All Women Marines....

[Anonymous]

My name is Jessica, I'm 16 and a high school junior on an American Embassy, and I want to be a Marine. I'm in close contact with our MSGs every day, I lift weights with them and run reacts with them, but they all do their best to discourage me from going into the military. They say it isn't the place for women. My parents also are not happy with my desire to be in the USMC and have threatened to cut off all economic support if I do. My friends think I'm insane. As you can well imagine, it's hard to stay motivated when you have no support group. If anyone can help a young girl who wants very much to have the honor and pride of a United States Marine, please contact me. Semper Fi!

liljbird@iname.com

[Anonymous]

Hi Jessica, don't let anyone stop you from pursuing your dream, if you do you will always regret it. There are lots people who say that women don't belong in the military -- don't listen to them, instead prove them wrong. Once you are there you won't need your parent's economic support and when they see that you're happy you will also have their emotional support. You're on the right track with the fitness. Keep at it, finish school, and if in 2 years you're still serious, there will be nothing to stop you from becoming a Marine. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Hi Jessica! My name is Natalie and I'm also 16. Like you, I think I want to be a United States Marine, but I am getting a lot of negative feedback from my family and friends (the few I have actually told) and some Marines have told me not to join, telling me everything they hate about the job. What I worry about is not bootcamp, but committing four years of my life to the military. I don't think there are many other things that make you do that. Even with university you can pull out. Another thing is I'm Australian - so I would be away from my family. So why do I want to become a United States Marine? The USMC seems to offer so many things that many civilian jobs can't offer - like pride, honour, constant challenges, and an amazing sense of belonging - these are just to name a few. In my eyes, Australian military doesn't offer that. But yes, I do find it VERY difficult to stay motivated when I can't find out any information on non-US resident requirements, and when I am getting so much negative feedback from the people closest to me. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for the Marines who tell me the bad bits and try to talk me out of it. You need to hear as many perspectives as you can, and that way, you can never say you didn't know about the other side of the story - in a way it prepares you and tests your resolve. I always have to remind myself that no one person is the same - I'm not going to like the USMC just because this person does, or hate it because another does. What I have done is come to places like this, spoken to as many people as I can and heard all different perspectives. Sometimes it is motivating, sometimes I think, 'what am I thinking?'. Even go to sites like www.about.com. They have a US military site (go to business/careers, then US military), which has links to all different aspects of the USMC. But remember, you only get one life. Always do what you think is right, because in the end, you're the judge of whether you fulfilled all of your hopes and dreams. Don't go through life in a job you hate thinking 'what if', or saying every day, 'I wish I had followed my heart an just enlisted'. And if you don't like it, you can always get out after your 4 years and do uni and start another career. You can take the easy way and go to uni and start a career, or you can do what you want and enlist and then maybe go to uni and start another career. Or you may even love it and decide to stay on. Don't get me wrong, I am no expert on the subject, nor am I sure myself whether I want to enlist. But these are my thoughts on the subject. If you want to email me, feel free. My email is nataliedillon@yahoo.com. Also, watch the movie 'Full Metal Jacket' and read 'Making the Corps'. I haven't actually read 'Making the Corps', but I've been recommended it MANY times (I can't get a copy in Australia). Another good page is www.parrisisland.com (or .mil - can't quite remember) and also www.first2fight.com. I hope these help. Take care. Natalie. P.S: Just a thought - in relation to those Marines telling you all the things they hate about the USMC. Everywhere you go, in all professions, there will be people telling you that they hate their profession and also guys who say women don't belong in some professions (like mechanical or engineers), but those women make it and are proud that they do what they love. They pave the way for other women who may not be as strong, making it more accepted for women to be in that profession. I mean, take engineering for example. A few years ago, a female engineer was few and far between. Now, they are a huge percentage of the class at universities. Never let your gender stop you from achieving your goals. Like one female Marine told me - 'It is very hard being a female in the Corps. A lot of men don't think you belong there. That is when I work harder and do better than them'.



nataliedillon@yahoo.com

[Anonymous]

Hi Jessica, Well I know what you are going through. I'm 23 and married my mother is begging me not to go. On the other hand my father(who served his self) is very proud of my decisions. I really think mothers more often then not don't want to see thier son or daughter in the Armed Forces. My mom had a hard time accecpting me becomeing a firefighter(It's just thier nature in most cases). I always wanted to be a Marine and I will be. I don't want to look back in 20 years and say I just should of gone for it. Even though Im going into the reserves(married 3 dogs and love my job) she still doesn't want me to go. You have to live for your self not for everyone eles. Ive learned it the hard way. So if it is a Marine you want to become then do it.Once a Marine always a Marine. They can't ever take that away from you. Good luck!!!

