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Posted: 9/5/2004 10:51:10 AM EDT
It's something I've wanted to do for a while, especially since 9/11, but I didn't do it right after high school because I had a serious g/f and I had made other plans because of her. Now, I have been single for a few months and I am going to college again, which I hate. I just talked to a buddy who got back from the first part of his Ranger training (I forgot what it was called, but it was like a 4 week deal to weed out the weak), and is about to go into the Ranger School. The more I talked to him, the more I wished I had enlisted sooner.
Anyway, the Marines are looking very appealing to me, and I'd like to do something like Marine Force Recon. Anyone know what the training is like for that, and how do I get into it, and what exactly do they do? Also, what other options are there, army and Marines? I don't want to just be a standard jarhead or grunt, but I want to do something specialized in the infantry so that I get to see some action. I don't know if I could cut it in Rangers though, mainly because of the sleep deprevation (less than 2 hrs a day!  )Any type of input is appreciated. I probably won't talk to any recruiters until this semester is done, but I want to know all that I need to know now. Thanks. |
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Posted: 9/5/2004 10:57:35 AM EDT
[#1]
Try no sleep for the first 4 days 
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Posted: 9/5/2004 10:58:21 AM EDT
[#2]
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Posted: 9/5/2004 11:04:34 AM EDT
[#3]
One question you need to ask yourself: do you have faith in the chain of command, all the way to the top, that they will not waste your life? Because once you agree to serve, your life is in the hands of those above you.
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Posted: 9/5/2004 11:05:41 AM EDT
[#4]
Hard work, long hours, low pay
Enquire within Hats off to all servicemen for what they do for this nation. |
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Posted: 9/5/2004 11:06:58 AM EDT
[#5]
Forget the 4 days sleep deprivation, Bro. That passes. The service will offer you more positive values than 100 sacrifices. It is an opportunity to make something of yourself- something that you and your people can be proud of Man up and do it. Plus chicks (the good ones) dig guys in uniform |
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Posted: 9/5/2004 11:10:03 AM EDT
[#6]
Look at the Air Force electronic technical jobs. Its something you can apply on the outside and make a reasonable amount of money. EVERY job in the military is just as important as the next without exception.
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Posted: 9/5/2004 11:12:35 AM EDT
[#7]
Do it.
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Posted: 9/5/2004 11:16:06 AM EDT
[#8]
I've been thinking about doing the same thing after finishing my Master's. I have a couple of buddies that are out there and it kills me that I'm just here--doing nothing and enjoying the security that they do not have in iraq. I have a daughter, a full time job, and I'm in a pretty serious relationship with my GF (thinking about the marriage thing), but, still, the call to service is strong. Gotta think about it.
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Posted: 9/5/2004 11:18:14 AM EDT
[#9]
I can't believe more people don't know anything or say anything about DELAYED ENTRY PROGRAMS, be in the military AND finish school before you ship. I'm doing it right now, I joined the Army last month and finish school in October, and ship to BCT on 27 Oct.
It's best to go talk to a recruiter ASAP and get the ball rolling so there's less shit to do after you finish school! |
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Posted: 9/5/2004 11:23:29 AM EDT
[#10]
Join the military?
Fuck that....they make you run alot, do push ups and carry heavy stuff for miles at a time. Seriously, what are you looking for by posting this? Group approval? Not a good reason to do anything. If you have the desire to do it, just do it. Talk to all the recruiters and make the decision that fits you the best. |
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Posted: 9/5/2004 11:32:01 AM EDT
[#11]
You're in the same boat as me, I'm looking at the Ranger route and Navy nuke. The sleep thing I would not even worry about. Think about this, if you make it into a ranger battalion or into force recon, you wont have time to take cat naps and such on a real mission. They do all that in indoc for a reason, they want dedicated people.
