US Marine Reacts to Recruiter Q&A 

Boot camp memories... Oddly enough being lined up alphabetically, I, as a white country boy, was standing along side a black guy and an asian guy. Our last names; Wright-Wright-Wong. The drill instructor said, “well look here I guess two Wright’s do make a Wong!” Great people who I will never forget!!! Semper Fi!

I was that 29 y.o. recruit mentioned here by my friend. I got an age waiver in Jan. 1986, just after my birthday due to age limits at the time of 28. I was married, working and a home owner. My Dad was a Marine in WWII and would talk me out of joining. He passed away in 1985, so I joined in '86. With an delayed entry, I went to Parris Island mid July 1986. I stayed and graduated with my platoon, going on to the Reserves as an 0311 infantryman and serving during the Gulf War being called up from the IRR. I was in the middle of every requirement meaning not fastest but not last, strong but not weak, with my height putting me in the middle. Prior to graduating, when the Drill instructors get ever so less strict, I asked if 'this recruit' was older than they were, and all three WERE younger than I. I wasn't singled out as the oldest, but there was a 28 year old in my platoon they called grandpa. I guess I looked younger. If I got anything for my age, it may have been to be in charge of the supply room Vs. having to clean the head during routine cleanings... maybe....! Otherwise I was the same as the others with one BIG difference. All the 17-19 year old's had photos sent from home of their old pick up trucks, where I had a brand new 1986 Full size Ford Bronco waiting for me at home. Serving in the Marines changed my outlook on life, how I acted and how I felt I could accomplish anything if I put my mind to it, and now at 63, trying to stay fit, I still feel that way. I'm proud of my service and even more proud that I, like my Grandpa during WWI, and my Dad in WWII, can say I served this great country of ours! It also allows me to be involved as a member of the American Legion for 26 years now. One funny thing as a reservist, I had to pick an MOS complimentary to the units in my area. I had Truck Driver or infantry. Since I liked playing soldier as a kid and already had a working position as a CADD draftsmen, I chose Infantry. My co workers at the time said, where will you use those skills in life? Today, I reenact Civil War and WWI so... I guess I did get to use my MOS after all! PJM

I dropped my friend of at MEPS, the Marine Sgt. got up my ass that I had a beard, I said "Sir I am dropping someone off" , all he said was thank you have a nice day. I still laugh at how he went from wanting to rip my head off to that.

Semper Fi brother. I was in 2003-2015. 0811 Artillery Cannon Crewman and I did 3 years of recruiting.

1970: Took my draft card to a Navy recruiter (only because it was the first door I came to). Had a small chat, medical, ASVAB, then was told the waiting list for boot camp was about three months long. Asked if I could call to see if I moved up on the list, recruiter said "sure". I called daily for almost two weeks, then the recruiter said "So, you really want to go soon. Hold on, I have someone you can talk to", and places me on hold. A Marine SSGT picks up the line and says "I hear you're ready for boot camp, so you can pack your trash and I can pick you up in about an hour and have you on the Yellow footprints by 2am in the morning, if you're interested". I said Yes! Glad I accepted the offer. At that time in my life, I had a 9th grade education, (got my GED about a year later). Vietnam-Era, Cold War-Era, Gulf War-Era Vet. Fair winds and following seas to all. Semper Fidelis

Recruiter: You broke your foot when you were 10? Recruit: Yes thats what I said. Recruiter: You broke your foot when you were 10? Recruit: Yes... Recruiter: You broke your foot when you were 10? Recruit: ...no? Recruiter: Okay, next question...

I joined the Marines at 17 in 1958 I was 135 lbs and 6' 1 " skinny for sure never had any problems with any training , I ate like a king compared to home and the Marines taught me to never give up I used this discipline all my life regardless it be working two jobs to get by or trying something new even if I knew nothing about the job. The Marines were good for me at the time since I was a mixed up kid , I never loved the Corps but highly respected it , glad I served , at 78 years old I just used my VA benefits to purchase our house ...thanks USMC.

