This is Patriot87, (I changed names slightly, forgot password :(

I want to say thank you for all of your insight, it has really made me think about my future.

I promised myself I would finish at least 2 years of college before joinning, just so I have some of that under my belt. So now here I am at the end of my first year. My frist semester was at UNI (with ROTC), second at a community college at home, (where I am now) I will be transferring to Iowa State for at least a year for the following fall. But you can bet I always have my eyes on that title of Marine.

Thank you all who have served.

Here's a little friendly advice. Finish your degree when you join. There are plenty of reputable online colleges where you can finish your degree. It will help you find a job should you decide not to make a career of it.

COLLEGE COLLEGE COLLEGE COLLEGE COLLEGE COLLEGE COLLEGE COLLEGE COLLEGE.
Don't give your mind body and soul to the government! I think it would be one thing if this country wasn't in such a mess with foreign affairs everywhere! I am not being unpatriotic, I have a father in law, cousins and uncles that are Marines. I can tell you that they are proud to be Marines and they have served their country proudly. But it isn't without it's consequences. Some have been severe. I would hate to see your young years spent in some foreign country fighting for greedy politicians who want to control all the oil in the world. Right now it is unsafe for our boys to be overseas. That is a fact. WE don't have the resources or the money to protect you and if something happens to you, you may not be able to get the help or the benefits you need. I know you are trying to do the right thing, but you can help your country in other ways. Good luck in whatever you do, College can be a great experience, especially if you go away to school. Be lucky you have the option, a lot of people don't. May God watch over and Bless you in whatever you decide. ( I hope you aren't offended by that)

Shatteredsoul, you must have missed PatriotG87's post. He WANTS the title of being a Marine. I don't think it is fair to try to talk someone you don't know out of serving in the military just because you don't agree with what is going on in Iraq or some of the decisions made by politicians. Remember... almost everybody thought it was a good idea 4 1/2 years ago.

I respect whatever opinion you have, but the vast majority of people join and serve in the military despite our politicians. I know I did. Some of my best friends that I served with in Iraq are VERY against the war. It didn't stop them from doing their job and being honorable discharged. When the bullets started flying our way, it was never about the government; it was always about the guy next to you. The Marines need people like patriotg87 to serve proudly (despite his political views) and protect those that he serves with, so that one day when everyone comes home, he can say that he did his part to protect and bring home his brothers in uniform.

PatriotG87, the decision to join the Marines is a big one. Don't base your decision on how you feel politically about the decision. Base it on YOUR desire to serve in the Marines and wear the uniform. Good luck!

Auttajasi, I couldn't have said it better.

Shatteredshoul, thank you for your blessing. I appreciate your advice, but becoming a Marine is apart of me. It is really tough to describe it to people who never wanted to join. Something I have experienced is, my parents including other people and relatives look ONLY at the political side of my decision. Joining the Marines or any branch of the military is not a political decision. I myself don't agree totally with the war, but that in no way is hindering my decision.

