Getting Your Family Onboard
TALKING TO YOUR FAMILY ABOUT IF THE MARINE CORPS IS RIGHT FOR YOU
GETTING YOUR FAMILY ONBOARD
You are interested in joining the Marines but don't know how to start the conversation with your parents? That's okay!
There's three things to focus on communicating to your family when you talk to them:
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Why you want to join the Marines
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What you'll get out of being a Marine
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Addressing any concerns or objections
ONBOARD
WHY YOU WANT TO JOIN
GIVING YOUR DREAM A VOICE
You know your "why" better than we do. After years of being in the Corps, leading hundreds of Marines, and seeing thousands of recruits come through boot camp, these are the typical reasons why someone joins the Marine Corps:
1) Marines are the best
I want to serve my country and do it with the best America has to offer. The other services just don't cut it for what I want to do.
2) The Challenge
You want to know if you have what it takes, see just how far you can go, and learn what you are capable of. You will grow into who you are meant to be, create a solid foundation for your future, and be the best version of yourself.
3) Discipline and Direction
The Marines give you purpose, drive, and the ability to make a difference with your life. That confidence and I-can-do-anything attitude will change your life. You'll
4) Make a Difference
Marines are protectors. We defend embassies, our country, and the weak and disenfranchised around the world. You'll find yourself in countries around the world where you are protecting or providing aid to people who desperately need it.
5) Education and Skills
You can learn technical skills that are marketable, get your college education paid for, learn how to lead, and so much more. Click here to see all the benefits that come with being a Marine.
6) Travel and Adventure
You'll see the world and live places other people never dream of.
To see more reasons for and against joining, click here.
GETTING YOUR FAMILY ONBOARD
HAVING YOUR FAMILY SUPPORT YOUR DREAM
A frequent concern we hear from many prospects is how to break the news to your family you are interested in joining the Marines. Family members may have objections, but we will help you understand how to have the difficult conversation.
Frequent objections family have are the following:
-Marines are dumb and don't value education
-You should go to college instead of joining the Marines
-The Marine Corps is too dangerous
-You'll be far from home
-The Marine Corps is too traditional, strict, and out-of-date
1. Marines are dumb and don't value education.
The Marine Corps has a higher ASVAB requirement than the Army and National Guard, requires a High School Diploma, and supports its members in pursuit of higher education through apprenticeships, Tuition Assistance, and other formal training opportunities. (See our Education Benefits Page)
2. You Should Go To College Instead
You should go to college! Joining the Marine Corps is not saying that you won't. 3/4 people in America have jobs unrelated to their college degrees, while many end up in debt pursuing that same degree. Why not spend a couple years learning some technical and leadership skills, meet people from around the world, and discover what you are passionate about? You can attend college while in or when you get out, for free with your GI Bill benefits. This will make your experience far more meaningful.
3. The Marine Corps is too dangerous
The country is not at war. Even at the height of the war, the number of Marines injured or killed was extremely low. In any given year, there are more Marines killed in motorcycle accidents than in any type of combat or training accidents. Yes, the job can be dangerous, but generally only for that small portion of Marines on the front lines.
4. You'll be far from home
For many Marines, your duty station will be far from your hometown. The interesting thing is that for most Marines, they haven't lived beyond their city or town in their lives. In the Marine Corps you will meet people from around the world over your time in. If after all of that, you realize your home is the place you belong, you can go back never wondering if you belong somewhere else. For others, the Marines offer that opportunity to see what else the world has to offer.
5. The Marine Corps Is Too Traditional, Strict, and Out-of-Date
The Marines are an old and traditional organization. There have been accusations in the media of discrimination against different groups, misconduct, etc. Every organization in America, every service branch, and every part of the government has had misconduct from members in its organization. However, the Marine Corps has some of the strictest policies on Equal Opportunity, Sexual Assault Prevention, and protects whistleblowers on policy violations. We work really hard to ensure our Marines have a safe place to work daily without discrimination or maltreatment. We only care about the work you do, not where you come from, who you pray to, or who you love.
