I am considering joining the marines but i am also mormon and should serve a mission help me?

Answer 1

I am a Mormon AND I have been in the Army for 18 years. Out of that time I have been deployed for about 7 1/2 years. I have been to Iraq 3 times, Bosnia twice, Somalia and Kuwait during the 1st gulf war.

First and foremost, you should go on a mission. BUT, it all depends though on what you feel you should do. Of course the decision should be made through prayer.

Second if you feel you need to join the military, the church doesn't object to it. Despite what others have said in this thread, the church doesn't have "conscientious objector" standpoint, in fact quite the opposite. The church has a very patriotic background, and you would be surprised at how many military members there actually are, as well as many extremely decorated veterans from wars past.

The church knows that this country was founded on the backs and blood of our forefathers and we need to continue that legacy.

Bottom line, we aren't Quakers, we will fight for our country and the safety of our families.

Good luck,
Ed

Answer 2

Hey bro, there are some decent answers and some real ignorant ones already. Hopefully I can shed some light here...

I am a Marine and I served a mission as well. How did I do it? I first joined the US Marine Reserves. You are active duty until you finish Boot Camp, Combat Training, and your specialty school. After all that I was a drilling reservist for 1 year. Then I was trasferred to the inactive reserves so complete 2 years of "religious obligations." After that I cam e back, was a drilling reservist for another year, then went Active in the Marines. I am now nearing the end of my Marine Corps service.

The mission is undeniably the #1 decision I ever made. The Marines has also been great. It has it's definite drawbacks and hurdles, but it builds a character you can't get anywhere else.

My advice...Go on a mission because you want to and you know God wants you to. If you do join the Marines, make sure you have what it takes to stay strong in the faith. WIthout my mission, I don't know that I would have been able to stay as strong to the gospel as I have.

Answer 3

You should not serve a mission unless you are honestly and sincerely sure that the church is the restored church, and that YOU, YOURSELF, want to spread the gospel message, and you aren't just doing it because your family wants you to, or you are feeling pressure from your friends, or even your bishop. If you do it for any other reason other than YOU want to go and spread the gospel message, then you should just join the marines.

However, you can always join the marines after your mission, couldn't you? Or, ask the bishop if there is some way you can be a missionary while in the armed forces. Volunteer so that you can work in the chaplain's office or something.

Pray about it. And good luck!! either way you go, you sound like a good young man.

Answer 4

I am a convert to the church, was baptised a year and nine months ago. I plan on serving a mission by June. No one in my family is a member, and if anything, they're hardcore Catholics. I have given up my career to serve this year, and for that they weren't happy. They would rather see me be successful in the line of profession I chose rather than serve an honourable mission. But my mum is very supportive of my decision, although I know and I can see that she doesn't want me to go. You could say that I am blessed with such a selfless mum. But I have prayed to Heavenly Father to know whether serving a mission was the right thing to do. Amazingly things are going my way, and I believe those things were signs from God to tell me that I need to pay it forward. Even my Catholic relatives are hoping that I get sent in CA, where they all live, to think that they were totally against it at first. Know that if it is God's will for you to serve a mission, he WILL make a way for things to happen. I know that to be true. Serving a mission to preach the gospel and share your happiness and your testimony is a great thing to do. I do hope everything goes well with your plans.

Answer 5

First, contact your recruiter and see if they do a delayed enlistment program. If they do, sign-up and then go on your mission. We got lots of Mormons in the AF. At the Air Force Academy, we allowed Mormon cadets to take a two year "break" to go on their missions. Then they would come back for their last two years, graduate, and get their bars. This is not a "new" topic or problem for the military. They will work with you. Form an AF officer to a future Marine...Semper Fi.

Answer 6

Both joining the Marines and going on a mission are honorable and good things to do. It is up to you would you should do. Talk to your family and see what they say.

Answer 7

I'm not really familiar with the Mormon way of life but I am familiar with the Marine Corps life. If your mission is to spread the word and mentor to others, the Marine Corps is the way to go. You experience so much more in the Corps than any other walk in life. Use the experience to help you and apply it to your faith.

Answer 8

The best thing you can do, honestly, is ask the Lord. He knows what is best for you and where your life should lead you...a good way to know the steps to take in life is by getting your Patriarchal blessing...in which we are promised certain blessings by faithfulness and also it serves as a sort of road map for your life.
Good luck.
If it were me, I would serve the mission, you can't go wrong with that unless you truly don't want to go, then don't.

Answer 9

I personally think you should serve your mission then consider the Marines. However, you should talk to your family and friends from your church and seek their input. Ultimately it is your decision. Praying on it may give you additional insight. Good Luck

Answer 10

Why don't you talk to the elders in your church. Maybe you can postpone the mission trip until after the Marine corps. If not I know the Marines will still be around when you finish the mission trip.