AussieWyldFlower
04-17-2010, 09:05 PM
Greetings and salutations!
First off I wanted to say, to all of you currently or formerly serving .. thank you, I am humbled and am in awe to be a part of this network/forum. To read the many threads and be amongst you is motivating and inspiring.
Secondly, a little about ol' me.
Name's Meg, in my late twenties, got a little military in my family (Grandfather on Dad's side served in the British Merchant Navy as a Petty Officer & Grandfather on Mum's side was a partisan/civillian fighter during WW2 in the former Yugoslavia against the Italians - Im first generation Australian).
How I got to the United States is quite the tale but for the sake of everyone I will try to simplfy things. I met a US Marine (now my husband of nearly two years)in Sydney and in true whirlwind military romances we dated, got engaged and so far married (nearly after a year out of him leaving honourably, so proud) living happily ever after. We lived in Australia for a short time, then decided to head over to the United States so he could use his GI Bill benefits and here we are in Portland Oregon. Currently in the process of that elusive greencard.
Thirdly, its been bouncing around in my mind for a number of years (since I was a lass coming out of high school) to join the military. I had a number of high school chums run off and join the RAAF (royal Australian Air Force) and the Aussie Army .. but I was a 'good little girl' and listening to my folks stayed at home and became a school teacher *rolls eyes* Anywho, Im contemplating joining either the Marine or Airforce reserves. I guess I figured stick this post in Marines because Ive had a lot more encounters with the USMC. I admire the grit, Adaptation and hard work ethic.
My questions and concerns are the following -
The hubby and I have talked about this and he says Id not be cut out for military life mostly because he thinks I dont have the mental resolve, not liking being away and that Id regret my decision .. I figure the military would help with my naturalisation/citizenship, and teach me very important life skills, plus I look damn bloody good in a uniform makes me feel proud to be a part of something .. What are the pros and cons of joining marine or airforce reserves?
Oh and any pointers on fitness? Ive started keeping a food journal and exercising at most 6 days a week.. already lost 3 pounds .. Im 5'6" and 82 kgs .. which I think is a little over 180 pounds
(Im a pear shape, I carry my weight well and I have a strong build - playing a lot of contact sport does that)
If I joined the reserves, what am I exactly entitled to?
Does my Bachelor's degree in education credit towards anything like Officer? I dont know much about this sort of thing .. figured you ladies are the 'go to people'!
Well, thank you for your time .. and look forward to hearing from each and everyone of you!
First off I wanted to say, to all of you currently or formerly serving .. thank you, I am humbled and am in awe to be a part of this network/forum. To read the many threads and be amongst you is motivating and inspiring.
Secondly, a little about ol' me.
Name's Meg, in my late twenties, got a little military in my family (Grandfather on Dad's side served in the British Merchant Navy as a Petty Officer & Grandfather on Mum's side was a partisan/civillian fighter during WW2 in the former Yugoslavia against the Italians - Im first generation Australian).
How I got to the United States is quite the tale but for the sake of everyone I will try to simplfy things. I met a US Marine (now my husband of nearly two years)in Sydney and in true whirlwind military romances we dated, got engaged and so far married (nearly after a year out of him leaving honourably, so proud) living happily ever after. We lived in Australia for a short time, then decided to head over to the United States so he could use his GI Bill benefits and here we are in Portland Oregon. Currently in the process of that elusive greencard.
Thirdly, its been bouncing around in my mind for a number of years (since I was a lass coming out of high school) to join the military. I had a number of high school chums run off and join the RAAF (royal Australian Air Force) and the Aussie Army .. but I was a 'good little girl' and listening to my folks stayed at home and became a school teacher *rolls eyes* Anywho, Im contemplating joining either the Marine or Airforce reserves. I guess I figured stick this post in Marines because Ive had a lot more encounters with the USMC. I admire the grit, Adaptation and hard work ethic.
My questions and concerns are the following -
The hubby and I have talked about this and he says Id not be cut out for military life mostly because he thinks I dont have the mental resolve, not liking being away and that Id regret my decision .. I figure the military would help with my naturalisation/citizenship, and teach me very important life skills, plus I look damn bloody good in a uniform makes me feel proud to be a part of something .. What are the pros and cons of joining marine or airforce reserves?
Oh and any pointers on fitness? Ive started keeping a food journal and exercising at most 6 days a week.. already lost 3 pounds .. Im 5'6" and 82 kgs .. which I think is a little over 180 pounds
(Im a pear shape, I carry my weight well and I have a strong build - playing a lot of contact sport does that)
If I joined the reserves, what am I exactly entitled to?
Does my Bachelor's degree in education credit towards anything like Officer? I dont know much about this sort of thing .. figured you ladies are the 'go to people'!
Well, thank you for your time .. and look forward to hearing from each and everyone of you!