Are marines brainwashed in boot-camp?

Question

I imagine you'd have to brain wash people to not question say, an order to run against a heavy machine gun. How can they re-adjust to normal society after?

Answer 1

Marines are trained to fight in the most difficult situations in war and they are not brainwashed.

Answer 2

I joined the Corps at 17 in 1972. There were many days when I felt like the Marine Corps handed my brain back to me in a paper sack. When I graduated boot camp and went home I felt different acted different and even walked different and everyone noticed it. All I wanted to do was go out and kill someone. Am the same way today except I know that if I kill someone I'll go to prison for a long time. Those little songs we used to sing while running "If I die on the Russian front bury me with a Russian c__nt." "I want to live a life of danger. I want to be a recon ranger. Oh gimmee some PT gimmee some PT." Those little songs get buried deep into the subconscious mind, so yes we were brainwashed. Brainwashed for our own damned good, to be able to survive in the most brutal conditions. A bar fight or a fire fight, Marines fight to win at all costs.

Answer 3

Marines are absolutely brainwashed, but not in the way that you are implying. Marines are taught to be the best, and are instilled witht the highest degree of pride, discipline and commitment, that they are hardly recognizeable as the person they used to be.

Also, when I was in the Marines, we were taught that charging a heavy machine gun was about the dumbest thing you could do, so you sit back and make a plan first. Because there are ways to avoid it, that's why they have radios and support units.

Answer 4

Hell no we're not brainwashed. What a common misconception. We are taught instant obedience to orders, but that's for a reason. We still know right from wrong. We are still normal people. Some who stay in 20, 30 yrs or longer do have some trouble readjusting because they are used to giving an order and expecting it to be followed, no questions asked. We all know that's not how a normal situation is handled. I wouldn't run against a heavy machine gun unless you told me why I'm doing it first and if I didn't agree with the reason my *** isn't going anywhere, do it your damn self.

Answer 5

....they don't adjust, you just let them take out as many machine guns as they want.


of course they aren't brainwashed. they are highly trained, highly motivated, and well disciplined. It doesn't take brainwashing, it takes dedication and devotion to duty.

P.S. I wouldn't pay too much attention to anyone who uses the word "fluff" when talking about marines. It's easy for those who do nothing to sit back and analyze those who do what the critics can't do.

P.S. I have a serious problem with anyone claiming to be a marine that says if you give them an order they want to know why and if they don't agree they aren't doing it. Definately not a Marine Corps attitude, and definately no room in the Corps for anyone who thinks that way.

Answer 6

No Marines are not brainwashed in boot camp just very well trained. As for the re-adjustment some do most don't. I know one of my brothers-in-law was able to re-adjust, my hubby wont ever be able to re-adjust. We have several friends who got out moved away and are now back working for the base because it is where they feel comfortable. Civvies get on their nerves, and they get frustrated when they try to talk to one.

Answer 7

Nah, it's not the same thing. A machine gun in combat presents a "clear and present danger" (to borrow the phrase). I DO think Marines are brainwashed to a certain extent. With all respect to the corps, too many come out with the attitude that nobody BUT a marine counts or deserves respect or honor for their service.

Answer 8

Brain Washed, In No Way!!!

Recruit Training, in the U.S. Marine's, Officially comprises 3 Definitive phases.

First Phase - Concentrates on orientation, study of military subjects and physical training, and begins in the small, dark hours of the early morning. The drill instructor is absolutely the most sadistic, maniacal tyrant one has ever encountered. It is beyond comprehension that one human being could treat another in such fashion.

Second Phase - Includes marksmanship training, combat exercises and long hikes, and begins the next morning at roll call. When the drill instructor yells with a voice that is sharp and quick, loud and distinct, and permeated with a tone Ugliness.

Third Phase - Is service week, final polishing and, then graduation. The recruit can now strut a-bit, being proud and tall, he/she Graduated, wearing the Eagle, Globe and Anchor, now being awarded the title of "Marine", is truly a reality.

Answer 9

I don't think 'brainwashed' is the right word. These men don't join up because they think they are going to be picking flowers and prancing through the woods. They know good and well up front that they will likely be called upon to kill their fellow man at some point in their career as a Marine, HOOYAH!

A better term would be, "Indoctrinated" into the way of a warrior.

Answer 10

That would imply Jarheads had a brain!!!
Marines are indoctrinated, But it works for them and I have much respect for them. As for re adjustment I am not qualified to answer that as I may be maladjusted.

Crazy people are fun, It's the "sane" ones that scare me!

Answer 11

Like it or not, they are trained to be killers and follow orders to do so. Its the basis of all solders everywhere.

The preferred method to do this is to break one down mentally, then build back up into an "obedient solder" Some consider this a form of brainwashing. For good or bad that's the way it is.

All the fluff about obedience, honor, loyalty is just window dressing....but it makes everyone feel better and justified.

Look, solders are trained to kill, that what they do in war and to get human beings to do that without questioning the order takes some conditioning (brainwashing if you will).