From what I understand for force recon is that there is no garuntee to get in. First you have to score perfect on the PT test in basic, then they ask you if you want to join. There are no contracts when you enlist etc.. I used to be able to blow away the APFT. Now I'm 25 and havent done any running in about 2 years. Once my job goes away next month, I'm going to start at that again. FWIW, and not to offend anyone here that are prior/active militaty, there aren't too many hi speed low drag types that actively post on arfcom. You might do better to try asking nicely(SEARCH FIRST!) over at tacticalforums.com if you want some real world input on what the programs are like. Oh yea, I asked nearly the same question about a month ago, heres the thread www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=1&f=5&t=263855 |
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Posted: 9/5/2004 11:35:45 AM EDT
[#12]
People like outside opinions and experiences. I know that I came here to ask for some when I joined the Navy. AZ-AR-- Good job looking into it and I STRONGLY advise looking into all services. I was originally going to do the USMC as well, but after looking around a bit, the best job that I found was within the Navy. I ship next August to be a Gunner's Mate. Never saw it coming. Good luck finding what is the best for you and your country. |
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Posted: 9/5/2004 11:39:11 AM EDT
[#13]
It really is something I've been wanting to do for a while, but like I said, I got seriously involved with a girl right out of HS and didn't want to leave her, but I don't have that problem anymore.
And I do want to do it for myself. I honsestly feel it would make me a better person, and it would be a hell of a life experience. I'm not looking for group approval either. If I wanted that, I'd stuff some chick in the pooper and post pics. I'm looking for advice and experience from people with experience in this stuff. |
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Posted: 9/5/2004 11:43:37 AM EDT
[#14]
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Posted: 9/5/2004 11:45:02 AM EDT
[#15]
Finish your degree while you are in.
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Posted: 9/5/2004 11:48:04 AM EDT
[#16]
I completely agree. And you will get a much better audience and much more detailed response in the link I provided you. Best wishes. |
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Posted: 9/5/2004 11:50:12 AM EDT
[#17]
9-11
Russian School Massacre Uncounted other atrocities courtesy of your friendly neighborhood muslim extreemist/terrorist. I'm going to take great pleasure in ridding the world of these pukes. Got the Marines to thank for that. "All it takes for evil men to succeed is for good men to do nothing." You make the decision... |
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Posted: 9/5/2004 11:54:28 AM EDT
[#18]
I don't think Marines guarantee your MOS, but I think you can still get Ranger in your contract if you pass all the other stuff first. (like I did)
Basic Infantry (or whatever there ranger cooks and stuff too) Airborne R I P ( Ranger Indoctronation Program) Then you get to choose which RGR BAT you want to be with. And you will probally go to Afghanastan or wherever they are now. Good luck in whatever you decide. |
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Posted: 9/5/2004 11:55:24 AM EDT
[#19]
Don't worry too much about things like sleep deprivation and stufff ahead of time.
If you do join up, spend as much time as you can in advance getting into GOOD SHAPE. Recruits in good physical conditioning (espcially running) definitely had an advantage - especially in the early parts of training. Running (long distances - not so much short-distance speed) is what I would highly recommend. We had a saying (I'm sure it's universal in armies around the world), went something like "You can actually do twice of what you THINK you can do when we push you, and TEN TIMES what you mom thinks you can do"  I've gone for almost an entire week with only two or three hours of sleep - it's not fun, but it's defninitely one of those things that you can just tough out, and before you know it, you've done it. Did I mention getting into good physical shape and doing lots of running. Work your way up to 6 mile runs in less than an hour, and you'll be way ahead of the curve. ETA: Just wanted to clarify that I was infantry - not ranger, marine recon, etc. (obviously ). This is more general advice than anything (although some of the training in my regiment and the schools I went to were considered fairly tough).
