Logistics Recruiters
Thinking about Joining the Marines?
I am a Junior in High school at this time and i am thinking about joining the USMC. 12 weeks of training just to become a recruit seems tough and then the crucible. Meanwhile MOS training etc after. I have no experience with ROTC etc or anything at all. Logistics seems ok (everyone is trained with an M16 either way you look at it) besides the specialties. My whole family is discouraging me not to do it but i keep asking them to send a recruiter so i can talk to one. I want to join so i can afford a better college, learn some discipline, and serve my country because i do nothing with my life at all honestly. I plan to go to college for programming and graphic design. All i want to know is do you have to be physically fit beforehand (i’m fit, but not super muscular or anything) and will recruiters outright lie to you. I also need to know how long deployment times are i couldn’t find it anywhere. Thank you, if you have info above that add that too thanks
First off, the physical fitness… You are expected to be reasonably fit to basic standards upon entry. Training is simple. There is no magic formula. Run. Do pull-ups. Do crunches. Do as much and many of each as you can. Do this daily.
The Corps will teach you and train you for everything you need to know.
Just because everyone is trained with the M16A4, does not make everyone an infantryman.
If you want infantry, sign a contract for infantry.
If you want to work with computers, sign up for a computer related MOS. There are several, as the battlefield gets more technologically advanced everyday. Choosing this course will also give you valuable experience that will pad your resume and give you a leg up in the future as a civilian.
Bottom line: pick an MOS that interests you. If you pick a crap MOS, YOU are the one that has to hate your life for the next four years… Not your recruiter.
I applaud you for your desire to serve. The Marines are unique from any other branch in that the pride of earning the title Marine is something you will carry with you your entire life. It has helped me immensely in everything from job interviews, to being hired as a police officer.
I honestly had a great experience with my recruiters. They were completely honest with me from the beginning. I have found that most Marines feel this way, but I have heard a few horror stories. Take it at face value for what it’s worth.
Deployments for the Marine Corps are typically 6 to 7 months, but needs of the Marine Corps prevail. The textbook answer is: for as long as you’re needed.
Also, as a single Marine in your first term of enlistment, it is possible to be assigned to what is commonly known as a “hardship tour”. This just means that you are stationed overseas (usually Okinawa, Japan which is a paradise) for one year. I personally loved every minute in Okinawa, and got some great training there, including the Jungle Warfare Training Center and HRST Master School (Helicopter Rope Suspension Training).
Like any job, there were things I loved about the Marine Corps, and things I hated about the Corps. I don’t regret it for one second though, and I wouldn’t take it back for anything in the world.
Best of luck to you in your decision.
A Conversation with Recruiters from Northrop Grumman
