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Post by melody on Jan 2, 2008 20:11:03 GMT -5
ask our Marines any questions you may have. They'd be more than happy to answer!
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Post by Future_Marine_Ashley on Jan 4, 2008 0:46:24 GMT -5
I want to join the Marine Corps. It has been a passion of mine since I was a Freshman. (now a Junior) My dad is SGTMAJ and he lets me put on a lot of him stuff. When I put it on I g so excited and I can't wait to become on of the few, the proud, a Marine. But I'm confused at WHY exactly I want to join. I love the Corps and it's in my blood, but I'm confused. I want to make sure this is the right decision for me. This will be the biggest one and I want it to be the best. What can I do or ask myself to really make my decision?
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Post by melody on Jan 4, 2008 0:56:42 GMT -5
hey ashley, i'm not a marine, nor am i in the military, but i come from a family of military...my daddy was a marine. You are right, this is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make...i wish i could tell you one way or another about your decision but i can't. what i can tell you though is that if it's been a passion of yours for a long time, you should go for it. sometimes there is no rhyme or reason for the things we do in life, we just do what makes us happy. follow your heart, ask the SGTMAJ questions, you're his little girl, and while i'm sure he's more than thrilled by the idea of you following in his footsteps, he only wants what's best for you, and you are the only one that knows what that is. you still have some time before you make your decision, so look at the good and the bad and go from there. just make sure, if you decide to join, that you are joining for the right reasons....not because you feel like you have to join. i wish you the best! keep us posted!!
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Post by Future_Marine_Ashley on Jan 4, 2008 1:16:35 GMT -5
Hello Melody. Thank you so much for your advice, it really helps. I know that in the end I will be the only one who can make up my mind. I can't have somebody else do it for me. It's just such a hard decision. I have very good reasons t join, but then some bad ones. I get scared, afraid, and nervous. I'm scared at what to expect, I'm afraid at failure, and I'm nervous for the outcomes. I have a lot of support, but then I have a lot of people against it. So many of my friends and family tell me that I won't make it, I won't last a week. One of my friends actually told me that I was just ment to be a Marines wife. In one way I want to prove them all but that's not the only reason. I want to help serve my Country and keep it safe. Keep my friends, family, and strangers safe. There is a story that goes behind that. I think that my personality also shows that this might be for me. I am like the "mom" with my friends. I protect them, don't want anything to happen to them, and care so dearly for them. I'm not sure....It just feels right, like this is where I belong. It's an amazing feeling. I just need to think about it more I guess.
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Post by samSForce on Jan 4, 2008 6:44:27 GMT -5
Hey Ashley, I'll be honest and come right out and say it..... Joining the Army, hands-down, was the single, most-hardest decision I have EVER made. EVER. For some it is easy to sign the papers.....for some, theyv'e spent their entire lives dreaming of following in the Father/brother/etc's footsteps.....to be a Marine seems like a generational endeavor, in many ways....because you see so many fathers/ wives that pass on those same standards and traditions to their sons/daughters. It becomes engrained at an early age and, when the time comes to sign the papers.....it's just....well....easy. For others though, like me, and yourself, the decision is difficult. Although it was over 6 years ago when I first enlisted.....I was the high school kid that all recruiters dread. While it's a pain in the butt dealing with the uncertainty, a recruiter, when he takes the position, HAS to be ready for kids that are unsure, or change their mind....and, as much as they want that 'enlistment', you shouldn't outright force anyone to do anything. The difficulty of the decision resulted in massive uncertainty and even severe anxiety. I just didn't know if I wanted to sign 'my life away' for so many years. No matter how much I loved my country, I KNEW that I would be expected to sacrifice greatly for my country, and, perhaps, even die. It becomes hard nowadays, in our American Individualistic society, because I see so many kids around me, who's, last thought would be to join the military. In fact, they want nothing to do with the military......because that would be a clear road block to their future plans and goals. On one hand, our Armed Forces were founded as being all-volunteer for a reason, on the other hand, it's very discouraging to see what sometimes seems like VERY few people would sacrifice anything for their countries and freedoms. I can't say exactly when the threshold came for me.....when, I decided that I HAVE to make a decision....but, it was almost like a divine revelation one day. I knew that it was hard to sign my life away for so many years, but, then, I also knew that this was my chance to do something while I was young. And, if I could suck it up....the basic training, etc.....I may actually turn out to like it. I'm not a recruiter, in fact, I have a VERY hard time forcing anyone to do anything....simply because of the experiences I, myself, went through in the decision process. There does come a time, in the natural order of things, once all the pros and cons have been laid out, and the discussions have all been had, that a 'moment of truth' has to occur. You either do it, or you don't. But, please, do it because your heart is into it 100%.....anything less, would be to sell the Marine Corps. Honored Tradition short...... ....and one other thing, even without you joining, I think it speaks very highly of you that you are even considering it. It actually makes me sigh a breathe of relief that their may actually be some hope for America, afterall, especially when I see kids who are so self-centered, that they won't even help their mom's or dad's with the laundry, or unloading the dish washer, let alone, join the Armed Forces of the greatest Country in the world, uphold the Constitution and defend it from all enemies foreign and domestic. It's actually quite a monumental task....lol.....and, NOT for the faint at heart. I wish you the best, Ashley! And, whether you Join or not, you always have a place here. Howie
