What was the original motivator for you to join the Marine Corps?

Cpl Dennis F. — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 06:47:29 -0500

I came from a family of many SMs, none of which were Marines until me.
The Marine virus that I caught came after I read and wrote a book report on john Paul Jones and the Bon Homme Richard.. A warrior that just wouldn't quit and man, those guys in the rigging....wow. I was about 12 then, it stuck, I never forgot that bit of history.
What hooked you in?

Response by Sgt Philip Edwards made Nov 16 at 2014 9:00 AM

Sgt Philip Edwards — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 09:00:05 -0500

Seemed like the thing to do at the time. Turns out it was the best decision I ever made.

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Nov 16 at 2014 9:20 AM

SSG Maurice P. — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 09:20:46 -0500

In 1961 i spent the weekend at my WW2 Marine Corps Uncles house with my Cousins.
i was snooping around the house and i saw in his closet his dress Blues and i was excited i was 9 years old when i got older my dad would tell me stories about him on Guadalcanal and Saipan he didnt like talking about it except for the time i was about to go to marine corps boot camp in 1969 he told me alot of war stories......

Response by Sgt Nick Marshall made Nov 16 at 2014 9:44 AM

Sgt Nick Marshall — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 09:44:44 -0500

I always believed Marines are the toughest and hardest to get into (correctly). I wanted to join the Royal Marines (parents are English, born here, raised in both countries), but I would lose my US nationality if I did, but I could join the US Marines and keep my UK rights, rest is history

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Nov 16 at 2014 10:51 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 10:51:00 -0500

I wanted to be in the company of the best.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2014 11:59 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 11:59:29 -0500

In 1983 when I graduated High school I knew I was not going to college and I did not want to flip burgers so I decided the Military would be the next choice. I guess watching all the WWII movies when I was younger brought me into thinking the Marine Corps was the best. So off to the recruiter I went (at 17) during my senior year, then came home and told my Dad; he made me go see the Navy and Air Force recruiters but my mind was made up and after that he signed with me for me to be in the delayed entry program and I left for Parris Island Sept 20, 1983.

Response by CPT Jason Torpy made Nov 17 at 2014 11:56 AM

CPT Jason Torpy — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 11:56:50 -0500

My original motivator was that the marines are elite fighters and really wanted me. Want de-motivated me was that they didn't care about my intellect, wouldn't promise me a certain job (other than Marine), and most importantly, everyone I talked to, military and not, told me it was a terrible idea.
(We could all evaluate that advice, but I just came to tell the story.)