What do you guys think?

[Anonymous]

Hi Guys!

Firstly, Carol, I just love your postings. They make me laugh and really motivate me. Please, don't stop! The other day when I had a really bad day, I came home and read your posting and it just made my day. At the moment I'm having a few doubts about joining the USMC. My brother for one, although said he will support my decision, says he just does not understand pledging allegence to another country and quite a few Americans have had a go at me for joining another country's military. I would look to the USMC for a challenging, successful and enjoyable job, but on the other hand, would other Marines not accept me because I am an 'alien citizen'? I mean, I hear stories of females not being accepted and I think what if they think, 'great, an Australian female - she's not worth the dirt on my boot'. You know? If I chose not to join the USMC, I would not under any circumstances join the Australian Army. I don't mean to knock Australian military, but basically one of the big differences is that to be in American military is something to be proud of, whereas to be in the Australian Army, (this is a bit of a stereotype, but basically how people feel) means you didn't get good grades at school and you don't really know what you want to do. I guess you're wondering why the USMC in the first place. The USMC would offer a fantastic challenging lifestyle and sense of pride and belonging that I don't think any other job can offer. Although, I have had some feedback from some Marines that they really hate the USMC, which I am also taking account into my decision. But everyone is so different, I can't say, 'well she likes it, or he hates it, so I must like/hate it', you know. Ultimately it is my decision, but one I don't want to stuff up, because as I realise, particularly since two of my relatives have had cancer recently, that life is too short to waste any time. Basically, my two choices are to enlist in the USMC, do my four challenging years, then get a university degree and go on doing whatever it is I feel I would like to do and (from what I've heard) either have absolutely loved or really hated the past 4 years) and said I've actually done something I've always wanted to do, something a bit scary and different in my life, or I could take the easy option and go straight to university and do business. The thing is, someone told me that getting a greencard in the US is nearly impossible - basically you have to have something extraordinary to offer the US. Then again, some others have told me that it is easy... Okay, sorry about the short novel & I hope I haven't bored or confused anyone, but this is how I feel. Thanks for the support everyone.....

Natalie.

P.S: For those of you who don't know, I was hoping to do Photography as my MOS, but someone told me that is very difficult to get into. P.P.S: Don't think I'm one to be easily talked out of something I want to do, it's not that, its just this is a biiiig decision - one I want to get right. And all of your opinions really inspire me (good & bad) and help me with my difficult decisions :-)

nataliedillon@yahoo.com

[Anonymous]

I think you would regret not trying for sure. And getting your papers in order can be heck. Depends on how friendly and cheerful Immigration and Naturalization is feeling. You should talk to a Marines Corps recruiter about details and INS (the aforementioned bureacracy) about your proposal. That way you can get a take on exactly how hard this will be and what will you need.

Whatever the case, your determination will determine everything. The whole loyalty issue is complicated. To say the least. I can see your reasons for wanting to be a Marine. Pretty darn obvious to anyone who reads these postings. Y'all Marines are stark raving lunatics in a good way if ya know what I mean. I can also see that one of the main reasons many join is an undying patriotism and loyalty to the United States. You will at any rate swear to uphold and defend our constitution.... ANd I don't think it's conceivable that there will be any conflicts between the U.S. and Australia:). However, you should consult your own government, because I know it is possible to lose one's citizenship by serving in another's contry's military. Anyways, my advice is find out all you can and know the details. Become an expert and then you can give reputable advice to anyone in a similar situation. Best of luck! Follow your heart but don't lose your head. Hilary

bratinboots@yahoo.com

[Anonymous]

: Firstly, Carol, I just love your postings.


Thank you.

They make me laugh and really
: motivate me.

People always tell me that even here locally where I live.

It's good to check things out before coming into the military. But caution is the key word here. I say caution because...... Don't decide to join because some say it's wonderful..... Don't decide not to join because some actually hate it....

You alone have to decide what you want out of it. You alone have to decide what can I offer the military and than decide what can the military offer you.

If you decide to join you will never be the same. The Marine Corps will instill pride in you, give you confidence that you can be or can become anything you want to in life no matter if you serve only one term or make it a full time career and retire from it. Just like it turns boys into men it will turn a girl into a women.

It won't be easy, but it also won't be that hard. No matter if you join the military or stay a civilian there will be hard times and easy times in life. If you are given 'lemons' than you must learn to make lemonade that is slightly tart but also sweet. You don't want to take the lemon you have been dealt and make piss out of it. You know like get teed off. Make the best of what comes your way, even if it's hard to keep a positive attitude at times and things will turn out all right.

Maintain COURAGE AND STAYING POWER no matter the circumstances and smile always at your enemies while making a mental note of the issue at hand and it'll drive them nuts. If they curse you; if they spit in your face; if they shame you; no matter what they may do even if it hurts put on a smile they won't be able to stand it, but also remember what goes around comes around back to them. Refuse to be a pawn in their hands.

