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Junkie
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Carn, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DON'T JOIN THE MARINES. Join the regular army and excel and join the Rangers or something, but the Marines is the absolute worst outfit you can possibly join in terms of your mental and emotional well-being.
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Actually, I would only join the Marine Corp as an officer, and only as a pilot. I don't want to be an infantry officer.
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Well, aside from not joining for God's love, the elaboration would entail me giving primarily anecdotal evidence of the horrors of the USMC. Along with talking with a few current Marines (whom I found to be abrasive, hostile, and quick-tempered), I've been told by many people who were, or are, close to ex-Marines who said that their loved one (of one sort or another) was changed negatively for a long time afterwards. Finally, I've read and seen studies on the Marine Corps, and the style of resocialization they use on trainees.
This all focuses on the idea that the Marine Corps does not want a person, in the social sense of the term, to be their Marine. They want a Homo sapien that will kill when ordered, and one that will WANT to kill when ordered. In essence, when you give yourself to be any sort of lower-ranked frontline soldier, you are not a person in the employ of the military, you are a tool with which the officers can kill people. I say the Marines is (are?) the worst for this, because first of all, I've been told by many in the military (not just from other branches) that the Marine Corps is the worst in this fashion. Secondly, because other branches require "soft skills", or at the very least, more extensive technical training (other militaries differ in the uses of "soft skills" as well) which would logically detract from the kill and destroy mentality ingrained within the soldiers.
Factors are at play here, obviously, such as personality, and previous socialization. The military tries to get young recruits, not just because of phsyical prowess, but because they are more socially, emotionally, and mentally malleable. A 40 year old drafted into the military may fight, but not likely with the zeal and excitement that can be instilled within an 18 year old.
I wouldn't be surprised if I offended some military, ex-military, or future military personnel here, but I'm giving my reasons, and none of this is out of malice. I have great respect for soldiers, because although I would hesitate to become one, unless in dire circumstances (such as the immediate need to defend my country), I'm amazed at the sacrifice of their time, lives, and their social norms in order to defend their country's way of life.
I also wouldn't be surprised if there were people ready to call bullshit on this post. Believe what you may, but this is what I believe to be true, and it's unlikely either of us will change our minds.
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As I said before, the only way I would join the Marines is if I get a flight contract. However, even if I wasn't a pilot I'd still join the Marine Corps over the Army. I know several people who are currently in the Marine Corps, as well as several Marines that are no longer serving. Also, several professors at my college were Marine officers. They have all related their experiences to me, and I'm fine with what they went through.
I don't dispute the fact that the Marine Corps changes you, because the Marine Corps is all about making you into a killer. I have no qualms about this fact. The whole purpose of the military is to kill people, and the Marines are definitely the best at it. If I'm going to join the military, I want to be the best and fight with the best. |