Marine Infantry

[Howser03]

I just completed my 5th semester at college and dropped out, for various reasons. I've been seriously considering going into the Marine Corps and have already started getting in shape. Jboomer has helped me a lot and I just want to get more opinions on signing up as Infantry. Has anyone here been an 'active duty' infantryman? What was your regular day like? I wouldn't want to do manual labor all day long for 4 years. Not that there is anything wrong with manual labor but I could get better paid doing that here. I just wanna get as much information as I can from people that have been there before going down to the recruiter and getting called everyday like they did a few years ago :confused:

I really wanted to be a pilot, but since I would need a college degree, and I don't have one, infantry is my second choice

Also, I have broken both my collar bones....the left one seems to have healed pretty good, my right has healed crooked and out of alignment. I can picture it breaking very easily. Lets say at boot camp some how I break it.... what could possibly happen.... I would hate to get kicked out and sent home. I'm sure once I build some more muscle up around it I shouldn't have a problem... but it still is a possibilty. Thank you for your help, and thanks again jboomer :worship: :)

 

[biglou]

There are plenty of other opportunities in the Corps besides flying and infantry. My dad had to sign for me to get in, since I was only seventeen, but he would only do so if I were going to get a guaranteed contract in a field that would give me a skill I could use once my time was up if I decided to get out (which I did). I had a guaranteed avionics contract and spent my time working on Harriers. Got to see a lot of really cool stuff and traveled the world. Plus, just a little inside info here, the Air Wing is just a bit more relaxed than the ground side of the house. All that hardcore stuff tends to get a little old after a couple years. That's not to say that we were unprofessional. We periodically had to turn on the "mean green" mode for various occasions.

There are also computers, and several other fields that should give you some good knowledge for the remainder of your life. Deisel mechanics is another good one.

You will have to do several things to fulfill your obligation and obtain your contract in a specified field, however. First, you have to pass an entrance exam, which I doubt you will have any trouble doing. Next, you will have to pass a physical. If you have any serious limitations, you may not be eligable for service. You will also have to successfully complete boot camp. That will be the biggie. If you get held back because you are a "fat body" or can't perform because you are physically weak, I am not sure if your contract is still guaranteed. If, however, you get hurt and have to be placed on medical hold, I don't think that would jeopardize your contract. If you do get sent home on a medical discharge, and it is because of your previously mentioned limitations, I don't think I would feel too bad about that. At least you stepped up to the plate and gave it your all. Then, you will have to get through your schooling. All it takes is a little focus, as they tend to pound things into your brain over and over again. Still, there are those that manage to get dropped from school. If that happens, you are going to be sent into a relatively unskilled MOS, such as infantry or cook. And I don't mean to belittle those fields, mind you. It's just that if you want something mentally challenging as well as the physical challenge of being a Marine, you have to stay focused.

Here's what I was told about boot camp: "Do what you are told as quickly and to the best of your ability as you possibley can." If you are putting forth 100% effort, it will be recognized. You are still going to get messed with. Everyone does. But there are certain special individuals who may draw more wrath than others for many reasons. If you can get your mindset right, it should be no big deal. Realize what they are trying to do for you, and try to remember that. You may be pushed to your physical and mental limits, but so is everyone else. Keep focused, hang tough, and you can make it. Heck, I did! How hard could it be?! ;)

Also-Some of the other services may offer a slightly more relaxed atmosphere and some other options for some hi-tech opportunities. If you find out that your past injuries exclude you from the Marines, take a look at the other services. Not sure, but I would think the Air Force would be the least physically demanding.

 

[IrishEKU]

As Lou stated there are many other jobs in either branch of the service that offer good marketable career choices. I won't go into my military history but I will tell you that I have three friends that are Airframe(2) and Transmission Mechanics(1). All are Crew Cheifs on Black Hawks. These guys are constantly being targeted for jobs on the outside from Medical Flight companies to Muti National corperations to work on and manage their birds.

The bottom line is and I agree with Lou, don't limit your choices to just 2 choices, look around and decide whats best for you. That being said, you mentioned that you had 2 1/2 years of school behind you, if you have over 70 credit hours it makes you eligable for the OCS program that most services offer. Like i mentioned before, look around and Good Luck.

 

[KWJams]

I was seventeen when I went in also---Recuiter told me AV School. :cool:
But ended up as a Ground Pounder - 0311 because at that time we still had a draft going and the cream of the crop was getting the good MOS #'s.

