I think a lot of people think it's easy, and that they get their college paid for. But I know someone that went to the army and they are being stingy about paying for any of his college and giving him any kind of money. I bet there is a lot of restrictions with the army and ways they can get out of paying for your college. For me it's not worth it, especially with who we've got running our country but that's a whole other topic.

 

I know some probably want to serve, but I think most want the free ride.

 

Some don't even make it through boot camp!

 

My opinion would be just the opposite.

I was in College and was basically tired of it. I also needed to grow up, boy did that little Island in South Carolina accomplish that!! The only reason I got out of the Marines is because my mother was sick. I miss the military life sometimes, but it is not for everyone.

Why do people join the military?

 

I know 90% SAY that they want to serve their country BUT is that the real reason?

 

I'm sorta curious about why you ask this question.

And for anyone who is thinking about joining, I can say it is the best decision that I ever made in my life. It helped me grow as a person, and of course helped me in my current career. Oh, and I am a Marine. that is something that NO ONE will ever take from me. I saw a great bumper sticker that read: YOU WILL DIE..I WILL DIE A MARINE. enough said.. :thumb:

I can only tell you why I went into the Marines, and it was not to have my country pay for my college or law school, which it did not. My father was a Marine and my grandfather joined the Army soon after immigrating from Germany. I did it for the same reason that they did: to serve my country, a country that still is the greatest country on this earth and will remain so unless we become so selfish and self centered that we put our individual selves before the greater good. You don't have to join the military to serve your country; it is only one of the ways to do so (although it, in my mind, is the greatest way to do so). If the military is not your thing, then get involved in the community, volunteer to help a young boy or girl and become a positive role model for him or her, or at a minimum, stay in school and get the highest education that you can, for if you do so, you will make our country a stronger one. But in all cases, put your community and your country in front of yourself.

:thumb: Excellent post.:thumb:

I can only tell you why I went into the Marines, and it was not to have my country pay for my college or law school, which it did not. My father was a Marine and my grandfather joined the Army soon after immigrating from Germany. I did it for the same reason that they did: to serve my country, a country that still is the greatest country on this earth and will remain so unless we become so selfish and self centered that we put our individual selves before the greater good. You don't have to join the military to serve your country; it is only one of the ways to do so (although it, in my mind, is the greatest way to do so). If the military is not your thing, then get involved in the community, volunteer to help a young boy or girl and become a positive role model for him or her, or at a minimum, stay in school and get the highest education that you can, for if you do so, you will make our country a stronger one. But in all cases, put your community and your country in front of yourself.

Not to repeat LN but, my father was a Marine, my brother was a Marine, I was a Marine and my oldest son is an Army 1st Lt. My youngest son will be attending Ohio U this year on an ROTC scholarship. You could say that two of my boys got/are getting free education, but its more than that. We all did it to serve, not to get something out of it. It's just what we do. My boys talk of making a career of it, but that could change over time. You can't really explain it except to say that's how I was brought up. That I owe a debt to my country that goes beyond paying taxes. It's about being willing to offer all you have for the idea that this nation is worth protecting.

The reason I joined the Marine Corps was my father and two older brothers were Marines and I followed suit along with serving my country. I also used the GI bill for college. I really grew up and learned alot about taking care of myself while I served. I am proud I served "Semper Fi". JD

I'm sorta curious about why you ask this question.

 

 

Simple really.

 

I tried to join the Marines at age 21, but due to 2 knee surgeries and back problems I was denied. I was doing this not because of money or college, but because I needed to grow up, get tougher, and do something that had some meaning.

 

 

Now a lot of the people that I knew joined the reserves and did it for other reasons. They thought the chance of actually seeing combat like Iraq or Somalia was slim to none. They didn't really see it as putting their life on the line and when the time come there were a few who got lawyers saying this is not what they signed up for. Their parents went off and acted like there babies wasn't supposed to be in a situation like we are now.

 

Some also served no questions asked.

 

So I was just wondering here on BGP, because I knew we had some brave people who actually served.

Not to repeat LN but, my father was a Marine, my brother was a Marine, I was a Marine and my oldest son is an Army 1st Lt. My youngest son will be attending Ohio U this year on an ROTC scholarship. You could say that two of my boys got/are getting free education, but its more than that. We all did it to serve, not to get something out of it. It's just what we do. My boys talk of making a career of it, but that could change over time. You can't really explain it except to say that's how I was brought up. That I owe a debt to my country that goes beyond paying taxes. It's about being willing to offer all you have for the idea that this nation is worth protecting.

 

How did two generations of Marines beget Army?? Thank you, your family and all the other posters on here for your service. Without all of you our lives would be quite different, and not in a good way.

I didn’t realize there were so many devil dogs on here…

 

Just to echo what’s already been stated above. I joined to serve my country but I got to do so much more than that, I got to go to college when I was stationed in NC (not to mention I recieved credit for my MOS school), I went to 7 different country’s , I got the opportunity to serve during wartime and I got to do it all under the title "MARINE"….

Our son is thinking of joining the Marine's. We asked he at least go to college first. He has about 2 year's left until he graduate's. And by the way, his Dad is retired from the Air Force after serving for 20 year's. We know first hand the sacrifice's that are made and the hardship's endured.

If it wasnt for my weight, I'd go Air Force all the way.

 

If it wasnt for my barcalounger, I'd go USMC all the way.

Our son is thinking of joining the Marine's. We asked he at least go to college first. He has about 2 year's left until he graduate's. And by the way, his Dad is retired from the Air Force after serving for 20 year's. We know first hand the sacrifice's that are made and the hardship's endured.

He should consider officer training.

 

http://officer.marines.com/page/Earning-a-Commission-O.jsp

He should consider officer training.

 

http://officer.marines.com/page/Earning-a-Commission-O.jsp

 

He is considering it and has even talked to an officer recruiter a couple of weeks ago.

If he doesn't want to finish College, he can still enlist and then apply for the meritorious Commissioning program once he hits the fleet. He will need to be a "squared away" Marine, but he can earn his Good Conduct medal and once he earns his Commission he will rate to wear that ribbon. Enlisted Marines will know that he was once an enlisted Marine, because Officer's do not earn Good Conduct medals. In case he can't wait to join....there are other ways..and that way he can experience Parris Island instead of that weak Quantico, VA. ..TBS and OCS