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Posted: 9/5/2004 12:01:30 PM EDT
[#20]
No I don't wanna bet. Arguing about how spec ops people should carry themselves on an intarweb chat page is about as lame as discussing what shoes they wear and the latest tactical underwear the navy is working on. The point being that he's likely to get little input from them. Yes I'm sure there are some, and yes I know most don't brag. I asked about experience from people that went through RIP awhile back, I got little input (where as I've gotton several helpful people to answer my questions about Navy nuke). I did however get some from prior military on other forums (they didn't come out openly and say what their prior affiliations were but they were able to give geniune feedback on nearly every question I had). |
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Posted: 9/5/2004 12:46:23 PM EDT
[#21]
You don't drop off the planet when you join up. You get to keep girlfriends, wifes, etc. In fact I think it helps you to have a wife and home. Getting serious with a gf is another reason to enlist, not to put it off. |
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Posted: 9/5/2004 12:54:54 PM EDT
[#22]
Sleep deprivation isnt so bad. I am at about 27 hours right now, and feel fine.
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Posted: 9/5/2004 1:01:56 PM EDT
[#23]
Sir, please remove yourself from this unfamiliar element. Only rational information is appreciated. |
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Posted: 9/5/2004 1:12:36 PM EDT
[#24]
Don't think for one minute that just because you are here, stateside and civilian, that you are doing nothing. The fabric of America is made up of people going to school, working on the farm, welding in the shipyards, teaching in schools, etc. It's what we are about. It's what makes us the most prosperous nation in history. You are part of it simply by not being a burden on our society.
USAF '79-'83 |
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Posted: 9/5/2004 1:14:56 PM EDT
[#25]
What a great insight. Thanks for this reminder. |
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Posted: 9/5/2004 1:19:04 PM EDT
[#26]
One more thing about asking BTDT types. Don't expect anyone to give you a detailed layout of RIP or similar programs. You will get an idea of what to expect, then it's up to you. From what I gather, be sure you are in top shape, then go in with the attitude that you will not get washed out unless it's due to a broken leg or some other medical condition. Good luck!
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Posted: 9/5/2004 1:22:48 PM EDT
[#27]
I swear this is the first time I've done this...+1 |
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Posted: 9/5/2004 1:29:01 PM EDT
[#28]
There is alot of opportunity in the Army right now, if you have a pretty good PT score Airborne and Rip contracts will be easy to get.
Or play it smart and get airborne and rip in your contract before you sign! |
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Posted: 9/5/2004 7:09:58 PM EDT
[#29]
"Roses are red
the grass is green get off your butt and join the Marines" the Duke I've done alot of things I've regretted, joining the Marine Corps isn't one of them. [marines |
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Posted: 9/5/2004 7:26:26 PM EDT
[#30]
A couple of thoughts.
Sleep depravation is a part of life in combat. When I went from Kuwait to Iraq during the invasion I was awake so long I started to hallucinate. I was an Admin Clerk. Guys in the infantry got much less sleep than I did. If you don't think you could be in a Ranger Battalion, there is no fucking way you should consider attempting to be in Force Recon. |
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Posted: 9/5/2004 7:33:04 PM EDT
[#31]
Oh really now.
I must have missed that part in my 21 years.
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Posted: 9/5/2004 7:35:20 PM EDT
[#32]
Go for it. Best decision I ever made. I did my 20 and enjoyed every minute of it.