What was life like? :think:

The worst duty in the world is being a Grunt in Garrisson during peace time.
The same training over and over with very little advanced training.
When you were not training you were on a work party detail picking up cigarette butts.
If you are Gung-Ho enough you can try for Re-Con but when they send you down to a river bed to pick a rock--don't pick a huge one to be your friend. :eek:
I finally got a job as a coach at the rifle range for awhile and ended up as a MP at Marine Barracks NAS Bermuda.

If the Marine Corps wants you to have two good collar bones-- they will issue them. :eek:

Guys that got busted up in training like Boot Camp healed up and recycled back into the system.

If you go in as a grunt it would take years and possibly a re-enlistment to get a skilled MOS, so shoot as high as you can to start with--maybe Commandant. :thumb:

Good Luck

 

[Rattletrap'83CR480]

Originally posted by BigLou
Not sure, but I would think the Air Force would be the least physically demanding.

Oh, contraire! We had to endure 6, count 'em, 6 weeks of basic training! We had to run a mile and a half and do 10 pushups! Then, after that torture, we were sent to our tech school where we had to march 2 blocks to and from class! And just when we thought it couldn't get any worse, we were shipped to our first duty station where we had to endure the horrors of barracks living with one man to a room, private showers, and a snack bar! "Oh the inhumanity!" I almost forgot the worst part, the Surf & Turf on Fridays! It pains me to think about it!

RatTrap

 

[stapletonjt]

Hey there Howser.
I just got out of the Marine Corps Infantry two years ago. My only regret now is that I got out. I'm sure I can answer any question you can possibly ask but I don't feel like writing a book hear so I'll be brief. I know some won't understand why anyone would want to be infanty but I chose infantry guaranteed because I wanted to be a Marine - not a cook or a truck driver or a typist - a Marine. I could do any of those other things on a 24/7 basis without having to wear cammies. I wanted to offer up hate and discontent in the form of high explosives and armor piercing rounds to my enemy. When I took the ASVAB test I had the highest score to come out of my state in the 3 years that my recruiter had been here so I got even more flak for picking infantry because I could have done any other MOS I wanted. It's not easy because if it was it would be called the ARMY but if you want a true test of yourself against every other man on this planet, it's the right place. Your collar bones may bother you because of carrying a pack but they will get used to it. Boot camp is tough when you're there but it's more mental than physical. Don't worry, you'll be so mentally wasted you won't even notice the physical pain. This really isn't anything anyone else is interested in I'm sure so if you wan't , feel free to email me with any questions - by the way, I'm not a recruiter, just very proud.

Sgt. Stapleton
[email protected]

 

[biglou]

Stapleton-I actually came home with the 0331 (if I remember correctly), M-60 machine gunner. My dad turned me around and marched me right back to the recruiter's office to request a different primary MOS!!! Keep in mind, my dad did 23 yrs, making MSgt before getting his LDO and retiring as a Captain. And like I said, not to take anything away from the ground pounders. It just wasn't for me for 3-4 years. I have no doubt as to the absolute motivation of the Marine infantryman. Good on ya! :thumb:

Rat-LMAO!!! Isn't that sort of treatment in violation of the Geneva Convention? ;)

 

[Rattletrap'83CR480]

Not during the height of the Cold War, my friend. The Air Force didn't care how badly they treated their own back then. They would actually roust us out of bed at the crack of noon to come into work whenever we went on Alert and would sometimes actually cancel the alert due to bad weather! Why didn't they just let us sleep?!? Great, now I'm gonna have flashbacks!

RatTrap:yeehaw:

 

[biglou]

I wanted to add, I was 16-1/2 when I came home with paperwork about the Corps. That's motivated! Also, I was a year young for my grade in school, so I was a 16 year old senior for half the year! The old man didn't hesitate in stating that he would sign for me, but he insisted that I get an MOS with something technical I could use afterward. At that time in my life, I just wanted to blow some **** up!!!

 

[Rattletrap'83CR480]

My AFSC (MOS in AF jargon) was for Aircraft Weapons Systems on the F111 Aardvark. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever believe that it would help me (in a major way mind you) land my "High Tech" job that I have now. I've been doing this for 8 years now. The technical jobs ARE the way to go. There is not much call in the civilian sector for a guy who can field strip and M16 blindfolded and/or apply camoflage grease paint (no disrespect intended towards those that do). Your military discipline will only get you so far on the outside. Unless you plan to do your 20-30 years and retire, go with a technical job.

