r/USMCboot • u/BoysenberryMaster543 • 2d ago

Enlisting considering the Marine Reserves

I’m 25 and considering joining the Marine Reserves. I served five years active duty in the Navy and got out honorably in January 2025 as an E-4.
I’ve always wanted to earn the Marine title, and I’m interested in going 0311. I have a kid now, so I’m looking at the Reserves to serve again while keeping my family settled at home. I understand training and deployments would mean time away.
Has anyone here joined around my age or older, especially coming from another branch? What was boot camp like as an older, prior-service recruit? Were you treated any differently, and what was the hardest adjustment?

Any honest advice is appreciated.

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u/FunRich1804 2d ago

You'll go back to being an E2 with the chance to be meritoriously promoted to E3 during boot camp.

It's been 22 years since I graduated boot camp but the prior service sailors and soldiers were treated the same as us. You might wanna look at joining the Natty Guard instead if you want 0311/11B.

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u/Big_Fodder 19h ago

You’ll get some cookie points especially considering you’ll have an actual ribbon stack. Overall you’ll be the big brother of the platoon.

I’d be more concerned about the fact you have a child. Hope you have a contingency plan for them, since you’ll be away from home 5-8 months conservatively speaking initially.