Army vs Marines

[Dakotah]

So I have been going back and forth with this in my head for awhile.
I have talked to family and friends but it doesn't make matters easier.

I won't be seeing a recruiter for at least 6 weeks, at the most will hopefully be 8 weeks. So I have time to decided but I want to know which one now so I can start learning stuff (ranks, orders, etc etc).

So I would like for yall to tell me the pros and cons of each branch.
My brain is so scattered right now I can't focus. & I have researched these branches until my brain is so full, its falling out of my eyes and ears.
Plus, I have to deal with this sh!t from my Tech college so I can get my transcripts, I'm trying to lose weight, and some other stuff.

So I would like yall to clear my head for me That's what yall are good at

 

[Miakoda]

I dunno. I joined the Marines, but did not pass the initial physical (obviously) thanks to a horrid snowmobile accident, which occurred 3 weeks before my report date. (long story, but my attempt to bail failed, and I ended up with my R leg under the tracks. The several layers of clothing saved me from probable skin mutilation, but I had three hairline fractures in my femur and completely tore the LCL, MCL, PCL, partially tore my ACL, and shredded what itty-bitty amount of meniscus I had left.). This was in 2001.

I met twice with a recruiter from the Army Reserves in 2004, but was still unable to pass the orthopedic checks due to that injury coupled with all my previous soccer injuries and surgeries. He told me to try the Air Force, but having a civilian job with the Air Force wasn't what I wanted. I wanted to be a medic at the least.

 

[Dakotah]

Oh goodness Mia. That sounds like an awful accident.

I have to agree though, the AF is probably your best option. Though, if thats not what you want, then don't do it.

Right now, I am still on the fence. It just depends.
I still have almost $1500 debt I have to pay. Almost $1200 to a college, and almost $240 to a hospital. But after I pay that off, I can do more.

 

[IceyBlueSibes]

What is it in particular you are wanting to know? My husband is in the army... he's been in for about a year. He wanted to go Marines, but because Marines roll up their sleeves they wouldn't accept his tattoo on his wrist (it's the delta symbol and a "t" - change over time).

He likes the army. Currently his MOS is 74D which is Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Specialist (CBRN). He's thinking about changing jobs though because CBRN's are really not needed anymore since we cannot use chemical warfare. He's looking into EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) which I'm not crazy about but I support his decision. If you have seen the movie "The Hurt Locker" that would kinda give you an "idea" of what an EOD Soldier does. His other choice clanking around in his head is CID, which is kinda like detective/investigations. However, he's also thought about going Ranger which is ridiculously hard training.

I'd be happy to answer any questions about the Army for you (I'll ask my husband for things I don't know). However, there's some information I may not be able to share due to OPSEC (Operations Security), but I'll try my best

 

[Dakotah]

What is it in particular you are wanting to know? My husband is in the army... he's been in for about a year. He wanted to go Marines, but because Marines roll up their sleeves they wouldn't accept his tattoo on his wrist (it's the delta symbol and a "t" - change over time).

He likes the army. Currently his MOS is 74D which is Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Specialist (CBRN). He's thinking about changing jobs though because CBRN's are really not needed anymore since we cannot use chemical warfare. He's looking into EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) which I'm not crazy about but I support his decision. If you have seen the movie "The Hurt Locker" that would kinda give you an "idea" of what an EOD Soldier does. His other choice clanking around in his head is CID, which is kinda like detective/investigations. However, he's also thought about going Ranger which is ridiculously hard training.

I'd be happy to answer any questions about the Army for you (I'll ask my husband for things I don't know). However, there's some information I may not be able to share due to OPSEC (Operations Security), but I'll try my best

Thank you!
I am wanting to do EOD but from my understanding you have to be a SGT. But if your husband could clarify that, that'd be great lol

Does he know anything about Airborne or Air Assualt or becoming a pilot? Those are the 3 things I WANT to do SOOO bad. Especially Airborne and becoming a pilot.

Also, I have a tattoo but its on my ankle so the whole rolling up the sleeve thing doesn't apply to me lol

 

[Kristen1980]

This is gonna sound so stupid (lol) but when I think of both I automatically think the Army would be easier than the Marines... Idk.. maybe bc its spelt shorter

 

[SpringerLover]

What are you going to do with Penny if you join the military?!