16 and one half years old?!? Lou, how could someone so young be so "Ate Up" at that age? I, at least, waited until I was 17.

RatTrap:thumb:

 

[linusb]

I dropped out of college after 3 semesters in 1989...almost went Infantry in the Army...but decided on being an MP instead. Joining the military was probably one of the best things I've ever done.

If I had to do it all over again, I think I would have become a Marine. From my dealings with them, they are an impressive lot. There is a certain amount of hype factor, but they do appear a more professional organization than the Army.

I also STRONGLY agree with Big Lou. Get into a field that will guarantee you success in and out of the military. Being successful in the military is pretty dang easy. It is geared for you to succeed. From day 1, they'll be telling you what to do to advance. Basically, do what you are told, keep a good attitude, do your best, have integrity, and do things that will develop yourself professionally...not necessarily in that order. Attitude is probably the most important. The military can suck sometimes and if your attitude falters, you will NOT succeed and you will be miserable. You really have to want it.

If you get hurt, you should get ample time to recover and then continue with training. I wouldn't expect you to break a collar bone though. Knee and ankle injuries are probably most common from all the running and marching. Broken bones are pretty rare as a result of basic training.l Good Luck!

 

[Howser03]

Thanks guys! I'm only going to sign up for 4 years so I'm not really worried about having a career in the Marines, but afterwords I wanna be in law enforcement (FBI, Customs, SWAT) or maybe even Fire Fighting. I think infantry would give me good experience in those fields. I was thinking about Military Police but I'd rather start a fight then break one up :p
If I went mechanic and the planes I would work on fly like the way my dirt bike rides, I think I would end up a cook real fast :)
I am a pretty sneaky ******* maybe recon or sniper will work out. Plus the specialized training will make me happy :yeehaw:

I know the military is serious business and I easily might get killed, but I really don't care. I'm sure that outlook will do a 180 as soon as that bullet goes flying by but right now it's not a big deal with me. I'd rather kick the bucket doing something useful then getting killed 2 years down the road by a drunk driver, or slipping on ice and breaking my neck. So if they send me to afghanistan or Iraq, i'm not going to think twice about my decision. :eek:

 

[Rattletrap'83CR480]

Originally posted by Howser03
I easily might get killed, but I really don't care.

:(
&

Originally posted by Howser03
I'd rather kick the bucket doing something useful then getting killed 2 years down the road. . .

:(

Howser03, you must remember the immortal words of George S. Patton Jr. "No one ever won a war dying for their country. They won by making the other poor ******* die for his!" You just stay alive now, ya hear!?! Hoorah! :thumb:

 

[sfc crash]

If I had to do it all over again, I think I would have become a Marine.

who said that..who said that! which one of you twinle toed mother frumpers said that. who just signed thier own death warrant? was it you linusb?..what the heck kind of name is linusb? are you a dog.!? choke yourself! hmm...linusb, maybe you were around the wrong units? just a thought!

 

[linusb]

LOL, easy there big Sarge. My comments were not a bust on the Army, just a kudos to the Marine Corps.

And you have to admit, the Marine dress uniform is so much better than Army Greens. :)

 

[sfc crash]

And you have to admit, the Marine dress uniform is so much better than Army Greens.

gotta go with the army dress blues, anyway, what's wron with the army dress greens? you can get on any bus in the US with that uniform and fit right in as a driver! :flame: bring back the kahkis. best look uniform....maroon beret, spitshined cochorans, kahkis bloused, blue cord! sa-weet!

 

[IrishEKU]

Originally posted by stapletonjt
Hey there Howser. 
It's not easy because if it was it would be called the ARMY but if you want a true test of yourself against every other man on this planet, it's the right place. 

You missed one Sarge.

 :think: I'll tell you what try Airborne, Air Assault or Ranger School and then make that statement. I aplaud your scores on the ASVAB but that statement is truley mis-informed. The Corps may have what seems like a tougher Basic Course, for the reason that it is a smaller branch of service and demands more from it's basic recruit. army Basic is not designed to cull the chaff from the wheat(though it does happen) but to get bodies into the largest Branch of the service. By making a statment that basicly slanders other branches and is a slap in the face of those that do go on to other physically demanding schools designed for those with the drive, will and constitution to make it through them. Not because they have to like Basic but because they want too.

