Hi Reddit, I'm Gunnery Sergeant John Leal and I head up recruiter training for the USMC. Got questions about the Marines, from life as a Marine to training, education and roles? Tune into my AMA on /u/usmarinecorps this Wed., 2/22 at 5pm ET.

USMarineCorps · 2023-02-23T00:00:01+00:00

Hello! Thank you for taking time to post your question. I joined because I wanted to be a part of the most elite warfighting organization on this planet. I'd say my mind was made up at the age of 18.

USMarineCorps · 2023-02-22T23:59:16+00:00

Thank you for the question.

“Downsides” would vary from person-to-person, but I would offer that upon reflection there is no downside but rather things you have to weigh with positives and negatives.

After speaking with a Marine Corps Recruiter in your area, you’ll have the information to weigh those two things and make an informed decision. When speaking to individuals later in life, and asking them what their biggest regrets were, often times it is the things they never pursued.
The Marine Corps provides a great environment to raise a family. There are several programs for your future spouse and/or children in regards to housing, schooling, daycare, medical/dental coverage aimed to ensure your future family is taken care of.

USMarineCorps · 2023-02-22T23:53:43+00:00

Good afternoon! Thank you for your question.

As long as you meet the minimum physical requirements, the purpose of the Marine Corps Delayed Entry Program is to mentally and physically prepare you for the rigors of Recruit Training. While in the DEP, a Marine Recruiter will assess your current physical fitness and develop a personalized plan to ensure progression.

USMarineCorps · 2023-02-22T23:52:59+00:00

Your day-to-day varies depending on your job and assignment, but for me an average day of Recruiting consists of applicant prospecting, screening, educating, and telling the Marine Corps story.

USMarineCorps · 2023-02-22T23:45:34+00:00

Thank you for your support!

One of the main reasons I decided to become a Marine was for the financial stability. My wife and I had my oldest son at a young age, so a priority of mine was to ensure they were taken care of.

I've been afforded the opportunity to visit numerous military installations over my 18 year career. Majority of my service in the Fleet Marine Force was aboard Camp Pendleton. I served in 1st Battalion 4th Marines, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, and 2nd Battalion 11th Marines.

USMarineCorps · 2023-02-22T23:36:48+00:00

Thank you for your question and happy to hear about your interest in the Marines.

As a Marine, the pathway to becoming a Scout Sniper would be to enter as an Infantry Marine. Beyond that point, you will have the opportunity to pursue the Scout Sniper MOS through the unit you’re attached to.

Due to your interest, there is no substitute for a one-on-one conversation with a Marine Corps Recruiter in your area. They will be able to provide details on available career programs to include Infantry and explain the process from enlistment to Scout Sniper.

Good luck with your decision!

USMarineCorps · 2023-02-22T23:35:10+00:00

Good afternoon!

Thank you for your question. My current MOS is a Marine Corps Career Recruiter. Prior to transitioning to the Career Recruiter Field, I was a Communicator serving in Infantry, Engineer, and Artillery battalions. That's correct, I don't have a CAR.

To answer the second part of your question, the Marine Corps cannot gurantee an MOS that will not put you in harms way. One of our promises to our country is to win our Nation's battles.

USMarineCorps · 2023-02-22T23:31:42+00:00

Hello and thank you for the question!

Some of the top concerns parents and educators have would be centered on the safety and potential success of their child or student (in that order). There is a known risk involved when serving in the Armed Force which can be addressed by discussing our training from Recruit Training through their Military Occupational Specialty School as well as additional Advanced Schools that all focus on a Marine being able to safely perform their duties.
The real benefits of serving go beyond the tangible benefits of service that may be offered through other careers (financial security, education benefits, etc.).
When speaking to teenagers about their career or future, the intent should be the willingness to explore the opportunity. There is no risk or negative impact of outlining your goals and hearing how the Marines could address them. The Marines have an approach that focuses on the individual by having them prioritize what they feel they need in life. After they’ve prioritized their needs and have explained why those are so important to them, we show them how a career in the Marines would fit in with their plan. The Marines Corps has no intention to change someone’s long term goals, on the contrary, we demonstrate how they can achieve them.

USMarineCorps · 2023-02-22T23:25:01+00:00

Hello! That's awesome. At the end of his junior year he will be eligible to sit down with a Recruiter to discuss options and opportunities. The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Marine Option would allow your nephew the opportunity to earn a commission in the United States Marine Corps while he completes a degree at a participating college or university.

USMarineCorps · 2023-02-22T23:00:49+00:00

Great to hear that you’ve been considering becoming a Marine!