I had spinal fusion of almost my entire spine when I was 15. I was turned away by the marine corps at 17 and was unable to get a waiver. I tried again at 19 and was able to get a med waiver. It was a frikin miracle lol. My recruiter said it was the first time he’s ever seen that waiver. I’m convinced my asvab score made that happen lol

"The MC prides itself on making something easy, hard..." Yup, that pretty much sums it up right there 😉

"I went to boot camp in 1990" I was like damn...10 years ago, late enlistment...then it hit me that was 30 years ago. It hurts getting older

Dropped out of High School just a few weeks into my Senior year. My passion to become a Marine was so strong that I hid the fact that I was asthmatic. I suffered my last attack in Boot Camp and thankfully was able to hide it as well. I graduated with a meritorious promotion to PFC. I served in Vietnam and survived the first siege at Khe Sahn [Apr/May '67]. Returning to Camp Pendleton I re-enlisted early was sent to NCO School. From there I was sent to Recruiter School and would serve 4 years ['68-72'] on Recruiting Duty. That tour would lead to a promotion to Staff Sergeant with a precedence number of 98 out of 5700+. The Marines teaches you to adapt, persevere, and overcome. I did just that. Semper Fi

I asked the recruiter how fast he could get me in, he said one week and one week to the day it was!!! April 1987 the day I left Newark N.J.!!! I was 21!!

In the 70s everybody in my high school class took the ASVAB yet only a small few ever entered the military. Medical tests confirmed that I was alive so I qualified for the service. They did a few other simple tests to see if you qualified for your intended mos. My platoon in boot only had a few that went to infantry, most went to either 8th & I or various technical schools. Some entered the service to gain citizenship or to stay out of jail, not sure some of them even had a GED. Never had combat training back then. I went straight to Millington N.A.S. for avionics school.

Remembering recruiters all the way to DI’s stressing that knowledge is power! Always study your knowledge!

when I was drafted in April 1968, we were sworn in at the induction station...then counted off in fours.... all you fours step forward.... your now a Marine ... some fainted

I was 27 when I came in. 22 years of keeping up with and even out doing younger Marines. I was 49 when I retired and I wouldn’t trade those years for a damn thing. Semper Fi

When i was a Recon Scout Sniper 0323/0317 in the 1970's eyesight requirement was 20/20 uncorrected. The idea back then was A, if your glasses were damaged or lost you become ineffective, B the lenses would reflect and give your position away. Today I understand that your eyesight can be 20/20 corrected.

Great video! The Marines dress blues are what a lot of young men want and sells the USMC to potential recruits. It's definitely a young man game. We had an older guy in my platoon...he was not the best recruit and the instructors were only a little older than him, but he made it.

My recruiter in 1982 was a Gunny who gave me solid direction and preparation for bootcamp. I also had the benefit of having a high school teacher and wrestling coach who was a Marine in Vietnam. Those two men made a huge difference for my bootcamp experience.

So there's two days for MEPS now, the first day they have you take the asvab or verification test if you took the Picat which is asvab equivalent. Things are also a little different with the outbreak so you have to show up more early to the first day to get your temperature checked and a hotel room to yourself.

Back in the fifties and sixties if you went on recruiting duty’; if you were married you got a divorce, if you were single you got married, if you did neither you bought a new car U S M C 1951- 1971

A couple of comments about medical qualifications: I was in an Avionics MOS and you couldn’t be color blind to work in that field. Also, I had a friend on Okinawa who had a waiver for epilepsy. He decided he didn’t want to be in the Corps anymore so he quit taking his meds and started having seizures. He was actually given a medical discharge. I was shocked to hear it from him as you would think that would be one of the conditions for which you couldn’t get a waiver.

I walked into the Air Force office first and the recruiter seemed like he had already hit his quota for the month and blew me off after I asked about what types of jobs they had. I went next door to the Marines and the rest is history, most proud thing I've ever done with my life that no one can take away. Once a Marine, always a Marine. Rah!

This is the second video I watched of yours and again you are right on point ! it’s like listening to a recording of myself lol it’s been over 40 years for me I joined on my 17th birthday . You have a new subscriber. Keep up the great work. Again SEMPER Fi . BK

Just did 20 years in the Army Reserve with 5 activated years. The spectrum of intelligence levels in the Army was funny.

