Some Questions, regarding USMC!

[AROTC Parent]

That is the main worry right now..... I am highly considering going to IUPUI, which I got accepted to major in Computer Engineering, plus a good benefit, I would still earn my Purdue Degree, while being able to do NROTC at Purdue main-campus in Lafayette which is like 30 min away if I remember correctly.

The good news!!!! You don't have to commit to anything right now - Not service of choice (AF, Marines, Navy, Army, ...), college major (engineering, CS, teaching, ...), career, or school. Use this time and your first year/s to grow and figure out your path. Apply broadly (keeping finances in mind) to keep all your options open. It takes time to find out where you fit in this world. You've got this.

 

[Michael_T]

The good news!!!! You don't have to commit to anything right now - Not service of choice (AF, Marines, Navy, Army, ...), college major (engineering, CS, teaching, ...), career, or school. Use this time and your first year/s to grow and figure out your path. Apply broadly (keeping finances in mind) to keep all your options open. It takes time to find out where you fit in this world. You've got this.

How do you suggest I make a decision for college within 4 months... (With May 1st approaching, I could say I'm a bit panicked)

 

[Old Enlisted Marine]

Panicked you say ? I did not pick up on that at all…….
The fact that you are worried is a good thing. Do your worrying now but once you make your final decision go all in.

 

[Small Team Bacsi]

Panic?

Take a deep breath. You have options.

If you don’t get in a quality Indiana state university and don’t want to attend cc, then look to the AF for a tech job that will help prepare you for the future.

See nothing to panic about

 

[Korab]

That is the main worry right now..... I am highly considering going to IUPUI, which I got accepted to major in Computer Engineering, plus a good benefit, I would still earn my Purdue Degree, while being able to do NROTC at Purdue main-campus in Lafayette which is like 30 min away if I remember correctly.

Have you ever taken a computer science class? Do you have an aptitude for computers and coding? Have you taken a calculus class? What is your math score on the SAT - somewhere in the 500's? Have you looked at the math requirements for a computer science engineering major?

You should seriously consider your ability to successfully complete the requirements of that major. A math SAT score in the 500's represents a poor grasp of the fundamentals of math which would not bode well for chances of success in calculus 1 and 2, much less the higher math required for that major.

Here's the course requirements for that major at IUPUI: https://bulletins.iu.edu/iupui/2018...aduate/degrees/elec-comp-engr/comp-engr.shtml

Note the math requirements:

• MATH 16500 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I - 4 credit hours
• MATH 16600 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II - 4 credit hour
• MATH 17100 Multidimensional Math - 3 credit hours
• MATH 26100 Multivariate Calculus - 4 credit hours
• MATH 26600 Ordinary Differential Equations - 3 credit hours

Based on your SAT, you aren't remotely ready for Calc I.

Sorry if this comes off as harsh, but you deserve a dose of reality. If your high school record doesnt accurately reflect your abilities, you will need to reset your record and bone up on the basics of math before you are ready for a challenging math-based highly technical major like computer engineering.

 

[Michael_T]

If you're planning to start exercise tomorrow. . . or after Thanksgiving. . . etc.
STOP and go out and run NOW. I don't care if its raining, I don't care if its cold, just go and do it every day. And build up QUICKLY as your DI is not going to start slow and ramp it up gently.

I've managed to drop by 10lbs already... I aim to drop around 20 - 30, within the next months leading up to boot-camp.

 

[Michael_T]

I wouldn’t play games calling in and using a law that is intended to protect reservists that are activated for drill or deployment. Get a schedule from your recruiter and be proactive with work and ask to be scheduled around your poolie events. If you try to play these games once you are in there will be as they say hell to pay. I would not tempt your employer they may pull your punk card.

Hell got paid, and I was let go from my job... I found a new one though...

 

[Michael_T]

Don’t take this as a negative comment but I have been waiting for such a post from you since the first posts after you signed. It was IMO going to be something

. I saw regret or second thoughts in your comments almost the day after you signed for the USMC. Excitement followed immediately by worry and your dad.

I never understood how you went from , I am thinking about maybe enlisting, to signing for the USMC , in what seems like days or hours. I wondered then if you had thought things out.

of course if they are throwing money at you and you can attend college for pennies on the dollar it’s a good deal. See your dad was right all along

Maybe in time you will want to serve. Or not. Hopes wishes and dreams to serve don’t count. Right now you have a great deal. Make good on it.



Good Luck

No regrets now.... no more... no more...

 

[Michael_T]

I am a CFP(r) professional and cannot believe you are considering $200K in loans for ANY school except maybe Medical School or Harvard Law.

I realize, it was a major mistake....

 

[Devil Doc]

Hi Mike, again I must have missed something. What are your plans?

 

[Michael_T]

Hi Mike, again I must have missed something. What are your plans?

Hello!