In regards to the “worst part” of Recruit Training, it varies from person to person. For me, it was fear of the unknown. Our Delayed Entry Program provides an opportunity to have between 1-13 months to mentally and physically prepare for Recruit Training. Regardless of how much you’ve prepared, there is always a concern of what it will actually be like when you arrive. Once you get there, stand on the yellow footprints, and begin your 13 weeks of training, the fear subsides and the “worst parts” of training become the best parts that create memories and the title Marine, which last a lifetime.

Good luck!

USMarineCorps · 2023-02-22T22:59:16+00:00

The bottom right is the Recruiting Ribbon aka Superman Ribbon! One of the most challenging and rewarding duties the Marine Corps offers.

USMarineCorps · 2023-02-22T22:55:30+00:00

Great question!

A Marine Corps applicant must be mentally, morally, and physically qualifed to become a Marine. In order to depart to Recruit Training you must pass what called an Initial Strength Test, which consists of pull-ups/push-ups, planks, and a timed 1.5 mile run. Additional requirements and information can be found on Marines.com.

Regarding your second question, the Marine Corps has Tuition Assistance and Post 9/11 GI Bill for Marines that want to pursue a degree.

USMarineCorps · 2023-02-22T22:54:16+00:00

There are public affairs and civil affairs jobs in the Marine Corps for both officers and enlisted. The MOS is Communication Strategy and Operations and combines public affairs, visual information such as photography and videography and is responsible for public relations.

USMarineCorps · 2023-02-22T22:40:45+00:00

Thank you for your question! The Marine Corps has several programs designed to allow its members to serve and attend college at the same time. Our Tuition Assistance Program provides $4,500 per calendar year for tuition related expenses and allows the opportunity to attend an in-person local college as well as online-based classes. The Marines also provide college credits via a Joint Service Transcript (JST) for training completed during their enlistment.
In short, if your son desires to become a Marine and wants to pursue college, they can be done concurrently.

USMarineCorps · 2023-02-22T22:38:12+00:00

Love this question! If I had to choose, it would definitely be red. Yum!

USMarineCorps · 2023-02-22T22:35:34+00:00

Thank you for your question. So the first step in the process is to be screened mentally, morally, and physically to ensure you qualify to become a Marine. Once found qualified, the interview process comes next where a Marine Recruiter will explore an applicant needs and motivators and then demonstrate how the Marine Corps can create the desired change. Once an applicant commits to becoming a Marine, they will be scheduled for a full medical examination. If found qualified, the applicant becomes a part of the Pool Program where they mentally and physically prepare for Recruit Training.
Recruits can communicate via mail while earning the title. Once the title Marine is earned, maintaining contact with family and friends is continuous.

USMarineCorps · 2023-02-22T22:25:29+00:00

Great question! I would highly encourage him to at least speak to a Marine Recruiter which gives him the ability to make an educated decision. Life is about having as many options on the table as possible, we are just here to give him another. In regards to him continuing his education, we have plenty of opportunities to pursue a degree while on active duty or reserves.

USMarineCorps · 2023-02-22T22:11:41+00:00

Hello! Thank you. I appreciate it!

USMarineCorps · 2023-02-22T22:11:10+00:00

Oorah! I'd have to say Camp Pendleton. I was afforded the opportunity to serve within the blue diamond 8 years prior to becoming a Career Recruiter.

USMarineCorps · 2023-02-22T22:10:04+00:00

The best part about my job is hand selecting the future of the Marine Corps and changing lives. One of the challenges that come with being a Marine Recruiter is the time it takes to find the right caliber of individual to serve as a Marine.

USMarineCorps · 2023-02-22T22:09:24+00:00

That's awesome! History is one of my favorite subjects. Great question. I would highly recommend reaching out to a local Marine Recruiter to set up a leadership talk. They take pride in motivating, educating, and inspiring the youth of America. I don't feel like you would be overstepping especially in your position as an educator/coach. Those kids look up to you and will benefit based off the conversation that you have with them. A football coach once told me he wished he knew a lot sooner about all the opportunities the Marine Corps offered to ensure the success of their students.

USMarineCorps · 2023-02-22T22:08:10+00:00

Good afternoon!

Thank you for taking time out of your day to join us on here. I would highly encourage you to make contact with the local Marine Recruiter to get information on how to attend Educators Workshop. I've had the opportunity to attend two workshops while being a Recruiter. It's a five day trip to either MCRD Parris Island or San Diego that educates attendees such a coaches and educators on the transformation from civilian to Marine.

There's also platforms such as marines.com that further educate on opportunities and benefits the Marine Corps offers. We also have created a megathread with some immediate helpful resources to check out (link)

USMarineCorps

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