My Nephew is Joining the Marines

[Roadwolf]

I found out about this well over a year ago... he just finished high school and is heading to Parris Island in two weeks for what will be a very hard 6 weeks for him.

 

My sister is pretty torn about this... she admires him for following his dream but is afraid of the danger he may encounter. It didn't help things this week when a soldier from Lyman SC just down the road from where we live was killed this week in Afghanistan and his body was returned yesterday to the Upstate.

 

Well, there is a going away party being thrown for him and despite how I feel about the war and even his decision, I have decided to see him off. Chances are he will do just fine. My only concern that he has entered into this with the perspective of Call of Duty and Medal of Honor ideas of what war is like. The whole duty and honor that the Marines sell is what he has bought into.

 

So this all crystalized with me on the good and bad of this move of his by watching last week's Moyers and Company on preparing to send men (and women) to war. It was very eye opening and moving. I learned quite a bit from the guest (a Vietnam veteran) that Bill Moyers interviews, so much that I sent the link to my sister. As I know my nephew, he isn't going to be able to digest the nuanced points of this broadcast, but I think it should be required watching of everyone that supports/or doesn't support our soldiers in harm's way.

 

I post it here for those that may be interested in listening for themselves. You can watch it on his site or download the audio podcast via iTunes:

 

Moyers and Company

 

iTunes Podcast

 

 

 

 

[Firefight911]

I proudly served in the US Marines for 6 years.

 

I'm not going to debate this but they aren't "selling" what you think. The beauty of it all is that your nephew will be defending your right to the opinion you hold once he earns the right to wear the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor.

 

I applaud your nephew for standing up and doing something that he believes in. He will return from his 11 weeks (far cry from the 6 you post) of basic recruit training a different person. After basic he will get 10 days leave and then return for either a 29 or 59 day Infantry training school before shipping off to his Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) training school.

 

Ya know, take him out for a meal and shut up and listen with an open mind to what his reasons are and leave yours in the car. He may surprise you with his reasons, reasoning, and perceptions of what he is about to embark upon.

 

I can assure you this, his entire experience will become a positive part of him for the rest of his life.

 

Semper Fi!

 

Phil Challinor

E-5 (Sergeant)

1985 - 1991

MOS 6432 - Aircraft Electrical Instrument Systems Technician

[Roadwolf]

Thanks for your insight into the conversations that only he and I have already had. My mistake on the duration, you are correct. As to your last statement, I hope that you are correct, but I would point out that not all who join share your positive outlook. I hope that he goes in fully aware of what he is getting into, which has been the conversations that he and I have had.

[Dennis Andress]

The Marines I've known have always been able to deal with life and the dangers it presents better than most others.

[Shiny Side Up]

I'll say this.

The experience he is about to have will change him forever - he will become fiercely independent amd self reliant in every way and you will see a different young man after boot.

He will make friends that will be closer than brothers and the bond they make will last until they leave this earth. Teamwork is not a "corporate buzz word" in the military - it is a way of life..

In the future, he will be able to accomplish anything he sets out to do because defeat is will no longer be a word in his vocabulary.

My own son is now a Major working on his Masters. He attended West Point and was a Tank Platoon Commander for two tours in Iraq. He is his own man and your nephew will become the same way.

Any armed confrontation is cause for worry and I do understand how you feel. Though I've never met him, I do know that he believes in something much larger than himself and his decisions are his own. We cannot live our children's lives for them, even though we want to.

What he needs from his family is acceptance and support for his decision. Give him what he needs.

 

Mike

U.S Army

E-5 (Sergeant) Infantry

Pathfinder Detachment

Company L 75th Inf (Ranger) LRRP

101st Airborne Division

Camp Eagle

Vietnam 1969 - 1971

[Roadwolf]

Thanks Mike...

 

I guess my cause for concern, not really expounded on in the original post is that, his preoccupation for the glamour and glory of going to war troubles me... it is my hope that he balances out, and like you say, has friends and family that can support his decision no matter how it turns out.

 

It wasn't too long ago that I remember visiting my sister's and watching him play the latest first person shooter and see the visceral reaction of him as he moved in for the kill and when he was shot up or worse, KIA... that the game is over and he can play again. Probably reading into this more than is there, but every time I talk to him lately, I wonder still. He is only 19 after all. BTW, which was the point of that link... really interesting some of the same comments coming from a Vietnam Vet with PTSD and how he remembers what he thought war was and what it REALLY was while he was in it and what his training did for and to him.

