marines

[waggle]

well as of today i am now enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps!!!! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so happy i finally got everything done with, now for a job pick, this is gonna be painless... haha

[anglingaddict]

Congradulations Waggle and Semper FI !!
I was aircraft rescue firefighting for 9 1/2 years and loved every minute of it! That might be one you may want to look into. If you'd like to know more feel free to ask away.
So when do you ship out to boot camp?

[waggle]

i ship out sept/oct, depends on the job i choose, looking at either navigational maint. or jet engine mech.

[PapaHog]

Good on you. It amazes me how many brave men and women enlist during war time. Great to live in America. Congratulations.

[anglingaddict]

Out of those two if it were me, looking back, I'd go jet engine mech. ! :grin:
Keep us posted on what you choose!
That is the same time frame I went. Sept. 17th, 1985 I arrived at MCRD SanDiego for the absolute biggest culture shock of my life!!!

[waggle]

Originally Posted by anglingaddict

Out of those two if it were me, looking back, I'd go jet engine mech. ! :grin:
Keep us posted on what you choose!
That is the same time frame I went. Sept. 17th, 1985 I arrived at MCRD SanDiego for the absolute biggest culture shock of my life!!!

what did you end up choosing???? jet engine mech is what i was leaning towards.

[anglingaddict]

I ended up going Aircraft Rescue Firefighting. I did not know about Jet Mech when I enlisted. I was already a volunteer firefighter and was offered an enlistment bonus for the firefighting. I was young and saw the money adn the fact that I could stay a firefighter. It was a cool job though.
Out of the two that you listed the Jet Mech has the best future after the Corps.

[Swamp Puppy]

Originally Posted by waggle

well as of today i am now enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps!!!! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so happy i finally got everything done with, now for a job pick, this is gonna be painless... haha

The Navy wouldn't take you eh?

just kiddin ya...better get used to it. congrats! it's an exciting time.

[waggle]

thats what i was told. i also talked to my uncle in the A.F. and he suggested that it was the best choice. ill keep yalls updated and let you know what i choose tomorrow.

[waggle]

Originally Posted by Swamp Puppy

The Navy wouldn't take you eh?

just kiddin ya...better get used to it. congrats! it's an exciting time.

haha....... not funny.... haha

[Walleyer]

Go aviation,jet mech isnt a bad job,it's a little loud sometimes and it's a good starting point to get your A&P license(airframe & powerplant),if you can get real specific about where you go I recommend VMAQ 1 or 2,they fly the EA-6B Prowler and only have 4 planes per squardron,I've worked on planes transfered from their squadron when I was in the Navy.Thanks in advance for volunteering to serve our country,it takes a special kind of person to be a Marine,Good Luck,you devil dog.

[Bullwoods]

Semper Fi, USMC 74-79 You'll find it interesting :grin: No Really, aw you'll love it.

[Angler of Repose]

Just remember: The United States Marine Corps is the only marine corps in the world with its own Navy.
AoR
USMC '69-'71

[Cornbread]

Go with jet engine mech. I was in the Infantry 6 of the 8 years I was in and for 2 I was in Fleet Anti-Terrorist Security Teams, but when deployed I got to see all th edifferent MOS's on ship doing their thing. Aircraft maint personel were the busiest on ship during flight ops even while at sea so you don't get as mind numbingly bored as the grunts did. Then when you get into the deep **** you guys will be busy as well but it won't be a whole lot different from your regular flight ops stuff you got used to on ship or while in the rear. Plus jet engine maint gives you a much better head start into civilian life when you get out than the grunts does by about a 1,000 times. We only learned how to shoot people and blow **** up. Not much use when you get done with your stint. Listen to the others above and go jet engine mech.