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Post by melody on Jan 4, 2008 8:21:35 GMT -5
Hello Melody. Thank you so much for your advice, it really helps. I know that in the end I will be the only one who can make up my mind. I can't have somebody else do it for me. It's just such a hard decision. I have very good reasons t join, but then some bad ones. I get scared, afraid, and nervous. I'm scared at what to expect, I'm afraid at failure, and I'm nervous for the outcomes. I have a lot of support, but then I have a lot of people against it. So many of my friends and family tell me that I won't make it, I won't last a week. One of my friends actually told me that I was just ment to be a Marines wife. In one way I want to prove them all but that's not the only reason. I want to help serve my Country and keep it safe. Keep my friends, family, and strangers safe. There is a story that goes behind that. I think that my personality also shows that this might be for me. I am like the "mom" with my friends. I protect them, don't want anything to happen to them, and care so dearly for them. I'm not sure....It just feels right, like this is where I belong. It's an amazing feeling. I just need to think about it more I guess. ashley, i know this is cliche, but the only thing you have to fear is fear itself. don't be afraid. fear only holds you back, and will make you regret. don't worry about what other people think. that's not what matters. what matters is that you do what makes YOU happy.
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Post by prvtmiller on Jan 4, 2008 11:09:28 GMT -5
I joined the army wishing I could go marine.. not going marine because i didn't have college credits? i want to know if this is true, or just an excuse for the recruiter to tell my parents or something.. I don't see why it would matter though because I'm 19. This stuff is annoying, but I leave to Fort Benning on the 15th so overall it really doesn't matter. I just want some clarification...
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Post by Future_Marine_Ashley on Jan 5, 2008 22:01:55 GMT -5
You are very right Melody. I know I shouldn't be afraid but I guess that is a natural emotion at this time. I know that if I do not join that I will regret it for the rest of my life, and I don't want that. But my all most fear is, what if I fail at boot camp? What if I'm just not good enough? If I do fail, which I will try more than my hardest not to, I will regret that also. I will have to go through the rest of my life knowing that I wasn't good enough for the Marines. That question always plays in my mind. I want to do it right. I want to be proud of myself for doing something that most can't and that are not willing to do. I want to make family proud, my dad proud of me. I want to show people I'm MORE then what I am now. I DO have what it takes to be a United States Marine and I can do hard core things. I do not want to regret ANYTHING. Hopefully I won't. I know that I shouldn't care what other people think but it is hard at times when you are always around it. But this does make me happy....very much so. My daddy let me put on his Dress Blues the other day, and let me just tell ya, I got teared up. I cannot wait for that day! It brings such a HUGE smile on my face when I think of it. I think that maybe yes....this can make me very happy. In the beginning maybe not.....but at the end....happiness =]
Sorry if this seems very out of order or not even related to your reply. I just had to get this out.
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Post by melody on Jan 5, 2008 22:05:59 GMT -5
You are very right Melody. I know I shouldn't be afraid but I guess that is a natural emotion at this time. I know that if I do not join that I will regret it for the rest of my life, and I don't want that. But my all most fear is, what if I fail at boot camp? What if I'm just not good enough? If I do fail, which I will try more than my hardest not to, I will regret that also. I will have to go through the rest of my life knowing that I wasn't good enough for the Marines. That question always plays in my mind. I want to do it right. I want to be proud of myself for doing something that most can't and that are not willing to do. I want to make family proud, my dad proud of me. I want to show people I'm MORE then what I am now. I DO have what it takes to be a United States Marine and I can do hard core things. I do not want to regret ANYTHING. Hopefully I won't. I know that I shouldn't care what other people think but it is hard at times when you are always around it. But this does make me happy....very much so. My daddy let me put on his Dress Blues the other day, and let me just tell ya, I got teared up. I cannot wait for that day! It brings such a HUGE smile on my face when I think of it. I think that maybe yes....this can make me very happy. In the beginning maybe not.....but at the end....happiness =] Sorry if this seems very out of order or not even related to your reply. I just had to get this out. ashley, honey, you'll only fail if you allow yourself to. you are good enough, and if they don't think you are, they will MAKE you good enough...they don't call them "the few, the proud" for no reason...you aren't born a Marine, they MAKE you into a Marine.