Ask not, what your country can do for you. Ask what you CAN DO for your country. Too many people, especially whiney liberals, forget that a DEMOCRAT said that. |
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Posted: 9/5/2004 7:46:09 PM EDT
[#33]
How did you manage that? Were you in Combat Service Support units? |
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Posted: 9/5/2004 7:47:03 PM EDT
[#34]
And as an addendum to that I have a medical conditioin that prevents me from forigen service and I wish every day I could be a Marine or a Solider. I have a B.S in Engineering Technology, Magna Cum Laude 4.0 GPA. I am an Eagle Scout, voulnteeered as a Fire Fighter/EMT and made a couple of life saves. Have a great job with the US Department of Energy. And with all of that I wish every day I could be a Solider or Marine in Iraq. To put your life on the line like that is the highest sacrafice and it is what a modern warrior is. It was my childhood dream to be a Green Beret. I knew if I could get in I would never quit, they would have to kill me to get me out of the program. But I can't do it and never will. And I always feel like I have failed myself and my country for not being able to do it. I would say get your mind and body right and go for it. But find out what you want to to in the service and which branch. Then go for it. |
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Posted: 9/5/2004 7:48:24 PM EDT
[#35]
Amen to that. USN 75-81 |
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Posted: 9/5/2004 7:53:49 PM EDT
[#36]
I hate to state things like this, but it really is something that must be done to know about. I don't mean that in some mystical sense. Everyone has different personalities, I've seen some people that I thought would make great service members and then turn out the exact opposite. Then we've all seen it work the other way as well. I would say that if you are willing to step into the unknown, go for it, but it is indeed different for everyone, but you will get out what you put into it. For me, eight years down the road, it was a good choice. I did have to wait for what I wanted, but it did come.
Choice of branch can be a very difficult choice, also understanding what each branch does is not always evident. When I came in, I was in college working as a medic. At the time, there was no hostile stuff going on and I thought the USCG would be great as they have a mission that can happen at anytime, not just wartime and figured that I would really get to use the skills I learned. Of course, I did know that the USCG does infact have a wartime role overseas. So deployment was a real possibility that did come to pass later. But I really didn't know all that it had to offer until well after I was already in. I didn't think the USCG did as much as it does till I was there. Which was fine because I got qualified on some really cool weapons and gear that I never thought I would see as a Coastie. It was only through my interaction with other services that I learned ALL that they did also. So take the time to do as much research as possible and find what your interest are and how they relate to the differnet fields. I think many othere here would agree that It won't be a mistake unless you make it one. Good luck in you choices! |
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Posted: 9/6/2004 6:47:37 AM EDT
[#37]
thanks for your interest in the military. (I happen to be an Air Force recruiter) No bullshit--joining the military (any branch) can be a defining moment in your life...IF YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WHAT WE OFFER! You said you don't want to talk to a recruiter until after the semester? Why? You already stated that you hate school. 4 yrs is going to pass no matter what you do, so why get yourself deeper in debt with student loans and such. Let Uncle Sam teach you the skills/job you want, and then pay for your college when YOU are ready to finish that degree. (GI Bill is up to $39K now, we pay 100% tuition for active duty members, and you can still qualify for PEL grants)
I don't really have an opinion of which service is best because we're all important in the big picture--the AF was the best choice for me. (but you ain't me) Go talk to ALL the recruiters and get the information you need to make an informed decision. You won't make any comittment until you raise your right hand and sign the contract, so quit farting around on the internet and go get the info you need. |
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Posted: 9/6/2004 6:58:58 AM EDT
[#38]
 Recruiters! HAH!  Recruiters are frustrated used car salesmen. J/K Colt45GuyExcept that unless you get your schooling on line your gonna be very disappointed by Mobility Exercises and maybe deployments keeping you out of class. Maybe it's changed since I was in but your school obligations mean squat to the AF. Once you get out you can go back to school. |
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Posted: 9/6/2004 7:18:01 AM EDT
[#39]
Go for it...
