I have come across former Marines and Marines in bars, restaurants and other random places. These were men and women I have never met. Once we realize we were both Marines, it is like we are best friends ready to die for each other.

Yes, the other branches have camaraderie, but it is nothing like the Marines. I know many people who moved from Army to Marines or vice versa and to other branches and they will verify this. Only one branch says anything like this; "Once a Marine, Always a Marine."

JJ said this "I do not, and never will recommend joining any branch, just to get away." And I COULD NOT AGREE MORE! If you get a chance MOK, talk to JJ. He won't steer you wrong even IF you choose a branch other than the Marines.

I would never join just to get away. I have nothing to run from, nothing to avoid. If I join the military it will be to serve the nation that has allowed me to be who I am, for that and nothing else.

JJ is right about the "Once a Marine always a Marine" mindset. Nothing wrong with that either. There is a stronger sense of "Family" in the Marines than any other branch. PART of this may be due to their being the smallest branch. Whatever it is IT WORKS, and works well!

As much as I respect your response, I have to say this. Serving your country is an honor and a duty that should be respected by all citizens, but you need to join for you. Do not join just to give.

I have gained more in the 7 years I have been a Marines than while on any other job, and I have had many. I was 28 when I joined. The Corps is going to get theirs. Make sure you are ready to get yours.

GOOD FOR YOU MOK! It seems that there isn't much thinking like this going on among the youth of today. AND I don't have anything to base it upon except what I personally have seen in my limited travels since getting out.

I will talk with you JJ when I get closer to making a decision. Thanks for all your help guys. Now, enough about me.

FANTASTIC advice JJ. I think you will do good in your new job! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Hey MOK, keep this up for a bit more and you're gonna be a SCRAPPER!

I think it is mostly due to the indoctrination in boot camp and the continued stressing of brotherhood in the fleet. Just because the Marine Corps is smaller doesn't make a difference. Our units are about the same size, we just have less of them. You unit is all you see on a daily basis any way. It isn't like a soldier is seeing the entire 1 million in the Army every day.

If it was because we are smaller, then why doesn't the Coast Guard have the same mentality? They are by far the smallest branch.

I understand that. I also think that it would serve me well in the Marines, I have not had much discipline or brotherhood in my upbringing, as well as not much facing of serious hardships other than those I challenged myself to. I think that if I join, I will have a part of me grow that hasn't grown much to date.

I didn't feel as If I could comment on Marine Corps boot camp but I have heard that it was stressed as being one of the most important aspects. And as to about the Coast Guard having the same mindset, again It I am sure goes back to boot camp and the continual stressing of "brotherhood". And I may be talking WAY over my head here.