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Enlisting In The Marine Corps
by Zach Grant
Why, in a time of war, would a senior in high school want to enlist into the military? What benefits could one gain from joining the military instead of going to college?
I have always been the kind of guy who loves action movies and has dreamed of rescuing a wounded comrade in the heat of battle. But if that was the sole reason for me wanting to enlist in the Marine Corps, I should rethink things. Lucky for me, that's not the case. The reason why I decided to join the Marines is because I want to serve my country. Well, if I want to serve my country, why not join the Navy or the Army or even the Air Force? My answer to that is, if I'm going to join the military, why not join the best.
Today, it takes a little more to become a Marine than it used to. A person, at the least, needs to be a high school graduate. Along with the diploma, one also needs to be within a certain weight bracket according to height. This measurement is accompanied by one's performance on the IST (Initial Strength Test). The IST can be an easy test for some, but for others it may take lots of hard work to achieve a passing score. The IST tests a person in pull-ups, crunches, and a three-mile run. For a male to pass, the minimum as follows: pull-ups: 2, crunches: 50 in 2 minutes and the three mile run in 30 minutes maximum. These are requirements in order to merely to go to boot camp and have a chance to become a Marine.
When enlisting in the Marine Corps, there are choices about what length of service is right for each individual. First, one has to sign a standard contract of four years of active duty and four years of inactive duty. After those initial years are up, a person can have the choice of retiring or renewing the contract. My goal is to be a career Marine. I want to do my twenty years and retire with a pension. At that point in my life, I will be 39 and still able to get a job and make money in addition to the retirement check I'll receive every month.
The road ahead of me will not be an easy one by any means. I have to first make it through boot camp. This includes leaving my family and friends behind while enduring physical and mental reshaping day and night. After that, I may get shipped off to war. These assignments are called "tours" which usually are for about six months at a time. Who knows what could happen to me while in a war-riddled area? I may be faced with a life or death situation; I may have to make the choice to take a life or get killed if I don't. There is also the chance that I will go to war and never fire a shot and never be in harm's way. The great thing is that being a Marine, I will be trained to face any situation and know how to deal with it the correct way.
Being in the Corps comes with its dangers and requires a certain amount of sacrifice, but the Marines take care of their own. "Once a Marine, always a Marine." The Marine will be a part of a family, one that doesn't care about the religion practiced or the color of one's skin. The Corps is a brother and sisterhood that will always be there once joined.
The Marine Corps is full of great opportunities that are free for the taking if wanted. The Corps offers travel opportunities, specialized training and more importantly, leadership that is hands down, best in the world. Personally, the Corps is giving me 60,000 dollars to use for college. If I just went to college right out of high school, I probably would have a very hard time getting that amount of money in grants and loans. Yet, because of the Marines, I will have the money to go to any college of my choice and it will be free due to my service.
Joining the Marine Corps is probably the best thing I have ever done in my life so far. Although the struggles and sacrifices may seem extreme to some, they are just stepping stones in my life, which will lead to exciting prospects and rewarding situations. The Marines will constantly offer me challenges and opportunities in my life. I look forward to rising to the challenge.
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