I am sorry you both misunderstood what I meant. I really do understand what you are saying. I respect it completely. If your soul desires to be a Marine, then God Bless you in your endeavor. But, you obviously aren't sure about it, which is why you asked the question. I am being devil's advocate here, but to me it isn't really about the Iraq war. It is about dedicating your life to a government that doesn't have your best interest at heart. Wars are always political. My father in law served in Korea. He died as Marine a year ago. We buried him in Arlington and he was recognized for his service. It was something he lived his life being proud of. He volunteered at 18 and was a platoon sergeant before he was 19. He had very bad experiences there that changed him forever. He didn't regret it, but when my husband turned 18 and they started calling for him to go, he told him don't do it. Listen, I think you are an intelligent person and part of you wants the recognition and the "status" of being a Marine. All I am saying is, once you make the decision, your life is decided by someone else. You may think that you being a Marine has nothing do with Politics but it does. THe Marines have it the hardest. They are the first ones in and the last ones out. Is it honorable? Absolutely! Are they courageous? Definitely! But I do feel you have a glamorous view of what it is like. It doesn't really matter what you believe or agree with. YOu do as you are told, no questions asked. Your future is not in your control and neither is your independence and freedom.Ironically, that is what we usually are fighting for. I never meant to offend anyone. I know my cousin's husband was deployed to Iraq three times. He missed his third child being born and the first year of her life. He missed his two boys for almost two years. He came back unable to talk or deal with anyone for six months. He is an awesome Marine, but coming back to real life after serving in a war. (no matter where it is) is not something you think about before you enlist. I am proud of your desire to serve and to committ to something you believe in. I sense your hesitation and I hope you search your own heart for the answer. I thank all the people who dedicate their lives to the Military. Just remember, this is your life and you need to make your choices carefully. I hope that you know I am saying this, not as a lecture like your parents, but as a concerned human being. I recognize the ramifications of your decision as an outsider. I see down the road past where you are looking. It will be a tough one. However, if you have already made up your mind, may God bless and watch over you in your travels. Sacrifices in life are made in many ways my friend. If this is your path, I get it. I just was responding to your confusion the only way I know how, honestly.

Hey man, I think going into the military is honorable and just a good thing to do if you want it for yourself. I'm going in myself. Basically, one thing to remember in all your life is that it's nobody's but yours. One day you'll be on a bed (or the ground in some war) about to die... and you have to ask yourself if you did all you could not to have regrets. Nobody can effect that answer but yourself- if you got to join- and if you think you'll look back and wish you had.. then do it. I know it's tough to go against your parents-and let me say first that I am not saying "rebel againsts your parents!!", Im totally against that, but, at the same time it's because they are worried. Honor you parents, but assure them that this is your decision, you're old enough and it's what you want to do. Live your life so you look back wishing you hadn't done stuff rather than wishing you had done stuff.

My 19 yr old son just went to Iraq in August. It scares me to death. My neighbors 19 yr old son got killed over there last Presidents day. He was suppose to come home for Christmas 2006 and then they said they needed more over there and couldn't spare them to come home and so they never got to see him again.

Try joining the ROTC like Fr Chuck said and try finding patriotic organizations that you could maybe volunteer some of your time to. I know there are places like Rolling Thunder and The Patriot Guard. One of the things they do is ride there bikes to soldiers funerals to make sure that the (Rev.) Phelps organization can not protest at their funerals. Then when you are older and your parents have less of a say and you are still determined you can still join. The military did change the age to join so you do have more time.


Rolling Thunder - National Organization Headquarters

Patriot Guard Riders -->Home

Rebels With A Cause-Where your journey of a lifetime begins!

Man.. I'm somewhat in the same problem you are. I've always been attracted to the military and if your going to do it might as well be the Marines. I've been meeting with recruiters that seem like a savior to my screwed up senioritis, but my parents are chewing me out for "throwing away my potential". I know I want to go Marines, but I could never come up with a good reason why.. how can you put words to something that means so much to you without doing it justice. It's just not possible and out parents will just never get it.

So I say, do what you believe in. You will always have the chance to go to college and/or even get an education while you are enlisted. (hopefully what ill be able to do, doubt it) If I don't enlist and do this, I'm never going to forgive my parents and especially myself. I can tell you and I are alike, we are both probably going to go all the way through college just to please our parents but we will always be thinking of what could've been. Make daring decisions.. makes life more interesting.

Give me a few pointers.. College better be fun because I don't see myself beating my dad.. university of Minnesota here I come.

I agree with you no help, good suggestions, I am sorry to hear about your neighbours son :(

I understand how you feel about your eagerness to serve your country and I also understand the feelings of your parents of not letting you go for it. There's a saying, which I believe, that once a soldier leaves his home, his life is in danger, and that is what your parents fear. They love you so much and want to see their grandchildren by you.

The only thing I don't understand is why you don't like to be an officer. Definitely, the pay of an officer is much better than just an ordinary marine. Another thing is the power and prestige that you will enjoy if you are an officer.

