Son is going in the Marines - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

LUVMBDiesels · #16 05-26-2010, 06:54 AM

While I would also join the USAF and had encouraged my son to do so (my FIL is a retired Air Force Captain) and we had talked about how the Air Force would probably base him in the USA or Germany and the chances of going to the sandbox were slim.

I have to offer my respect and gratitude to your son.

I know a retired Gunney and he is the most gung-ho person I know. He once stayed up for 48 hours working in the computer room I was managing just to prove he could still do it I had to give him a 'DIRECT ORDER' to go home!
When 9-11 happened, he RAN from the data center to the World Trade Center to help even as the buildings were still coming down
He is now in Guam working as a contractor for the USAF and he thinks the fly-boys have is EASY compared to the Leathernecks!

The Marines might be the toughest branch of the service to be in, but it is worth it for what you get out of it.

raymr · #17 05-26-2010, 07:44 AM

Thanks for all the good insight. I think he's leaning towards the Marines simply because the recruiter is conveniently nearby. I hope they don't talk him into a snap decision. The Warrant Officer track looks good, but it looks like you have to join as enlisted and work your way up. There may be a lot of distractions along the way, and he is not the most focused kind of person.

How do you correlate the ASVAB results with what the various branches have to offer?

dynalow · #18 05-26-2010, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Txjake

Congratulations to your son. His courage to serve his country during the time of war voluntarily is highly laudable. We owe him.

x10

I had the off chance to meet a young Marine a few weeks ago. Young kid (21-22 I'd say) Pretty well spoken. He enlisted about 4 years ago out of high school. He missed going Irag and Astan, but he had been in some other ME country. (UAE?) He is currently doing embassy duty in Denmark, or wherever they had the failed climat summit last Dec. He said he got to meet the president briefly and some other big wigs. He had some tatoos on his arms which seemed out of character with his bearing imo.

He wasn't sure if he was going to make a career out of the Corps. I asked him if he ever considered OCS. He said he was ineligible to become a Marine officer because of his tattoos! I found it hard to believe, but that's the rule.
I asked him if he'd go into the Army to get a shot at OCS.
He told me emphatically that when he takes his Marine uniform off, he'd never wear another!

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem."
attributed to Ronald Reagan.

I think you are on the right track with suggesting he consider all options.
I might suggest he seriously consider what is is soldiers and Marines do..i.e. Kill people. He might read "On Killing" or "On Combat" written by David Grossman. This may be helpful to him. I found "On Killing" to be an interesting read.

http://www.killology.com/books.htm

Good luck to your son.

retmil46 · #19 05-26-2010, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hey-Hof

Kind of long but here it goes.

As a retired Air Force Master Sergant, I am prejudiced towards my branch of service. Why did I join the AF? It seemed that I needed direction in my life other than the one I was going in. And let me tell you I was definitely headed down the wrong street. After lots of research, I found that the AF had more jobs that I qualified for based on the ASVAB scores (Military recruiting tests) that would directly relate to the outside or civilian world. Just in case I didnt like the military or things just didn't work out, I wanted to learn a skill so as to market myself after the military. I agree that the Marines are a breed apart and deserve all the respect they can get. But I can be selfish too. I looked at it from the aspect of what was best for me. Recruiters will promise all kinds of jobs and tell you how that particular military job will relate to the outside world. But how much time will be spent in that job, if you get the job you want, rather than doing miltary training or war skills training? My experience in the AF was you did the job you recruited into way more than war skills training.

The education opportunities are pretty much standard for all branches. However, it's kind of hard to go to school if you spend a lot of time deployed to the desert or out on training exercises. My opinion is the AF is as close to a 9-5 job as you can get and still be in the military.

So, what first? Your son needs to study for the ASVAB and see what jobs he qualifies for. The ASVAB will give a score for General jobs, Electrical type jobs, Mechanical jobs, Administrative jobs, etc. You can actually get a book from the library to help study for the ASVAB. Recruiters dont really like it when people do their homework and check into what the other branches offer. But one branch may offer the job he is interested in rather than another. Dont let a recruiter push him into something he may regret later. It's kind of like dealing with a car salesman--dont be afraid to walk away.

