Alright I'm a junior in High school and I'm exploring options. I really think I want to join the marines and i've got a few questions. What are some of the special "schools" I can get into (example: scout snipers, recon, etc...)? Also what does "mountain" division mean? And lastly do grades play a part in what I can do in the marines? I'm sure I'll have more questions once I get some replies.

- Scott

The best advice I can give you in answer to your questions, is to take the time to speak to a recruiter. You might also want to find out what our family thinks about the idea.

What he said...

and

"Mountain" divisions are those trained to fight in the mountains. Marines don't have any designated mountain divisions, but do have a mountain warfare school. Only the US Army has mountain divisions.

And it depends on what you mean by "special" schools. My mom sent me to school to help me stop drooling and pulling down my pants. She called it "special school". I got to wear a helmet and everything.

Many of the "special" schools you mentioned are only for those who've been in the USMC for a while. Like Gunny said, talk to a recruiter, he can answer all of your questions.

thegunny, are you the guy from the show "mail call"? If I have good grades and do well on my PT are there any options for me besides just the basic assault, rifleman, etc... Its not going to affect my decision at all just wondering. I will go talk to a recruiter but the problem is the only one is about a 2 hour drive from me so its going to have to be on a day I don't have anything else going on. I already talked to my dad and hes is kind of neutral on the idea, its up to me. And my mom isn't too fond of it but its not like I'm going to disowned of anything like that. The only other close family member I have that was a marine was my grandfather, he served in the korean war. Unfortunatelly I can't get his advice on the marines because he died of lung cancer a few years back.

Yeah i got a couple questions too. Is the miniumum score to become an assualt man a relatively hard or easy score to get? And Whats the perks for getting through naval academy for when you first join? Is it worth it to go through the naval academy instead of a normal college or just enlisting right out of high school?

naw, I'm better looking than he is, but I have met him. (granted it was in the beer section at the grocery store in Palmdale)

Ask your questions and we'll try to answer them as best we can. Between the regulars in here we have yeas an years of service to the Corps between us all.

The CORPS has specific needs it really needs to fill due to this Global War on Terror, so unless you display a certain apptitude for other MOS (military occupation specialty) that's likely what you'll get if you go open contract. Your test scores is what they use to place you in certain jobs. The ASVAB test is one of those tests. Look it up on the internet to see if you can see what the test is like. Most of it is multiple guess, so the right answer is in there as one of the choices.

As for getting into the Naval Academy? I think you have to get an appointment to get in there. In short, your congressman has to appoint you to go or get in. (I could be wrong, but if others know jump in!)

And for the recruiter being two hours away, call him and he'll come to you. How's that for service? Besides, thats why we issue him a car. Prepare a list of questions. This helps him know you mean business right up front.

quote:

Originally posted by USMC-someguy:
Yeah i got a couple questions too. Is the miniumum score to become an assualt man a relatively hard or easy score to get?

Think Gunny answered most of the questions. Assaultman does not require a very high score, should be easy to get. Don't know what it is, I do remember it's not one of the higher required scores.

USMC-someguy-
I have a friend who went through the Naval academy. It is something you really have to work at to get into. Gunny is right about needing a congressman to sponsor you to get in. The prestige of the academy is one of the benefits, and you can choose to either stay on the Navy side or the Marine option. So it isn't just something you "decide" you want to do, there is a ton of stuff you have to do to get in.

I know my opinion dosen't mean much but i have to state it anyways.
I think its a great idea looking into the service as a career but i have to wonder when you say scout sniper, recon and mountain division i can't help wondering if the idea of these schools just sounds cool. I think you migh be playing too much games. Have you even read up, doing any research. I believe that you can't just pick these schools, you have to be selected to attend because of its high wash out rate.
I think when your young you thinkthe military is cool because you don't see most of the horrors but when you get older you tent to wise up. I was the same way but now i'll be 21 i'm still interested. Lets see after HS graduation if you still feel the same way about the the service. I think thats the best time to know if you want to join the service or follow the civilian path.