You didn't miss anything... I've just been foolish to even think about taking on 200k in debt... Furthermore, as it went with the "cold-feet" for enlisting with The Marine Corp, it did exist at first, but I never officially withdrew, and since November 4th; matter of fact yesterday was 2 months since I went up to MEPs. I'm still a Poolie in DEP, with a ship-date of July 18, 2022.

I did speak to my recruiter, in relation to my dad signing anything else since I am still 18, he explained that my dad has already signed everything that is required for me to join, nothing further is required. My dad on the other-hand is still not understanding, and he presumes that there is still something for him to sign... There isn't.. I'm going..

This being said, over these path 2 months, over being a very indecisive about my decisions of my future, I've come to realize that The Marine Corp is truly where I belong as of know; at least how it pertains to my 4-year contract. I will pursue a commission after those 4-years.

My dad may not want me to go, but It's up to me now, and I don't mean it in a rude way when I state that I cannot let him determine my future for me.

I've found my path....

 

[Michael_T]

One disadvantage although, my body didn't get used to the rigors of the intense Poolie training, and I ended up with a stress-fracture, and I've been wearing a boot for like 3 weeks now. Thankfully, I have to wear it only till January 20th.

 

[Devil Doc]

Hello!

You didn't miss anything... I've just been foolish to even think about taking on 200k in debt... Furthermore, as it went with the "cold-feet" for enlisting with The Marine Corp, it did exist at first, but I never officially withdrew, and since November 4th; matter of fact yesterday was 2 months since I went up to MEPs. I'm still a Poolie in DEP, with a ship-date of July 18, 2022.

I did speak to my recruiter, in relation to my dad signing anything else since I am still 18, he explained that my dad has already signed everything that is required for me to join, nothing further is required. My dad on the other-hand is still not understanding, and he presumes that there is still something for him to sign... There isn't.. I'm going..

This being said, over these path 2 months, over being a very indecisive about my decisions of my future, I've come to realize that The Marine Corp is truly where I belong as of know; at least how it pertains to my 4-year contract. I will pursue a commission after those 4-years.

My dad may not want me to go, but It's up to me now, and I don't mean it in a rude way when I state that I cannot let him determine my future for me.

I've found my path....

I believe you can do it. Your tone is different. You sound determined. There are things you can do to work toward a commission in your first four years and beyond. As I advised before however, don’t mention wanting to be an officer until we’ll after MOS school. Meanwhile you can do independent research and study the leaders around you. That’s an education in itself.

 

[Devil Doc]

One disadvantage although, my body didn't get used to the rigors of the intense Poolie training, and I ended up with a stress-fracture, and I've been wearing a boot for like 3 weeks now. Thankfully, I have to wear it only till January 20th.

My goodness.

 

[Michael_T]

My goodness.

It's been a lovely end to 2021, and a not-so-great 2022, as with this mentioned stress-fracture.

I just recently dealt with Food Poisoning, it was awful... 2+ days of puking ain't a great way to start the New Year

 

[Michael_T]

I believe you can do it. Your tone is different. You sound determined. There are things you can do to work toward a commission in your first four years and beyond. As I advised before however, don’t mention wanting to be an officer until we’ll after MOS school. Meanwhile you can do independent research and study the leaders around you. That’s an education in itself.

Yes I understand...

I've already dropped 10lbs in my goal, I need to drop around 9lbs to be at the ship-maximum, my goal is to lose around another 20lbs in 5 months, which should be feasible.

I am determined, this is going to change now... I looked into being apart of a Reserve component, I found out it really wasn't for me.

 

[Old Enlisted Marine]

One disadvantage although, my body didn't get used to the rigors of the intense Poolie training, and I ended up with a stress-fracture, and I've been wearing a boot for like 3 weeks now. Thankfully, I have to wear it only till January 20th.

OK... I am probably going to regret this but I am trying to remain positive here. I am only weighing in once again in hopes that some of this info will truly help you and you are being sincere. Rest the leg until it is fully healed. Then go to a running store, not a big box store. Get fitted for good quality running shoes that work for your form. They should want to see you run in them. Tell them you have had shin problems. Buy those and ONLY wear them for running. NO other reason no exception. Look up some running programs on a running site and follow it. You will benefit from others knowledge and you will progress faster without hurting yourself. Shoes and the regime you follow can make all the difference in the world. Once you are a bit more seasoned and know your body then you can make your own adjustments. Running is the foundation for Boot camp PT, do pushups, sit-ups and pull ups (do negatives if you cannot do a pull up.) You will get there. Preparation is the key to success.


Next...... I am just being honest when I say this but Poolee training is not rigorous. I have done it many years ago and have recently seen it. Do not let that be the standard you are setting. Look up the Marine PFT and try to hit the averages easily before you ship out. The goal should eventually be to max the PFT every time.

Finally, if you are on here screwing around I hope this helps someone else in the future. Many members here believe you are messing with us. I hope that is not the case.