So what can I tell you as a parent to make you not worry so much? Military training is second to none. Technology is saving our soldiers lives more and more. From weapons to camo, unmanned aircraft, to super up-armored vehicles. Technology is getting better all the time.

I have much respect for all branches. Each branch serves a specific function to the security of our nation and it's war fighting capabilites. We cannot function effictively even if we were missing just one branch. It just so happens that the AF was what worked best for me.

If he can get in as a Warrent Officer of Officer, that would definitely be the way to go.

I hope this helps.

Retired Navy enlisted myself, 20 years submarine nuclear power.

What's quoted above is the BEST advice posted so far on this thread. My only addition to this would be to have someone who has served before, who is familiar with dealing with recruiters, and whom you trust, to go with your son and be there the whole time listening while he is dealing with the recruiter.

Some recruiters seemingly have no morals and could give a crap what type of military job they sign people up for, as long as they get the feather in their cap for signing someone up for an undermanned MOS/NEC. When they see said young person come walking in with a veteran in tow - particularly someone from the same branch of service - the recruiter knows he'd be well advised to stick to the truth and speak honestly, or said veteran will call BS and likely call the whole deal off.

Having someone with prior service go with your son to talk to the recruiter, will help ensure that your son will be able to get into a program/military occupation that matches up with his prior education and experience, something he's interested in, and offers training he will be able to make use of later on - and not get hornswaggled by the recruiter and signed up to be nothing more than a grunt rifleman.

732002 · #20 05-26-2010, 12:06 PM

[QUOTE
The education opportunities are pretty much standard for all branches. However, it's kind of hard to go to school if you spend a lot of time deployed to the desert or out on training exercises. My opinion is the AF is as close to a 9-5 job as you can get and still be in the military[/QUOTE]

Yes, the AF is affectionately called "the chair force" by the other branches.
I think the AF or Navy are better choices if you want to stay healthy and
learn something that is useful in civilian life.

Added: why not apply for NROTC, you get education paid for + allowance, go in as a officer and you still have the Marine option.
http://www.navy.com/navy/joining/education-opportunities/nrotc/?campaign=search_Reprise/Google/NRO

Skid Row Joe · #21 05-26-2010, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raymr

He's 21, looking for some direction in life, has some college education in engineering and business.

Any sage words of wisdom out there?

Yup; go in as an officer - or don't go in at all. My older Brother and I were very fortunate to get this advice from our Dad - who was of course drafted in to WWII - as an older draftee. He said the only thing worse than having to be there, was to be there as an enlisted man - taking crap from the officers - most of them younger than him at the time.

If he's looking to be an enlisted man - fine - but he needs to hear it going in. It's a tough go being in the service - you might as well go in with the higher pay and the skills learned as an officer.

Most young men/women don't want to hear any of that - they're so eager to sign for the adventure, etc. It's really a shame some go in and quickly become disillusioned after realizing their options/pay grade are very limited as an enlisted man/woman.

The military school I attended gets you in the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant after just 2-years and your Associates of Arts Degree to boot - as fully-commissioned U.S. Army officer. It's the only way to go, in my book.

I would advise him to hold-off and do it the right way - as an officer - if he can qualify - but that's just my experience. If he does go in as an officer - he will thank me for it - and will have a much better quality of service, a much higher pay grade and may want to make a career of it - retiring with a great pension as an officer. That's my .2 cents on it.

raymr · #22 05-26-2010, 07:01 PM

He met with the recruiter today and took some kind of short test that he scored 85 on. He needs to become a college Junior and then spend the summer at the base in Quantico. Then after graduation he joins as an officer. (hopefully I got all that right)

Some local marines work out at a high school field and he will be joining them next week. We'll see how he holds up.

WVOtoGO · #23 05-26-2010, 08:19 PM

Just make sure he pays close attention to anything he signs.
Maybe have another person (like yourself, friend, prof.) read over it too. That's allowed. Don’t let them tell him it’s not.

He’s doing a great thing here. But that doesn’t mean he can’t easily get screwed out of what he thought he’d actually be doing. As CLK pointed out.

Skid Row Joe · #24 05-26-2010, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raymr

He met with the recruiter today and took some kind of short test that he scored 85 on. He needs to become a college Junior and then spend the summer at the base in Quantico. Then after graduation he joins as an officer. (hopefully I got all that right)

Some local marines work out at a high school field and he will be joining them next week. We'll see how he holds up.

