I'm a woman joining the USMC...any advice?

Question

Between the guy I'm dating (who's a Marine and totally against me joining) and all the hype the recruiter gives you, I am beginning to find myself at a loss. I get, "it's hard," "it's the best," "depends on who you are," "you can do it." I need to know more! I need to know more than tid bits about basic, I need to know what it's like when you get out. No one will tell me! HELP!

Ok, I want my MOS to be Combat Photographer. I want the discipline and definately need the funding for school. My goal is to become better than what I am and be proud of who I became when I'm old. But in knowing and wanting all this, perhaps it's fear of failure that makes me ask WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?!

Thanks anyway, folks. I just processed today and leave July 2007. I'm just going to go for it.

Answer 1

I am in the army little different but close. First off when you join relize that your not joining the service jus to get college money or for a bonus your are joining to serve your country and obey the leaders appointed over you. You are there to recieve and react. you are there to make America proud. If you do it you will be proud of yourself and so will 90%of americans you will never meet. Even if you are there for 4 years and get out you put yourself out there to help make your country stronger.If you do it you must be prepared to give your life although its not what any soldier, marine, corpman,flyboy, or boat rower wants to do BUT THATS WHAT YOU DO WHEN YOU SIGN UP.
Marines are tuff and dicsiplned they do what there told and dont talk back. If there is 1 rule every soldier or marine knows is keep your mouth shut.This will keep you out of trouble. Just do what your told cause if you want to ask questions you want your life to suck. I must say though the poudest branch of the military is the Marines. There is nt one person happier to be in the fight than a Marine. Do it ....Boot is tuff you need heart. Boot is set up to break you down to nothing so that the drill can build the foundation of a real soldier or "Marine." For some reason Marines dont like be called soldiers.weird. After your intial training life gets easier mainly cause you know how things work. In the end you will look back and say that was tuff but not so bad.but if ask "Would you do it again" your immediate response will be hell no.
Military is easy just do what your told and always do what is right. In the Military I have had a blast at times then I have hated life. You work hard and play equally as hard if not harder. As you move up in ranks you get more respect more money and more responsibility. When your rech the point that you have poeple under you and you train and lead them. You will be proud to say they are my soldiers.to watch them go forth and kick butt is even greater. Military is like a giant family you will know many poeple you stand next too forever you make the closest friends ever in the military. Plus you learn everyday you will learn. If you dont you might be mentally handicaped. Thats the best I can do for ya. You just have to do it for yourself to see. Good Luck and I would encourge you to do it before you get married.Dont Marry a military man while you are in the military it almost never works almost.

Answer 2

Joining the military is a BIG decision. The USMC boot camp is known for being the toughest (the USMC boot camp is also segregated; guys train with guys, gals train with gals). If you have a thick skin and be able to take anything that the drill instructors throw at you, you should do well.

Get some opinions from those who have gone through "hell and back" before you make any decision. If you aren't sure, there are other branches of the military to look at (although their basic training may not be as harsh as the USMC, they will still be tough).

Good luck and God bless! Also, when you join the military, they'll give you the $$$ you need for college :)

Answer 3

Retired Army SFC here.

You need to decide what you want to do, what your goals are, what makes you happy. Too many people listen to what other people want and what makes other people happy and make their choices from that instead of making up their own mind. Before you decide on a branch or even to join the military, take some time to decide what YOU want.

Once you've done that, find something that gives you the thing you're looking for.

As for the Marines, all branches of the military teach you a lot of the same things, self reliance, discipline, a good work ethic, etc but remember, it's not for everyone. That's why you need to go in with specific goals in mind, not just blowing with the breeze.

Answer 4

As a former active duty Marine that has worked with female Marines. Let me tell you there are 2 kinds the "Princess" Marine, who's afraid to work & help the guys, and gets special treatment & the Marine, the girl who has dirt under her fingernails as she does the same thing the male Marines do. Be the latter, the men will apreaciate you more & will enjoy having you around.

Answer 5

If you have doubts , don't join .
The Corps is the hardest ,best thing you will ever do and it's not for everybody .
You are going to be worked harder than you can imagine , they want you to break in Bootcamp , not when it will cost lives .
After Boot ,you get trained in your MOS and go to a duty station , where things get kind of routine .

Answer 6

After boot my daughter received 10 days leave before going to combat training,then to MOS school. Then to your duty station, were you will do your job, do it well, and follow orders. You will be a better person for it. My daughter still says it's the best thing she ever did for herself.
Is your boyfriend afraid you will do better then him, or that you will stop following his orders.

Answer 7

Well it depends on where you are stationed to know how it will be if and when you get out of basic training. Also it depends on your M.O.S.- what your job is in the military. If you specialize in war tactics then you will probably find yourself in Iraq. It all depends on what your job is in the Marines- Best of luck Hoorah!

Answer 8

Congratulations, make sure your getting a job that you want.

Good Luck

Thank You for serving

Answer 9

Congradulations great decission. Don't let boot camp and all the other gossip get to you. Learn, listen, and always thing team work.

Answer 10

It's called IRAQ, r u nuts