I'll never forget having to do the duck walk in my undies at MEPS.

Airman here. I appreciate that he never mentioned their academics/training or standards as being comparable to that of the Air Force as that would be a lie. I thought the guy was pretty straightforward and informative.

The Marine Corps selection goals come and go depending on recruiting levels and needs. Completely agree that a lot depends on your recruiter and coming in prepared. Bring a vet with you; your dad, uncle, or anyone ever screwed by a recruiter. You might not get screwed, but you might not get the best deal available without preparation. And remember, there is a waiver for almost anything, if they need you.

I passed MEPS with the highest possible physical score achievable according to the doctor. Anyway they either didn't notice or care that I'm flat footed, have scoliosis and one leg is one inch shorter than the other. When I went to MEPS the only thing they were stringent on was BMI and the urine test.

My problem was I didn’t know enough about the Marine Corps/Coast Guard/Navy to figure out what I wanted to do, by the time I was ready to enlist I ended up in a car accident that severed my leg. Now I’m 38 and healthy but it’s too damn late.

I was a Marine DI from 1974 to 1977. I used to hate recruiters because of the BS that they told many of the recruits. I could not believe some of the lies they told the recruits to get them sign up. Not all recruiters were like that, with some really good ones. But, the ones who used BS to recruit in order to meet quota really irked me. One way in a Marine Career to be sure to get some rank and have the kind of SRB that they look at, is by signing up for recruiting or Drill Instructor duty. There is also a good chance you will get a meritorious promotion out of it, if you do well. I did. But, I can't tell you how many recruits were sold a bill of goods about the MOS they would get, what boot camp was like, etc. When I had the duty with the recruits, often at night, soon after they arrived, I would have a school circle in the squadbay and allow them to ask me questions about things that they were told. I would be honest with them and tell them the truth of what to expect, how they obtained their MOS, getting rank and duty assignments, etc. I would find out the names of the most outrageous recruiters and after I heard some of the outlandish stories the recruits were told, would personally call up the recruiters and tell them to quit the BS, or I would report them. I moved up in assignment and rank while on the Drill Field. I started out as a Junior DI, moved up to Senior, then Series Gunnery Sergeant, and finally Chief DI for my company. It was great duty and I enjoyed making recruits and feel that the platoons I put through were some of the best Marines that graduated during the time I was on the Field. I won multiple awards for the platoons, and had some of the top graduates, several getting high awards, and promotions. I had the opportunity to meet several over the years and they all thanked me for being their DI and for motivating them to succeed. Semper Fi to any of you that remember me as their DI!

I will say, at the end of it all my time in service was by far the best thing I ever did next to having my daughter. I have been paid dividends a thousand times over based on just doing 4 years. I felt honored to serve and even in the worst of times I have zero regrets.

I went in at 18 in 73. MCRD San Diego Platoon 2040. We started with 66 recruits and graduated 44. I was a skinny kid with no where else to go and applied myself like never before. Joining the USMC was one of the best decisions of my life because it changed me to become who I am today. Semper Fi to all past, present and future Marines!

This is my first time on your channel. I really enjoy your comments. (DEP) delayed entry program in my junior year.

What you are as a Marine is made in the Fleet - not boot camp or OCS.

I'm in the depth program right now for RSS Allentown. The best thing you can do is practice your 3 mile run and do weighted pullups so you can improve your pull ups at validation. We have had people come up to us and tell us we are in good shape for recruit training so I'll be back to let you know how right they were in 3 months 💪

USMC Equipment in a Nutshell: If it's Leaking, Needs to be fixed, or broken. The Corp buys it. 1984 we still had jeeps from Vietnam with bullet holes filled with Bondo body filler. Semper Fi

Thank You for posting this! Turned 17, Apr. 1968, joined on May 28th 1968. Graduation, ITR, BITS and Camp Pendleton until May 1969 and off to Vietnam as an 0311. ICORPS!

