What reasons do people have for joining the U.S Marine Corps?

Capt Byron Chen — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 23:30:54 -0500

I saw this question on Quora and was about to answer it, but wanted to get your take:

"I am 16 and have been seriously considering joining the Marines, the few people I have shared this with have supported me, but I am still hesitant. I come from an abusive upbringing and have never had much in regards to self-esteem and assertiveness, and I want to feel like I am part of something important and have a sense of pride in myself...What reasons do people who have served in the Marines have for joining and what would they consider to be good reasons?"

My reason -- pride. I wanted to be a part of the storied tradition of this revered organization. While all the services has this, I felt that the Marine Corps was the toughest service that I could join. Even it's detractions - limited resources, smaller size, fewer bonuses -- were made out to be badges of honor. They ask, "Can YOU be a part of this?", not, " Do you want these benefits?" I was a company commander at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, the Marine Corps' boot camp. I saw this same motivation from the majority of the recruits. When I asked them why they joined, the frequent answer was, "To prove I can."

Regardless of the reasonings, I would also tell this kid that none of the services care about your upbringing. If you can take on and live the values that each branch tries to imbue on its members, then you will find a supportive family.

What are your reasons for joining and what would you tell this kid?

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jan 28 at 2015 1:13 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 01:13:42 -0500

Great question. We all have our individual reasons for choosing our branches. I've met some several family Marines who served in their beloved corps going back to WWI. For them, there was never a doubt as to which branch they were going to join. My family was Army, Navy, Merchant Marines, and the Peace Corps.....lol

Response by SPC Charles Griffith made Jan 28 at 2015 1:27 AM

SPC Charles Griffith — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 01:27:23 -0500

Well I joined the Army cause my recruiter said I could still fly even though I didn't have 20/20 vision. This turned out to be a bit of misinformation but I wouldn't change anything about my life my choice of service included. In the end only you can decide if you are happy with WHO you are. I came up poor and by the time I was 7 a ward of the state. But I wouldn't change a thing as that is what has made me who I am and I wouldn't want to be anyone else. Am I rich NO am I famous NO am I even well to do NOT EVEN CLOSE but I am hard working and honorable and that to me is worth more than all the gold that used to be in Ft. Knox :) as for what I would and do tell young folk who as me. Fallow your heart. In all you do be HONORABLE and if you start something see it through. It's worked for me and it can work for anyone.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jan 28 at 2015 6:40 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 06:40:53 -0500

I was raised in a military family. My Dad was a career Air Force, retired at 27 years as a Chief Master Sergeant so I was comfortable around the military growing up. I was in high school when the Iranian hostage crises was occurring. There was a group of us that decided to go enlist because we were sure a fight was coming. Most people thought that would be the case circa 1980. I went to see the 4 service recruiters. After visiting the Marine recruiter there was no doubt where I was going. My Dad could not believe it. I remember him telling me "son, the Marines treat their people worse than any other branch, you have no idea what you are getting into but I will sign the paper for you".

My older brother enslisted in the Air Force and my younger brother followed me into the Marines. My oldest son also enlisted in the Marines and just completed his first 4 year enlistment and is transitioning to the active reserves now.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2015 2:11 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 14:11:23 -0500

To be the best. I wanted to be a Marine since I was 10 years old. My brother in law was a Marine. I knew other people who were Marines when I was growing up. There was one guy who, in the small redneck town I grew up in, was hugely respected and left alone. He was tough but he was fair. And what kept me in for 20 years was the true brotherhood. To be part of an organization that believed down to their bones that we were walking in the steps of our forefathers and that we could not let another Marine down. Every Marine a rifleman and every Marine in the Corps believes in that. The young troops today are saying the same things we said when I was a troop . . . . which brings me pride that the Corps is continuing to march on.

Semper Fi Marines!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2015 7:40 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 May 2015 07:40:55 -0400

Funny, I've been asked this question many times over the years. I was a Battalion Commander in my HS MCJROTC program - to date the only cadet to ever hold the post for 2 consecutive years. Joining the Corps wasn't a sure thing but I loved the tradition and everything the Corps stood for and represented. Even though I was leaning towards joining the Corps - and I did so on my 17th birthday - it became a sure thing when my 2 of my brothers challenged me, saying I'd never be able to make it through Boot. Proved `em wrong and that was the start of a long career. The only reason I left active duty in 1990 was because my MOS was frozen solid at 120% strength and no one getting promoted. I was taking classes just to be in school so I got out, finished college and went back to the Corps - only to be told they weren't taking prior service. The Air Force paid me to cross over. The Army gave me a commission and Jump School. But I'll always be a Marine. Period. Semper Fi.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 25 at 2015 8:05 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Mon, 25 May 2015 08:05:57 -0400

To be in the company of the best. To be a warrior.
But you, Capt Byron Chen, seem uniquely well qualified by your experience to answer this young man's question.