USMC reserves

[taseal]

the thought has been running through my head... I went in with my friend today to the recruiter, and he ended up signing up actually lol.

I like my current career and I don't want to steer away from it. However I always wanted join the armed forces. (where my nickname 'seal' comes from actually)

I wanted to talk to the Army recruiter, but they were closed... so we went over to the USMC and I really liked some of the things (all actually) since I already have a degree I could keep my MGIB for my child in the future as well.... I was thinking something in the lines of MARSOC (Marine Force Recon)... But it would be reserves since like I said I don't want to give up my current career. (who knows what the future might bring, maybe i'll turn AD in the future)

my question is, if anyone is a force recon here, or a marine of course, how do you like it? reserve/AD?

I won't be signing anything for at lest another year I would say... I want to get in real good shape and be able to score top numbers on PFT and AVSAB etc.

so yeah... any pointers or comments?

what do reserves do when they have to go for the 1 weekend out of a month? train??? how about if you are Active, but not deployed overseas to mid east? what do you then? I haerd its 7.30-4.30 M-F... do you train every single day?

oh, another thing I heard was from a MC friend (and you see it on gen kill if u've watched it) is that the AD guys REALLY look down on the reserve guys... they try everything they can to make life harder for them, and don't have respect for them....

[bman9089]

I can't add anything to this really, but you only live once. I'd go for it.

That being said......subscribed.

[taseal]

Originally Posted by bman9089

That being said......subscribed.

when someone subscribes, its usually sign some bad **** is about go down....

it can't be that bad, can it? lol

[bman9089]

lol

When the marines get to talking, it always makes for a good thread.

[Comanche]

Originally Posted by bman9089

lol

When the marines get to talking, it always makes for a good thread.

X2

[Jeebs]

I would just like to start by saying that there are Marines and those you play Marine on the weekend. Yes, there is a HUGE difference.

Let me start from the start. You must remember that recruiters are salesman and are gonna give you all the fluff and none of the crap. I know this because I was a recruiter up in NorCal. Reservists are getting called upon now more than ever. If you go in the reserves and plan on going into an infantry or communications job then plan on being activated for at least a year fairly quickly. Your typical activation period is a 3-4 month spin up, 6-7 month deployment and a few months of what we all call 'back in the saddle' type training. Reserves now are active a lot these days.

Now, with RECON Marines. I can tell you I was not one nor did I want to be one. Here is what I know about the application process. You have to join the Marines in a regular job (MOS) and then apply once in to try out for recon. Generally they look for infantry or comm Marines. Just to apply you have to have the permission of your command, be extremely smart (not sure of the exact ASVAB requirement) and have a high first class PFT score. Then you must try out and you aren't guaranteed a spot because it is an extremely small community (even smaller in the reserves, maybe only 1 unit). It is probably one of the most intense thing you can do in all the military branches. Not saying to not give it a shot, just to not let anyone tell you it is something you are going to be doing because it is difficult just to get to the application phase.

Now back to the reservist thing. Being a Marine really is a lifestyle and not a job. That is one of the main reasons reservists, AKA reversists, are generally disliked and not respected by active duty Marines. Its damn near impossibly to explain without writing a book here so you are just going to have to take my word for it. I've worked with reservists twice, once we a reserve unit attached to us in Iraq and they were a joke. They have zero discipline, training and complained about everything under the sun. They go to boot camp and graduate but that is where the similarities end.

Lastly, I don't know what your career is but I am willing to bet there is something similar in the military. If it is something you truly desire to do then do it. You only live once and more than likely you career will be waiting for you once you complete your time, whether its 4 years or 20. Oh, and go active duty. Like I said, in the 6 years of reserve time you do plan on being active for at least 3. Why not do 4 active and get all that it has to offer?

bman9089 did I live up to your expectations?

[Gunbunny]

You've asked about something I know quite a bit about.......

I spent 6 years in the FMF (Fleet Marine Force) - then switched to the Army - and retired from the Army.

Since you're talking about joining the Reserves - your MOS (military occupational specialty) will be driven by either your desire to be Recon (the question you need to ask is 'are there any recon uints in the USMCR - and if so, where are they?') or what your local USMCR unit is (infantry, transportation, etc.). If you just go local, then you'll have to have an MOS that the local unit can use. If there's a Recon unit somewhere in the USMCR and you just HAVE to be one.... you'd have to travel to the unit for drill every month- and no, the service won't pay for the travel.

You asked about the training. Every service has a list of standard training requirements (like code of conduct and Uniform Code of Military Justice) that units have to accomplished every year. Then add in individual training requirements (like physical fitness training and testing), small unit requirements (drill and ceremonies, patrolling, etc.), unit requirements (maneuvers and deployment training). Your unit structure (commander, officers and senior NCO's) probably has several meetings every year to plan the training. The usual reserve unit has a difficult time fitting everything into the time constraints discussed below.

Since you're working with a base of 12 weekends and one two week period - time is extremely tight. Resources are also. You won't just go to the rifle range and shoot a bunch of ammunition - it'll be part of a training plan.

