Expert: Jason Grabill - 3/5/2008

Question
Hi, I am strongly considering joining the Marine corps, it has been something I have wanted to do for quite a while now, but before I speak to a recruiter, I have a few concerns. First, I am in pretty bad physical shape, and need time to prepare myself, what is the maximum amount of months I can delay my entry to basic? I won't get in shape unless I know im going...Its a motivation thing. Second, I know I would likely be deployed, and that I understand and do not have a problem with... But I have heard that the Marine Corps has low funding as compared to the Army, is this true? Third... In basic, how often do recruits get kicked out? And if I cannot meet minimum requirements to something (PT  requirements, swimming, etc.)  will I be kicked out? Or left back to train some more until I get to the minimum  requirement area? And last... This is more so just a stupid question than a concern, but while on active duty am I allowed to have my own equipment? I notice some Marines have different sights on their rifles (Some I have seen with EOtech sites rather then just plain iron sites) RIS modifications. Some ive seen with their own knives, etc... Just kind of something I was wondering if I can take my own equipment and modify my rifle to fit my comfort needs. Thanks a lot for your help.

Answer
Dave:

 You can DEP for up to a year, but this is mostly for high school students.  As long as you can pass the minimum entry requirements for recruit training (which the recruiter will brief you on) then it's not an issue unless you are overweight.  They won't let you ship overweight.  Out of shape is somewhat to be expected and can be fixed, overweight for the most part cannot (in recruit training).

 The Marine Corps has always had less money than the other services, which is why we do more, with less.  Don't worry about that issue, it's far above your pay grade anyway.  War ain't all about techno equipment anyway, esp. THIS war.  

 If you fail certain test areas they will give you a chance to re-take the tests (PT, ect) then re-cycle you to another platoon to be re trained or re-tested.   Stop worrying about failure and concern yourself with sucess!   You are setting yourself up for failure if you try to figure out what will happen 'when' you fail.   Positive mental attitude is what makes Marines different from the others.  We get things done because we BELIEVE we can get them done despite the odds.

 Don't concern yourself with equipment and gear and concentrate on accomplishing the mission of becoming a Marine.  All else is secondary until you achieve THAT goal.

  Stop dawdling around, go talk to a recruiter, and get started.

Lastly, you may also want to go to www.leatherneck.com/forums , fill out a profile, and check out the site.  Plenty of Marines (active, former and retired) as well as people in your same situation.  

Jason