I knew when I was in high school I wanted to join the Marines. But back than you dared not defy your parents so I waited until I was an adult, 22, and joined. I was told all my life I would never amount to anything by my mother and one of my older sisters. I got sick and tired of hearing it. One day I got up and decided it was time to join the Marines. I wanted 4 years and the recruiter wanted me to go in for only 2. The Marines almost lost me to the Air Force but I was saved just in time from making that decision. The GY. at the recruiters office asked the NCO where I had disappeared to and he told him I had gone to the Air Force office across from them because he would not allow me more than 2 years. He chewed his butt out and told him if they'd lost me to the Air Force he'd lose his stripes so he rushed over and told me the GY. wanted me over there. I went back and he asked me what did I want out of the Corps and I told him I wanted to become a policewoman, wanted my first duty station to be Texas or Washington, D.C. He lied to me and I originally ended with one of the three Washington, D.C. but unknowing to him and even me later on in my career I would end up in a position higher than a policewoman or MP as it is known. But that's another story for later on.

The point I'm trying to make is join only if it's what you really want deep down inside your spirit. Don't do it because folks like me say it's the greatest thing or experience in the world even though it is no matter if it turns out to be a good one or not.

Life is what you make of what is dished out to you. Stand your ground in whatever you do in life and you'll do all right.

frenchiestm@clds.net

[Anonymous]

: Carol is right, you do have to decide for yourself. Sometimes people can be discouraging. It really is amazing the attitude toward the corps, people are either 110% for it or they say they hate it. I don't understand how people can formulate ideas based on no knowledge or knowledge from other peoples experiences but it happens. Another thing Carol says is that it will change you and she's right about that too. It is a great life experience if you make the best out of it. There are many people who get in and don't take well to the discipline and lifestyle, then they get out and (not all ) bad mouth the Corps. Don't let these people dissuade you, find out true and accurate information then decide for yourself. There are positive and negative aspects to each branch of service, but it is up to you to decide what best suits your goals. Myself, I switched from the Corps to the Army reserves due to my civilian nursing degree ( I can go farther here due to the Corps lack of medical field). But, I took my values and love for the Corps with me and they have served me well!! Good luck with whatever you decide and keep us posted. One more thing, when I walked into the Marine recruiter office in Nov 89 I knew nothing about the Marine Corps or what it stood for. I only knew I was going to join a branch of the service and was checking out all of the branches. Something the recruiter said to me made up my mind to join the Marine Corps. So, what was this life changing sentence? I quote, " I don't put females in the Corps." After I finished with him he said " Well I might consider putting you in." I joined because it became a challenge to get in, pretty stupid reason LOL!!!


keebs711@aol.com

[Anonymous]

I don't put females in the Corps." After I finished with him he said " Well I might consider putting you in." I joined because it became a challenge to get in, pretty stupid reason LOL!!!

Not really! I also joined the Corps because it was known as the toughtest branch and there were alot less women there than in other brances. I also signed up for 4 instead of 2 because I knew I could manage 2 years of my life at anything but to be able to stay in 4 would be a real challenge, and another challenge would be to be accepted by a male oriented organization. I guess I had something to prove that women could do what men could for the most part and I figured if I could compete and work along side men in life I'd be able to do anything I wanted and be successful at it.

I was the quiet type, a loner for the most part and though I may have appeared to be whimpy, very female, and such I really was strong, positive and if I lacked in self-esteem when I first went there I surely had plenty of it when I left bootcamp.

As I have mentioned some of my antics in previous messages I was no wheres the mousy looking type they all thought I was. I learned to use what was there to built my self-esteem, my character, and strength and will based on the downfalls of having joined the Marine Corps and in so doing I did alot and was given many opportunities to serve my country that women just didn't get back then let alone men. I used all the pitfalls and disadvantages to benefit my career and at the same time be extremely dedicated to serving my country with extreme patroitism for what it stood for, to help keep and maintain our freedom as Americans.

Now that my 20 year limit has passed in my being able to talk about on some of the things I did for my country I may at times share what my real purpose was in the Corps though my MOS on paper in no way reflects my real duties while in there.

It turned out the Corps and I were meant for each other but unfortunately because of my disability I only got to stay in 8 1/2 years. I more than likely would have retired if not for that and I would have gone alot further than I did in my career.

But alas, things happen for a reason, there are no coincidences in life, the good Lord had other plans for me.

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone.

frenchiestm@clds.net

[Anonymous]

Carol,

That was an inspiring read!!!

Natalie, you got some great advice here...can't top that...good luck deciding what to do!

Cheers!

-the other Natalie:)

nataliet@ccess.net