?That sounds terribly vague to me. I'm not critiquing what you heard, but; "Sign here, and you're an officer - LATER - in the Marines," is what that sounded like to me. I wouldn't believe that for a second, unless it's guaranteed. There's a disconnect somewhere, of that you can bet on. Do not trust a recruiting serviceman, would be my extreme cautious advice here.

WVOtoGO · #25 05-26-2010, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe

?That sounds terribly vague to me. I'm not critiquing what you heard, but; "Sign here, and you're an officer - LATER - in the Marines," is what that sounded like to me. I wouldn't believe that for a second, unless it's guaranteed. There's a disconnect somewhere, of that you can bet on. Do not trust a recruiting serviceman, would be my extreme cautious advice here.

I'll second that, for sure.

buffa98 · #26 05-26-2010, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retmil46

Retired Navy enlisted myself, 20 years submarine nuclear power.

What's quoted above is the BEST advice posted so far on this thread. My only addition to this would be to have someone who has served before, who is familiar with dealing with recruiters, and whom you trust, to go with your son and be there the whole time listening while he is dealing with the recruiter.

Some recruiters seemingly have no morals and could give a crap what type of military job they sign people up for, as long as they get the feather in their cap for signing someone up for an undermanned MOS/NEC. When they see said young person come walking in with a veteran in tow - particularly someone from the same branch of service - the recruiter knows he'd be well advised to stick to the truth and speak honestly, or said veteran will call BS and likely call the whole deal off.

Having someone with prior service go with your son to talk to the recruiter, will help ensure that your son will be able to get into a program/military occupation that matches up with his prior education and experience, something he's interested in, and offers training he will be able to make use of later on - and not get hornswaggled by the recruiter and signed up to be nothing more than a grunt rifleman.

X2- Make sure he reads and re reads everything that is put in front of him.

I too spent a chunk of my life in Uncle Sams Canoe Club.
Submerged as a nuc power then a missile tech(retmil46 that is a long story someday I will explain). If it sounds too good to be true IT IS!
Have him talk to the navy-If he already has acouple years of college under his belt, He should be able to get in the NROTC with little of no fanfair. If he gets in that route following that up with Naval Nuclear Power He would be guarenteed a job almost as soon as he walked out. I work in power geeneration an it is polluted with nucs and boiller techs and machinist mates

My $.02

tonkovich · #27 05-26-2010, 11:27 PM

i am loathe to give advice to anyone. however, if he still hasn't made a written commitment, then you might consider having him talk to some people (no longer active) who have been in, who can explain to him exactly what he's getting into.

good luck.

raymr · #28 05-27-2010, 12:31 AM

No commitment, and the recruiter didn't push for anything. But he really does need someone along who can cut through all the jargon and give a clear picture. My son also doesn't convey everything that he was told, so I'm probably missing half of it. I'm also convincing him to try Air Force / Navy as well. I told him that Marines are hard core, and he said thats why he wants to join.

tonkovich · #29 05-27-2010, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raymr

No commitment, and the recruiter didn't push for anything. But he really does need someone along who can cut through all the jargon and give a clear picture. My son also doesn't convey everything that he was told, so I'm probably missing half of it. I'm also convincing him to try Air Force / Navy as well. I told him that Marines are hard core, and he said thats why he wants to join.

to be frank: does he know that it's no rambo/john wayne thing, and that he might come home in a bag, or less than whole? sorry, i am sure you are living in fear of this, but our adventures in iraq and afghanistan aren't going to end for years. and there's 6,000 plus gone already, i make no comment on their validity or nobility - just speaking the truth.

Chas H · #30 05-27-2010, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raymr

No commitment, and the recruiter didn't push for anything. But he really does need someone along who can cut through all the jargon and give a clear picture. My son also doesn't convey everything that he was told, so I'm probably missing half of it. I'm also convincing him to try Air Force / Navy as well. I told him that Marines are hard core, and he said thats why he wants to join.

You should tell your son the Marines also have need for cooks, truck drivers, accountants and mechanics. Not everyone gets to be a John Wayne. Back when I was in the Army, 10%-15% accounted for combat arms, the rest were support personnel.