (or know anyone) who joined the marines, or army or navy? any word of advice?

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

My father was in the army and he certainly isn't a better man for it (the fucking wife beater).

Just make sure you're going for the right reasons. Good luck.

 

[loogie]

I was considering joining the marines for the same reasons as you. I needed some discipline and was sick of school. I eventually realized that discipline isn't something that you are taught.Joining the military does provide some great opportunities that I never had access to, but I decided that I would be a better man by excercising some will power and disciplining myself. The military appealed to me, but I'm still in school...working on the discipline thing.

 

[perry]

Friend joined the navy about 18 months ago because he was having life troubles. Dropped out of school, had minor drug problems, going no where at a crap job. Changed him tremendously. He is still kinda crazy, but is more in control of his life.

My dad was in the Army for 22 years. He dropped out of college and got drafted. Went to missle school and ened up in Korea instead of Vietnam (class following his went to Nam). I dunno what he was like before the Army, but he was always good to my family. Strict, but fair. Then again, he was a doctor, not your average everyday grunt.

Roommate's bro-in-law is/was a Marine (once a Marine, always a Marine). One of the greatest guys you'll ever meet.

Military can be a good 'out' for your life. But make sure it's something you really wanna do. It will change you. Maybe for the better, maybe for the worse. But you'll be changed.

 

[T4NNER]

NO... DON'T JOIN....

there are better ways.

 

[glenn1]

I'd say that joining the military doesn't give you character... it helps magnify and focus the character you already possess. It won't fundamentally change your soul. Discipline does not substitute for character - the Nazis were well-disciplined, but still commited attrocities.

That's not to say that joining the military can't have positive effects on a person. It gives many folks, for the first time in their lives, a sense of virtues such as camaraderie and dedication to higher purposes. It's difficult to explain to people who have not experienced it. If you have difficulties channeling your energies in positive directions, it could very well be helpful.

If there's any specific thing you were curious about, i'll try to answer you truthfully, as best as i can.

 

[unxpurg8d]

If you are really thinking about joining one of the services go talk to recruiters of ALL of them before you make a decision. Right now there are some huge bonuses available for different jobs, and if you have the good sense to take the bonus and put it away you could leave a couple years on active duty with a better sense of perspective, a little maturity, a college degree, and some money.

While on active duty it's very possible to knock out quite a bit of college - CLEP tests are free so you can test out most of the first year requirements. I don't know where you are education-wise, but that's a big plus. Also, I hate to admit this, but they "dumb down" the classes taught on military bases - night school RULES!!! Fortunately for me. There are a lot of accredited colleges that hold classes on military bases at night and on weekends, so if you don't screw around and drink your way through your enlistment you could be most of the way to a Bachelor's degree in a three year tour.

There are some really great things about the military and some really NOT so great things. Everyone's experience is a little different. I personally had a great time, got to do things most women never will, and learned a lot about myself and what I'm capable of. A lot of people HATE the military with a passion and can't wait to get out after they've joined. I think it depends on what you're expecting and if you're realistic about what you want from it.

Anyway, enough from me on the subject, just wanted to tell you that if you DO join don't rush in...check out all your options and make a plan for your future so you get the most out of the benefits and leave the military in a better position than you went in.

 

[Angrymarshmello]

Marines are pretty hard-core. Its about the hardest non-specialized unit training there is - make sure you want to before you do join.

 

[The Wildcard]

You should think about joining something a little closer to home, such as the national guard. I think you go to the same basic training school that the army and marines send their recuits too.

 

[BoberFett]

No, all branches have the own BT, Marines are the toughest. But you have a good point with joining the Guard or Reserve. Just get a taste of military life, and later go active duty if you think it's for you.