Wannabes,
Please. Just Stop. Here are a few things that will help us, help you.

1. There is a search function. Look up, see the magnifying glass, that's it. Most general questions have been asked and answered somewhere in these forums. Keep in mind, unless specifically "invited" into another forum, just read, generally, you will not have any experience when it comes to speaking about a specific MOS.

2. We are not qualified to comment on Medical Issues. If there are medical questions, speak with your recruiter. That way, a qualified physician at MEPS can make a determination.

3. The Marines on this forum answer questions on our own time. We are not paid, but I for one, get some satisfaction by helping a prospective Recruit. Fortunately, my Dad was still on Active Duty when I enlisted. He and other current and former Marines were a great help. Before the internet, there was a lot more face to face conversation.

4. When you decide to write a question, please think about it before you start stroking the keys. A well thought out question, reasonably written will aid you in being taken seriously.

5. There are others who are more eloquent than I, but these items started to get under my skin this morning. Waanabes need not reply, but other Marines, if you have anything to add, please do.

6. The word "marine" in this forum is a proper noun. It will be capitalized. For example: That Marine is wearing a sharp looking uniform. As compared to: Look at the marine life in the tidal pool.

7. Contract Options. Contract Options that may have been available for us, may not be available to you. If you are interested in Infantry only, speak with your recruiter. If you are interested in other technical fields, speak with your recruiter. What may be available now, may not be available in 6 months, speak with your recruiter. Again slowly. S-p-e-a-k w-i-t-h a r-e-c-r-u-i-t-e-r.

8. Questions and Answers. Wannabes, for the most part you have no experience with anything in the Marine Corps. It is not your place to answer questions from other wannabes. If I were a wannabe, I would want Marines answering my questions, not someone who thinks they know what is going on.

9. Criminal History. Disclose everything to your recruiter. It is far better for you to disclose something and it turns out to be no big deal, than you trying to hide it and the truth coming out later. If the truth comes out later, i.e. after you have enlisted and shipped, very bad things can and will happen to you.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SCMerle,

When I went in (pre-internet) I didn't research anything. Nobody to talk to. No other Marines cept the recruiter and I don't remember ever seeing him again. I had already had the physical for the draft.....so it was stupid, I know...
The first 2 weeks at PI were a real shock....Something I'll never forget...

F/ckin kids got it good now...

Great work SC, you nailed it. The Kids don't even research the universal answers we post in their own threads to avoid all this duplication of effort. BG layed it out too and they're still not capping "M" for Marine and using alot of modified text message format. Heres hoping this works Brother.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Deanosaur,

Well done

In addition, if this is your first time in this forum, don't come in with a hard a$$ attitude because you are communicating with Marines. We're not impressed. We sincerely want to help with valid questions. We all remember the apprehension of stepping into the unknown of boot. If a Marine on the board gets in your face, reread what you submitted and maybe rephrase it. Boot will be a constant in your face event for three months.

This is an excellent post.

It should also be noted that search does not mean page through a couple of pages. There is nothing wrong with paging through and reading prior post. This is and excellent way to find information and learn about the forum and the people who frequent it. The find function is the best way to do a search and should be used to do so.

Wannabes, if a Marine suggest or tells you to do a search on a subjects do it. If you then need more information or do not understand something about what has already been posted ask for clarification or for more information.

If such a suggestion is made and you ignore it or instead reply that you want to know about a specific part of that subject area instead of doing the search, and then coming back and asking more questions if you have not found all of the information you desire, you will find the Marines who come here will usually ignore such a question even though they are highly qualified to answer it.

We are Marines. We are not your parents; we are not your school teachers. Our answers are not debatable.

Iniative is an important trait for a Marine. If you want to become one Get Some Now!

Or you can just be a difiant SOB like me, and ask your questions the way you want. Or if you really wanna be like me, don't ask any questions and just go into the Corps naive to everything, and just wing it.

quote:

Originally posted by NeXican:
Or you can just be a difiant SOB like me, and ask your questions the way you want. Or if you really wanna be like me, don't ask any questions and just go into the Corps naive to everything, and just wing it.

+1...Its more intersting that way

So...Stand down goes 0800 Friday at the Chapel.

Be seated early....

When I called my Recruiter, the phone had a rotary dial on it.

Sign in required as well, Sir?

quote:

So...Stand down goes 0800 Friday at the Chapel.

Be seated early....

Not ONE wannabe has responded here; guess they don't understand what a "Safety Standdown" is...

...yet.

Whats a safety standby??

quote:

Originally posted by wannabe_Marinegirl08:
Whats a safety standby??

A "safety standby" is standing by for safety...

A safety stand down is when a unit shuts down most operations in order to conduct a safety stand down.

quote:

Originally posted by 29P:
A safety stand down is when a unit shuts down most operations in order to conduct a safety stand down.

lmao... i know what you mean, but ya cant use the word in its definition.

While I don't know if there's an actual definition.... a "safety stand down" is (like 29p said) when a unit shuts down to present and discuss relavent safety issues. Usually (although doesn't have to)it happens after a mishap, or if the unit is behind on its required safety training. Everything stops until everyone is up to speed on being safe.

Can one of the Mods put this on the top of the pile and keep it there? Hopefully the wannabees will take notice.

We'll leave it featured for a while.

Thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by BMGILLEY:
When I called my Recruiter, the phone had a rotary dial on it.

hey cool i still have and use of those.

quote:

Originally posted by 29P:

quote:

Originally posted by wannabe_Marinegirl08:
Whats a safety standby??

A "safety standby" is standing by for safety...

A safety stand down is when a unit shuts down most operations in order to conduct a safety stand down.

At K-Bay it meant showing up the base theater around 0800, making sure a SNCO saw you, watch the safety mishap film with that guy getting sucked into an A-6 intruder intake, then cut out after the first break "Aloha Friday"