Nevertheless, you are now an adult and you know what is best for you. It's your own life, just weigh every situation conscientiously so nobody shall be hurt. Always pray and ask for God's blessing as well as your parents.

Good luck!

Hey, it's been a long time (2006-2011) Just wanted to know where you are already? Did you join the Marines or go on with your life in college?

It's funny how I saw your question. It's been a VERY long time since I logged on to the email that I registered with this site. Anyway, wow, I can't believe how long ago I asked this question, yet here it is still on the internet, it's like a flash to the past.

I finished college, graduating with a degree in political science. While finishing my degree I came across a story about Operation Red Wing. I was astounded at those men, what they were like, what they went through and did. I surrounded myself with their legacy and made a goal, I wanted to attempt to live like them.

I worked hard and got a contract with the Navy, only to be dropped for chronic shoulder pain. After 1.5 years of physical therapy, chiro, mayo clinic visits, I still have the pain. I'm not sure I'll ever be the same. Right now I'm just trying to get a decent job to hold for awhile. Then, if by some miracle, try again...

Patriot - let me just say that I was grateful to hear your story, although I know it doesn't take away from the frustration you feel from not having achieved your goal.

I served my country for 6 years in the Marines. When I hear about young men such as yourself who want to do the same thing, it makes me proud.

Life is very much unfair. There were guys that I served with who took it for granted that being a Marine was a privilege not many men who really want it ever get. And so when I learn of a man who had a setback such as yourself but still wants to serve his country, I can't help but wish that somehow you might be able to realize that goal of yours. It isn’t fair that sometimes those who really want something don't get it, and those who get it but don't really care for it, squander it.

I've never met you my friend, but if I were your brother or uncle, whatever, I would be proud of you. I am proud of you. Working through the pain to try to get back towards reaching your goal says so much about your character. I pray to God that there were more men like you waiting in the wings to serve our country.

Please keep us posted as to where life's journey brings you.

Semper Fi.

Jakester, thank you for your service, I really appreciate the things people like you do. All the time from home, in stress and danger, and being without amenities, are all big sacrifices.

The thing you say about life being unfair rings so true. I remember being in the DEP and people would go around introducing themselves and such, and one of the questions was, "why are you joining the Navy?" I kid you not there were answers like, "because the economy is bad", "to get out of town", "to find a mermaid". I suppose the first two are reasonable but lacking patriotism, the mermaid thing was just weird.

I just hope one day I can do my part. I've had a good life and I was blessed enough to have a will to know and honor those who have given some or all. I'm proud of you and all of them. I want to do a good job to make them proud.

Thanks for the support, I'll post an update when something happens.

Hello patriotg87, I'm currently in the position that you were in when you started this post. And now that you've had time to make your decisions and see the effects I'm asking you for advice and what your opinion is for me to do.

Hahaha, so did u enlist or did you go to school? If u joined the marines I'm sure you realized the bid mistake you did lol, in the marines you are no longer a human but a piece of meat that nobody cares about not even when u get wounded in combat, haha.

Oh and also if you join the infantry u will see females only during christmas leave if you're lucky and not deployed during that period haha. It sucked for me pretty bad but now after 4 years of usmc infantry and 2 years of army infantry I'm finally going to school but I know there's something wrong with me and I speak like a retard because of my brain injury

I can't give big reply now, hard to type, had big surgery on shoulder finally on September 11th. 7 screws in shoulder now haha. I was referred to Lexington clinic this year by Mayo to the only doc in US/world that diagnosis and repairs injury I had, (experimental surgery), only 160 known cases. Long road to here, and long recovery to come.


Achinesecow, I want to give you longer reply, but for now I will say this much. In the end you are the one who will make the decision, but advice can help your thought process. My advice is, the military will be waiting for you after school. In college, if you have the right mindset and drive, you will grow and you may be more prepared for the military. It will open you up to more opportunity in the military(officer route, better test scores, sf, spec ops, etc.), and also the civilian sector.

Don't feel like your chance to join is going and passing you, it isn't. Good Luck.