I know this deviates from the rules of this forum so I’m asking your indulgence on this one. At least some of these Kids will end up in Iraq or some other bad situation and maybe something expressed here will help carry them and their fellow Marines thru when they’re confused and need something to believe in. We’ve all been there and I can’t be the only one who this very answer helped. After all, we’ve had our day and it’ll soon be their turn at bat so for the good of the Corps what say we give this a shot and see how it develops? After all, this is why we’re here.
Future Marines and interested people
When CWOSKI wrote “But only a Marine can be a Marine” he spoke volumes for anyone truly seeking to earn the Title because he defines who we are as individuals and what we’re about as a Corps. While in many ways we’re no different than anyone else, we’re still not just anyone. So what makes us different and unique within ourselves? What motivates us deep down inside to be who and what we are?
Rather than give you the answer, let’s make this interactive where you tell us what you think and believe a Marine is. If you’re not sure, post what you are thinking and let’s take it from there. There are no right or wrong answers here, merely your answers based on your own thoughts. Remember, you’ve got some real talent here from good Marines who have been there, done that so keep your answers real and no one will jump on you or degrade your posts as long as you speak from your heart. Anything else is like Gunny Irwin says at the end of his posts “I’m not easily impressed.”
You really want to be a Marine or see what we’re truly about? Step up within yourself and let’s see what you contribute here. If you can’t or won’t, you just answered your own question and the Corps is not for you. Why do you think BMG and the rest of the Marines here keep posting to try and help you? Semper Fi – Always Faithful are not just two words, it’s our way of life.
So, let’s get down to it. Why do you really want to become a Marine?
I really want to be a Marine because Marines take the challenge. Marines, to me, are people who look adversity or a challenge in the face and say "You will not stop me". A Marine is a proud, distinguished member of a great society. He or she fights for what they believe in and do everything with pride. I have never met a Marine who isn't proud of what they have done. I leave today for Parris Island and already I see the change the Marines have instilled in me. I am a more driven individual, I accept challenges and strive to better myself and the people around me. I am not a Marine yet but I will be soon because I will not give up. Marines are unstoppable.
On a side note thank you all for the help and advice you have given me through out the last few months. I'll be back in a few months and hopefully I can help a few people as much as you all have helped me.
In trying to give a short answer................I want to be a marine becuase: I want to be apart of something greater than me. I know I could easily go to college, make a lot of money, and live a relaxed life, but that does not satisfy me. The Corp gives purpose. I will not have to worry when I am old sitting in my rocking chair, If I made a difference in this world. Finally, I believe God has put me in a position to be a Marine for a reason, and it is my responsibility to honor Him through my service.
There is nothing out there that offers me the kinds of things I will be able to obtain in the USMC.
To me, becoming a Marine means achiving the highest level of what you can be, while simultaneously giving everything of yourself back to the country. When I was a little kid, 4 and 5 years old, I knew that I was going to join the military, I loved everything about it. My reasons then, while they have changed and matured somewhat, are still fundamentally the same. They aren't about bonuses or benefits, or parties and girls. While that kind of thing is definantly a great add-on, the real reason for me is to do everything that I can to help and support our great nation and to be a member of the greatest society in the world. The Marine Corps gives you a chance to belong to somthing bigger and greater than you could ever be on your own.
When I was looking at what branches to join, I always ended up speaking with or seeing a Marine Recruiter. I don't know how or why, it just happed. It didn't take long for me to realize that they are offering exactly what I wanted from the Military, and that they were the only branch I would be happy with. This is not degrading the other services, but the Marine Corps is without a doubt the best, at everything. The training is harder, the DIs are meaner, the runs are longer, the uniforms look better, and Marines mentally stronger than anyone else in the world. They are the best, and if you have a chance to be one of the best, why on earth would you settle for anything less?
This message has been edited. Last edited by: fs19,
Hey Deano and all the other Marines in ths forum. I have spoken with the Army recruiter and have meet with the Marines recruiter as well, Deano we have spoken in the past and I wanted to ask you or anyone of the Marines for that matter what is the dfference in bootcamp as far as training? Both of the recruiters explained to me about bootcamp, but from what I gather the Marines spend more time developing and teaching combat skills. What I want is to be apart of the worlds elite counter terroris units.
On a complete side note does anyone know anything about when and if the U.S. is going to go to Darfur?
In 1917, my great-grandfather came to this country to escape the revolution in Mexico. He was a able to make a better life for himself and his family. Out of appreciation for the opportunities this country has given us, the males in my family have served during both peacetime and wartime (WWII-Present). Honor, courage, and commitment are truly valued in my family. To me, becoming a Marine is a rite of passage in my family as well as earning the right to call myself a true citizen of this country.
Jactor, Hulinmr is correct. This thread is about why a person wants to become a Marine, not boot camp. Think Son, what do you think you should do? Just don't reply here.
Thanks Hulin, good looking out and great teamwork. Semper Fi Marine.
When I decided to join the military noone in my family could understand why I wanted to join the Marines. So for a while I started to look at the other branches, but I kept coming back to the Marines. I didn't know why, noone else in my family had ever been a Marine.