 

But in the end, I am glad he is doing something that he really wants to do, even if I don't necessarily agree with that decision.

[Shiny Side Up]

If it helps, I had the same preoccupation when I enlisted. I come from a family with a long military history so it seemed like the natural thing for me to do. In 1969, I was omly 19 and a buck sergeant leading a recon team of 5 other men. Their safety and the success of the mission were my responsibility. That seems like a heavy burden for someone who can't even legally drink a beer yet!!

He'll do fine. The military is expert at taking children and turning them into young men and women.

As I said - you will see a huge difference in him after boot. His self confidence level will be soaring because he has met one of the most difficult challenges any young man or woman can endure and succeded.

Your concerned for him becasue you love him which is the natural reaction. You don't need to offer any apologies for that!!!

When my own son went to Iraq, I was worried sick becasue I knew what he would have to endure. People all handle that kind of struggle in different ways.

From what you've said about him, I'd say he'll be swelling with pride of accomplishment when he comes home on leave. You'll send him off a kid - but he will come home a young man who can meet anything head on and come out the winner. He will have proven that when they pin that eagle, globe and anchor on him. That, my friend, is one day he will never forget.

 

[barryd]

I went through the glory of war thing during Vietnam. I'm sure it's in the head of every young man who heads off in harms way. He'll get over it.

It happened that I never had to serve under fire, went to SEA but about a year late. Felt disappointed then and feel lucky now. Either way, joining was one of the smartest things I've ever done.

 

Give him all the support and encouragement you can, he'll be a better man for the experience of serving.

 

Godspeed to him.

 

[decorbin]

Shiny, you hit the nail on the head. Had I not gone into the military at age 18, my life would have been much different and I am certain not as fulfilled.

 

 

[Mike]

Chris, I spent 27 years on active and reserve duty in the USAF. My son's a platoon leader in an Army airborne unit at Fort Bragg, NC. The people entrusted with your nephew's welfare are serious professionals who care deeply about those over whom they have responsibility and will shape him into a serious, professional warrior. It's not easy, nor is it for everyone, but the video fantasies get left behind pretty quickly...like the moment you step off the bus.

 

It's fair to be concerned about his safety, but maturity and focus come pretty quickly if he possesses he right building blocks of character. Semper fi!

[Quinn]

From High School, the military makes a nice transition to adulthood. Drill Sargeants have a unique way of explaining the advantages of doing a good job. Also, seeing the difference between enlisted and officers will demonstrate what a college degree can do for you in practical terms.

 

The experience will change him forever by showing him the world past his High School microcosm. When he comes home on leave, ask him what it's like seeing his old friends.

 

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[BFish]

A noble choice and would never argue with family over the anguish. i will give the young man much credit for making the decision and sticking to it.

 

20 years from now, when he's riding his bmw moto, after he gets over the v-twin phase ( ), i'm confident he'll be the type of person we need more of in the USA right now and then.

 

good luck to him.

 

 

[dba]

I have two nephews in the Army that have both done multiple tours of Iraq and Afghanistan and a niece who is a Marine and at one time was a DI at Parris Island. I'm very proud of the three of them and say a little prayer for them every day.

 

I don’t want to go too astray of the forum political boundaries here. While I don’t think too much of this president or the wars, I do think very highly of these three young people and will always support all the men and women serving.

 

[Couchrocket]

He will be disabused of the notion of the glory of war at the same time they make him into a true warrior. What he will learn about himself, integrity, honor, teamwork and fidelity will remain. Childhood fantasies will be left behind.

 

IMO today's professional military are the best of us. The wars we send them to, and why, is another matter.

 

 

[Downs]

If he passes this test that is boot camp (13 weeks not 11 or 6) he will then become one of the 1% of the US Population that chooses to put on a uniform and defend this nation. The Marine Corps makes up .07% of the US Population. He will offically be one of the few. And that's not trash talk that's hard numbers.

 

What's his MOS going to be by the way? With the draw down in Afghanistan and for the most part the Marines are completly out of Iraq the chance that he will see combat is pretty slim now days.

 

Tell him Semper Fi from a currently serving Marine. And good luck at Boot. The Sand Fleas in PI suck by the way. I'll take the hills of California over that lol.

 

I'm in the Air Wing by the way I'm not a ground pounder. I originally wanted to be a Tanker but for some reason changed my mind when I was younger.