 

[IceyBlueSibes]

Thank you!
I am wanting to do EOD but from my understanding you have to be a SGT. But if your husband could clarify that, that'd be great lol

You're welcome My hubby said you either don't have to be a SGT to be EOD or you do, but you can be promoted so quickly because they're under staffed.

Does he know anything about Airborne or Air Assualt or becoming a pilot? Those are the 3 things I WANT to do SOOO bad. Especially Airborne and becoming a pilot.

You can request Airborne when you get to your unit, or you can make it part of your contract before signing it.

 

[IceyBlueSibes]

What are you going to do with Penny if you join the military?!

If you don't have family that will take care of her, I know there are groups who will foster your dog while you're gone.

 

[Dakotah]

What are you going to do with Penny if you join the military?!

My daddy is gonna keep her for me until I get to my permanent duty station and see about getting her
I trust my dad to take care of her over anyone else.

You're welcome My hubby said you either don't have to be a SGT to be EOD or you do, but you can be promoted so quickly because they're under staffed.



You can request Airborne when you get to your unit, or you can make it part of your contract before signing it.

Thank you!!!
I am definitely going to do the Airborne thing he suggested.
And I will definiely talk more to a recruiter about EOD

 

[Jules]

EOD?! Oh my, Dakotah! Lol!

I know that you can't "just" move off base when you are single and rent out in town in the USMC, you are basically bound to the barracks.

 

[Dakotah]

EOD?! Oh my, Dakotah! Lol!

I know that you can't "just" move off base when you are single and rent out in town in the USMC, you are basically bound to the barracks.

Oh i know that lol I meant eventually, when it happens lol

And why am I getting the "Oh my Dakotah" about EOD? :rofl1: I feel a big talk coming on lol.

ETA: Let me clarify, I am not saying I am jumping straight into EOD. I have about 6 more MOS' lined up BEFORE EOD lol.

 

[olliethemutt]

Does he know anything about Airborne or Air Assualt or becoming a pilot? Those are the 3 things I WANT to do SOOO bad. Especially Airborne and becoming a pilot.

Also, I have a tattoo but its on my ankle so the whole rolling up the sleeve thing doesn't apply to me lol

My bf is in an Army Airborne unit. He is in 160th SOAR (Special Operations, Night Stalkers). They work with 101st airborne (which is the largest airborne regiment), green berets and navy seals as well as other SPECOP units. If you like flying around in helicopters Airborne is a great place. His unit only deploys for 90 days, but they are one of the first ones in and last ones out of an area. Just know it is REALLY hard to become an airborne pilot. My bf was looking into it and they have really strict rules about who they let in.

 

[Puckstop31]

Oh i know that lol I meant eventually, when it happens lol

And why am I getting the "Oh my Dakotah" about EOD? :rofl1: I feel a big talk coming on lol.

ETA: Let me clarify, I am not saying I am jumping straight into EOD. I have about 6 more MOS' lined up BEFORE EOD lol.

Well..... Not to be a party pooper, but EOD is no joke. Its a serious job that has heavy physical requirements. Their body armor is heavy and HOT. Not to mention way stressful. You need to be aware of what you are asking for. Im not saying you cant do it, but it is not a laughing matter.

Airborne could be an option for you, depending on what you end up choosing for a mos. But again, a serious thing that has extra physical and mental requirements.

A rotary wing pilot is probably not an option for you yet. You need a degree and to be eligible for Warrant Officer school.

I really admire your drive Dak. But you need to be aware that this is a serious commitment and it will not be all fun and games. When you getto IET you WILL want to quit at some point. We all did. Remember what you are signing up to do.


Good luck!

 

[Dakotah]

Well..... Not to be a party pooper, but EOD is no joke. Its a serious job that has heavy physical requirements. Their body armor is heavy and HOT. Not to mention way stressful. You need to be aware of what you are asking for. Im not saying you cant do it, but it is not a laughing matter.

Airborne could be an option for you, depending on what you end up choosing for a mos. But again, a serious thing that has extra physical and mental requirements.

A rotary wing pilot is probably not an option for you yet. You need a degree and to be eligible for Warrant Officer school.

I really admire your drive Dak. But you need to be aware that this is a serious commitment and it will not be all fun and games. When you getto IET you WILL want to quit at some point. We all did. Remember what you are signing up to do.


Good luck!

Thank you Puck.
I wasn't laughing about EOD, I was laughing because Jules gave off the impression of the "talk".