I joined the Marine Corps in 1980 under the Buddy Program. I last saw my buddy Steve in Detroit when we got of the bus to sign in. I should have done more to find him. Siempre Fi!!!

Personally my MEPS was that test that showed me who I am, I was a mechanic at age 8 that was my passion! Fact! My Di put me in my beloved Corps 0311! I’ll pound any earth! Hurrah

I had my documents ready and was at MCRD in 72 hours from my dad dropping me off at the recruiting station. The scoop the Gunny says was true back in 1963 when I joined.

Sir, I'm a athelete & a good young man, 33 & have endured alot of loss's from loss of family & crisis's & I have learned alot about everything I've needed to know because of you ! I just wanted to thank you for educating me on everything you have ! & For your services . I am hoping they will pass my age waiver & accept me as a recruit for the United States Marine Corps Reserves . Thank you for everything Sir. Respectfully, / Sincerely. Signed : Hopefully this future recruit, Paul Wade Hampton~

Being a recruiter aint no joke, you need to meet them quotas!! I know my battel buddy was a recruiter and literally could not wait to get back to the infantry, he told me some hilarious ass stories, but he had to work his ass off as a recruiter, according to our first sergeant he did very well and made gunny shortly after I left for SCAMP (Sensor Control and Management Platoon) they call it GSP now!!

Poolee here going into an AG Air Crew contract. I’m an older guy who graduated with an associates degree and have a Private Pilot License. Tired of the struggle working towards a Commercial Pilot license zapping my whole paycheck working Avi Support to fly while renting out of the Grandparents house. Told ‘em I’m joining the USMC July 4th of this year. Lost 20 lbs of fat and now PT/run/swim every day. Cheers and thanks for your videos, I love ‘em all! I ship in October.

I did all my tasks at MEPS on day 1. Went to a motel overnight, next morning went back to MEPS and was on a bus to the airport an hour later.

Looking back at all this...DAMMMM! Although I never felt it at the time, those are quite high standards. This is why one tenth of 1 percent ever go in the Marine Corps. I wonder how many finish their tour of duty honorably. I know I did and I am forever proud. We are truly the few. I was in shape during those years when I joined so no problem there for me. You gotta give the Corps something to work with. Don't go in there doing only one pull up.

that single 1 dislike is coming from the person who failed the recruitment process

@Jamesons Travels I was a recruiter for 3 years. Some recruits I took to the ASVAB and MEPS separately, and others we did it all at one time. It depends what the prospect is asking for as far as guarantees.

I loved Recruiting. I can say I never lied. Was a Gunny at retirement, and NCOIC. Hard to get rank over that. Sold the Marine Corps, not jobs or bonuses. At HS career days, I’d always go last, tell the kids, “they put me last so I don’t have much time, but I only see 3 of you that can become Marines. So just meet me in the back after the program.” Every hard Charger would tell their buddies, “Sarge was talking about me!” Finally the Navy recruiter figured out what I was doing. Also ran a pretty good Poolee program, would PT them and teach knowledge.

I have never served but I have noticed throughout my old life that marines seem to be honest and very straightforward.

I am a Retired Navy Sailor. I work at the MEPS as a Processor. As for my branch, we do get a lot of your rejects and those that can't handle the tough Future Marine Training! The Navy and the Marines have a lot of common regulations. I love your feed Brother!

I went into the Marines in 1967. I've never heard or took any ASVAB testing. In fact I don't remember taking any testing prior to starting boot camp No interviews, no aptitudes tests. I almost joined the Army before going Marine. There I did do testing prior to enlistment. . The only testing during boot was exams about what was taught that day. The Army gave us a choice of jobs if qualified. The Marines did not guarantied any vocation. Only that our primary MOS would be 0311

I began my relationship with the Air Force requiter half way through my senior year of high school, the started Basic Training less than a month after my graduation from high school. I also resigned my job when I graduated to have free time between school and work and the military!! I also sat with my Mom as she told me it was Not going to be a cake walk, that my success or failure was in my hands alone, but she supported my decision to enlist. That was the 3rd best decision of my life behind accepting Jesus as my Savior, and getting married!

