Well, it's official. Today, when I'm off at my comm. college, taking classes that I don't care about, my parents will be reading the note that I left for them, explaining to them that I want to join the USMC, even though this isn't what they had planned for me.
I listed my reasons why I wanted to join, that I knew that they would be scared for me, hell, I'm gonna be scared for myself. But I know that I'm going to come out of it as a better man, one that is infinitely more responsible and dedicated to his work. However, I also told them to save their breath when it came to yelling and arguing with me, because this is what I want to do, and my mind is made up. I don't need their approval, only their support.
You see, for me, it is very difficult to talk to my parents about anything out loud. Not because I'm uncomfortable with them, I'm just not very outspoken. Even in school when it came to grades I wouldn't be able to talk to them, because I'd get so anxious/nervous that I'd just drop it.
I figure this is the best way to tell them, similar to how I would tell them my grades. I would leave the grade reports out by their coffee cups before I left for school.
However, I also told them to save their breath when it came to yelling and arguing with me, because this is what I want to do, and my mind is made up. I don't need their approval, only their support.
Can't say I approve of the way you told them. Kind of comes of as smart-mouthy, without facing them, to say it.
"The Marine Corps builds men, body, mind and spirit."
You're one of the perfect types of people enlisting because you're searching for that certain something extra within yourself. As you're finding it, remember that Oz never gave anything to the Tin Man that he didn't already have .... heart.
I highly recommend you pick an MOS which totally challenges you to maximize your personal growth experience. Like the others I see you doing very well with and for your fellow Marines. You're a natural and this is what we're seeing.
Things will change with your parents as I've never seen a disappointed one at Boot Camp Graduation Day. They always come around, just have faith.
Good luck future Devil and check back in when you earn your Eagle, Globe and Anchor. Keep your eye on the prize of earning your Title in boot camp and then do something positive with it afterwards.
As for my MOS, I wanna get my shoes dirty, so I'm going infantry. I have heard from all of my friends that have gone infantry, whether it was USMC or Army, that it was definitely an experience, and they had some unforgettable times doing that.
My original plan was to try 0321, but I'd rather get to know life as infantry before I go and do that.
take this advice do ALL the studying you can do before you make this decision!!!! find out what the real marine corps is like and see if its something you would like... cuz i promise you its not all fun and games
I was thinking the same MOS choice for you. Grunts is no picnic and it will most probably be the best and worst job you'll love and hate at the same time. But I guarantee you'll know a personal satisfaction few will ever reach as it taxes every fiber of your mental and physical being just to do your job. When it's over and you go home, no words will ever explain the smile on your face knowing you personally made the six o'clock news while everyone else merely watched. Welcome to the Grunts Future Brah.
Thanks for the tip airwing. However, I have done quite a bit of research, and know that it's not all fun and games, and there is quite a bit of getting sh4t on by the higher ups, but that's fine with me. I can deal with that for a couple years if it means being one of the best.
Although some units and MOS are worse than others. You still get the same Marine Corps fun and games from time to time. The Airwing is definitely more laid back and most of the officers I met from the Airwing from all branches were cool and did not have over inflated egos like those seen in the infantry. I guess they have more tangible evidence of their successes than an infantry officer. Of course, there are always exceptions to the fact - you know - the 10%. Mustangs tend to make the best infantry officers. Then again, they have tangible evidence of their successes in the Marine Corps.
I do agree that the infantry is the best place to gain more self confidence and to learn more about yourself. And I would never tell anyone not to go into the 03 MOS. Of course you trade this in for being in harms way more often.
Originally posted by teethoftar: Thanks for the tip airwing. However, I have done quite a bit of research, and know that it's not all fun and games, and there is quite a bit of getting sh4t on by the higher ups, but that's fine with me. I can deal with that for a couple years if it means being one of the best.
say that now but when the sh4t becomes real, your feelings will change very fast. but do what u gotta do some ppl like it and others dont
I have a question for you gents who have already gone through this process:
My recruiter says that since I haven't taken the ASVAB, I'll start out with an open contract, and once I take the ASVAB I'll be able to choose which field I want to go into, and we'll put that down on my contract. Is that how it work? Or is he just trying to sucker me into something I don't want to do?
Well, if anything, I can promise you that by the time you graduate boot camp, you'll be looking your parents in the eyes to tell them what is on your mind. None of that writting letters crap...
