My Brother Is Joining the Marines (girlfriend, sister, senior, meeting)
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Don't let him do it, at least not at this point. If he already has three years of college he needs to finish up school first and get a degree. Even if it wasn't the one he originally wanted. At least that way he can go in as an officer.
Going in as an officer will mean a huge difference if he decides to make the military a career. Plus if he doesn't, then separating as an officer will look very good on his resume. There is a huge difference between going in the military as an officer and going in as an E-1. As an officer his pay and benefits are much better, as is his standard of living.
My advice would be to find someone you know personally that actually served as an officer and let him have a sit down with your brother. (and not a recruiter) I was in the military for 10 years and I never met an officer that regretted going in as an officer. But I met lots of enlisted guys that regretted not going in with a commission.
Joining the marines as a sniper sounds rather glamorous, especially during a time of war, but your brother is very close to a college degree and completing it is the one single thing he can do at this point in his life to ensure his future's a successful one. He can still join the military, what's one more year in school first?
Don't let him do it, at least not at this point. If he already has three years of college he needs to finish up school first and get a degree. Even if it wasn't the one he originally wanted. At least that way he can go in as an officer.
Going in as an officer will mean a huge difference if he decides to make the military a career. Plus if he doesn't, then separating as an officer will look very good on his resume. There is a huge difference between going in the military as an officer and going in as an E-1. As an officer his pay and benefits are much better, as is his standard of living.
My advice would be to find someone you know personally that actually served as an officer and let him have a sit down with your brother. (and not a recruiter) I was in the military for 10 years and I never met an officer that regretted going in as an officer. But I met lots of enlisted guys that regretted not going in with a commission.
Joining the marines as a sniper sounds rather glamorous, especially during a time of war, but your brother is very close to a college degree and completing it is the one single thing he can do at this point in his life to ensure his future's a successful one. He can still join the military, what's one more year in school first?
The only problem is he's changed major's every year he's been there, so in reality, he's nowhere near finishing school. That's a good idea though, I'll see if I can find an officer or retired officer that we know.
How would he be better-able to handle entering Marine-hood with a degree under his belt in Glass blowing?
THAT, by the way, I think is the coolest major I've heard of. I'm googling online courses and workshops that might let me play around with it as we speak! Good stuff!
Sounds like he could use some structure in his life, the military could be the answer. My second cousin just went to Iraq and although I worry for his safety I couldn't be any prouder of him.
RowingMunkeyCU, I PM'd you my Marine BF's answers to your original questions.
native, thanks so much for getting his opinions and knowledge. it's tough trying to figure out what the truth is from the recruiters versus what's BS (or at least, stretched truth). I'll pass on the info to my brother as well.
Fiddlekitten, I also agree btw, that it's a cool major (but not likely the best ROI for $40k per year, he's going to RIT in Rochester, NY). It was great fun getting to play with glass rods and Bunsen burners in chemistry in high school ;-) Probably wouldn't aid him any in handling Marine lifestyle, but would benefit him in the possibility of being an officer (showing his fortitude).
Roaddog, I agree that it could be the answer, it's just difficult to accept, ya know... I want him to be around for a long time to come. But it's not really what I want, it's what he wants and what's best for him.
My first cousin is in the Army, started as a cook, they found out he can shoot, and is now a marksman. He's currently in Iraq (as far as we know), on his 4th tour, after having served in Afghanistan and Germany. Definitely proud of him, it was what he needed (that side of the family has a lot of problems, it provided him a way out).
Military enrollment is not the answer to treat depression.
And I honestly hope you are not relying on HOPE that everything goes well for you in the military. Real life is not romanticized like the movies where Navy Seals are all heroes and everyone who joins gets to work in intelligence. You better know exactly what you want and be absolutely sure that having your entire life regimented, laid out, and in danger at almost all times is for you.
I was in the USAF for 5 years and it changed my life and gave me the opportunity to go to college and see the world. I never felt like my life was in danger. Very few people in the military get killed. I was in danger more in my civilian police life than in the military. Navy Seals are usually heroes and so are the rest of the people in the military.
Served 23 years in USAF. LOVED it! Some of my best war stories involve USMC air & ground crews! ALL of the services provide excellent opportunities; educational and in many other ways, as well. They all also have ways for their members to complete their education plans and possibly earn a commision if so desired. Best of luck to your brother!
I was in the USAF for 5 years and it changed my life and gave me the opportunity to go to college and see the world. I never felt like my life was in danger. Very few people in the military get killed. I was in danger more in my civilian police life than in the military. Navy Seals are usually heroes and so are the rest of the people in the military.
It is my understanding that people who work in intelligence often suffer from psychological breakdowns because they are always in fear of being snooped out. Of course, I cannot back this up with personal experience so perhaps what I heard was skewed.
My little brother (who is 22) joined the marines last year.
It was a good fit for him, because he's always been a gun nut/survivalist, etc.
However, he is married - and it is a huge burden on his wife (and us, the rest of his family) as well. Ask him to think how it will impact others in his life.
Also, *PLEASE* make sure his MOS won't get him sent to die in iraq.
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