Normally around this time of year we begin seeing next year's graduating class so here’s a few concepts to remember in this Forum.
1. Better to make an informed decision than a four year mistake so therefore the only dumb question is the one never asked. Follow Ipscone's directions and write clearly, to the point and use proper English. No one expects perfect grammar or spelling but write as best you can if you wish to be taken seriously here.
2. Take the time to use the "search" function before you post any question because there's an extremely high probability it's literally already been asked and answered twenty to fifty times. Quite frankly this Forum started several years ago as a direct result of everyone growing tired of answering the same old questions over and over and over in our MOS Forums so be respectful and look things up before you ask.
3. You're here to learn, not give advice so be respectful to other Wannabes and leave the answering to others with a broader base of knowledge. This doesn't mean anyone here believes you less intelligent than anyone else, quite to the contrary we applaud your efforts in attempting to learn. You simply lack the experience and necessary background information thus you will most probably do more harm than good so keep an open mind and you’ll be surprised at what you’ll learn. After all, we’re only here to share what we know and we too leave the rest to serving Recruiters and fellow Marines.
4. You're a Guest in our House so act accordingly. We volunteer our time with you because we genuinely care about your future so be respectful and never take a Marine to task over anything written here. We’ll take care of it if someone goes too far. You're looking at enlisting in the United States Marine Corps which is a combat organization in the middle of two shooting wars where people are dying. This is not for the faint of heart, overzealous wannabe heroes or folks out looking for thrills. If you can't take constructive or corrective criticism here then you won't be able to take it out there and someone may not make it home because you weren't up for it.
5. If a Marine calls you on something, step up and own your actions. Don't try and lie or slick your way out of it because it only makes it worse. Honor, Courage, Commitment are not just three mere words, they're a Warrior's way of life which is often difficult to live up to but very satisfying when we at least make the attempt.
6. Boot camp is but one small part of your enlistment so keep in mind that whatever military occupational specialty (MOS) you choose you'll be living it for three and a half years or more. Take your time and choose something that will make you want to get up in the morning – AND GET IT IN WRITING BEFORE YOU SIGN ANYTHING!!!!! Don't worry about how it’ll affect you in civilian life because chances are you may never use those skills once you get out. This is your time to be young and dynamic with no regard to raising children, paying mortgages and all the things that come with being a good parent and spouse. So roll with what turns you on and HAVE FUN WITH IT!
7. Last but by no means least: you're ALL basically teenagers with a lot of time left before you ship to boot camp so ENJOY your remaining teen years and let your time in the Marine Corps take care of itself when the time comes. Go out and play ball, see a movie, hang out with your friends - MAKE LIFE LONG MEMORIES! Get out from in front of your computer and GO HAVE FUN while you're still young enough to enjoy it. You only have one shot at being young so make the most of it while you still can.
If you follow these few simple concepts you'll help make all our lives much simpler as we spend this year together. God bless and be with you all. Best of luck in whatever life direction you take.
Deano, good to see you one line again we have missed you. With your permission Sir I would like to make this a permanent Post at the top of the Wannabee Section as required reading
Deano, good to see you one line again we have missed you. With your permission Sir I would like to make this a permanent Post at the top of the Wannabee Section as required reading