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Post by Future_Marine_Ashley on Jan 5, 2008 22:21:23 GMT -5
You are so right Melody. I will will NEVER allow myself to fail. I will try harder than my hardest!. A lot of people have told me that your DI's won't allow you to fail. Like you said, they will make you good enough. Thank you so much for all of your help. You have really made an impact in my life and my decision. Thank you again!
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Post by melody on Jan 5, 2008 23:48:30 GMT -5
any time darlin'. i'm glad i could help.
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Post by Erwin Rommel on Jan 6, 2008 0:43:22 GMT -5
Ashley, one thing you learn is... Melody is pretty much amazing I credit her with getting me interesting in the Marine Corps. I talked to a recruiter on Friday for roughly 3 hours. After the conversation I can say there is nothing I would rather do in the world than be in the Corp. Granted, since I'm going to college, I'll have to focus on schooling as well... NROTC w/ Marine Option is what I'm planning on, not enlisting. If you are going to enlist right away, best thing I could say is you have to want to do it. No playing around. This is the big time, and you're playing with the big boys. The number one thing the gentleman really stressed was it is not physical that is the struggle with up-and-coming Marines... it is the psychological aspect of it all. If you are prepared mentally, the physical party will come with time. They train you, they look after you. Your recruiter is basically a big brother.I noticed you said you weren't sure why you wanted to join... Well, and I cannot believe I'm saying this because I won't even tell my parents, but I feel like I should. Ashley, my entire life I've pretty much been given everything I've asked for on a silver platter. I've lived a very privileged life. I want to join because I feel like it's my duty to give back to my country for giving me so much. This is my duty, my obligation, as being a citizen of the United States, to protect my country, so that other kids can live a great life, and that, one day, hopefully my kids can live just as well if not greater than I lived. I also want to join because my Freshman and Sophomore year of high school I hated this country more than I hated Hitler or Satan. This is my way of.... how should I say it.... apologizing I guess, for what I said and felt. It's like when Catholics go to Confession and depending on what you did you say Hail Marry's or something like that. Well, this is my confession. This is my saying I'm sorry, my repentance for what I thought about this country and her soldiers. Because of this, unlike Howie, wanting to be a part of the Marines (earlier it was the Army) was the easiest decision of my life. I know it will be hard, I know this will be the hardest thing I have ever done and will ever do, but I am willing to do it... And if you want this, if you want this more than anything you've ever wanted something, go for it. Do it. Hope I could help. Semper Fi
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Post by melody on Jan 6, 2008 19:49:37 GMT -5
thank you luke...that's very sweet
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Post by Future_Marine_Ashley on Jan 6, 2008 23:29:19 GMT -5
Thank you Luke for the great advice and for confessing to me and everyone else why you want to join. Yes I did say I'm not sure why I want to join, but I think I do. It is kind of hard to explain. I feel like my reason should be more. I want to join because of this....My niece was born September 1, 2001; 10 days before September 11. I thought to myself....wow! Is this what my niece is coming into? This is the kind of world we want her to live in? I have 6 nieces and nephews, I don't want an event like that to EVER happen again! I want to keep them safe. Keep my friends, family, and strangers safe. To my friends I'm the "mother" of the group. I make sure they are safe and I will do anything to keep them that way. I love this Country so very much. It feels right going into the Marines. It's in my blood......my personality shows this is something for me also. I've wanted this for a while now and I'm ready to make it a reality! I talked with my recruiter also and we talked for an hour and a half. It was the first time we talked and I guarantee you, if I wasn't at school and had to go back to class, we would of talked for hours more. This decision feel easy.....but it's hard. It's easy because I feel like this IS what I want to do. But it's hard because I want to make sure this is the right thing to do. It's very hard to explain but I want this.....I want this more then anything! The question is.....can I make it? Can I do it? I don't want to fail. I know that shouldn't even be on my mind....but it is. It's a difficult decision to make. I want to make it a right one.
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Post by melody on Jan 7, 2008 0:47:37 GMT -5
Ashley, if you want it, go for it. Of course you can make it...if you want it bad enough....
you are only as strong as you allow yourself to be...physically and emotionally...[LT:peter frampton - do you feel like we do]
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