[DAB]

Originally Posted by Angler of Repose

Just remember: The United States Marine Corps is the only marine corps in the world with its own Navy.
AoR
USMC '69-'71

How many times must I tell you Jarheads you have it backwards. The US Navy is the only Navy that has it's own Marine Corps.
DAB
U S Navy Engineman 3 rd Class ( E-4 ) 1961 too 1965

Waggle
Thanks for enlisting, You made a great choice. Thanks
DAB

[PGJPJ]

USMC 1991-1995, Aviation Support Equipment Technician, SAR Rescue Swimmer

The first week of boot camp you’ll think you make the biggest mistake of your life. The last week of boot camp you’ll be the proudest of your life.

It’s all mind games. Don’t think for a second you won’t be able to do it. As soon as you master your mind, everything else is cake.

Be in good shape before you go. In the Marines, physical fitness is a really big deal. So is your weight.

When you go to Camp Pendleton, humping those hills is going to be tough. No doubt about it. Again, master your mind, and its all cake.

Semper Fi

p.s. My brother-in-law (pictured under my moniker) is currently serving in the Navy, so I get to make fun of him. That’s another bonus of being a Marine!

[Fishbulb]

Originally Posted by PapaHog

Good on you. It amazes me how many brave men and women enlist during war time.

Especially when given the that fact that our politicians seem to have a propensity for indicting these brave citizens who would take a bullet for so many they don't even know.

Good luck Waggle and stay safe!

[spinner53]

Semper Fly recruit.
If you can get avionics ( high enough score ) go for it.
Engine mech's have the chance to be helo crew chiefs ( score high enough in school, high on the PFT, highest swim qual, etc), It's a specific MOS you'll need to ask for.
Avition Maint tech is a toss up between airframe ( sheet metal, structural stuff) or Hydraulic/pnuematics.
At least that's how it went in 83.

What ever you do, don't go with an "Open Contract" !!!. You'll be place where the Corp's need is greatest.

I turned 18 on Parris Island, got special treatment too

[iwanttofish]

Let us know where you are going to boot camp if you are going to San Diego I can ask my son who is up here on leave just today in fact to go easy on you. He did two tours in over there in Iraq and now is a DI and loves making the guys suffer.

Good luck be careful and keep you head down if you have to.

We are very happy our son is home and not injured.

Mike

[Ryan Pultz]

Thank you for volunteering to join the Marines God bless rp

[waggle]

Originally Posted by iwanttofish

Let us know where you are going to boot camp if you are going to San Diego I can ask my son who is up here on leave just today in fact to go easy on you. He did two tours in over there in Iraq and now is a DI and loves making the guys suffer.

Good luck be careful and keep you head down if you have to.

We are very happy our son is home and not injured.

Mike

well thank you from me to your son for serving overseas. it takes a lot of courage and strenght to be over there im sure. well i dont know, i dont want any special treatment above anyone else so thanks for the offer but im good. tell him ill see him down there...

[anglingaddict]

Originally Posted by DAB

How many times must I tell you Jarheads you have it backwards. The US Navy is the only Navy that has it's own Marine Corps.
DAB
U S Navy Engineman 3 rd Class ( E-4 ) 1961 too 1965

Waggle
Thanks for enlisting, You made a great choice. Thanks
DAB

At least one more time please! 61-65 eh?? I wasn't even born then!

[SILVERSINK]

Semper Fi 1962-1972 you will love the Marines. Reminder to keep your head high and dont let the drill Sgnts. get to your mind. We are proud of your comitment.

[PapaHog]

Just to clear something up.

I heard the government authorized the Marines and the Mule at the same time. I also heard the reason the Navy got the Marines and the Army got the mule is that the Army had first choice.

[AtItAgain]

Congragulations and good luck!

My suggestion would be to choose the one you will be able to use when you get out. I was in the Navy for 10.5 years. I saw a lot of guys get out of the Navy, that had been in a rating that does not transfer to civilian life, come back in because they could not get a decent job in the real world.

Another suggestion, take lots of pictures. The one thing I regret is that I went to some really cool places and did some awesome things and never took any pictures. All I have now are memories that fade more and more every year.

