Marines in Alaska (home, camp, to live)

[Glitch]

Since I did not get a chance to respond in the other thread before it was deleted, I will respond in a new thread.

Originally Posted by RedJacket

I have two older brothers who were in the Marines back in the mid to late 70s. One was in for 2 yrs the other for 4 yrs. I think that's the correct amount of time. If not, then I'll take my verbal beating like a man who wasn't a Marine. Both had their basic training out in CA, your old stomping grounds.

During the 1970s enlistments were two years for combat MOSs like 0311, and three and four years. I served two four-year terms with the combat engineers (MOS 1391). I also went to boot camp at MCRD in San Diego, and stationed primarily at Camp Pendleton. I may have even met your brothers.

Originally Posted by RedJacket

I can honestly say there was little to no change in their demeanor or behavior when they left the military. They're pretty much the same as they were prior to joining. One is fairly conservative politically speaking, while the other is neither liberal or conservative.

I am not talking about a change in demeanor or behavior. I am referring to their attitudes, their sense of honor, and their ability to improvise, adapt, and overcome any obstacle placed before them. If you noticed no changes in them, then that tells me they already had those traits to begin with and the Corps was a perfect fit for them. As it was for me.

It is not "indoctrination" or "brainwashing" as many think, it is an attitude or lifestyle we are most at home with. The Corps gave us direction, a sense of honor and purpose, but it did not fundamentally change who we are personality-wise.

Without knowing your brothers I could tell you a great many things about them because they are both still Marines. There is a particular personality type that is best suited to be a Marine.

Originally Posted by RedJacket

Anyway, if you feel this kid would be a good fit for Alaska, then who am I to say otherwise. Let him haul ass on up there. Didn't I read where he said he was 6' 7" tall. Isn't that your height as well? Talk about brothers in arms -- and heights.

I would encourage anyone, vet or non-vet, who does not like the person they would have to become to live and be successful in the lower-48 to consider Alaska as a possible destination. The overwhelming vast majority of Alaskans that I have met do not want what the lower-48 has to offer and would be opposed to that kind of lifestyle being imposed upon them. These are the kinds of people I would like to see in Alaska.

I believe he mentioned that he was 6'-5" and 275 pounds, but I could be mistaken. I am indeed 6'-7" and 250 pounds. My little brother is 6'-5", and did not join the military.

[starlite9]

I would encourage anyone, vet or non-vet, who does not like the person they would have to become to live and be successful in the lower-48 to consider Alaska as a possible destination. The overwhelming vast majority of Alaskans that I have met do not want what the lower-48 has to offer and would be opposed to that kind of lifestyle being imposed upon them. These are the kinds of people I would like to see in Alaska.

Ditto that!