quote:

Originally posted by R3d:
I know my opinion dosen't mean much but i have to state it anyways.
I think its a great idea looking into the service as a career but i have to wonder when you say scout sniper, recon and mountain division i can't help wondering if the idea of these schools just sounds cool. I think you migh be playing too much games. Have you even read up, doing any research. I believe that you can't just pick these schools, you have to be selected to attend because of its high wash out rate.
I think when your young you thinkthe military is cool because you don't see most of the horrors but when you get older you tent to wise up. I was the same way but now i'll be 21 i'm still interested. Lets see after HS graduation if you still feel the same way about the the service. I think thats the best time to know if you want to join the service or follow the civilian path.

Commenting on what R3d said, I know what he mentioned was true for me. For reasons not important to this discussion, I played ALOT of video games growing up. Then I got my hands on AA (America's Army). All those things construed and twisted what the military was in a bad way. I started researching and I wasn't prepared. I felt overwhelmed because of the REAL responsibility and risk. In your occupation, you are paid to wage war on opponents, and they on you. It is very serious. You will have to be willing to make sacrifices. I was not ready a year ago, so I put the idea of joining on the far back burner. But now I am planning on joining again, because as I have grown I have decided it's right for me.

I think it is important to know your core values , beliefs, and general personality, before signing up. It is too much a commitment to make to regret later, and that's about as much advice I can give since I am still in college, not in the military.

Hoper everything works out.

*EDIT*- Oh jeez this thread's old sorry. haha

Im also a junior in high school but i was also told my whole life to not listen to every thing a recruiter has to say cuz he most likley will suger coat things but my brother just left to go to Camp Penaltine(probley spelt wrong) in san diego today so lets all pray. He went in as infantry and his recruiter was a good one and really said things straight up so i really dont know what to say but good luck man ill see you there at MEPS

Camp Pendleton?

You should either go to a community or state college first for a few years. After that if the military is still on your mind, then join. Besides, you can be an Officer if graduate from college.

I too would love to join the marines (again), however, I was sent home from MCRD Parris Island, due to history of enuersis, but I can't seem to get a doctor to medically clear me of this problem! Also, I accidentally slipped my psychiatrist that I'm lactose intolerant, which is a permenant DQ... so when I'm screened again... do I tell them I have seen a psychie, cuz if I do they'll get my records and DQ me, or do I keep my mouth closed and not tell them?

quote:

enuersis

Drill Instructors do have a cure for this. They place you in the top rack with only a sheet instead of a mattress. In the bottom rack they place the biggist gorilla in the platoon.

I doubt you'd ever pee the bed again after that first night.

Lets be honest here. If you know up front that you have something that is an automatic disqualifying factor in being able to serve, why in heavens name would you place not only yourself and your continued health at risk, but those around you? Don't you think it might just be a little unfair and tramatic to those team mates and your DI's to have to witness you having some type of seizure, and then have to react appropriately to get immediate medical attention? What if those responding to that call were killed in a traffic accident or something? Think this through.

Bottomline son...you want to serve in the Marine Corps? Then do so, but do it honestly and be upfront. If you have factors that prevent you from serving, then accept it and move on with your life. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. But do it with honor, not dishonesty.

lactose intolerance is a problem thats the most ridiculous thing ive ever heard !!!

Yall cant be a soldier cuz if yous drank milk yall ul have to shit ur insides out!

im looking to join the marines by the first week of october 07'? ive looked into this as much as i could looking for a lil advise...
i want to go as an e2 but it seems their is a few requirements....... any way around this?

During boot, everyone is an E-1. One can earn up to E-3 from boot though.

Okay I know this might not really apply to what all of you are talking about but I'm Canadian and want to join the USMC because our own army is limited so much by our government, but I have been to the website and I have no idea how the hell I contact any of thes guys and words of advice as I know of Canadians in the US army and USMC fighting past and present

You can not join any US military force unless you are a resident of the USA. You can still be a citizen of a foreign country, but must have Resident Status (a "green card") to join.