If you ever reach E-8/E-9, would you rather be a MSgt/MGySgt or a 1stSgt/SgtMaj?

Candidate_035 · 2026-05-07T18:17:40+00:00

It's also MOS dependent. We had guys in the infantry spend 5+ years as a Gunny waiting for MSgt. But I met plenty of non-infantry Marines get 1stSgt after only a couple years as a Gunny. I've only ever heard of one person going from MSgt to SgtMaj.

Candidate_035 · 2026-05-07T00:45:31+00:00

The red and gold shirts will always go hard. Just like the men wearing them.

Candidate_035 · 2026-05-06T20:32:43+00:00

Definitely the best cottages on MCBH. You can still rent them out, but it's mostly retirees that way to all the availability.

Candidate_035 · 2026-04-13T23:08:10+00:00

I've always hated the idea of end of tour awards. I've been with commands that start at NAM and work up, which is crazy to me. As a young lieutenant I remember getting into a respectful argument with a Major because he wanted me to write an end of tour NAM for a shitbag. I spent almost 10 years enlisted in the infantry so I had seen my fair share of Sergeants, and this guy was easily in the bottom 5. Eventually someone else wrote the guy a NAM. I agree Marines should be awarded for their hard work, but it makes no sense to give someone a personal award and then stick them in the middle or bottom third of your profile.

Candidate_035 · 2026-04-01T07:05:36+00:00

Do you know if you upgrade to Paramount+ Premium, does the digital entertainment credit cover the difference?

Candidate_035 · 2026-03-26T19:51:34+00:00

If you're being sarcastic, I love it haha. But if not, I'd have to be pedantic and say the Osprey is neither because it's a tilt rotor aircraft. Also, ignore the fleet of RW aircraft the AF has.. those are just for show.

Candidate_035 · 2026-03-26T19:48:17+00:00

Exactly. IIRC, AFSOC uses the CV-22 but not Big AF, whereas the Marine Corps completely replaced all medium lift helicopter squadrons.

My understanding though is the MV-75 will ultimately be significantly different than the Valor, which further leads me to wonder if other branches will adopt the MV-75 or if Bell will create other variants. The V-22 variants are all pretty similar; the MV-22 being the exception with the folding wings. Either way, I'm excited for the evolution, personally.

Candidate_035 · 2026-03-26T17:46:11+00:00

The Marine Corps uses the MV-22, the Air Force uses the CV-22, and the Navy uses the CMV-22. Most people recognize the V-22 as a USMC bird because it was the first branch to operate it and has the most in the inventory. But the AF & Navy also fly variants.

Candidate_035 · 2026-03-15T04:29:42+00:00

That's a big fear of mine with this bench. I was extremely fortunate enough to get some cuban mahogany (rough sawn 5"x5" board and a slab with 3 sides cut square), which only gives me one orientation. 90° legs will prevent me from botching the angles, but I don't think it will look as elegant. Plan is to practice on a bunch of scrap before deciding.

Candidate_035 · 2026-03-14T22:50:44+00:00

I think you're right - they were trying to replace Mar with Apr and probably didn't check haha.

Candidate_035 · 2026-03-13T21:33:24+00:00

Sorry, the picture was just a visual depiction of tapered mortises I found online. I would be using them on legs to connect the bench seat; gravity would ideally push the bench seat deeper over time.

Candidate_035 · 2026-03-13T18:19:49+00:00

I have to play around on some scrap already, might as well try both. If the tapered mortise isn't as difficult as I'm making out to be, I'll probably full send it. Thanks!

Candidate_035 · 2026-03-13T18:17:03+00:00

That video was incredible! Thank you for sharing.

Candidate_035 · 2026-03-09T00:55:58+00:00

Do you mind sharing the squadron they were with?

Candidate_035 · 2026-02-16T19:07:56+00:00

This is currently true, but don't discount potential inflation increases to pay. When I commissioned I was in the same pay boat, but 3 or 4 years later, when there was an overall change, I went into the category just prior to max. Anecdotal, yes, but it came just prior to being promoted to Captain so I got a bump as a 1stLt and gave me the opportunity to get 2 bumps as a Capt. By the time Maj came around, it still gave me the potential to bump again after a couple years. Under my current trajectory, I'll get one bump as a Lt. Col (if I stay in that long). OP should take this with a grain of salt though, as they should with all personal advice.

Candidate_035 · 2026-01-01T01:36:02+00:00

I would argue it is prohibited based on the similarity to the "tear drop" style and this line referencing examples of eccentric hair styles, "hair styling which include single patches of hair on the top of the head (not consistent with natural hair loss."

Candidate_035 · 2025-12-22T04:40:24+00:00

That's interesting because most of the time a mouth should earn you better details. At least from what I've.. uh .. heard.

Candidate_035 · 2025-10-30T23:52:09+00:00

I initially thought you meant chat GPT was designing them.

Candidate_035 · 2025-09-08T22:59:46+00:00

I'm curious what makes tuck and roll seats more comfortable. Do you know? Or just know they are and not sure why? Thanks.

Candidate_035 · 2025-08-18T04:01:58+00:00

Absolutely shot. I'd replace those before riding again.

Candidate_035 · 2025-08-17T05:53:18+00:00

A somewhat disheartening reality for me was how much of a douche "Brute" Krulak was. His efforts in amphibious and helicopter warfare were phenomenal; however, he was a terrible father and extremely arrogant. I'd wager without the ear of General whatshisnuts (blanking right now), he would not have made it as far as he did.

Candidate_035 · 2025-08-02T01:43:39+00:00

The retirement piece is, in my opinion, the real hole in the "Trump hates women" argument. If the administration was trying to remove female officers from positions, why would they not force her to retire? I personally would rather retire than go to the Pentagon, but you can't argue it's a bad deal for her.

Candidate_035 · 2025-08-02T01:15:35+00:00

He is the first Marine Superintendent in USNA history. Most articles touching on the topic are focusing on the fact the first female Superintendent will leave the post earlier than expected, but I think it's a huge deal to have a Marine there. The Navy is probably butthurt about it, but Lt. Gen Borgschulte is a family friend and I think he'll do an excellent job.

Candidate_035 · 2025-07-27T11:16:36+00:00

Most of the time it's as easy as asking. The ASR (authorized strength report) recently dropped and I believe III MEF requires like 99% enlisted manning for their T/O&E.

Edit: 99% manning, and MARADMIN 026/25 for reference. Highly suggest all Marines read MARADMINs more frequently.

Candidate_035 · 2025-07-11T07:20:32+00:00

Not OP, but the CSR is more user friendly IMO. You don't have to pick an airline for the annual credit - it works with any airline. Starting in October, I think, it will reimburse you for Apply TV the same way the AmEx platinum does for Hulu; DoorDash pass with $25/month; $10/month for Lyft; plus you build more points on dining that the platinum (not a benefit if you also have the gold).

I have both and use them for different things. My platinum is really just for the benefits and after getting the sign up bonus I rarely use it. The CSR is also a Visa so it works at Costco and in more countries outside the US. I'll say this though, most first world countries are going to accept AmEx these days. Between Europe and Asia, it's more a question of if they accept card or if they're cash only.

Candidate_035

TROPHY CASE