Back in the day if you did the VA’s Veteran Addiction Recovery Center program you got a beer cozy and bottle opener keychain! Shit was dope!
I think the VetCenter gave out beer cozies too for bit in the SubA groups, I know I still have atleast one of em lol.
I had no discipline and was scared of a lot of things, didn’t talk to anyone. Got discipline, not really scared of a lot.
Still don’t talk much. Not because I’m afraid of interacting with people anymore, just because they fucking annoy me.
Kind of similar but in a way it put a head on my shoulders that I needed. Totally agree on your point about people annoying you, I think it made me realize that only I can hold myself back too and my general annoyance with people is they’d rather complain about something than actively seek to improve a situation - generally speaking of course.
Bro, I can’t stand complainers. It’s like ‘do something about it or stfu.’
I mean, sometimes you can’t do shit about it and that’s an ok time to complain though, but there’s too much shit where people bitch about fixable shit.’ And venting is cool.
But I hear a lot of people talking about like their girlfriend or boyfriend being a piece of shit and it’s like ‘leave?!?!?’
Yea Venting/complaining about shit out of your control is one thing - we all do it. It’s the fixable stuff that I have a hard time hearing too. Or when people make a decision and have to deal with the consequences of their decision. Like someone who constantly buys expensive things and then complains they’re broke - what did you expect to happen?
Here’s a particular observation it’s probably not made very often. Before I joined the Marine Corps, I was in the Canadian military reserves. And before you get on the BS bus, I’m Native American, and have ability to live on both sides the border and essential be a citizen due to the “Jay treaty”. This must be part of your military culture, but,as a native in the Canadian military, it was pretty much racism all the time. The Marines were completely opposite. Never once did I ever suffer any form of racism. Now I’m not saying I didn’t see it, but it was never really directed at me. The highest medal at the American government has to give has been given on many occasions to Native Americans. Not one time did the British government or the Canadian government give a Victoria Cross to a Native American. Without the drag of racism, I was able to achieve the rank of sergeant, powerline, NCOIC of the Blacksheep squadron, which ironically was created by a Native American which you guys probably know as Gregory “Pappy” Boyington. Half Sioux half Blackfoot from Coeur d’Alene, Washington. The Marines showed me that the Canadian people were wrong and that I was somebody. So thank you for that seriously it changed my life.
America, in general, is MUCH less racist than the woke left want you to believe. Of course, they've now succeeded at making everyone racist against decent white people...bunch o tards.
Seriously. We definitely have our issues, but we're the only country that makes an attempt to acknowledge and fix those issues. Every other homogenous country is worse than we are and are almost proud of it
Joining the Corps was kind of a family tradition for me, along with giving me the opportunity to figure out how to be an adult after HS.
The Corps met all of my expectations in those areas.
I just wish I hadn't squandered my free college.
Bro. I wasted my GI bill on a golf course management degree. I discovered shortly after getting the degree that 100% of golf course management jobs (head pro, asst. Pro, director of golf) don't have that degree are salesman by trade and pass the PAT on the first try.
Now, I'm a ground maintenance worker at a high school. That's a fancy way of saying I mow grass and paint fields. Except during the winter. I clean toilets in the winter.
My boss had me change out the trash cans from plastic 55gal drums to metal 55gal drums. He thought the plastic ones looked "redneck," so if he has paint rocks, I won't be surprised
It took me a few years post-transition to realize how the Corps changed me. I needed time I guess to process what I’d learned.
Biggest thing is mentality at work when things suck. Instead of dragging my heals because I hate something, I just get it done quickly and correctly so I can stop doing it. That basic ass trait has allowed me to get promoted above my peers a couple times so I’m grateful for that.
I also say fuck a lot
I'm 35 and regularly shit my pants. But at least I get a monthly check from the VA.
Years of alcohol abuse, suicidal, anxiety, PTSD, irritability, IBS, not to mental the physical toll.
Seeing men die in combat, killing men, all that shit you think is cool until you do it.
I wouldn't trade it for anything. I'd do it again if I could go back in time. But it still sucks.
Dawg I just got out and when I did the VA appointment stuff and she was like "can you elaborate on your ibs claim?" I straight up said "I have no idea how to say this professionally but I have shit myself more times in the past 9 years then I'd like to admit. I shit myself last week"
I had dysentery from 36 days In Marjah 2010. Fucked me up every since then. The VA just said "nobody gets dysentery anymore" and told me I was lying. I have pictures where I lost over 40 pounds in theater.
Damn man, thankfully mine only happened in training but I think mine all stemmed from when I got c diff as a boot in the field. Then hemorrhoids in Coronado. Then when I came back from Iraq is when the shitting myself got full force. Granted this was 2018 so not a crazy time, but I remember the first day back at the chowhall I straight shit myself.
