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I have a couple of questions about the Marines. I'm 17, and I'm a female. I am giving it great consideration to join the Marines, but the job I wanted to do ( a sniper-dont ask me why!), they said I wasn't able to become. I was more concerned about the physical qualifications. How hard is it? What are the physical requirements for joining the Marines? I am especially terrified of swimming, I can swim, but just barely. Is that a huge part of basic training? Do men and women sleep in seperate barracks? What about on the bases, are there any co-ed sleeping arrangements? If you could answer any or all of these I'd GREATLY appreciate it. Thanks a lot!
Kimberly;
First, apologies for not answering you sooner; been working overtime in my other job, and just haven't had time to get on the computer. Sorry 'bout that!
My wife was a Marine for 6 &1/2 years, and she loved it. She got out when she messed up her knees doing physical stuff, and they wouldn't let her go to Gulf War I.
Scout Sniper is Infantry, and females aren't allowed to do that, however, you might consider the Military Police...since the MP's have SWAT teams that DO have snipers. So, you could still do the job. However, that's not something that you can enlist for right away, you'd have to go MP first, then tryout when you got to your permanant base.
The physical requirements aren't that bad, really, and they work you up to them, so you won't be running 3 miles the first day of recruit training.
Swimming is a part of recruit training, yes, but they won't be throwing you into the pool with nary a lesson. They will guide you every step of the way, but you will eventually have to learn to swim a little to graduate.
Men & women won't see each other at all while in Recruit training, but once you hit the fleet, they sleep in the same barracks (not the same rooms of course, and usually not the same floor).
Good luck, and sorry again for the late answer.
Sgt G
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Answers by Expert:
Jason Grabill
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Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.
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Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984.
Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years.
I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.
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United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.
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I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.
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Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.
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Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars.
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I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...
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United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.
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