Vanity post: Thinking of enlisting

[The Bored One]

Sorry for the vanity post, but I thought that this would be a great place to get some personal experiences since I know a lot of you are veterans.

I am seriously considering joining the Marines. I was wondering if anyone could be kind enough to share some experiences from that branch? The only problem I have though is that I was convicted of 2 misdemeanors. A friend of mine tells me that if you were ever charged with a felony, you are automatically disqualified. I was charged with felonies, but they got dropped.

[The Bored One]

thnx for any replies.

[Alas Babylon!]

Well, it all begins with a trip down to the Recruiter. Tell them the truth, and they'll tell you if it matters.

[Texas_Jarhead]

Be prepared to think seriously about what type of job you might want, many people pay little minnd to this and just sign up accepting whatever positions are available are the time.

[A Navy Vet]

Good advice.

[The Bored One]

Well I speak Arabic fluently, can speak Russian (though with a small American accent), and understand a little Chinese. So I would assume they'd want me as a language expert?? Though I've always dreamed of being in a MEU team.

[cmsgop]

I was charged with felonies, but they got dropped.

SWEET!..LOL!

[The Bored One]

Most of the people I've talked to have told me that recruiters will generally just tell you what you want to hear. So I thought I'd get some personal experiences here too?

[The Bored One]

lol ;-)

[SICSEMPERTYRANNUS]

As long as the charges were reduced to misdemeanors you should be OK. Tell them everything at the recruiting station, because they will find out. They have enormous flexibility to grant waivers depending on the offense and severity. Good luck.
A Marine Captain(Mustang)

[CanadianFella]

I'm also thinking about enlisting. Could someone say in what kind of physical shape they expect you to be to get in?

[SamAdams76]

Can't answer your question on the misdemeanors and felony charges but it does sound like the Marines will be good for you. I served in the Marine Corps from 1981-85 right out of high school and it did me a lot of good. It gave me the discipline and the drive to be successful. In the 16 years since I got out, I have never been unemployed a single day and have never been turned down on a job interview. I have only missed one day of work in those 16 years. I don't believe in calling in sick or being late because this is shameful behavior in the Corps. I attest all my success to the Marines and I believe the experience has given me a competitive edge over those who I compete with for jobs, promotions, etc.

The boot camp will be very intense so start getting in shape now! The end result is worth it and I wish you luck.

Also, speak to the recruiter about what MOS you want (military occupation specialty) and put in for it. If you let them choose the MOS for you, it will likely be one of the less desireable jobs.

[The Bored One]

I'm not sure if they were reduce so much as dropped? It was the police officer at the station who dropped them ... I believe that the charges never made it to the prosecutor's office.

[SamAdams76]

The better shape you are in, the better it will go for you. For six months before bootcamp, I ran 3-5 miles almost every day and did 100 pushups and situps every morning. As a result, I never dropped out of a run and actually found that part of it easy. Many recruits in my platoon washed out for not "hacking" the PT. Either they were sent to PCP (physical conditioning platoon) or were processed out altogether. You will have enough things to worry about in boot camp besides the physical training, so get yourself in good shape!

[AngrySpud]

I was a Navy Corpsman who served 3 tours with Marines. I love Marines ... serving with them were the most challenging, motivating, enjoyable, inspiring, and TOUGHEST years of my life.

[Bobber58]

I would think that intelligence and adaptability
are crucial to todays military environment...
grunts especially need intelligence and common sense.
as far as physical abilities,
I would think that if you are accepted,
they figure you will be able to succeed at whatever role you choose to fulfill,
or they will direct you in a more suitable direction.

[RLK]

You sound like a shoo-in rfor one of the language schools. The Army runs, or used to run, one of the finest in the world at the Montery Praesidio. I assume the Marine Corps has access to it, or has one similar.

[SICSEMPERTYRANNUS]

Bored One,
Tell the recruiter what you told me in your last post. What he will do is go down to the local courthouse to see if there are any records of the offense on the books. It will slow the process a little but he must do it(and I'm sure he will) and it will show if you are in the clear. Tell him exactly what happened, when and where. Once he confirms whether you are good to go or not he will be able to proceed with your processing. Make sure you have your social security card, your birth certificate, marriage certificates(if applicable), childrens birth certificates(if applicable)and a good picture ID. I assume you are a high school grad. If not a GED may narrow your opportunity for entry. Have you ever taken the ASVAB? If not, they will sign you up to take it. Again, good luck.

[fnord]

• Ask a recruiter about the criminal background. What is allowable changes from time to time; they will know the current rules
• Get in shape! 18 hour days, on your feet and on the go constantly. The PT will wear you down if you are not fit, and make the rest of the day seem longer.
• If you join (OOORAH!), never, ever, ever talk back to the DI's. You won't like the result :-)
• I met a just-graduated Marine a few months ago; his MOS was in the language skills area. He got a huge bonus, but had to commit to a longer enlistment because of the 2 years training.
• Check out all your options. You may qualify for enlisting at E-2 or E-3; you may get to pick your duty station; you can probably pick your MOS. This will be your best chance to get what you want, so ask!

Good Luck! It will be the best experience of your life.
Semper Fi
USMC '75-'79

[firewalk]

bttt

[eastsider]

Your tests scores on the ASVAB will determine your job eligibility. Go to the bookstore and buy an ASVAB study guide, and make your goal getting the highest score possible. Good luck!