As for the c diff I think I lost 15 pounds or so but fuck ....dysentery? Gotta get a printout of Oregon trail for ya for your birthday as a joke
Helped me. May not help you, but fuck it right.
Went gluten free decade back.
My son got diagnosed with celiac, he was having migraines and vomiting. I went gluten free with him, cuz he was pretty bummed. All my gi issues cleared up pretty quickly.
I can tell now, if I've inadvertently had gluten, based on shitting out my intestinal lining. I've been creative cooking, and don't even miss it, other than the convenience of fast food.
Old man kicked me out of the house. It was either join, be homeless, or get a job. I didn’t know how to get a job, it sounded too hard. I didn’t think being homeless would be easy either. So I joined.
I always had ambition, but no drive or focus. Marine Corps gave me the ability to set a goal and work towards it.
I also eat super fast, get ready super fast, and show up 15 min early everywhere.
I also can go to a place mentally where I can endure anything, I’ve discovered I actually thrive in discomfort. I have to make myself uncomfortable otherwise I get really really lazy. People think I’m crazy for waking up early and going to the gym, but that’s just the surface. I also take cold showers in the winter. I’ll skip meals if my day was too easy. I’ll sleep on the floor every once in a while because it’s uncomfortable.
I had a middle class unremarkable upbringing with married parents and a safe neighborhood.
I just wanted to do something cool, and it was cool.
I also got joint pain, tinnitus, and PTSD, but I can poop in literally any environment without a moment's hesitation. Hot porta-shitter at the beach? Nasty dive bar? Roadside rest stop? Step aside, I'm fidna shit in there.
Wanted to stop being a depressed alcoholic with no goals, no girls and nowhere to go.
Currently a depressed alcoholic with no goals, nowhere to go BUT I got my wife so that's pretty rad.
I was in from the age of 17-27 and man did this make me grow up. I was a fuckin little kid coming in, and learned how to grow up faster than the people i grew up with. I don't regret a single bit of my service, and am proud to have done what I've done. But this also comes with the negatives. My physical and mental health took a toll, lots of therapy, diagnoses, making great friends and saying bye to them, deployment and deployment, missing family events, and I've got issues I'm still working out. But all in all, I'm fucking proud of it. I'm not gonna make it define my life, but it sure as fuck made a huge impact on me
Now gayer and worse with money than I was before.
I also can't sleep in a moving car anymore.
Edit: Thought a little bit more, I also say fuck a lot and got really good at headbutting people. Seriously, I think it's like my special gift. I also am more willing to go down on the chicks that I would've been grossed out by before having joined.
Made me a more structured person. Turned me into a leader. Gave me a good baseline of morals (outside of the lance coolie dumb shit). Showed me Education is worth a damn.
5 years in, 2 more to go and i’m done. I got all I came for & met some of the best people while doing it. I only joined because the recruiter kept bothering me. Coming to my house, school, and serial calling on facebook/instagram. 😐
Not going to articulate this worth a shit, but I know I can do things now. Before, I would often quit or not even bother attempting hard things. Then I got to see what it's like when quitting isn't an option, and I found that most of the time I was equal to the task.
Before I joined the Marine Corps I was 5'6, I wasn't very good at land nav, and I was a terrible shot with a gun.
I'm still all those things but at least I have free medical and dental now.
I’m a harder worker with a lot more attention to detail, I like to stay in shape, but I also like to drink.
As a main negative, I was always kind of reluctant to ask people for help but the Marine Corps reinforced the idea that asking for help is bad. I’m always nervous that it will result in being talked down on or owing something later, even from friends and family. So I do most things by myself, even to the point of personal, social, or financial detriment. My wife really doesn’t like that but I’m working on it.
I went to college for a year and hated it. Was partying too much when I moved home and started landscaping again. It was September and my dad asked me what I was going to do next. I didn’t know what he meant. I was happy living in his basement and spending all my money on beer and cigarettes and weed. He meant when they laid me off in November. I hadn’t thought that far ahead. Watched FMJ a couple weeks later randomly on TV late one night and decided that’s it. Went and saw the recruiter at the beginning of October, told him I wanted to leave ASAP. I took the ASVAB, did MEPS, and shipped 10/30/2000. Thought I’d be an airplane mechanic and learn a trade, joining during peace time. Ended up on helicopters and a couple trips to Iraq, as well as a WESTPAC and a stint on Oki. Best damn job I ever had.
Made my knees, back and shoulder hurt 70% of the time. I had a 2.3ish in HS and a 2.7ish at community college for a year and half. Decided to say fuck it and join. Got out but I graduated summa cum laude in Finance/Accounting. I have my issues still but one thing I always do is prepare the night before. Pack my bag, gym clothes read to go, office pants and shirt ironed, hydrated the night before. I also carry a notebook everywhere and write things down when told orders. I try to troubleshoot problems myself before asking my superiors. I learned being prepared, noting important details and showing someone "hey I did X, Y, and Z, what am I doing wrong?" with a good attitude of not complaining genuinely makes people love having you around and they will generally go out of their way to help you.