 

[stapletonjt]

Howser it looks like you've made up your mind. Now, for the most important piece of advice any of us can give you right now - do not sign a contract without someone looking it over first. I'm sure the recruiter will assure you that everything is fine and none of the women in Thailand have VD but if you can have somebody who's been in look it over , do. My recruiter was probably one of the most honest one's there are and he was still full of ****. If it doesn't say it on that contract then it's not gonna happen. If you want a specific MOS (ie 0331 machine gunner (big lou :)), then the contract must have all four digits of the MOS. 0300 just guarantees you a spot in the infantry. I hear you can even get guaranteed recon these days but you'll have all the opportunities you want to do that anytime you're in so no reason to ask for that. Besides, you still have to make the indoc and if you can't you'll keep trying till you do, forever. He,he, maybe not quite that long. If you're really good you can go for the real deal force recon and I still have a few buddies in there too. Force is a lot more fun 'cause you use live ammo in all your training, sometimes around civilians who have no idea what's going on. Have to be a Sergeant first though, maybe a corporal if you're lucky. Anyways, Good Luck. And to the rest of you members of the big green gun team, ooh rah.

 

[stapletonjt]

Hey Irish,
Incase you forgot, we Marines do go to your army airborne, and ranger schools and all those legendary (to the army) schools. Not everone but some. Besides, if I didn't dish out a little smack talk who would believe I was a Marine. I will be honest though, I met quite a few Airborne Rangers at schools and two really good ones at Mountain Leaders course in MWTC that were good to go. It's the regular Army I detest. Just from the unsquared away look all the time to the total lack of discipline. I'm sorry, just personal experiences and I'm sure no one here was like that. Oh ya, I couldn't resist, those Rangers didn't make it through the school. It was there choice though, I'm sure they could have made it if they wanted to. Man, I remember the smack talk game going on for hours at bars, or only seconds some times. That was fun. But the truth we all know regardless of whether or not we say it is that we're all Allies: USMC,ARMY,NAVY, AIR FORCE, Aussies, Brits, etc. Is there any one of us who wouldn't help the other when we have to go over and liberate France again? We're all friends here. Especially since I'm probably the worst rider of all of us and you'll get to make huge fun of me at DW03.

 

[IrishEKU]

Originally posted by stapletonjt
We're all friends here. Especially since I'm probably the worst rider of all of us and you'll get to make huge fun of me at DW03.

Well said JT, now that you explained your reasons it makes sense to me. As to your reference of "smack talk" with Rangers :) a few of us would wipe the floor at Hooters with them ;). Your comments about the slackers though is true, and one of the reasons why I am glad I will be in a position someday to take care of a few of them. I can remember a few times when some chicken s**t would take credit when it wasn't his to take or "Shiners", those that only shown while in eye or ear shot of superiors. As for who gets laughed at at DW03 big guy you and I both will be in contention for that spot! Just ask Sarge, Lou or Jaybird. They will all give you an acurate account of my abilities :)

 

 

[sfc crash]

hmmm..naval infantry. what a novel idea, maybe it will catch on someday.

 

[Rider4ever]

I spent 7 1/2 years as a mortarman in the Army. the Infantry is not that bad of duty. I was in mech. Light Inf. and air assault . I know alot of guys that were in the Marine Inf. and there is not much diffrence from what I seen and did compared with the Marine Traing.. But if you want to see more of the world in your 4 yrs go with the Marines. Any state side duty in the Army is for 3 yrs. If your unlucky youll do a year in Korea 1st. Thats my .02 Have fun in what ever you choose.

 

[Hogwylde]

Good luck Howser. Let's hope that those broken collar bones don't raise a red flag and make you NPQ (not physically qualified) Unfortunately, that's likely to happen.

As one that's experienced the military medical system, I can attest to the fact that they'll do EVERYTHING in there power to find fault and keep you out. Once they get you though, they'll jump through hoops to keep you IN!!!

 

[KWJams]

Dag-gum,, did I screw that up :
:confused:

shoot as high as you can to start with--maybe Commandant

I meant to say: "maybe Commandant School

Having fun with you Howser-;)--one of the first things you will find is folks jerking your chain with gags like that.

"Hey Private" go to supply and get a 5 gallon can of bulkhead remover!

 

[jboomer]

and if you're man enough, bring a pound of propwash too!