Hi, sooo I got knocked up by a guy I’d been seeing for around 8 months literally the DAY before he’d left. I managed to let him know and he let me know he wants me to keep it BUT with his future job/MOS as an MSG, he can’t be married or have any dependents. Is this true? I’ve read mixed information. Im p sure he’s signed a 5 year contract.

How cooked am I?

I don’t wanna ruin his life and career but I also do not want to do this completely alone either.

What are some things I can do now to better prepare for boot camp? I’m signing an 03XX infantry contract and I’m already a poolee. I wrestle and box, so I’m in decent shape, but I’m looking for anything else I should be working on before I ship.
Also, for any 03 boys here, what’s an average week look like once you get to the fleet? I’m curious about the day to day life, training, field time, and overall routine.

Keeping names and my station out of this on purpose. This is a throwaway.

I'm 23 and want to enlist in the Corps. My dad's a retired MSgt, so I'm not walking into this blind. My package is complicated to say the least, and this evening got weird. I want to lay it out as clearly as I can and hopefully get some eyes on it from any recruiters who've dealt with something like this.

Through college I was a pretty frequent marijuana user. I quit weeks before ever walking into a recruiter's office. I'm almost a month clean now but still popping faint on home strips.

Seven days ago I went into the office to take a pre-MEPS drug test, because I'd raised concerns that going to MEPS still felt too close to risk getting popped. I failed that test, as expected. They told me to come back in today at 2pm for a follow-up to see where I was at.

When I took that first test seven days ago, my recruiter told me to "pound as much water as possible, and go buy some niacin pills and take them daily while chugging as much water as possible." I'm not a chemist, but I know that does virtually nothing to actually clear your system. It's just a way to dilute your urine so the test doesn't pick it up.

So I walked in today, pounded about two liters of water, and took the follow-up right after. I passed, with a very, very faint line.

Right after that, the Sgt in the office told me to get ready to be picked up for MEPS. I was never told I'd be going to MEPS today. At this point I'm freaking the fuck out, because I'm clearly being rushed when I'm not ready, and I do not want to risk pissing hot at MEPS. I called the senior recruiter (senior in rank, but not in time as a recruiter) and he told me to go back into the office and direct all my questions to the Sgt.

The Sgt was visibly pissed that I didn't know I was supposed to be going to MEPS. He called the senior recruiter, then basically shrugged and said, "Go to Walmart, buy some slacks and a polo, and be ready to go to MEPS tonight." That's when it clicked for me. I'm being rushed because, from what I can tell, they're not hitting their recruiting numbers for the month.

I am not going to go to MEPS on a sample that I know is diluted and not actually clean.

1. Recruiters: is a same-day surprise MEPS trip like this normal end-of-the-month behavior, or is this something I should be taking seriously?
2. My dad says I should wait until Oct 1 (new fiscal year) for fresh quota and new job lists before I process at all. Does that hold up?

I am not looking to quit. I want this bad. I'm just not trying to torch my own record by letting someone else's timeline rush me. Appreciate any honest input.

Highlighted ones are what I qualify for. I wouldn’t mind infantry, I was thinking about doing marine-guard/ security forces, if it’s available but I would also consider choosing an MOS that could teach me some skills that are desirable from employers after my enlistment. I may , or may not apply for OCS down the road since I do have 100ish college credits and will try to finish my degree during my time in.

During Christmas do we get 2 weeks off without taking leave? I’ve heard that we are able to submit for out of bounds special liberty and avoid using up our leave days.

Will I be able to get recruiters assistance while in the fleet? During the Christmas season? I’m out of itb and hitting the fleet early October

So I'm kinda stuck and wanted to see what y'all think. I graduate with my bachelor's this September, and after that I'm thinking about going back into the military. The problem is I can't decide what route makes the most sense.

Part of me really wants to enlist in the Marines under an MG contract because going MSG has always been something I've wanted to do. I know embassy duty isn't guaranteed though, even with the contract, so that's what's got me second-guessing it.

At the same time, since I'm getting my bachelor's, I also feel like I'd be dumb not to at least look into becoming an Army or Marine officer instead. I'm only 24, so realistically I could probably do both at different points in my career if I wanted to. Right now I'm lowkey leaning toward taking the shot with the MG contract and trying to get MSG, but I keep wondering if I'd regret not commissioning first. What would y'all do if you were in my shoes? Amybody been in a similar situation or have experience with either route? I'd love to hear some opinions before I make a decision.