P.S My husband is a former Marine He always tells me if it wasn't for the Marine Corps he wouldn't be were he is at now.( He has mix feelings about me going in.) I go to Meps next week and leave in Nov.2000 If you have any questions e-mail me:-)

HDCHIC456@aol.com

[Anonymous]

Ladies, one word for you: goforit! You WILL regret it if you never try. Four years ain't nothin' for a chance like this. And politely ignore anyone who says women do not belong. My grandmother, mother, and I have passed down a wedding dress through the generations...a very touching tradition. We have also passed down combat boots:). My grandmother served in the Women's Army Corp in the SignalCorps during the Korean War. My mother served almost two years active, three years Reserve during the Cold War. And in a year or two, I'm lacing on those combat boots myself. (Don't know about that wedding dress just yet:)These women are remarkably strong and excellent role models, they need to be shared with others, I think. Go for it, you can do it. Women not only belong in the military, but we fill so many needed positions that if we were eliminated our military would be absolutely crippled. Well, best of luck ladies, and Godspeed. Natalie, here is the website for Immigration and Naturalization Services. Your first step would be to contact them, there's forms online. You must be a legal resident of the U.S. to serve in the military, so you need to work on those papers. Never too early to start. If you have any questions, e-mail me, and I'll see if my grandfather can't find them out. He has worked with immigrants and people seeking residence/citizenship for years. Best of luck to you, and I hope you realize your dream. Hilary

hekelh@central.edu

[Anonymous]

Jessica, I've been a U.S. Marine for 13 years and there is nothing else I would rather do. Like you I had much opposition including my own recruiter... who told me I was too small and it was not for me. My (then) husband (who was also a Marine) and his friends tried talking me out of it, but I did it, and I've no regrets. If, when you graduate you still feel this strong, make your move and enlist. Check out the Marine Corps webpage for good info or write to me with any specific questions.



lamantiacm@hqmc.usmc.mil

[Anonymous]

Hi, It is so good to see people posting on here again. My daughter Shannon is going to OCS, June 3 in Quantico.Va. We are behind her 100%, not to mention very proud of her. She has one more year of college after this summer. Then she will be commisioned into the Marines. Shannon is looking forward to the challenge the Marines will give to her. She is a student athlete in college. Has been on Dean's list four years. And has the highest gpa out of the candidates going in the area. And there are only two women out of the eight candidates and they hold spots one and two.yes women rule.lol just kidding. She has a great OSO helping her to get ready which I believe makes a difference. Marines.com is a great site to go and look around as is the site for Marine Coprs University. Just wanted to say hi and I think i did. Semper Fi HUGS Bonny or Sarg Mom Proud mom of Officer Candidate Shannon M Sargent USMC

bonny9@hotmail.com

[Anonymous]

Hi MomSarge! Just want to say hi, so...top slots one and two, way to go ladies! :) Shannon will get some mail motivation from me no doubt come June, I'm rooting for her--she'll do great! Have to check out the Marine Corps University site. Good to hear from ya!

Nat:)

nataliet@ccess.net

[Anonymous]

: My name is Jessica, I'm 16 and a high school junior on an American Embassy,
: and I want to be a Marine. I'm in close contact with our MSGs every day, I
: lift weights with them and run reacts with them, but they all do their
: best to discourage me from going into the military. They say it isn't the
: place for women. My parents also are not happy with my desire to be in the
: USMC and have threatened to cut off all economic support if I do. My
: friends think I'm insane. As you can well imagine, it's hard to stay
: motivated when you have no support group. If anyone can help a young girl
: who wants very much to have the honor and pride of a United States Marine,
: please contact me. Semper Fi! Jessica I served 4 years in the Marine Corps and know from experience what it is like to not have a support system. I can tell you that no matter what anyone says if it is what you really want to do then no one will stop you. I will tell you that it will be the hardest thing that you will ever do but you will never do anything that matters as much. I've been out for 9 years and have 3 children and to this day I look back on my Marine Corps days and smile it was worth every sacrifice and every tear and much much more. So in closing I would just like to tell you go for it no matter what because the ones that have determination make the best Marines and the best people for that matter. Besides if you don't you will always regret it and god knows that is a horrible thing to do for the rest of you life. Semper Fi Do or Die


www.melodysmiddy@hotmail.com

[Anonymous]

: Hi Jessica, you can live your life your way, or your can let others live it for you. If you live to be 60, do it on your terms. Don't be a "coulda", a "woulda", or a "shoulda", you can make your own history. A girl has to do what a girl has to do. Don't be 60 and look back and say "Iwish I had", damn girl .........do it.


jk6108@aol.com