Should I join the Marines at this point in my life?

Question

I am a 24 year old college drop-out with nothing but bad habits. After leaving the school two years ago I have done nothing positive for myself or others. I consider myself to be an intelligent person with a bright future, but I can't seem to motivate myself to finish school and "grow up". I have never been one to waste time but I feel like each day I am wasting away mentally and physically. I'm thinking about joining the Marines to give myself a sense of pride and accomplishment along with the hope that it "straightens my *** out." Is this a stupid idea or am I doomed for a life of ****??

I don't want people to think that I am just to lazy to do anything with my life and therefore using the service as a way out. Although I am a college drop-out I have 90 credit hours (Biology) which makes me a Junior. This shows that I am a motivated person with goals and not some loser. Along with my schooling I workout and run everyday. Once agian, I am not trying to brag, I'm just reassuring everyone that I am not some piece of ****. All in all the military seems like a great way to build character , something that college failed to teach me in three plus years.

Answer 1

Sounds about like me 25 years ago. It taught me a lot, allowed me to finish my degree and I finally retired in 2006. Just remember that you will only get out of it what you put into it.

And you will learn many things that Evan below has no clue of. You will become more than just a self centered egotistical slob, that has no knowledge of the world outside his little realm of fantasy.

Answer 2

If you want to grow up... Joining any military service will help you do that, and contrary to popular belief, being in the military is a blast! You may want to join sooner then later because you don't want to be a 30 year old E-2, you may be kind of embarresed when you are outranked by someone who is 10 years younger than you. You may even have a chance to become an officer, you should definatly push becoming an officer when you talk to the recruiter. Officers get many nice benifits. The military will take away that feeling of wasting away, and Boot camp will whip you into the best physical and mental shape of your life. If you have an open mind and are able to follow orders despite your own personal opinion on the subject, then the military will be a great choice for you. DO NOT JOIN UNLESS YOU GET IN WRITING A GAURENTEE OF EDUCATION IN THE FIELD YOU DESIRE, AND A BONUS, MAKE SURE ALL PROMISES ARE MADE IN WRITING, once you join, all unwritten promises mean nothing! Bottom line, unless you are just plain retarded, you will succeed in the military. the military does not accept failure and will MAKE you succeed at almost any cost.

Answer 3

Everyone makes mistakes, its all about how you recover. If you join any branch of the military, youll get straightened out. People seem to think that the Marines are the only tough branch but youll get you *** kicked in any branch for sure. If you want some very good technical training that can land you a job when you get out, the Marines are a bad choice because they dont have a lot of technical jobs becuase all of their support comes from the Navy. If you are interested in combat arms, the Marines are the right choice. The Army, Navy and Air Force all have combat arms as well (Army especially) but you also have a lot of opportunities for technical jobs (mechanics, communications, electronic warfare) as well.

Good luck to you.

Answer 4

Joining a Military organization might just give you the direction and self discipline you might be looking for, or it might be a complete disaster if you are not willing to subscribe to that lifestyle. The branch you choose should be based on your needs however. Which branch of the military is going to give you the educational opportunities you need, the job skills you desire, the bonus going in, and the credibility when you get out? Remember that anything you get is merely an investment in the person they want you to be when you get through. Talk to all of the recruiters and make your best deal. Be prepared for a distinct change in your lifestyle and be open for the adventure. Best of luck.

Answer 5

Ultimately this is an intensely personal decision....my son recently faced the same after facing some career setbacks in civilian life. He became a Marine and has not looked back. He is intensely proud of what he has accomplished. He is currently working in intelligence...I wish you could talk with him. Just be sure to make the Marine Corps work for you and your future. I suggest you talk in detail with a Marine Corps recruiter if you haven't done that already. Please keep posting....I will hope to see your posts again. Good Luck....

Answer 6

I think the fact that you understand that you need something is a great step forward. Most lack even this awareness. If you start the Marines you will have to go the commitment, so think long and hard on this one. Personally I think it is a great decision and you will most definitely have a sense of accomplishment. Best of luck.

Answer 7

Hell no!! You wanna fight and kill and possibly die for a rich draft dodger's political legacy in Iraq. Join the Air Force or Navy to get your life straight. They'll give you the structure and discipline you need with out you risking your life for an idiot. Insurgents haven't hit any air force bases or Navy ships lately have they? Picture this, you're in an armored humvee or M-2 driving down an Iraqi highway just like you have for the last 6 months and then BAM!!! out of nowhere an IED takes your sight, legs, arms, or life. Fighting for your country is a noble thing, however the war in Iraq is weakening your country, not protecting it. Anyone who isn't blinded with zealous patriotism can see that. And by the way I'm a vet from the US Army field artillery.

Answer 8

I am glad you recognize your weak points. That only makes you stronger as a person. I doubt you'd regret it, since this is something you'r considering. Why not go with the Marines....what more can you loose? Be warned now, that if you cannot conform to their standars of living--as Ive heard from others...life will be HELL. So do the research and give yourself, meet with the local recruiter and go from there.

Answer 9

That or the Army is about the best thing you could do for yourself. You sound like me at 24. You're not getting any younger and at a critical time in your life. I would definately consider it very strongly. IM me if you want.

Answer 10

if it's where you feel the Lord is leading, I suggest you get a second oppinion from a church member (your church or any church that is devoted to the Lord and the Bible) who hears, gets vsisions from or who has spiritual discernment. our own voices can sound a lot like God's some times. I don't see anything morally wrong with it, so I just say be cautious.