AtItAgain

[Swamp Puppy]

Originally Posted by Angler of Repose

Just remember: The United States Marine Corps is the only marine corps in the world with its own Navy.
AoR
USMC '69-'71

this is a common misconception. in order to clear this up, a marine needs to look no farther than their paycheck...and the little stamp on it that says, "Dept of The Navy"...lol... :grin:

[12244]

You also want to take pics with you, steelhead in hand. Lets get you some.

Originally Posted by AtItAgain

Congragulations and good luck!

Another suggestion, take lots of pictures. The one thing I regret is that I went to some really cool places and did some awesome things and never took any pictures. All I have now are memories that fade more and more every year.

AtItAgain

[SPAZZ]

Originally Posted by Swamp Puppy

this is a common misconception. in order to clear this up, a marine needs to look no farther than their paycheck...and the little stamp on it that says, "Dept of The Navy"...lol... :grin:

Yea we are a department of the navy----THE MENS DEPARTMENT :shocked::shocked:

Brian

[kelso]

Be proud young man. My son Casey joined the Marines in November. My wife and I went to his graduation in San Diego in January, and the look of accomplishment on those young mens faces was priceless. He is now in Pensecola Florida going to school. Hold your head high.

[Tony1831]

You beat me to it Spazz!

Waggle, enjoy it and make the most of it. It will be the best years of your life.

And when the squids are ribbin' ya for being a dept of the navy, fire this back and see how quiet they get.

USMC, 1992-96, MOS- 0311

Originally Posted by SPAZZ

Yea we are a department of the navy----THE MENS DEPARTMENT :shocked::shocked:

Brian

[alaskan]

Thanks for your commitment, and congratulations.

I'd also recommend you take a look at the job opportunities that will exist for you after you decide to get out when choosing your field. I have friends in all of the services and a few tell me "my job is cool now, but it didn't train me for anything after I get out." but others are prepared to hit the floor running when they get out.

[Swamp Puppy]

a marine and a sailor were standing next to each other in the restroom.

the marine finishes his business and proceeds to the sink to wash his hands..the sailor finishes up and heads for the door.

the marine yells to the sailor, "in the Corps they teach us to wash our hands after we use the restroom"

to which the sailor replies..

<mod edit> In the navy we do it differently.

[MossyOarReelCreek]

Originally Posted by Swamp Puppy

a marine and a sailor were standing next to each other in the restroom.

the marine finishes his business and proceeds to the sink to wash his hands..the sailor finishes up and heads for the door.

the marine yells to the sailor, "in the Corps they teach us to wash our hands after we use the restroom"

to which the sailor replies...
<mod edit> In the navy we do it differently.

*********************************************

That right there is a classic Brother!!!

USN 1984-1990 Operations Specialist USS California CGN-36

[PGJPJ]

Differences In The Military
Submitted by: George F. Blanton (USMC 1956-1960)

In an effort to ensure proper training and readiness among the military services, Congress has approved the following changes to basic principles of recruit training:
Haircuts:

• Marines: Heads will be shaved.
• Army: Stylish flat-top's for all recruits.
• Navy: No haircut standard.
• Air Force: Complete makeovers as seen on the Jenny Jones show.

Training Hours:

• Marines: Reveille at 0500, train until 2000.
• Army: Reveille at 0600, train until 1900.
• Navy: Get out of bed at 0900, train until 1100, lunch until 1300, train until 1600.
• Air Force: Awaken at 1000, breakfast in bed, train from 1100 to 1200, lunch at 1200, train from 1300 to 1400, nap at 1400, awaken from nap at 1500, training ceases at 1500.

Meals:

• Marines: Meals, Ready-to-Eat 3 times a day.
• Army: One hot meal, 2 MRE's.
• Navy: 3 hot meals.
• Air Force: Catered meals prepared by the Galloping Gourmet, Julia Child, and Wolfgang Puck and Emeril Lagasse. All you can eat.

