Welcome to Gaia! ::

Nope, I'm not leaving to March, though because I'm moving again, that might change. It all depends on what the recruiters say, lol. I'm going to be working my a** of till then, lol, trying to make sure I can actually do the stuff they're going to have me doing at boot camp. On the one hand I'm looking forward to it, because it's going to give a lot of challenges I've never faced before, however, I'm also terrified because I've never done it before, lmao.

Did I mention pretty much everyone thinks I'm insane? Even my mother, lol.

Oh I just know that they're two guilds that support each other, as such they sport each other's banners on their home page. But I think the members of either guilds are welcomed at both as members. I've never had an affiliate before, but it seemed to be the best way to get more members to join and give the guild more publicity.

I joined in 2001. I got out 2005. I was reactivated on a presidential recall October 2008. (Ask your recruiters to see if they know what an IRR Marine is) I got out again September 14 2008.

I joined with similar reasons like you. I didn't know what I wanted to do and felt that the military would open a few options. They did. I can now go to school with the military paying for it, and I'm thinking about getting a house with the VA loan they have available. And yes, you will grow a thick skin. Hanging out with a bunch of dudes 24/7 will make you used to their 'jokes'. Trust me.

And yes, I did get gassed at the gas chamber, just hold your breath as long as you can. I actually got gassed again before I went to Iraq when I was deployed. Going to the gas chamber is a training you'll have to do every few months. So don't think boot camp is the last time you'll see it.

Also, don't get sweat it, besides, the whole boot camp thing will make you learn hundreds of things at the speed of light, you won't have time to be scared. Believe me, I know.

On an average, it's 20 guys to one girl. In boot camp 80 females started only 39 finished.

Once you get out they give you money to go to school, You can use the GI Bill during or after your military career. VA is the source to go to when it comes to getting financial aid or any kind of aid after you get out. They're a group that helps people in the military get benifits or helps them get jobs or go back to school. The VA loan I'm talking about is just one of help they provide, like in getting a house. They'll help you get a house!

Let's see...I wouldn't say the lower enlisted ranks were total jerks to females, it's the higher ranks you gotta watch out for. I've known of Master S argents and Gunnys that dislike females, I suppose because they don't think they can hang with the guys.

But overall, I haven't seen any sort of over bearing negative thing from guys to a female marine. It's just so obvious of how few there are of females. It could be like 30 guys in a room and one or two females. You'll hear them talk about female jokes or about their girl friends and sexual stuff. It's nothing against you or females. It's just guys being guys. y'know? And as soon as you're comfortable with them just talking boy talk, they'll be like older brothers who will watch out for you.

Actually you'll probably find that they'll try not to offend you by their swearing or what they say.


Oh, if I had the chance to go back? Believe me I did. Once I got out after I served my four years, I got reactivated ( while I was on my 4 years inactive) and I decided I'd do an even better job than I did before in my MOS. I was a MIMMS clerk. But not by choice. I did an unusual lap move to the MOS. I was originally a cook.

I hope that your first unit will be a good one for you and that you'll enjoy your career. Get as much as you can out of the Marine Corps, because they'll be sure to get as much use out of you as they can. Try not to get in any financial trouble or get knocked up by some stupid guy marine. I've seen it happen waaaay too often. The female usually becomes a single parent and stays in the Marine Corps to support their child. Or some dude that can't hold onto his money stays in because he has no money going out into the real world....

That's my advice. I think in about two years into your service, you'll begin to see if it's the life for you. So Don't re-enlist too early.

Well most couldn't pass the initial strength test. So condition your body well, run ALOT. And drink lots of water.

I was a Corporal when I got out. And Gunny is just short for Gunnery Sergeant. Most don't mind if you call them Gunny instead of the entire title, but until they say it's okay, always call them Gunnery Sergeant.

Boot camp is as straight forward as you can get, when you arrive, you arrive at night, so you lose your sense of time. You are never aware of what time it is. You get free time at the end of the day or at night or when ever your drill instructors allow it to you.

As for what you bring? Nothing. If you do, they'll only make you put it away and you won't see it till you graduate boot camp. I brought a small bag with me with some money. But when I was processed, I was told to put my civilian gear in it and I gave it up to them and I didnt see it again till I left. Trust me, anything you need, they'll issue it to you. EVERYTHING.

I'm sure your recruiters have told you how drill instructors work, and nothing anyone can say will prepare you for what they do to you. They're going to shout, scream and yell to break you down. That's their job. Then they'll build you back up. Just be comforted that they cannot hit or touch you.

Speaking of which I met one of my drill instructors again when I came back in. Funny that huh? We laughed and talked about those times. They had gone on from being a drill instructor sergant to a regular ol' gunny. It was weird because I still had that innate fear of them from that time because i knew how they used to shout and pick on me. But it was nice seeing them again, surprising but pretty cool.

In response to the two earlier questions, Kopipiko means the god of all gods.

No. I'm kidding. It means nothing.

Luci, I don't mind what you call me, as long as I can still figure out who you're talking to. XD

Chemistry is starting to make sense again, after my (horrible) teacher moved on from the complicated stuff he neglected to explain. Now I'm happy!

Except that physics and math are driving me INSANE. Thank god for bio, which also makes complete sense. I guess I'm just not cut out for maths. My parents will be horrified when they find out. XD

At Kopipiko - Darn. I was hoping it was something fun and mysterious

N.A.T.A - Gah. I don't really understand it, but after reading that I'm terrified. Not at all rational, but it's there. Were you scared before you went??