I'm leaving for Parris Island November 2nd, working out everyday to prep myself. Thank you for being a great inspiration. My recruiters have been honest with what I'm getting myself into. I'm going in at 27, clean record.

I graduated and was going to join the Navy. My cousin talked me into seeing the Marine recruiter who offered to put us in the buddy program. My cousin got sick the first week and that was the last I saw him for a while. I went into the flight equipment field and worked on aircraft. Parachutes and the pilots equipment. I stayed for 21 years and retired. Before I retired I was a recruiter and enlisted some of the finest people I know. I found a place I was comfortable and would recommend anyone wanting to be a part of something very rewarding. SEMPER-FI Marines

If you are scheduled to go to boot camp or OCS, before you leave do your self a favor and memorize the eleven (11) general orders so you know them better than your own name. You will without doubt be questioned several times as they are a favorite inspection question. I did that on someones advice and made life so much easier.

Marine recruiter called me right after I graduated from ROTC. "Never mind, sir..."

My best friend and I were in the delayed entry program for almost a year. We left for boot camp November 1981. Our recruiters were good guys. We hung out a lot with them. They bought us beer on more than one occasion. Sometimes we would sit with them and drink beer in the office after hours. Good times!

1981-2002 PVT, SSGT, CWO-3, Major 8511 PISC 1984-1986 B Co 1st RTBN 2D MARDIV G6 Maintenance Officer It was a great life!

As a vet of two branches, one being the Corps I can say this. Other branches will definitely do anything they can to make sure you are paid for what you rate at a duty station or on tdy or deployment. The USMC will not. They will not at all. An AF person might get a hotel room and extra pay for food and possibly transportation. The Corps will make you sleep on the tarmac and give you an MRE.

I went to MCRD San Diego then school of the infantry. Then Lima 3/9 1st Mar Div. Oooh raw semper fi. I totally loved the Marine Corps. Any one thinking about joining my beloved corps. It will change your life for ever.

I graduated from navy boot camp in 92'. I played football so working out was not a problem. I was disappointed with boot camp because I was expecting more of a marine corps experience. I think now it may be a little tougher than back then. They have included better rifle qualifying now, back then they herded you in, you fired a 22 exactly ONE shot, the sites were off and that was it, a total waste of time. My recruiter was pretty honest, and he checked on me often, I was on delayed entry. Went to MEPS did duck walking etc... GOT shipped off to Great Lakes, Illinois

I was in ROTC for a while when I was in college (I didn't finish)....but between the summer of my senior year high school, and when I started college, I had a number of recruiters call me....since I already knew I was going to be in a ROTC program, I tried to have a little fun, because they would usually tell me whatever I wanted to hear.... A marine recruiter called me, and during the conversation, I said something to the effect of "Well, I have kind of long hair, and I was hoping maybe I could keep it like that....will that be a problem?" Without dropping a beat, the recruiter said (I'm paraphrasing as it was a long time ago)...."No, no problem....when you get to boot camp, just tell your Sergeant that you would like to be exempt from the hair plan, and he'll help you out" I can only imagine how that scenario would have actually gone down. :-)

I went in right after high school was 18 yrs old .The recruiter gave me the general orders book and I study the code of conduct and general orders before I even went in P.I. 1979.Boy did the time fly by when i was in there .

EVERYONE has to correct to 20/20 across the Services; and you usually cannot be worse than 20/400 w/o your glasses. I was an Independent Duty Corpsman, and I never dealt with ENLISTMENT physical waivers. But I was in the grunts and all the recon anyone could ever get. Keeping my guys jump and dive qualified was always a challenge. Standards are all about safety; waivers are for when we need to fill those slots and loosen those standards medically and legally. You were spot on, when you said that as we draw down the force, those waivers are the first to look at as possible ways to cut back. Another great video and info. S/F HMCS(DV/FPJ/FMF)

When I was a recruiter I got a call from my OIC he wanted to know how a recruit got to boot camp that was deaf in both ears. Lol

21 and followed the yellow footprints up a stairwell to next floor. Stated I wanted to enlist did paperwork...in a week I was gone with no contract. This is 1973 and AFEE checked and off to SD.