Anyways, I understand what you are saying.
I'm not going in for the college or money because I do that outside of the military and probably earn more.
I do want to serve my country, my close family & friends know this more than anything.
If I wasn't as devoted about it as I am, then I would of gave up when my last recruiter said it would never happen.

PS- I sent your lovely wife a message on FB that was directed to you No need to answer the specific question, I've already got that sorted out. But I would like your advice/opinions/etc.

 

[Grab]

While it's quite noble to want to join the military, I'd have to wonder about all of the sudden life changes...moving home, breaking up with what I assume was a somewhat long term partner, getting a dog before even arriving back home, and now joining the military. All of these things are fine, but it's a lot in a very short period of time. I'd wonder if, in the next 6 or so weeks while waiting to meet with a recruiter, you might want to take a step back and ponder on the reasons for so many changes in a short period of time. It seems odd to get a puppy and then immediately leave the raising to someone else.

If nothing else, you'll join with a clear idea on exactly why you're joining

 

[lizzybeth727]

Does he know anything about Airborne or Air Assualt or becoming a pilot? Those are the 3 things I WANT to do SOOO bad. Especially Airborne and becoming a pilot.

If you want to be a pilot, why not go into the Air Force or Navy? I'm not saying one is better than another, I'm just wondering why you chose the Army/Marines in the first place?

My dad was Navy (though he was on a nuclear sub), and my friend went into the Air Force (wanted to be a pilot, got injured and didn't make it). I guess I just always thought that pilot = Air Force/Navy.

 

[Zoom]

While it's quite noble to want to join the military, I'd have to wonder about all of the sudden life changes...moving home, breaking up with what I assume was a somewhat long term partner, getting a dog before even arriving back home, and now joining the military. All of these things are fine, but it's a lot in a very short period of time. I'd wonder if, in the next 6 or so weeks while waiting to meet with a recruiter, you might want to take a step back and ponder on the reasons for so many changes in a short period of time. It seems odd to get a puppy and then immediately leave the raising to someone else.

If nothing else, you'll join with a clear idea on exactly why you're joining

Pretty much this. Not even a month ago you were contemplating having a baby with TJ. Not trying to dissuade you, but I think you do need to sit down and have some serious talks with yourself. What are you planning on doing with Penny when you're gone for basic and then deployment? You were sonupset about being so far from your daddy and now you're diving into something that won't even let you have weekends on a predictable basis.

 

[IceyBlueSibes]

Keep in mind that depending on what MOS you choose, you have to go through BCT (Basic Combat Training) & then AIT (Advanced Individual Training) for your job. My hubby's BCT was 9 weeks long, & his AIT was 10? weeks. He was gone from February - July. Some MOS's require MUCH longer training. My hubby said he is pretty sure that EOD combines their BCT&AIT now, which is considered OSUT (One Station Unit Training).

I have to agree with everyone on making sure you are really serious about this. You will be bound by a contract once you decide to do this. During BCT, you will not have contact with your family every day. You can only write letters, and sometimes it will take a while before they give you an address so that your family can write you back. You may or may not be allowed to get a phone call on Sunday (I remember some training units that did not allow phone calls at all... just one when they first arrived to their training & it is usually scripted and very short). You will not have your cell phone or any electronics. All of your personal belongings are locked away. If one person in your group screws up.... everyone has to pay. My husband thought about quitting at one point, but he stuck through it. Basic training is no joke. It really puts a lot of strain on your mind and your body. You will do PT till you puke (that really is no joke) and have muscle failure.

Jules is right about the barracks. Unless you are married or have kids, you cannot live off post. I'm not exactly sure what the "pet policy" is for the barracks. Pit Bulls are banned on all army posts and some have other breed restrictions.

 

[Jules]

Pets aren't allowed in barracks, unless the army is different, but I doubt it. At least from the command I have witnessed, they would not let any single person move off base, and that does extend beyond boots.

Boot camp was tough for Dan. Marines don't get phone calls during boot camp, a very short scripted call to their parents that they made it, and then a short call on the last Sunday of boot camp. He got around to maaaaaybe writing one letter a week. Boot Camp is roughly 12 weeks long. He then got to come home for 10 days, and then left for combat training that lasted a month, I believe. Right from there, he went to his mos schooling, which, in his case, lasted 3-4 months.

So, while I think it's great that you are thinking about this, really take your time to think about what you are getting into. EOD, while many guys probably have "cool" stories, is a rough mos and not all that glorious as you might think it is.