Wanting to protect your country against its enemies is one of the noblest goals anyone can have. If you lack experience and knowledge, you may not know how to channel your patriotism, but if the glory associated with becoming a marine is calling out to you, then you’ve come to the right place. Joining the Marine Corps is often every recruit’s dream, considering the benefits and high standing this branch of the Navy offers.
However, there is a lot that starry-eyed newcomers do not know about the Corps. If you wish to become a part of the Marine Corps, you must be aware of some facts before you start your search for a recruiter. Are you interested in discovering more? Then, check out the next few points.
The Marines and the Army Are Different
For non-experts, the army and the marines may not seem too different. Yet, this could not be further from the truth. While both share some similarities, some core differences set them apart. First off, the Marine Corps is a branch of the Navy, which puts it under the direct supervision of the Department of the Navy.
Those who join this elect fighting force train in amphibious operations. Thanks to their ability to face threats quickly and competently, the Marines are considered the United States’ emergency force. They usually handle short-term maneuvers, unlike soldiers who are designated prolonged operations that can take months or years.
As opposed to the army, the Marines are jacks of all trades; even if a marine’s specialty is logistics or IT, they can serve in infantry positions as well because of their comprehensive training. Moreover, uniforms are another aspect that sets the Marines and army soldiers apart. While soldiers wear berets, marines do not. When it comes to their service uniforms, marines wear khaki shirts, and soldiers don green ones.
The Marine Corps Offer Many Benefits
If you are thinking about becoming a marine, then you must be curious about the set of benefits you are expected to receive. As the veterans at https://theusmarines.com/ point out, joining the Marine Corps is hugely advantageous. Besides the elite standing you will have, you will also get a comprehensive bundle of benefits, including a steady income, life insurance, and numerous career advancement opportunities.
While you are in service, you will be provided with professional healthcare as well, without any out-of-pocket expenses, which is something that encourages many people to enlist. You will also have a tax advantage, as only your base monthly salary is taxable. As you can see, enlisting as a marine is undoubtedly worth it!
You Will Have to Meet Several Requirements to Become a Marine
As the United State’s most elite force, the Marine Corps has a long list of requirements that recruits must meet to join. Physical fitness is perhaps the most important aspect that recruiters look for when assessing newcomers. Push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, and running are all part of the physical fitness test you have to pass to become a marine.
Experts recommend that all new recruits train before enlisting, ensuring that they can run 3 miles in less than 25 mins. In addition to the physical fitness test, you will also be required to pass the ASVAB, the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, with a score of 31 or higher. The ASVAB consists of 10 short exams that aim at measuring your skillset.
The aptitude test evaluates mathematical, verbal, and academic capabilities. Most recruits prepare for the ASVAB months beforehand to make sure that they will receive the required score. There are many books and online sources that can give you an idea of what to expect, so take some time to practice.
You Will Need Time to Adapt
Once you join Boot Camp, you will surely feel out of your depth. Don’t worry, though, because this is completely normal. You will need to adapt to following orders and pushing yourself to the limit. Furthermore, you may want to know some of the lingo that marines use. For instance, “aye, aye” is used to let your leader know that you understand their orders. Some marines may also use “oorah” between sentences to show motivation. As you spend more time around marines, you will pick up many of these words and start using them in everyday speech yourself.
The Marine Corps is all about honor, duty, and loyalty. Before joining this sect of the Navy, you must be sure that it is right for you. When in doubt, you can always take a look at the points above or have a one-on-one discussion with your recruiter. They will definitely be able to assuage any fears you may have. Lastly, remember that the motto “once a marine, always a marine” holds true, so take your time before reaching a final verdict on whether to enlist or not.