I threw my hat (ass) in the ring. I am waiting for my final disposition with the USNR Direct Commission Program. I find out at the end of the month. I am right at the age cut off and for my particular field there were 70 applicants and 30 slots...so we'll see what happens. |
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Posted: 9/6/2004 7:21:42 AM EDT
[#40]
Dear AZ-AR
There is a simple question you have to ask yourself. Are you willing to die or loose limbs or follow orders that may or may not always be correct or right for your Country? If you can answer yes to all of these questions then you are ready for most any military job. If you are having doubts, do not go in. All of us in the Military no matter what you do may have to do all of the above if needed at any time with very little choice. I was in the Air Force and I really enjoyed my 4 years but, I was very lucky. I had friends that went into the Army and Marines with that Gung-Ho Soilder of Fortune attitude and it turned out a complete disaster for them. When people start falling and bullets start flying all that Hollywood Rambo Bull S#*T goes right out the window. It's all up to you to a point. I wish you all the luck in the world. Use your head and try to get a Military Career that you can use in the Civilian World. The way things are going if you do want to go into the Military I would do it soon. At least at this point in time you have a good chance to pick and choose your career. I really think that we will have a draft with in the next year. Good Luck and God Bless....Erichug.gif |
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Posted: 9/6/2004 7:54:31 AM EDT
[#41]
I had actually never heard that DK, but the meaning is the same as all those "gems" of knowledge I heard in the Corps. My favorite was simply "You can do it because I said so." Great logic there, but it works. As for the original az-ar I can honestly tell you that Marine Force Recon is definately NOT easier than Army Rangers. Harder? Maybe. As hard? Definately. (I thought I was in REALLY good shape when I tried the Recon indoc. They proved to me that I wasn't.  I didn't pass.)That being said, you have to remember that when you join, neither the Army nor the Marine Corps is going to guarentee you those jobs. Those are sort of "qualified personnel only" type jobs. You either pass the tests and training or you don't. There are no exceptions. Now for the Corps generally you are going to have to be infantry just to take those tests. (there are some other fields that occasionlly get to try as well, field radio operators being another of the big contributers, but mostly infantry) Which means if you fail, you go back to being a grunt. If that's what you like, no big deal, but if you are looking for something technical (intel, comm techs, etc.) you've already reduced you chances of even going to those tests. Just something to think about. I'm sure the recruiter can tell you more as I got out 4 years ago and things may have changed. As far as sleep deprivation. Trust me. By the time you take one of those indocs. (Army or Marines) you'll be MORE than used to sleep deprivation. I used to work 36 hours straight from time to time and I wasn't Recon or Rangers just regular Comm. Point is that it isn't just those guys that go without sleep, everyone does sooner or later. |
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Posted: 9/6/2004 8:08:19 AM EDT
[#42]
If you want easy go be a cook or something. Anything in the military that is "high speed" is not going to be easy. If not getting enough sleep is a big concern to you I can tell you right now you're not going to make it. I'm just in the regular infantry and when were are in the field we get very little sleep. We train during the day, then we do it all over again at night with NODs. We get maybe 2-4 hours of sleep, and its alway interuppted by having to pull guard or some shit. Really, if you want to be high speed the Army is the way to go. In the Army you can be as elite as you are willing to push yourself. Ranger and SF can be garaunteed in your enlistment contract. They will give you the opprotunity, its up to you to make it happen. I've been in the Army about 10 months now. Came in with a RIP contract, didn't make it because I'm a weak swimmer. I've been at the 82nd airborne for about a month now. I can promise you its not going to be as "cool" as you are thinking it will be. Alot of it just plain sucks. before you sign the dotted line, listen to what all the been there done that types have to say. The people that loved and the ones that hated it. Listen to it all. Don't make the same mistake I did and only hear what you want to hear. |
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Posted: 9/6/2004 8:18:22 AM EDT
[#44]
sorry, but for some reason the quote didn't make it in.
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Posted: 9/6/2004 9:32:49 AM EDT
[#45]
I don't think military pay is bad at all.
I have a brand new truck, a VERY nice apartment, money for guns, beer, ammo and whatever else I want....plus I still have some left to save every month. base pay is like 1300 after taxes per month, 655 for BAH, 250 for BAS.....not bad for a junior enlisted person |
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Posted: 9/6/2004 9:50:15 AM EDT
[#46]
Thanks for all the advice and shared experiences.
I still have a lot of thinking and soul searching to do before I commit to anything, but I'm starting to believe that I could deal with the sleep deprivation. 
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