You can still get in with GED you just have to have 15 college credits on top of said GED.

My recruiter Gunny V was a straight shooter. He even told me before I enlisted that I am gonna hate alot of shit and told me what all the bs consisted of. He never lied to me or sugar coated anything, not even once.

I didn’t have a GED or graduate from high school. Went to boot camp in 05.

You are right about school. I went in for Avionics, am color blind, failed the school, my Squadron Gunny thought I cheated on the ASVAB,,,, finally they tested my color vision, wasn’t standard in 1980, and I couldn’t follow wire schematics that were color coded. Was sent to 10th Marines, Camp Lejeune, Artillery,,,,,,loved it, have still good buddies from there.

I went to MEPS the 1st time in 93 in "Baltimore"...I turned 27 in basic training at FT Knox...

my recruiting suboffice we pt'd the poolies every weekend. when i re-enlisted through the recruiter i did meps duty, i drove applicants to balboa, picked them up from the airport and 1 time i took a poolie to san diego recruit depot (bootcamp) receiving.

Very good informative content for kids joining up

Well I joined in 1969 on the 6month delayed enlistment after testing and medical I was sworn in. When I was called up to go active they said I had hypoglycemia and I was sent home but I did not burn my draft card at least Semper Fi

Another great video Jameson. I just now figured out how to comment on someone’s video. Who said Jarheads are dumb as rocks. 😂

Enlisted in 1981...it was either the USMC or US Army Airborne...went to the Marine recruiter, said I wanted Infantry....He said, "All Marines are infantryman"...I replied that I understood that, but I didn't want to be a infantryman/cook or infantryman/driver. He said, "The Marines will put you where the Marines need you!" I went to the Army recruiter and said, "I want a combat MOS with Airborne." Thus, I became a 13F (Forward Observer) in the 82nd Airborne.

I was a GED, 2 years of college, 21 year old enlistee. No wife, no kids, no criminal, physically 100%. Did two 4 year enlistments. Best choice I ever made. Improvise Adapt Overcome - Lead Follow or Get Out of the Way.

I walked into the recruiters office with my Grandfather. He was a Navy commander and had a hard edge. He introduced himself to the Marine behind the desk (Staff Sgt. Lewis, I will never forget) and said "This is my grandson, and he wants to be a Marine. Tell him what he needs to know, and no snowballin bullshit!" Took my ASVABs no problems there, and was at MEPs the next day. The over-night at the hotel we stayed at (Oakland, CA) during MEPs is a "unique" experience. Things I never thought possible, and never wanted to see.

I was prior Navy and Army. The book they give you in DEP definitely does help if you can memorize it. I wish I would have taken it seriously when I was in DEP. That book has your general orders, ranks, types of ships/unit break downs, has the chain of command you need to memorize from you all the way up to the president, marching/drill, songs, creeds, etc. All stuff you will be tested formally or during inspections while in BC. Knocking that stuff out before you get there will allow you to focus on the stuff they teach there.

I'm sure all the poolees say this but my Ssgt is by far the best recruiter i've ever know. When he makes us pt he doesn't want us to do the bare minimum by the Marine corp standards. I think the Marine corp standars are 3 pullups, 1330 run time, and 45 crunches, he makes us do a minimum of 5 pullups, 1230 runtime and 55 crunches before he will let us ship out

Paid the bills, raised my family and enjoyed working with good solid people. Some shit birds at all levels along the way, but definitely molded the type of leader I’ve become in my second career. No complaints. Still love my Corps even with the new knee and the other holding up well. We still backcountry hike. Semper Fi

I joined the Corps the year before I graduated High School 1989 (DEP) and left for bootcamp right after graduating in 1990. Earlier, when I had tried to join the Corps at 14, they sent me a letter stating I needed to wait a few years...ya think? (still have that letter). During that "few years" I interviewed every retired, and active, veteran from every branch of service to get an idea of the caliber of personality each had, what they learned, how disciplined they were, how they looked at life, and who had the "stuff" that made them a better person overall. Marines both former and active, consistently showed a gung-ho mentality about life, were more outgoing and ambitious, had a "never die" attitude, were clean cut, physically hard, and took no crap from anyone including themselves. I was impressed by their attention to detail in themselves and in life, their self discipline, and found they were mostly successful at whatever they did. I wanted to serve my country and give back to our brothers and Fore-Fathers who had given their all so we could be free. I made a decision that I would serve where I would be the most disciplined and come away being the best I could, with zero regrets. It became clear that to truly serve my country I had to become a United States Marine; 12 weeks later I proudly did.