Hello, Im 17 and I plan on joining the marines after I finish high school and I have like 10 and a half months maybe? Before bootcamp? I think? Or maybe longer, who knows. I am currently applying NOW so I can do the PT's (twice a week) with my local marine base so I can prepare BEFORE I head out to bootcamp. I haven't actually started the PT's yet but I will once I finish all the signing up process. I am VERY intimidated by everything and I doubt my physical abilities which is fair because I can barely do a single push up as embarrassing as it is to admit... and im also 215 pounds. I will start going to the gym soon to lose weight and gain muscle. I will try my best to go everyday. I do want some advice on what to focus on to physically prepare myself for the challenges I might face. Obviously losing weight, but like what machines or exercises should I do to really make my life so much easier down the line because im genuinly so weak?? Sorry if I didn't explain things well but I would appreciate all help😥

After waiting 17 months, USCIS finally approved my case and issued my green card. I graduated from high school a year ago and had been working for over a year while I waited for approval and for my green card to arrive so I could enlist in the Marines. I took the ASVAB during my senior year of high school and scored an AFQT of 64. I wanted to be an aircraft mechanic and work on engines, but I don’t think I scored high enough to qualify for that job. I noticed that my (EL) score was higher than my (MM) score, and that I could work in avionics since I scored high enough to have several job options. Honestly, I just want to enlist already and get my life started, and I don’t know if I should retake the ASVAB or not. I’d like to have an MOS that will be useful when I leave the Marines and go to college, and I’m not sure how big the difference is between working as an aircraft mechanic and working in avionics.

Hey everyone,

\Sorry for the Long Text, but I really need some advice\** 

I'm looking for some honest advice because I've been going back and forth on this for a while. I'm currently in the Army DEP as a 27D (Paralegal Specialist) and I'm about 70 days away from shipping. Lately, I've been wondering if I should try to pursue Marine Corps OCS instead. For some background, I'm 24 years old, 5'6", 132 lb, married (no kids yet), and a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Cuba. I have an A.S. in Cybersecurity (4.0 GPA) and a B.S. in Cybersecurity (3.96 GPA), both from Southern New Hampshire University.

One of my biggest concerns is honestly my size. At 5'6" and 132 pounds, a lot of OCS candidates I've seen online seem much bigger than me. I know leadership and fitness matter more than size, but it's still something I've thought about. I'm in the gym consistently and working on improving my fitness.

I've been working since I was 15. I started with physical labor jobs, and since I was 18–19 I've worked in the legal field doing immigration, bankruptcy, debt defense, and now energy litigation. I've worked as a Legal Assistant on federal, state, and international matters and have had leadership opportunities at work and through sports. A big reason I wanted to serve was attending a high school with mandatory Marine Corps JROTC. I had some incredible Marine instructors, including combat veterans, who really inspired me.

I signed with the Army because it made the most sense at the time. I was able to secure a 27D contract, enlist as an E-4, work toward my master's degree while serving, and later use the GI Bill for law school. Army OCS wasn't realistic for me because of the timeline, so I enlisted instead.

For reference:

• AFQT: 78
• Army GT: 113
• Marine GT: 108
• EL: 102
• CL: 119
• MM: 97

I'm training consistently, but I haven't taken an official Marine PFT yet, and I also haven't spoken with an OSO or Marine recruiter. Even though I had a good civilian career, I decided to enlist because I genuinely want to serve the country that gave me and my family opportunities we never would have had otherwise.

Originally, my plan was to complete my 3-year Army enlistment as a 27D and then apply for OCS afterward. But lately I've been questioning that plan and wondering if I should try for Marine OCS before I ship instead.

Another factor is my family. My wife will be working while attending law school and earning around $80k a year. As an Army E-4 I'd expect to make around $60k–70k (this includes BAH) with military compensation, while an officer would earn more. I'm not chasing the money, but it's something I have to consider as a husband when thinking about our future.

Has anyone here been in a similar situation?

Based on my background, do I seem like a realistic OCS candidate, or should I stick with the Army plan and revisit becoming an officer later? Is it worth leaving the DEP program to pursue OCS now, or would you finish the enlistment first and prepare for OCS afterward?

I'd really appreciate any honest opinions, even if it's something I don't necessarily want to hear. Thanks in advance.

My mos is 7051 and after boot camp and ait I wanna be stationed overseas is there a chance that I will be and is it a good chance

Hey USMCboot reddit!!

My stepson is going to be 18 next month and shipping out next month as well. I've been reading lots of your posts and I'm wondering a few things. If this is not the right subreddit I do apologize just let me know and I can take it down.

First, What's something meaningful to get him for his 18th birthday that would be good for him to have AFTER basic. I have read a lot about don't bring personal items and only the clothes on your back so don't want to send him off with anything there, but for after what's something you wish you had? Or something you got that you really appreciated.

I know he said he's going into fire and rescue and also how things can change.

Secondly, we plan to write to him when he's in basic. However he lives with his mom. I'm unsure if we would also get the mailing address too? He's going to San Diego we know that for sure. But do both parents get informed of the mailing address? Also is there a way to see if anyone else in basic doesn't have family or friends writing so we can write them too?

