United States Marine Corps.?

Question

I am 19 years old and have decided I want to join the USMC. My family wants me to continue going to college and get a four year education (I choose Business as my major) however, I have realized that it is not what I want to do. I always wanted to be a cop and Join the Military.

I told them once, and the conversation lasted a few seconds with us going our separate ways. I do not want to enlist and then "stick" them with the paper work. What suggestions do you guys have for me? How should I tell them? What should I tell them? It seems that they just wont listen when it comes down to the subject.

If you are a parent of a Marine...What was your experience like?

Any answer will be highly appreciated. Thank you all in advance.

Answer 1

Well, since you're 19, you won't be sticking them with any paperwork at all.  You have every right to enlist, if you choose to.  They can object, but they can't stop you from going.

My experience was a little different.  I knew my son wanted to be a Marine since he was in the 8th grade.  When he came home at 17, having talked to a recruiter, I just made him do the work of talking to recruiters from different branches, to make sure he was certain the Marine Corps was for him.  

Here's the language you might consider using...  "Mom, Dad, I've put a lot of thought into this, and have enlisted in the Marine Corps.  Now, I can do this one of two ways... I can do it with your support and best wishes, or without them.  I can get through boot camp without letters from home, but I really don't want to.  I can deploy to another country without your support, but I really don't want to.  I know this is going to take some getting used to, but I've made my decision and I hope I can count on you both."  

Also...you should go look at this website, and show it to your folks.  It will help them SO much...   check out http://www.marineparents.com    It's the best online resource for anything and everything USMC.  Check out the Recruit Message boards... those folks will help your parents so much... and will be a great support system for you, no matter what path your parents take.

Best of luck to you!

Answer 2

A parents job is to make sure that you keep all opportunities and doors open as you progress through life and in doing so they are trying to ensure happiness in you for your later years.... So if this is something that you have thought out and something that will make you happy, tell them that they have done their job and you will be happy in doing this

Answer 3

If you truly want to become a Marine, become one. Very good choice. I am myself going off to Boot very soon. Best of luck.

Answer 4

The expeirience depends on how u view your country. If your a patriot u would be honered to have your son or daughter in the service. But it's always tough

Answer 5

it depends on what your MOS will be.  If you are going to be infantry, it will be tough to attend college because you might get deployed.  As you stated, if you want to be a cop, you might consider a MP. (MOS 5811) job and you dont get deployed you can attend college while on base for free. then you get to be in the military and finish college.

Answer 6

HOORAH! my bro is a marine sniper. I'm thinking about become one too. Brave and honorable choice.

Answer 7

Get your bachelors than be a Marine officer

Answer 8

Well I have the same problem parents wont have a word of it. They are like your going to college and that's final. Well lets see who's gonna be laughing when I just join lol

Answer 9

Its totally natural for your parents to be worried about you and for them to be against you joining. I would suggest that you get some material from your recruiter about the MOS you want to enlist into and about the benefits of being a Marine (they have TONS of pamphlets, brochures, and other information). Sit down with your parents and discuss why you want to join and the benefits that you will gain by joining (education, professional development, challenge, experience with different cultures, etc). If you're parents are still having a hard time then maybe you could invite your recruiter to come in and talk with them. Your recruiter is there to help you so let him/her sit down with your parents to answer any questions they have that you may not be able to answer. In the end this is your decision and you do not need their consent. I've seen many parents be totally against their child's decision to join but at the end of boot camp the parents are right there for family day and graduation.

Congrats on your decision to joing and Good Luck!