Subs were at 201k yesterday, 203k today.. Keep up the good work🇺🇲🇺🇲

I was a recruiters wet dream. Never had to contact me, brought my best friend, no waivers. DEP for about a year, graduated, left for MEPS next morning, on a plane to PI next day.

That dude is an obvious 8412 ( Career Recruiter) . The standards to get in the Marines is higher than any other branch. No geds unless you have college.(some circumstances allow it) 31AFQT/80 GT on the ASVAB while the Army is like 28. I believe the Air Force is 34/35. Plus pass the IST before you go. 1.5 mile run at least 5 pull ups and 55 crunches.

Walked into the Recruiter's office on a Wednesday in October 1983. "I want to go guaranteed Infantry". Standing on the yellow footprints zero-dark-thirty the following Tuesday. 4 years in the Suck is a PhD in "how to succeed in life". If you want to fix jets, join the Air Force. You can do whatever you want after you're out, but if you're going to join the Marines, get the full experience and go 03. Boot Camp will be the easiest part. You don't want to spend the rest of your life saying you were Motor T or Supply. You only go around once in this life, go large. Semper Fi

The educational benefits in service are definitely not the same unless it has changed in the past couple years

In July of 1959 I walked into the recruiting office in downtown Dallas. An old grizzily Acting M Sgt. asked what I wanted..Told him I wanted to join up. He looked me up and down and said,"I don't believe you have what it takes, boy"! He then told me to sit down, asked if I had graduated high school, and had I ever been in trouble with the law. I answered "yes" and "yes". He called the DPD and said my offences weren't serious enough to prevent me from enlisting. Gave me a written test, took me for a physical and I was on a plane to San Diego at 6:30 that evening. By the next morning, I figured it was the worse decision I had ever made. I don't know how I did it, but I survived Sgt. Roberts. I believe now it was the best decision I ever made other than marrying my wife.

Military: why work smarter when you can work harder?

They did change the enlistment requirements some time back regarding the GED. You can still enlist with a GED, however, you'll have to meet some additional requirements that those with high school diploma's don't have to meet. It's basically to ensure that you're educated to the same level as a person with a diploma.

The snipers for us took the most fit and squared away infantry Marines from the rifle platoons to go to the indoc. Eye site was never brought up.

I took my ASVAB before I graduated High School then went to MEPS in Kansas City Kansas then off to Air Force Basic Training at Lackland AFB Texas.

If you're interested in going into the Marines, find a vet, and ask them to let you tag along next time they go to the VA hospital. I'm not saying this to discourage anyone from joining. I just think it's important that everyone know what it's like after you get out.

Great video !!! Enjoy them all!!!

As of April 2020, the U.S. Marine Corps accepts only up to 5% of its recruits without holding a high school diploma. Enlistees will be placed in a 3-tier system. Having scored high on the GED test is great but not a requirement to get enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. You must take the ASVAB test and generally, applicants that have scored high on the GED test will also do well on the ASVAB battery. If you want to qualify for service in the U.S. Marine Corps, passing the well-respected and heavily researched Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) aptitude test is required with a score that’s at least 50.

If you are not sure if you really have asthma don't say it. Some medical providers give an albuterol inhaler for the common cold or upper respiratory infection. Let medical side while you're in decide that. HM1(FMF) Retired

Both sides seemed pretty straight forward. Semper Fi Brother.

my brother went in Marines 77-81, he went on to very good career in telecomm., spent 2 yrs. at Hawaii, made sgt. before he got out, he was glad to leave but proud to serve

The Marines are the best :)