Jeebs brings up an interesting point about the friction between the regulars and the reserves. Remember, regulars do things all year round. When you're talking about things that can get people killed very suddenly, there ins't much room for minor errors or not being trained to the highest standards. It's easier to stay trained to the high standards when you do this every day. As a Field Artillery battery commander, I planned to be in the woods for at least one week every month. Shoot, move and communicate - then do it again. Reserve units are lucky to get 1 week in the woods in a year. Which do you think is more able to occupy a firing position in the middle of the night (while wearing protective suits and gas masks) and have the perimeter established and be ready to fire in 5 minutes?

Jeebs is correct about the reserves deploying. If you join, you'll get at least one (perhaps more) combat tours.

And Jeebs - it's an 8 year contract now - not 6.

Good luck - and have fun!

[trailblazer2003]

My wife had a co-worker who's husband is a Marine reservist. In the past say 5 years, he has been overseas maybe close to 4 years total of that time. Might as well have gone AD instead. Good luck with the decision. One thing that seems to be common when making this type of decision, is research, research, research. Also, get it in writing!

[RnEmOvr]

heres the thing, marines give you the job they want you in, not always what you want, so you may end up as a plumber, you never know,

[Jeebs]

Originally Posted by RnEmOvr

heres the thing, marines give you the job they want you in, not always what you want, so you may end up as a plumber, you never know,

Not really. The contract that you sign guarantees you a spot in school. So if you sign up to be a RADAR tech you are being promised a spot in that school. Now if you fail school then you are going to be placed in a job to 'fit the needs of the Marine Corps' and more than likely its not going to be something glamorous.

[jatepper]

Agreed, the reserves is totally different then active FMF Marines. Forced Reconnaisance is not something you want to mess with unless you are extremely smart, extremely fit, and want to see action. It is no walk in the park.

I got out in 2004 and I really loved it. I was a 6222 -Intermediate Level Powerplant Mechanic...I built the engine for the Harrier.

The military is an awesome choice for anyone in my opinion. However, in this day and age, expect to have multiple deployments to the sand box. Sometimes you can go for a year, come back, then go for a year again. However, I got lucky... My unit, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS-13) was sorta like a volunteer for deployment squadron. We were so busy that not many people deployed, unless they volunteered. Now, squadrons are different. You will deploy every 18-24 months for 6 months at a time. Groundside, meaning Infantry, may deploy even more.

If you want the easier way out and nicer stuff then go in to the Army, Air Force, or Navy. If you want the life long pride, best training possible, and make friends who will jump on a grenade to save your life, go USMC. You will never regret it.

Good luck on your decision.

[Jeebs]

Originally Posted by jatepper

Agreed, the reserves is totally different then active FMF Marines. Forced Reconnaisance is not something you want to mess with unless you are extremely smart, extremely fit, and want to see action. It is no walk in the park.

I got out in 2004 and I really loved it. I was a 6222 -Intermediate Level Powerplant Mechanic...I built the engine for the Harrier.

The military is an awesome choice for anyone in my opinion. However, in this day and age, expect to have multiple deployments to the sand box. Sometimes you can go for a year, come back, then go for a year again. However, I got lucky... My unit, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS-13) was sorta like a volunteer for deployment squadron. We were so busy that not many people deployed, unless they volunteered. Now, squadrons are different. You will deploy every 18-24 months for 6 months at a time. Groundside, meaning Infantry, may deploy even more.

If you want the easier way out and nicer stuff then go in to the Army, Air Force, or Navy. If you want the life long pride, best training possible, and make friends who will jump on a grenade to save your life, go USMC. You will never regret it.

Good luck on your decision.

I was in MACS-1 in Yuma up until the end of '06 and my brother is in MALS now. I don't remember the name of the shop he is in off the top of my head.

[JLeon]

Just like most of the time, the answer is it depends.

What are you goals?

The Reserve Recon dudes are very selective. The only unit I know is in Alabama.

With a degree, you could be an officer. Have you explored that option?

I'm a prior enlisted Marine and am now an officer in the Air Force. Overall, being a marine was a great experience for a 17 year old. However what I do now is pretty sweet.

I recommend dropping the nickname if you go in.

Cheers.

[BrandonTJ]

Former Marine here, thought I'd chime in with a couple of thoughts.

Marines on active duty will give the reservists a hard time. But Marines give everyone a hard time. Those with seniority will dog on the new guys, different MOSs will dislike others. and the infantry... well we hate just about everyone (except corpsmen and motor T when they're giving us a ride.)

Reservists earn their title the same way active duty Marines earn it and no one takes that away. So you're either ready to earn it and serve or you're not.

Make that decision and you get some respect and my thanks.
Be the best at whatever you end up doing and you'll earn more of each.

Semper Fi

Brandon

[jatepper]

Originally Posted by Jeebs

I was in MACS-1 in Yuma up until the end of '06 and my brother is in MALS now. I don't remember the name of the shop he is in off the top of my head.

No kidding. My buddy was the ATC-O, Capt. Brackeen! Small world.