Both of my brothers told me that they couldn't see me in the Marines, and I think that is one of the main reasons that I chose the Marines. I wanted to show my family that I could do something worthwhile, I could do something better and bigger with my life.
I have always taken the easy way out in life, I had average grades, I quit playing football. I want to show them and myself that I can be one of the best. Everytime I see anything about the Marines, I just can't help but get motivated and feel like I just wanna kill something. Without even knowing it, when I would accomplish something, I would scream "Oohrah"
So I am joining to prove something to myself, my family, and my country. That I can be one of The Few the Proud, The Marines.
Why the Marines? lots of reasons. It is my duty to serve my country, The Marine Corps is the only branch of the service that you join and never leave the change is forever, The Few the Proud, that pride never seems to leave, I have known many vets but the Marines always stand out, Marines have always answerd the call no matter how large the task was or is, the are ever ready, and willing to do their nations bidding, The tip of the spear, and that is what i want to be a part of,
Originally posted by hulinmr: Don't try to hijack this thread, jactor.
not hijacking asking a question. would you prefer me starting my own post?
As long as your skin has grown thicker and you don't resort to calling Marines names again, feel free to start another thread with a legitimate question.
I chose the Marines because I figured if I'm going to be put in a combat situation, I want to be with the best, and be with guys that actually want to be there. When someone enlists in the Marine Corps, they don't do it for the money or the benefits, they do it to become a Marine. After enlisting I have never felt so much pride to be part of something bigger than myself and I am not even a Marine yet. Every time I hear the word "Marine", or see a commercial on T.V, I get chills. People know what theyre getting themselves into when they join because the Marine Corps doesnt throw money at it's recruits, so if/when I get deployed in a bad place, I'll know I'm in good hands with Marines that are there for the right reasons, and not just to pay for their college. The Marine Corps has a huge reputation around the world for being the best and I can't wait to be part of that. My recruiter told me that for every thousand people, only one of those thousand are Marines past and present, and I want to be one of those few. I leave June 16th for Parris Island and my MOS is 0300 Infantry, and I am counting the days until I become a Marine.
There is not enough words to describe what it means to me to become a Marine. It's something that's inside that no one can understand who isn't a Marine, past or present. And it's something that no one can take away from me.
At first it was all about familiarity. I was born at Camp Lejeune and, although I have friends and family in other branches, I have been predominantly surrounded by Marines all my life.
Then I got a little older and was engrossed by the physical aspects. I thought being a Marine was just boot camp all day, everyday, and I loved it. Being tired and dirty. Running and climbing and sweating. It seemed like such an adventure and I couldn’t wait to get older so I could try.
Now it’s so much more. Yes, I’m still around Marines all the time. Yes, I still want to train until I puke (literally). But it’s different now. I can’t even begin to explain what I feel just thinking about earning the right to be called a Marine. Keyword: earn. I hear so many people talking about how they want a high-paying job requiring little to no effort or schooling. They want an easy way out. That’s not enough for me. I want a true challenge. I want to know I accomplished something. To be a part of something so much bigger than myself. A new life.
“And when the self is exhausted, one must look to another for strength.”
Being a Marine requires strength, courage, determination, discipline, and teamwork. It pushes you both mentally and physically well beyond what you thought you were capable of.
Marines are warriors. The elite. They move quickly, act decisively, and rely on instinct.
Marines are also family. To be a Marine is to be a part of a longstanding brotherhood.
Marines have an undeniable sense of pride about them.
I am 24 years old, married, one child. I have had many jobs, I have done absolutely nothing in my life to say that I have 'accomplished' something. If I die right now I will leave this world as an average human being, my son will not have a legacy to look forward to just as I didn't have a legacy to follow growing up.
As of this moment in time, I have no purpose in life other than taking care of my family.
I want to become a Marine for one reason and one reason only: Purpose.
Thank you for this thread, I think it is really important to ask yourself this question.
Okay people, we have 10 responses out of 245 views. Lets say half are repeat viewers and people who are already Marines. That leaves us with about 120 views with only ten responses.
What does this tell us?
How about anyone else, care to express why you really want to be a Marine?
I want to become a Marine for one reason and one reason only: Purpose.
That's why I want to join the Marines as well. I told my father, and he's furious and keeps talking to me about how I'm ruining my life to become a psychopath civilian killer in some foreign country (whatever...)
What I want him to understand is.. I don't see the purpose of becoming just another white-collar office guy. I respect people of all trades, but I live only once, I might just as well do it by serving other people's liberties.
Of course I disagree with some US politics. Hell, I talked to Marines who hate their current commander-in-chief (Bush) with a passion. But I don't want to train & serve with the Marines to play politics. I want to become an individual who can help other, weaker people and allow them to retain their dignity.
If it means I die after my squad helped a Sunni family in Iraq escape their house before hostile gunmen tried to execute them out of blind hate; I don't care. At least my life will have had some meaning. Even if I died, 5 innocent people got to live who would've otherwise ended up in a pool of blood in their own house.
