life decision

[Anonymous]

I am 20 years old. I want to do something meaningful with my life asap but I don't want to make a rash decision. I have been talking to a recruiter since september with not much progress. I've chickened out twice going to Meps. My Marine ex-boyfriend tells me about getting raped and me having an even harder time than the other girls because I'm only 5ft. I have heard tons of horror stories! Please help set me straight on what it is like to be a Woman Marine(the pros and cons). Is it possible to make a career out of it and still have a family?

[Mireya]

Your EX has no Idea what he is talking about! I have been in for 4 years now I am only 5ft 2in and I have never had a problem. and As for getting raped that is just crazy. The Marine Corps is like a family, My fellow Marines are like my brothers and closest friends. They have taken care of me and watched my back in many situations. Any one who has a protective older brother understands what I mean. Joining the Corps is somthing I would highly recomend but it is a decision that you have to make on your own youi have to do it for your self not for any one eles. But not doing it just because you are a woman is the wrong reason. Never let the fact that you are female hold you back from anything.

[Anonymous]

That is like the most positive thing I have heard recently. Thank you for replying. So men marines aren't as anti-female as it seems? Did you know alot before you went in? What was boot camp like for you?

[tperng]

Kitty kat, true Marines are professionals. They behave like ladies and gentleman because they have good character. While there will always be exceptions to the rule in any organization, the Corp have always strived to improve itself and make sure its Marines set a shining example for the rest of the country.

While it must have been hard on you to not have the support of your family and friends, this is your life and your future. You have to do what you feel is best for you. Best of luck on your choice!

[Admin_USMC]

Your boyfriend sounds like he just afraid that he's going to lose you when you leave so he's giving you some bs lines to scare you off. I served 4 years AD and was NEVER harassed, raped or anything inappropriate from any male Marine. I am 4'11" and I graduated in the Top 10% of my platoon at boot camp, I was meritoriously promoted to Corporal with only 14 months time in service, I was promoted to Sergeant with 3 years 3 months time in service. I graduated 2nd from my Corporal's Course (lost by a 10th of a point :() out of 30 and I was the smallest and there were only 4 other females. I received 2 Navy Achievement Medals and numerous other awards while I was in. Just because I was short did not keep me from being successful in the Corps. It is all in your mindset and your goal set. If you want to be the best and you're determined to be the best the you will be, you won't let anything stand in your way. The only females who caught a hard time were the ones who slacked off, couldn't PT (because they didn't care), and were generally not great Marines. As long as you performed and did your job there were no problems and it was no different for the males, if they didn't keep up they were rode hard too. So I can say personally, that I never experienced nor did I know any females, and I knew alot, who experienced any of the same. So if this is what YOU want to do then go for it and don't let anyone stand in your way. If they aren't supporting you then they're just dead wieght. It is YOUR life and YOU are the one who needs to be happy. Best of luck and PM or email if you have any more questions.