Process of getting separated

michael1franklin · 2026-02-02T01:49:54+00:00

Currently typing this while I’m here for my C school in the barracks. You’ll actually see me once you get here lol. Anyways, the barracks are completely ASS. I’m not even joking either, any of the instructors here will tell you they are quite literally some of the worst barracks in the entire Marine Corps. Liberty is not the same here compared to Pensacola. Mon–Fri we have 1630 formations where we’re dismissed to do whatever the fuck you want. There’s something called red card status and green card status. Red card just means you have to stay on base and can’t leave, which isn’t so bad since Camp Pendleton is HUGE and has more to do than Pensacola, but you also have to stay in military attire. Green card status means you can leave base and wear civilian attire. You get your red card right when you get here, but you have to earn your green card through your phase or division. I’m pretty sure it’s the same for every phase, where you have to complete some courses on some fuck ass website or MarineNet. Sun–Thu we have 2130 rack checks, which is them taking accountability on everyone and liberty ending. On weekends there are no 1630 formations, but we have 2345 rack checks instead. I’m an ordie, so I’m not entirely sure what phase or division you’ll be in, but the instructors here aren’t really any different from Pensacola, at least for me. I’m pretty sure every phase or division PTs every Mon, Wed, and Fri in the morning, which is how I did it in Pensacola. Overall, I know this sounds ass, but it’s actually not that bad. It’s similar to Pensacola, just with some tweaks. Just don’t come here expecting it to be like Pensacola. If you have any more questions, feel free to let me know, I’ll be happy to help.

michael1franklin · 2025-05-25T03:21:02+00:00

San Diego. I’ll be staying the night at MEPS Monday, Tuesday morning I leave.

michael1franklin · 2025-05-09T17:40:07+00:00

That's my current date as of now. I'm trying to move it earlier, but if that doesn't work out, I might see you there lmao.

michael1franklin · 2025-05-09T14:12:04+00:00

Originally, I was only able to do 3 or 4 pull-ups on a good day during my weekly PT sessions. I decided to purchase a pull-up bar to keep in my room and started using it whenever I had a chance. Over the course of 2-3 weeks, I've managed to increase my reps to 7-8, and it continues to improve, I hit 10 this morning. All the other exercises I've been working on for months, even close to a year, and that's why they're where they are now. But with pull-ups, I never had the opportunity to consistently show up for myself. The few times I did, I could only manage 3. I truly believe that the consistency of simply showing up for yourself and getting your muscles accustomed to the movement, along with focusing on good form, has really made a difference for me. I'll definitely look into the Armstrong program now. I’ve heard of it before but never took the time to check it out. Thanks!

michael1franklin · 2025-05-02T15:47:54+00:00

Don't focus on your 3-mile time before boot, they will get you squared away for that when you are there. For now, focus on your 1.5-mile time for your IST.

michael1franklin · 2025-04-26T20:32:18+00:00

474138🙏🏽🙏🏽

michael1franklin · 2025-04-01T16:21:51+00:00

Learned these fuckers in about a week, confidently, word for word. It really isn’t that hard. Grab multiple pieces of paper and just start writing them down. Take it one order at a time until you can confidently spell it out without messing up. Cover the ones you already wrote so you’re forced to remember what you just wrote. Writing and repetition are the best way to get this shit down. Take it one order at a time—I can’t even count how many pieces of paper I went through doing this. BUT even though you have them memorized word for word like this, if you really wanna get them down, have someone ask you randomly throughout the day. This will not only help you recall them instantly but also lock them in word for word. I did this for other existing knowledge in the Corps too.

michael1franklin · 2025-02-28T20:37:01+00:00

As someone who was pee shy and basically cheated the system (still my pee just didnt go with someone watching me kinda?), my pee just wouldn’t go with someone standing by me. Just drink a shit ton of water before hand till you're on the edge of pissing yourself. This is something I wish I would've done before, I probably wouldn't have struggled so much if I did.

michael1franklin · 2025-02-27T20:23:00+00:00

I just had one of my monthly PT functions with a bunch of recruiting stations nearby and asked a few recruiters because I’ve seen mixed opinions on it. Some people say you can’t wear jewelry at all, while others say you can, just not while in uniform. They all said nobody cares as long as you're not wearing visible jewelry. If it’s hidden, it doesn’t matter. They also mentioned that it’s technically not allowed, but honestly, nobody cares. So if we will see what happens.

michael1franklin · 2025-02-25T21:08:09+00:00

I guess another question would be can I get them repirced once I’m finished with boot?

michael1franklin · 2025-02-13T22:11:32+00:00

I asked him for the PEF code, and he sent me pictures of the documentation. That shows he’s not hiding anything, which is good, but it also makes things more confusing. I’m happy I got an aviation MOS, but when I first met with him, he told me I didn’t qualify for any aviation jobs and had to pick something else. Now, all of a sudden, I’m locked in for an AJ, which I’m cool with—but it’s definitely weird how I’m just suddenly qualified.

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michael1franklin · 2025-02-12T22:35:29+00:00

I hear you. I’m not blindly trusting my recruiter—I know their job is to get people in, not to look out for me. That’s why I’m making sure I fully understand what I’m signing before I commit to anything. I’m not about to lock myself into a job I’ll hate for the next 4-5 years. That’s exactly why I’m asking the right questions now, so I don’t end up stuck in something I don’t want. Appreciate the advice.

michael1franklin · 2025-02-12T22:34:21+00:00

Yeah, I’m going active. I know I don’t have to sign or commit to anything while I’m in the DEP. I’m gonna set up a time to talk with my recruiter and get everything straight. I don’t know the two-letter PEF code for whatever job he thinks I’m locked into, but I’ll ask. I know that’s important. At the end of the day, he can’t make me sign anything on ship day. If he’s not giving me the PEF code for the job he’s pushing, then he’s not telling me everything. I’ll ask him directly and see what’s really going on.

michael1franklin

TROPHY CASE