BROWN FIELD
WHAT TO EXPECT
WHEN YOUR LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING THE MARINES
What does the process of considering the Marine Corps look like? What should you expect your loved one to be going through? What stressors and challenges will they (and you) encounter along the way?
Every step of Enlisting or Commissioning can be found at the links.
INFORMATION GATHERING
The first thing anyone will do when considering joining the military is look for information. We hope to be a trusted source for you and your loved ones.
If your loved one is thinking of joining the Marine Corps, you may see recruiting pamphlets start to show up at your house, receive phone calls from a recruiter, or see your prospective Marine attending workouts with recruiters from the local recruiting station.
The best thing you can do during this phase is learn as much about the Marine Corps, its pros and cons, the enlistment and commissioning processes, and the recruiters as possible.
All this information will enable you to begin having conversations about what this choice means for your family. It is important to understand exactly what this choice will mean for you and your loved one.
If your child or partner is seriously considering the Marine Corps, plan on going to see a recruiter. Meeting recruiters does not commit anyone to joining the institution.
INTERVIEWS, EXAMS, BACKGROUND CHECKS
Every branch of the military generally follows the same process exact process to determine an applicant's suitability for service in the military. You can expect that regardless of an enlisted or officer career path, that the process will require a lengthy amount of paperwork.
First, recruiters will seek to determine if an applicant is of suitable character and mental fitness to join the military. They will see if an applicant is a good fit through formal and informal interviews.
To determine if an applicant has met the minimum education requirements, you can expect for your loved one to need to provide academic records or a high school diploma, and SAT/ACT scores or the ASVAB.
To ensure there is no criminal record or other activity that would prevent an applicant from serving, the military will perform a background check.
Physical fitness is extremely important in the military, and especially the Marines, so applicants will have to pass a fitness test and be within weight standards.
Lastly, the military will perform a thorough medical evaluation and review of medical records. They will look for any disqualifying medical conditions or history of injuries or illnesses.
To see the full process for enlisting, click here.
To see the full process to become an officer, click here.
EVERYONE HAS AN OPINION
When you first heard your loved one was considering the Marine Corps, you may have felt any number of emotions - surprise, excitement, fear, skepticism, disappointment, joy, or anything else.
Once your family member or partner starts pursuing this journey, you will hear many of opinions from the people around you. You may hear words of support, criticism, encouragement, respect, confusion, or disrespect.
Some people in our society view the military as a good choice, honorable, respectable, and will encourage and support your family through this time. Others may be condescending, rude, disrespectful, or ignorant.
You may hear things from veterans, military family members, or even recruiters that don't sound quite right. You may hear things that sound too good to be true as well.
Regardless of what you hear during this time, be sure to do your research and really think about what you're hearing in order to make the best decision. Take everything with a grain of salt and remember that as much as you may feel stress or concern, this is your loved one's life and they need your support in this journey. If you have questions or need assistance, Contact Us and we will be sure to answer any concerns you have.
