Hey all,

First of all, here is a little bit about me; I'm 19 years old, completed High School and went through one and a half years of college before dropping out and taking a break. It's not so much a break as it is the feeling that this is not what I want to do. So, I decided to drop and start working. I've racked up about ten grand in student loans, so there is a definite need for income.

Anyhow, I decided that it might be a good idea to take a tour in the service. I understand that 4 years is just about standard, but I think the experience would be a good one, it would give me a chance to serve my country, it would be a little bit of cash when I get out to get back on my feet, I might get some sort of college training should I so choose, and it would be a great time to sit back and think about what I want to do.

However, I had some questions that I really didn't want a recruiter to answer. It's not that I don't trust them, but after all, they are trying to sell the job and they need people to join. So here is a list of questions that I'd hope a veteran marine or someone who knows could answer for me;
1) What sort of pay did you receive in the service? After all is said and done, how much were the bi-monthly paychecks?
2) If you got any sort of school financial assistance, how did it work? I understand there is a plan for it, but I'm not sure exactly how things go down.
3) What is the day-in-day-out routine like? I guess this is a huge question, everyone has their own experience, but if you could summarize a general day in the corps I'd really appreciate it!
4) What is it like to get into volunteer programs such as Sniper school/Embassy guard duty/Recon or Force Recon/etc.
5) What was the whole training? I understand there I basic for about 3 months, then infantry school. Can anyone enlighten me as to the details?
6) How were the living arrangements? Did you live in a barracks or apartments? Again, I guess that one is pretty dependent on location.

Anyhow, thanks a bunch for any advise you can give me. Even if you have a friend or relative that was in the Marines, I'd love to hear your experience.

Thanks in advance!

I do not have all the answers but I can answer a few. Number one your recruiter is trying to get you join so don't believe it all. I was in the Marine Corp and at the time it was a real culture shock. Remember in boot camp Drill Instructors think for you and plan your day. As far as sniper school and etc that should be no problem when you leave boot camp you should go to your selected area. My daughter just joined the Coast Guard and they are a little different in areas but the recruiter still didn't tell it all. Nothing real major but still it made a difference. She received a college sign on bonus based on college credits but most military also have a sign on bonus based on the needs of the branch of service, you can negotiate rank based on education. Pay is not bad but you have to pay for a lot of items you received like uniforms , etc. You also have medical, meals dental, and rooms to mention a few. You stay in barracks but they are in rooms with a partner. My daughter has a room with a friend as well as a berth on her ship. Married people are handled different as far as room and board. My daughter has been in almost a year and so far the worst casualties are me and her mom, she's doing great in CA and currently she's in South America on a tour this was the first time she was away from home, we're in SC. So remember the parents if they are in the picture. Some people are so negative that she is not allowed to wear her uniform in some environments but these people don't seem to realize if it wasn't for people who are in the military they would not have the freedom to voice these feelings. Lots of luck if you decide to join. Remember,I don't know it all maybe you'll get other responses.

Hello J:

I'm thrilled about any young person who would consider defending our country.

And, that's where I'm going to start. Regardless of the benefits you may receive, there's going to be people shooting at you. Too many times, they hit their target. THAT should be your FIRST consideration.

Next, I was a sailor - not a marine. I loved being at sea. I loved my ship. I loved defending my country. I loved my job. I hated the Navy. Some people are geared toward the military. Some are not. I wasn't. I wish I was, cause I would have loved to have a career with so many HUGE and expensive MEN toys to play with.

But, I wasn't. If you are, the military is great.

What I didn't like about the Navy is what you may not like about the Marines. In between the fighting, you're going to be marching - marching to nowhere, for no reason. Then the next day, you're going to march again. The marching is going to be broken up by a lot of yelling from a guy with bad breath standing about an inch from your nose. And, that's just boot camp.

Here's a story about me and the Navy which might give you an idea of what my daily life was aboard my ship. I was standing in my cleaning area with a paintbrush in one hand and a scrub brush in the other. My chief wondered what I was doing just standing there. I replied, "Well Chief, I just painted this bulkhead (wall), and I'm waiting for the paint to dry so I can start scrubbing it."

THAT kind of crap was the kind of military crap that is military crap.

You don't get paid well. You don't live well. You have to deal with idiots. There's no GI bill. But, the travel is good. The experience is invaluable. And, the chicks love Marines.

excon

Thanks a bunch for the responses, I really appreciate it!

Here is the current pay scale

2008 Military Pay Charts (http://www.navycs.com/08militarypaychart.html)

Most likely you would start as a E1 for basicl training you will be living in barracks and in the field a lot also.