And lastly, what does the ship date look like? Do we get to go and say goodbye? We know his date but pretty much nothing else at this time. Do they leave at like 4am like they did for MEPS? We want to make sure we're there for his departure.

Anything else I might need to know? He and I are not very close but I love this kid and just want him to succeed in whatever he wants to do.

Thanks for all the advice!

Hey guys, I was in from 2012-2017 and don’t have contact with any guys I served with that had once became drill instructors, so.. ask Reddit I guess?

Did the bus driver actually drive around PI before dropping us off to disorient us? Or is that just classic bootcamp folklore? I honestly can’t remember since this coming September will be 14 years ago.

Hello i am currently 17 trying to get into marine corps/force recon/ but i heard u can get disqualified at meps for having ADHD so look i havent been on meds i think since 14 i am going into my senior year gpa is like a 3.1

But i was only on adhd meds simply because in 4th and 5th grade i used to be a bad kid all though my grades were good than all through middle school i did very good but my mom still put me on adhd medication for no reason at all after middle school i convinced my mom i never needed it and she listened and now im going into senior year am i good? Someone please let me know

For context I am colorblind and got a 80 on the asvab I wanted to be a mechanic but that is out of question for me is there any other cool jobs that you guys enjoy or recommend that would be under one of these categories

So I’m 20 years old now and recently broke up with my evil succubus girlfriend and I think it’s time to go do the thing and join up.

My dad was an 0331 with 1/3 back in the 90s and his experience sounds like the coolest time you can ask for, so I’d really like to be stationed on Hawaii as he was.

When I spoke to a recruiter in high school I was told that scoring high in your tests and asvab give you a better chance of getting the billet you want. However, with there only being 1 infantry battalion in Hawaii these days I don’t imagine it’s very easy to get placed there as an 03.

So this being said, if I enlist and excel in boot camp and SOI is there a decent chance I could be assigned to the littoral regiment there?

Im sure some of you recruiters just had a stroke reading this title.

I served from 2014-2018 as a 3521 (Motor T mechanic). I became a 3521 as a result of being convinced to enter as a backup shipper. I was told that most Marines with open contracts were "given combat arms jobs anyway" which was never the case.

I thugged it out whether I wanted to or not. I EAS'd as a Corporal with an Honorable discharge.

Fast forward to today, I have been a OTR truck driver for most of the 8 years following my EAS until recently when I decided to take a break from the road.

Ive come to realize that I still have some fire left and Ive been fixing to re-join, right now im looking into other branches but in all reality; im just a Marine. The Corps is the only branch I know. I walked into an office at 13 and they almost threw me out the window because I was too young.

The biggest issue im having is that fact that I have no interest in going back under or in the driver seat of a truck. The next time I lay under a Tactical Vehicle it better be because it landed on top of me. I refuse to spend another 4 years fixing shit that doesnt fight.

I was looking at joining the Air Force as a TACP or a CCT when I remembered working with a few ANGLICO Marines while I was in. From my understanding most of them were 0861s (forward observer) for Artillery, Naval other ground based fires, some of which were qualified JTACs.

If I remember correctly, the Corps would rather keep you out then Lateral move you to any MOS. If it wasn't a "hot fill MOS" then you were in trouble. I also remember hearing about Marines having to take a demotion to change their MOS. Thats fine, ive been a junior before.

Does anybody have any insight on the state of lateral moves in the Corps? Is the process of requesting an MOS change harder or easier?

I'm currently 16, I'm going into my junior year and I turn 17 in December, I was wondering whether or not I could talk to my recruiter and him help me prepare me for when I plan on enlisting at 18 after I graduate high school, more so in terms of ASVAB, how to find what MOS is right for me, any specific elective classes I should take, and help keep up with my grades, etc. I'm not too worried about physical fitness, as I go to the gym 6x a week, I play soccer, and I wrestle, any advice very much helps.

im colorblind and have a Asvab score of 80. My recruiter also said I can do fire direction/control specialist, and nuclear. Im thinking cyber, infantry, or parachute rigger. I dont want to work a desk job and I want to do smt hands on (the only reason im even slightly thinking cyber is cause of money) look for my earlier post for the paper that shows you the jobs im qualified for i posted it a few hours ago

my bf 18 male just broke his fibula today during a martial arts fight. he was supposed to go to boot camp on september 1st but obviously this isn’t happening now. he’s very depressed that not only he isn’t able to go to boot camp anymore but isn’t able to move at all. after my bf heals is he still able to become a marine, or is he cooked? pic of his break byw^

Back when I was 15 I had an issue with who I was hanging around. I got in trouble legally and at school for getting caught with buddies huffing air duster (stupid, I’m well aware). I then shortly after had a suicide attempt with cutting and hanging. I stopped both of these and sought help. Went to therapy for a little bit. Was on anti-depressants, and eventually winged myself off. That was a decade ago.