[Skywagon]

First...tell him thank you for his willingness to serve and defend if necessary the very freedoms this country is founded on. Second, if he makes it through boot, he will be a mans man forever. Should he have the duty of combat, may he always be safe and well.

 

Good luck, god speed, and stay safe.

[Firefight911]

Hey Downs, you are correct, of course, it is 13 weeks. Fumble fingered that one!

 

I was an Air Winger as well. What's your MOS, shop, etc?

[Downs]

My first 5 years I was a Gas Turbine Engine Mech on CH-53s (6123) 41N at the I-lvl, but for the past 4 years and some change I've been a Flight Equipment Technician (6048)on C-130s at the o-lvl(13A).

[bayoubengal]

Tell him good luck, Godspeed and thank you. Same to his Mom for supporting him.

 

David W. Hutchinson

Col, USAF

[SteveHebert]

Earning the title "Marine" was one of the proudest days of my life. His life will be changed forever. He will learn personal courage and true professionalism that will stay with him.

 

Honor and respect his decision. Of course we all worry when the young ones grow up and move away. I am no exception. My youngest daughter is an Army nurse, 1 year serving and I could not be more proud.

 

Semper Fi

[lawnchairboy]

Steve:

 

I didn't know that, good for her.

 

 

Quinn:

 

"Drill Sargeants have a unique way of explaining the advantages of doing a good job"... that is beautiful.

 

 

OP:

 

I thank him for his service, and thanks for the link.

 

[ArmyGuy]

25 years ago yesterday, I stepped off the bus at Ft Dix and met my Drill Sergeants, DS Didley and DS Hartsfield, for the first time. It's amazing the impact these men had on me that I can still remember what they looked like and their names after this much time after only spending a couple of months under their care. Your nephew will become a better man for joining. Any person who voluntarily joins the military while our nation is at war has earned my respect. Tell him thank you for enlisting.

 

Mike

[Roadwolf]

Well, yesterday we all said goodbye to my nephew Blake. He headed out yesterday morning for a several stops trip down to Parris Island. Found out that his choice of job got switched because he did not meet the physical requirement for it... Presidential attachment... apparently you have to be at least 6' 2" to get that assignment. So he is going into communications, with the choice of 5 global assignments after March 2013. He is finished with Basic just before Thanksgiving, so we will see him then. After 10 days of leave, he goes to Camp Lejeune and after that additional schools elsewhere for communications training.

[Quinn]

Confession time. I joined the Air Force when my draft number came up. This was the Vietnam era and draftees were going into the Marine Corp as well as the Army. Once I found out that the Air Force paid the same, treated people like employees, and got mad at the enemy from a much greater distance, I volunteered to let them train me in communications electronics.

 

It was nice to have an MOS that translated to a civilian career. Much nicer than coming out with skills that only qualify for law enforcement and rent-a-cop jobs. In my day, communications meant staying inside very secure buildings with equipment that had to be air conditioned. Only time I fired a weapon was in Basic and after two years to requalify.

 

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[Downs]

I'd look over that contract very carefully if you still have it.

 

As stated above they can't promise him a job like what they originally promised him. And I'd be worried the Recruiter pulled a fast one on him to get him into an MOS or field that's low on personnel.

 

He'll get a "dream sheet" get to list three places he wants to go and there's a good chance he won't get any of them. Just the way the cookie crumbles there. When I went though you had three choices. West coast, east coast, overseas. You put them in order for what you would like first and went from there. I got my first choice for east coast. Wish I would have picked west coast now lol.

 

They also only let us pick a field not a specific job unless you were a reservist. I knew I was going to be in aviation but I didn't know what specific MOS I was going to have until I got towards the end of Marine Combat training.

 

After his 10 days of leave he'll be going to Camp Geiger which is attached to MCAS New River which is across the channel from Camp Lejune.