Leave And Liberty:

• Marines: None.
• Army: 4 hours a week.
• Navy: 2 days a week.
• Air Force: For every four hours of training, recruits will receive eight hours of leave and liberty.

Protocol:

• Marines: Will address all officers as "Sir," and refer to the rank of all enlisted members when speaking to them (i.e., Sgt. Smith).
• Army: Will address all officers as "Sir," unless they are friends, and will call all enlisted personnel "Sarge."
• Navy: Will address all officers as "Skipper," and all enlisted personnel as "Chief."
• Air Force: All Air Force personnel shall be on a first name basis with each other.

Decorations/Awards:

• Marines: Medals and badges are awarded for acts of gallantry and bravery only.
• Army: Medals and badges are awarded for every bullet fired, hand grenade thrown, fitness test passed, and bed made.
• Navy: Will have ships' engineers make medals for them as desired.
• Air Force: Will be issued all medals and badges, as they will most likely be awarded them at some point early in their careers anyway.

Camouflage Uniforms:

• Marines: Work uniform, to be worn only during training and in field situations.
• Army: Will wear it anytime, anywhere.
• Navy: Will not wear camouflage uniforms, they do not camouflage you on a ship. (Ship Captains will make every effort to attempt to explain this to sailors.)
• Air Force: Will defeat the purpose of camouflage uniforms by putting blue and silver chevrons and colorful squadron patches all over them.

Career Fields:

• Marines: All Marines shall be considered riflemen first and foremost.
• Army: It doesn't matter, all career fields promote to E-8 in first enlistment anyway.
• Navy: Nobody knows. The Navy is still trying figure out what sailors in the ABH, SMC, BNC and BSN rates do anyway.
• Air Force: Every recruit will be trained in a manner that will allow them to leave the service early to go on to higher paying civilian jobs.

[Cornbread]

One of the cool things about being on ship when you pump out for six month deployments is if you have down time you can get certified in Navy MOSs as well as your own. For air personnel you won't have as much down time on ship as we as grunts did but you can still do it. You can even get certain navy badges as well. You can't wear them on your uniform but they do go into your SRB and look good when it comes down to promotion time especially meritorious promotion boards. I got certified to do ship to shore communications while I was aboard. I forget what MOS this is but I got to learn a lot of cool things while doing it, like all the different systems that you can communicate with troops on the ground and with aircraft. It kept me from getting so bored while I was on ship and then once we were in country it helped me understand the process of communicating back to the ship a lot better. When it came time for us to go into Eritrea they needed some one to act as a radio operator for the group going in who could do all the shore to ship stuff so even though I was just a straight 0352 I got to go on a special mission into a very cool war zone. Had I not done all that stuff with the Navy I would have been stuck on ship with all the regular 03 grunts like myself. So the Navy isn't all bad, although you will notice a huge difference between what kind of shape the Marines are in as compared to what shape the Navy personnel are in. At the staff NCO level this becomes really apparent. Compare just about any 03 Gunny to just about any Master Chief and you will see what I mean although there are of course exceptions.

[uhmw]

Hard to the corps dude- My family is greatfull. Little Army secret- 76 yankee -supply specialist- got tons of power in a unit for just being a grunt every one will be your freind cause you hold the purse strings to -laundry,tools,tents, clothes, gas,guns,ammo and of course the food. If some one messes with you can make their lives misriable even hot shot gold bars who know it all. My dad recomend that MOS to me when I was a grunt .I always issued me the best fire arms(m-16 with a thumper attached) also had a 50 cal on my 5 ton. It turned out that businesses also liked the experiance once I got out supply functions are found in almost every private company and government employer. Every one wished they were the supply sargent- except for when you had to pull 10000 gallons of mo-gas through a war zone.

[Swamp Puppy]

PG - that was great..the funny thing is that it's a pretty accurate description for the Air Force. lol.

[AtItAgain]

Air Force, we always called it the Chair Force!