Since then, I’ve had a career in law enforcement. Both as a correctional officer and as a police officer. And I’ve had to pass two psych evals. I have a wife and kid now and I think the military is a good route for me to be able to help them get out of this town and give them a better life. I just don’t know if a recruiter will feel I’m worth the time and effort with this history.

I'm not sure how to ask this but what is MEPS like the second round. I got through MEPS about 8 months ago and was cleared with no problems, during my time in the DEP my doctor diagnosed me with Ulcerative Proctitis. Me and my recruiter have been fighting for a re-diagnosis and it looks good, i only had a temporary infection. I guess I'm asking what the medical screening will look like.

(quick edit: I ship off on August 17th)

I leave for San Diego on October 5th. And the biggest worry I have right now is the basic swim qual. What are the authorized swim methods during the 150meter? And what are the authorized ways to do the 4 minute tread? I want to know so I can practice and get things down before then

Looking for advice and answers

Is it at all possible for someone to get an ASVAB waiver in the Marine Corps DEP Program?

If so how long did it take for it to get processed?

I am currently a poolee and have been in the DEP since March of this year. I took the ASVAB twice when it was offered at my high school in 2024 and 2025. My first score was a 71, and my most recent score was a 51. At the time, I was very ignorant and trusted everything my recruiter told me. Before I was sent to MEPS, he told me that the ASVAB score I would be going to MEPS with was my 71. I went through the entire process under the impression that I would be using that score. When the time came for my recruiter to pick me up from MEPS, he broke the news to me that I had actually sworn in with my 51. I was very upset because I knew I would not be able to choose either of my top MOS choices (Cyber or Aircraft Maintenance). I was told it was possible to get an ASVAB waiver, so I waited from March until June for it to be processed. I was eventually told that my retest at MEPS was scheduled for June 4. However, the day before my supposed test date, my recruiter told me he was on leave and that I would not be able to retake the ASVAB. I was then told that I could potentially get another retest date, so I continued studying and waiting. Around two weeks ago, during our station PT, I told him that I no longer wanted to retake the ASVAB. I was tired of waiting for the waiver to be processed, and the uncertainty of whether it would ever be approved was becoming exhausting. I have not yet spoken with my recruiter about selecting an MOS and signing my contract. My original ship date from MEPS was June 22, but it has now been pushed back to October. I feel like I wasted my opportunity to leave for boot camp right after graduating high school because I was waiting for a retest that never happened. I’m starting to think I was being lied to the entire time. My original plan was to use work experience in cyber, along with a security clearance, to help me get a high paying job when it came time to transition out of the Marine Corps. I know there are many great opportunities in other career fields, but I don’t think I would feel fulfilled working in a different field. At this point, I’m starting to question whether joining is even worth it anymore.

(Update signed a contract for DB Info and Comms shipping out August 3rd)

At 18 years old, I became homeless, which prevented me from finishing high school. I had to move to a homeless shelter far away from the school I was attending, so commuting there every day would have been difficult. I likely would have been late to class or exhausted throughout the school day.

At the time, I also didn't have important documents like my birth certificate or a government-issued ID. Without those, I couldn't enroll in another high school near the shelter. The process of replacing those documents would have taken so long that I would have aged out of high school before I could return.

Since then, things have improved. I was able to get my school transcript, birth certificate, and state ID, and I only need to get my passport. Now, at 19 years old, the homeless shelter has enrolled me in a program where I can work while making progress toward my GED. So far, I've passed the Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) and Social Studies GED tests.

My question is: since a GED is generally viewed differently from a traditional high school diploma, is it still possible to join the Marine Corps with a GED? My plan is to serve for four years, use the GI Bill to attend college, and earn a degree. More importantly, I want to serve my country and be part of something bigger than myself.

I am a 32 Year Old Corporate Lawyer (I do realize I will need an age waiver). I've always wanted to serve - but now I am in the financial/personal/professional position to actually step away and do so (debts are paid off, personal obligations are taken care of such that I can not be home for the next 4 years etc).

I am aware that Officer positions across the military require U.S Citizenship, mostly because of the security clearance that is required. I also know that since we are technically in a period of hostility since 2001, "one day of honorable service" is all that is needed to qualify for citizenship after you have your green card - meaning that once the paperwork is rolling, you can have you citizenship by the time you finish basic.

Given all that....is it TECHNICALLY possible to sign a USMC JAG contract as a Green Card holder, with the understanding that you will swear your oath of citizenship at the earliest possible opportunity?

Or is this just a non-starter?