Hi, first off I'm 20 and very interested in the Military. Most of my friends have joined the Marines and have said they hate it but it is much better then being home.. However before joining I have some questions to help my selection.

So basically, I've been shooting since I was old enough to hold a gun, I am possibly one of the best shooters I know and i want to put that to good use. I am also very athletic, im in great shape and train very hard to stay in the shape i am in.

With that given, is there anything such as... Basically I want to be a sharp shooter, but in an infantry setting, if that makes sense. I want to be the guy in an infantry company that is a marksmen, i don't want to be a stand alone sniper i want to be in a group, just the best shooter in the group that is asked to take "long shots"

I don't know if there is a such thing but any information would help..

Sorry for not knowing what the hell i'm trying to explain.

Only a sharpshooter huh? In the Marines, sharpshooter is the middle of the road in regards to being the go to guy for long shots. You really need to read up on Marine Rifle Qualifications. Google the crap out of this stuff and educate yourself.

As for your friends comments about hating the Corps, but it ranks better than being at home? These friends you refer to must be fresh out of boot camp and are still new born Marines. A little time and more exposure to the Marine way of life will provide them with a more rapidly maturing aspect to thier lives.

We have another member (Patoloco) in here that served in Infantry and he will likely provide a better run down on what one can expect. Myself, I served in Artillery, Communications and Aviation. Serving in the Marines is both a love and hate relationship, and the key to succeeding is to find a happy medium and set your expectations accordingly.

Should you decide to join the Corps, I predict that you will spend considerable time in the Pacific theater of Operations with some deploymnents to Afganistan. At least until we can get out of there altogether. At least that is the current plan as I know it. Expect to spend a good portion of time shipboard. They are bringing amphibious warfare back to the front of Marine focus. This means beach assualts via Amtracs, helo and hover craft. Loads of excitement to be had. (very dangerous as well) Remember the cardinal rule: training for war can be as lethal as participating in one. Training is not all fun and games.

There is exactly a thing like you described in the infantry. They are called Designated Marksman. They are typically the best shots in an infantry company. They serve as over-watch, impromptu counter-snipers, and other functions as the Designated Marksman (the guy to take those difficult shots).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Designated_marksman