[Big TULE]

Ya know why god gave us marines.... Because sheep were to obvious...

Also,
M-uscles
A-re
R-equired
I-ntelligence
N-on
E-ssential

Jokes i heard while i was in the NAVY...

The only MOS that i can suggest is one in electrical. Electricians will always have a career.

[PGJPJ]

Originally Posted by Big TULE

The only MOS that i can suggest is one in electrical. Electricians will always have a career.

I was an electrician in the Marines. That's when I decided I wanted to become an electrical/electronics engineer. Only 8 years after starting at OSU, I got my bachelors in EE.

[waggle]

well i got my list but i still cant decide, why cant it be easy?!?!?!?

[Katie Ann II]

You are joining a wonderful bunch of young men and woman. Proud of your decision! Best wishes!

KA II

[wannacatchem]

Whatever you do get for a MOS, the best thing you can do to prepare yourself for a career outside the military, whether it be after one hitch or or a 20 year career, is to get your education.

I spent 8 years on Okinawa back in the 90's. No I am not a Marine. I am retired USAF. Anyway, I saw many, many, many young Marines spend their paychecks on the hootchie girls and bar juice downtown. I took several night classes in my time there and the vast majority of my schoolmates were Air Force, rarely any Marines.

The Gubmint will pay for most of your schooling while on active duty. When I was in it was 75%, now I think its 100%

Take advantage of it

[Tony1831]

Originally Posted by Katie Ann II

You are joining a wonderful bunch of young men. Proud of your decision! Best wishes!

KA II

fyi

There are things we call WMs that might take some offense to you excluding them from being considered a wonderful bunch (of Marines).

WM = woman Marine

[Katie Ann II]

Originally Posted by Tony1831

fyi

There are things we call WMs that might take some offense to you excluding them from being considered a wonderful bunch (of Marines).

WM = woman Marine

[Katie Ann II]

Hey Waggle, FYI for your parents and friends. www.marineparents.com is a great way to support other parents and friends of those serving. It is a great site, well moderated too. good luck

KA II

[PGJPJ]

Funny story, (now anyway):grin:

When I was station at Iwakuni JP, it slipped my mind to call or write my mom for like a year and a half or so (my address + phone number also changed). So she couldn’t get a hold of me. So, you know… She was kind of getting worried.

So she went down to my recruiter, and asked him to locate me. Of course he had no idea. So my recruiter contacted the American Red Cross, and asked them to locate me. They found out I was station at MCAS Iwakuni, so they contacted the commanding officer of the base and asked him to locate me. He contacted my squadron commanding officer, who in turn contacted the noncommissioned officer in charge (NCOIC) of our squadron, who in turn contacted the NCOIC of my shop.

I had to report back to EACH AND EVERY one of them, from my direct supervisor all the way up to the commanding officer of MCAS Iwakuni, and explain why I wasn’t calling my mom.

Moral of the story… Call your mom. Especially if you’re deployed overseas.

[AtItAgain]

Originally Posted by PGJPJ

Funny story, (now anyway):grin:

When I was station at Iwakuni JP, it slipped my mind to call or write my mom for like a year and a half or so (my address + phone number also changed). So she couldn’t get a hold of me. So, you know… She was kind of getting worried.

So she went down to my recruiter, and asked him to locate me. Of course he had no idea. So my recruiter contacted the American Red Cross, and asked them to locate me. They found out I was station at MCAS Iwakuni, so they contacted the commanding officer of the base and asked him to locate me. He contacted my squadron commanding officer, who in turn contacted the noncommissioned officer in charge (NCOIC) of our squadron, who in turn contacted the NCOIC of my shop.

I had to report back to EACH AND EVERY one of them, from my direct supervisor all the way up to the commanding officer of MCAS Iwakuni, and explain why I wasn’t calling my mom.

Moral of the story… Call your mom. Especially if you’re deployed overseas.

!!

AtItAgain