 

His "Communications" MOS will be an 06 type MOS. So he'll be one of the following

 

0612-Radio Wireman

 

0613-Construction Wireman

 

0614-Unit Level Circut Switch Operator/Maintainer

 

0618-Electronic Circut switching operator/maintainer

 

0621-Field Radio Operator (this will be most likely his assigned MOS and it's possible he'll be assigned to an infantry unit and basically be an infantryman with a radio)

 

0622 --Digital (Multi-channel) Wideband Transmission Equipment Operator

 

0623 --Tropospheric Scatter Radio Multi-channel. Equipment Operator

 

0627 --SHF Satellite Communications Operator-Maintainer

 

0628 --EHF Satellite Communications Operator-Maintainer

 

0629 --Radio Chief

 

0648 --Strategic Spectrum Manager

 

0651 --Data Network Specialist

 

0652 --Certification Authority Workstation

 

0653 --Defense Message System

 

0656 --Tactical Network Specialist

 

0658 --Tactical Data Network Gateway Systems Administrator

 

0659 --Data Chief

 

0681 -- Information Security Technician

 

0689 --Information Assurance Technician

 

0699 --Communications Chief

[Roadwolf]

An update and an additional thought on my nephew...

 

Well, he finished boot camp over a week ago and tomorrow finishes up his 10 days of leave to go to Camp Lejeune in NC for a month of additional combat training. After that is communications school and either Camp Pendleton in CA or four spots in the world, one of which is Hawaii.

 

He survived, even excelled at boot camp, but my initial concern is still there... saw him over Thanksgiving and rode over to see him again tonight. I get the impression that he is still in the honeymoon/glory phase of his enlistment. I think I am gonna pass this off as his age (19) and that the maturity that he is going to need to get through this is going to eventually come... I hope so, cuz comments like "Going to go blow stuff up at Camp Lejeune... love that!" don't make feel at ease.

 

I expect to see him a couple more times before he is gone for a while. My sister (his mom) thinks he will grow into it, but I can tell she shares some of the same concerns as me. I know she is both proud of him and scared for him at the same time. His next visit is around the holidays, so that will be good for him and her I am sure.

 

Well, that is it for now... he is Greyhound bound tomorrow afternoon. Hoping for the best.

[doc47]

Interesting timing, finding this string. I'm just finishing up the book written by the fellow Bill Moyers was interviewing, referred to higher up in this string. The book is What It Is Like To Go To War by Karl Marlantes. Marlantes graduated from Yale, then served as a Marine officer in Vietnam and was awarded the Navy Cross, Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, and 10 Air Medals, among other decorations.

 

Sounds like he paid his dues.

 

The book is extraordinary. Marlantes is patently proud of his service, proud to have served, proud to have been a warrior. At the same time, he came home from the Nam with PTSD and, like so many others, struggled to readjust.

 

There are many responses above that are bluff and hearty and positive and I wouldn't question or criticize them. I also know that the VA hospitals are well occupied with men recovering from the psychological and physical ravages of their military service, that the level of suicide among returning combat vets is alarming, and I think it's pretty important to recognize that.

 

As a doctor I've had the honor and privilege...and heartbreak...of caring for vets from WW1(!) to Vietnam and after. And many of these still carried psychological scars 50 and 60 years after they'd folded their uniforms and tucked them in an old trunk.

There are Vietnam vets living in ravines in Tacoma, who still can't readjust. I occasionally see them when I help serve meals at the Rescue Mission. I think enlisting is a much more somber consideration than the tone of some of the posts above would indicate.

 

Marlantes talks in his book about ways that these negative consequences might be ameliorated. By allowing the returning men and women to talk openly about their experiences...without judging them. By listening to what they have to say and welcoming their tales. By honoring their warrior spirit in rituals and spiritual observance. By the armed forces themselves instituting programs to address the sorts of changes these young people will make, both entering and leaving the military.

 

I won't try to encapsulate all he says in this (already too lengthy) post.

 

I would recommend the book. I think it is an important one. And one to reflect on with all the gravity the subject deserves.

[Danny caddyshack Noonan]

Chris

You've nothing to worry about. They train people to go out and do things and be successful. Sounds like he has a do'er attitude.

[TyTass]

Chris,

 

The fact is (and has always been) the vast majority of service members don’t see combat. With 20 years of combined active/reserve service, I never saw worse than a few serious emergencies in aircraft I was a crewmember on. However, I've known numerous vets who have shared their stories with me rationally, tearfully, and some with a great amount of bravado. I honor all vets, but in particular I honor those vets (such as Shiny) who have really been truly exposed to the ravages of warfare. So who am I to judge?

 

On that note ... my advice (FWIW). Strive not to worry. Strive harder yet not to judge. But whatever you do, learn how to honor his service even when you disagree with the conflict in which he is serving. Honor the fact that he cared enough to serve, but remember he doesn’t get to pick and choose his involvement once that is done.

 

All the best to your nephew!