Anonymous
11-09-2004, 08:10 PM
Hi!!!! I am a 16 year old sophomore in high school. I am thinking about becoming a marine after I graduate high school. September 11 deeply influenced me in deciding this. My grandfather who was in the navy in WW2 was one of the people who I really appreciated and always looked up to. I know it would be hard, but I would succeed. I lead a productive life go to school, join clubs, work two jobs in the summer, etc. I also keep physically fit by running 1 1/2 miles 6 days a week. However, I do not know how to approach my mother with this decision. If I did tell her, I don't think she would support me because she would be too afraid of me getting killed and she also doesn't believe in the war in Iraq. I feel serving my country to be a moral obligation and need some advice on how to talk to my mother. I know I will have to tell her this year or next because of after graduation plans.
Also, what would be some steps in becoming a marine??
Thank you, Lindsay
pearcandy21@hotmail.com
Anonymous
11-10-2004, 12:05 AM
The most important thing to consider in your decision to become a Marine is whether or not YOU want to do it. Is it in your heart? If it is, then it really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. No one else has to live with this decision except you. Remember it is YOUR life and YOU are going to be the one sweating it out at bootcamp, not anyone else.
With all this said it will be something that you will have to address with your parents. No one's mother wants to hear that their child wants to be a Marine, unless of course your mother was a Marine:)!!! The best way to approach this subject is to have your facts together and provide a sound arguement for why you want to join the Corps. If you do this, then your mother will be more likely to listen and maybe even accept your decision because she has seen that you have really thought this out and that it isn't just a wim. Just be prepared that she may not be happy with your decision. When I told my mother, she cried for weeks, but after I graduated boot camp she was so proud. Her car was practically a billboard for the Corps.
As far as the path toward the Corps, start by talking to the recruiter whenever he/she is at your school. Let them know that you are interested and keep an good rapport with he/she. Understand that they can not really talk seriously with you about the Corps until middle/end of your Junior year. As long as you keep in touch and keep letitng them know that you are intersted they will remember you. You may be able to attend a Delayed Entry Program function if they have an event where members can invite friends. The Delayed Entry Program is what you are in after you complete the inital enlistment process until you are shipped to boot camp. You can be in this program for up to one year prior to your ship date to boot camp. Also look at other options such as ROTC and reserve duty. Just make sure that you have looked at all avenues before making a final decision. Make sure that if you are going to enlist then you will get the best chance for jobs if you enlist the summer before your Senior year. By the end of the summer of of the occupational fields will be taken. Take the Armed Services Apptitude Battery (ASVAB) your Junior year of high school. Take the test seriously and do the best you can on it. Your score from this test will determine your eligibility for different occupationl fields. The better you do, then the more occupational fields you qualify for. Also, as a female you will need to score high on the test. Make sure to keep up your grades in school and graduate on time!!!! Also, check to see if you have any medical issues that may disqualify you from service. Keep up on this website and read the old postings. There is great advice through out this message board.
On the physical side of things, I would start stepping up your runs now. You will have to run 3 miles for your physical fitness tests. The more in shape your are before boot camp then the better off. Also, work on your abs and upper body strength. You should be able to do 100 crunches in 2 minutes with a little time to spare. Upper body strength is key. Push-ups, pull-ups, wieght training will all help in these areas. You can always e-amil me with more specific questions if you want and I will always do my best to respond in a timely fashion.
Best of luck in your endeavors,
Semper Fi,
Stephanie Rhoades USMC Message Center Facilitator Sgt USMC 98-02
:
: Hi!!!! I am a 16 year old sophomore in high school. I am thinking about
: becoming a marine after I graduate high school. September 11 deeply
: influenced me in deciding this. My grandfather who was in the navy in WW2
: was one of the people who I really appreciated and always looked up to. I
: know it would be hard, but I would succeed. I lead a productive life go to
: school, join clubs, work two jobs in the summer, etc. I also keep
: physically fit by running 1 1/2 miles 6 days a week. However, I do not
: know how to approach my mother with this decision. If I did tell her, I
: don't think she would support me because she would be too afraid of me
: getting killed and she also doesn't believe in the war in Iraq. I feel
: serving my country to be a moral obligation and need some advice on how to
: talk to my mother. I know I will have to tell her this year or next
: because of after graduation plans.
:
: Also, what would be some steps in becoming a marine??
:
: Thank you, Lindsay
rhoadessn@aol.com