Best of LUCK! (Work hard and make your own Luck)

 

[Small Team Bacsi]

A serious life lesson ——Core—-Corp—-Corps——Core can be used when referring to apples but it’s Corps when referring to the USMC not Corp.

you may think this a nit pic but it might save you from your DIs immediate anger and disappointment.

For what it’s worth if you were mine and I had seen and heard your thoughts over the past months I’d not suggest the USMC for you. I think you will seriously regret this decision.

I hope to be wrong. I am pulling for you. But I think you will regret this decision on the small off chance this is the final decision..

 

[Small Team Bacsi]

The thread I would have started if i were you

”as an enlisted person knowing me , my strengths, and my weaknesses what military branch is best for me”

 

[Small Team Bacsi]

Hello to all!

I am seeking some advice to those who may have gone through USMC bootcamp, or even those who may be able to assist in answering my questions.

As many on this forum may know, I did enlist with the USMC, and I have my Ship-Date set for August 29, 2021. I plan to do a Logistics MOS.

Furthermore, I was concerned about a couple of things… For example, I’ve read about sickness at Parris Island, nearly at least everyone gets sick at least once, since obviously many people are coming from the around the world to the same place. My main concern with this, is I’ve heard cases as bad as people getting pneumonia, ring-worm, etc, and being held back due to missing required training, etc. How true are these, are they exaggerated? Is there anything I can do to “protect” myself from these situations?

Finally, I’ve read many things about injuries, I’ve heard that the USMC holds you at bootcamp, if you are injured and you stay until you are healed, and hence pushed-back for your graduation. I’ve head something as bad as people staying at MCRD Parris Island for up to a year, due to healing and be able to complete training appropriately. I know it depends on how bad your injury may be, but also again is there anything I can do to really protect myself from these situations.

One further question, when is the Confidence Course held? What happens if a recruit cannot complete it? Any advice?

It’s my utmost goal to complete the 3 months, and get out as soon as I can. I don’t think anyone “loves” to stay there, and I don’t plan to be one lol.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Hello to all!

I am seeking some advice to those who may have gone through USMC bootcamp, or even those who may be able to assist in answering my questions.

As many on this forum may know, I did enlist with the USMC, and I have my Ship-Date set for August 29, 2021. I plan to do a Logistics MOS.

Furthermore, I was concerned about a couple of things… For example, I’ve read about sickness at Parris Island, nearly at least everyone gets sick at least once, since obviously many people are coming from the around the world to the same place. My main concern with this, is I’ve heard cases as bad as people getting pneumonia, ring-worm, etc, and being held back due to missing required training, etc. How true are these, are they exaggerated? Is there anything I can do to “protect” myself from these situations?

Finally, I’ve read many things about injuries, I’ve heard that the USMC holds you at bootcamp, if you are injured and you stay until you are healed, and hence pushed-back for your graduation. I’ve head something as bad as people staying at MCRD Parris Island for up to a year, due to healing and be able to complete training appropriately. I know it depends on how bad your injury may be, but also again is there anything I can do to really protect myself from these situations.

One further question, when is the Confidence Course held? What happens if a recruit cannot complete it? Any advice?

It’s my utmost goal to complete the 3 months, and get out as soon as I can. I don’t think anyone “loves” to stay there, and I don’t plan to be one lol.

Any advice would be appreciated.

I suggest you go back and read your original post and all your comments after as far as the Marine Corps

And I hope you take my comments as trying to be helpful.

But I have served with a lot of really unhappy pfc and L/C s.——-some of the unhappiest people I have ever been around in my life. And that was NC not just VN. And these were guys for the most part really wanted to be marines. ( to be fair a number of them really unhappy E3 retired as Mustang USMC officers or first Sgts)

and I doubt any of them enlisted already thinking they’re were going to get out after four years because they did not think any one ”loves “ to stay there.

ANd the one thing no matter what job you end up with, all jobs being very important and combat related and none should be looked down on, but to announce you don’t want a combat related job——I think——why then join an outfit full of killers whose main job is combat.

A hard organization whose main jobs are killing or supporting the killers. i don’t care what mos you have , if you have a true aversion of being shot at , the USMC might be a poor first choice of service.

I have no idea why you want to be a Marine . None. After all these many posts I know a lot more about you dad than why you want to be a Marine.

When you said you were going to reconsider paths to take a new look at things it’s looks like you want with the USMC path because it was there.

id listen to the more younger folks her and those that have been (enlisted ) Marines or IDC Corpsman. Maybe they disagree with me. I have no idea how anyone could be putting up with the MC life that did not really want to be there in the first place.

I think something like the AF makes more sense for you. No knock on the USMC or the USAF

Every point you raise in your first post is likely to happen to you In USMC boot camp. Sickness, injury, misery and being held back. It’s a'part of the process for over 100 years.

Some would read that misery and say bring in on I can deal with what ever comes others I will enjoy it others would spend their time worrying and stressing And worry about the flu.

id love to know——why the Corps.