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I'm 15 years old, almost 16, and out of the blue, I feel like God is calling me to be a Marine. I can't describe the feeling. I am scared, but excited, and very nervous about all this because I don't know much about the Marines and what it consists of. I know there is intense training and I'm ready for that because I have a determined mind set and a willing heart to do this for my country. I haven't exactly told my family yet because a lot can happen in 3 years (when I graduate high school) and I don't want to confuse or suprise my mom and dad (and my best friend twin sister). There is just so much to think about so if any of you moms or dads or young people who are thinking about becoming a Marine please give me some wisdom or advice. I have often heard that the men and women of the Marines don't treat their job seriously (as in partying and drinking) and I am scared of that. Anyway, advice anybody?
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Talking to Your Son or Daughter about Becoming a Marine
Talking to Your Student about Becoming a Marine
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Father
Hi Hannah. Wow, great letter! My son joined the Corps in Aug.,2009. He was a junior in high school when he made his decision and it was a total to surprise to me when I came home from work that day and his recruiter was sitting there waiting for me.
One of the most important things you can do right now is start getting in the best physical shape you can. Do a lot of running, with weight if you can. You have probably heard that the DI's are mean. Just remember, it's not personal. They are not picking on you. They are doing their job. Just listen to them.
As far as the partying and drinking, some do some don't. My son doesn't drink and he's been to Afghanistan once. Most of them do take their job seriously. They just act like they don't. It's your decision to make. And my son doesn't get teased or bullied about not drinking. The other guys respect his feelings about it.
I hope this helps a little and let me tell you how proud I am of you for wanting to serve our great country. Best of luck in your final decision.
P.S. You will love the Marine Corps!
Posted by: Wayne Springer on 10/28/2011
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Mother
Hi Hannah,
Our son left for boot camp in Parris Island on 10/17/11. Since he was little, he always wanted to either be a cop or go into the military. When he was about your age, he started talking more about the Marines, and signed up in the delayed entry program about a year ago (he was 17 at the time). I don't know about the Marines not taking their jobs seriously...I've never heard that, and find it hard to believe. Our son never drank, smoked, "partied", and has never had any problems with anyone because of that...actually that makes us even more proud. It's a big decision, but one that only you can make. You're parents may be scared at first (I know we were), but the pride in what you're thinking about doing will override that eventually. We miss him terribly, but know that he's doing something that will benefit him for the rest of his life, and again we are so proud of what he is doing for his country. Good Luck!
Posted by: Diane Smith on 11/03/2011
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Father
HI HANNAH,
OUR SON JUST GRADUATED FROM PI, 2DEC11. YOU ARE CORRECT, THIS IS A HUGE DECISION. IT IS NOT TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY. KEEP YOUR FOLKS INVOLVED AND INFORMED. BE SURE THAT THE DECISION TO DO THIS OR NOT TO DO THIS , IN THE END IS COMPLETELY YOURS; AND THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO LIVE WITH THAT DECISION; WHATEVER IT IS!!!!!! GOOD LUCK TO YOU FROM A NEW MARINE DAD IN PHILLY,PA
OORAH AND SEMPER FIDELIS
Posted by: Don Pjr on 12/03/2011
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Father
WILL BE OK HANNAH. IF YOU GO THROUGH WITH THIS, THINK YOU WILL BE PLEASED WITH THE RESULT. JUST BE SURE IT IS YOUR DECISION , NO MATTER WHAT YOU DECIDE. AND BE SURE YOU CAN LIVE WITH THAT DECISION!!!!!
Posted by: Don Pjr on 12/03/2011
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