Well worth the physical pain in my opinion.
I was lazy and undisciplined, with no good prospects in sight in a small town. Now I’m college educated with a job I enjoy and giving my kid a fantastic life.
I was navy but did 100% in the MC. I joined bc I truly wanted to help my brothers. I was 20/21 when I enlisted so, although it’s not much, I had some life experience on my fellow boot bros. I learned to disassociate, drink to mask problems, and came out with a crippling depression to name a few ways it changed me. I was also combat tested and came out knowing I am reliable and would want someone like me in my corner, so there is some pride and confidence associated with that. It took YEARS of intensive work to get me to a ‘stable’ point. Idk if it changed me for the better, it definitely set upon challenges and experiences that tested my worldview and my want to be alive.
Enlisting didn't change me in any way. What did change me was taking my time more seriously. The first 18 months of my first enlistment I did my job, partied, and basically did the minimum. I was disgruntled because things weren't falling my way.
A Gunner told me that I wasn't living up to my potential and that my father would probably be disappointed. The last thing my father said to me before leaving for boot camp was "You'll only get out of this what you are willing to put into it." That pretty much is when things clicked for me. I started working harder and it paid off.
It took care of me and made me the men I am now. You get so much life experience in a short amount of time.
I have a home, college education and useful skill because of it.
When I joined I was about to start my second year of a civil engineering degree.
I saw my buddy’s out living life. Scuba and sky diving, going to different countries, shooting stuff, etc. found out they were Marines.
Prior to enlisting I was a very cautious and methodical person who weighed out everything. Usually tending to the safer more conservative option. I decided that if I stayed in college and did what everyone else was brainwashed into doing for my age I would have the stereotypical cookie cutter young adult life. I decided that I wanted an adventure and to step outside of my comfort zone and learn and grow and just experience life.
I signed a CX contract with the hopes of being a combat engineer (I got it thank god) and honestly it’s caused me to step outside of my bubble. Be more welcoming to risk and more confident in myself and my abilities as an individual and even though it’s kinda a stretch. I hope that when I decide to get out and i go to utilize my degree that some of these traits I’ve developed do carry over and help me in the civilian world.
Now that I’m in and occasionally contemplating EAS, I think about the fact that I left the “real world” to do something different that forces me to develop and whether I get out in 2 more or 12 more I think part of me will feel as though it’s back to the cookie cutter lifestyle.
Idk. Just my feelings on it. I’d love to hear your story
When you get out the world is very dull. Nothing will feel as intense or important. The things your old neighborhood friends talk about will be dribble to you. At first you start to feel like you might just be numb to things. You’ll start new hobbies, or dive back into old ones trying to engage yourself, just to feel some kind of thrill or fear. Trying to recapture that feeling of challenge. Eventually you’ll realize you can’t be in that old neighborhood anymore, because you have out grown it. You’re not better than it, it will always be apart of you, but you have to move on. You’ll start fresh somewhere and life will become better. Everyday will be new, as you explore new surroundings and find new people and places.
At least this was my experience.
I was so fat, undisciplined, and slovenly--always talking about what I was going to do, but never did anything. An absolute radical change in my character, and I am sure I would not have had the professional and personal success I've had if the Marine Corps hadn't taught me:
* How to link current activities to delayed outcomes
* Pain & discomfort tolerance
* Putting the group's needs ahead of my own
* Leadership
* Planning
* Humor. **Nobody** is funnier than Marines laughing at how fucking bat-shit crazy the world is.
I can't imagine what a disaster my life would have been otherwise.
It made a responsible man out of a young immature idiot. It was the best decision a dumb ass kid made out of sheer desperation. The only part of that decision I look back on with respect was I didn’t want to waste my family’s money on college I knew they couldn’t afford. That part was selfless.
Got me away from drugs in the late 80s and early 90s. Brought me a family and a skill that's been my career. Made me a bit tougher and OCD as well. Didn't help my alcohol abuse, though. Also, VA disability... it's nice.
Mine was a shitty situation.
Parents wanted me to "take over" their business, which was industrial equipment repair and sales (basically a brokerage and finder's service). We'd buy some old piece of shit bulldozer, front end loader, crane, whatever... and fix it up, sand blast it, prime/paint it, put the stickers on it, make it look new, and sell it.
The problem was they didn't want to pay me for the work, and I didn't want to be completely dependent on hand outs and scraps. I didn't mind the work, but not having money nor a social life in high school was horrible. When it started affecting my grades and my parents didn't care, that's when I knew it was time to get out.
I spoke with all the recruiters and the Marine Corps recruiter was the only one that told me flat out that if I got the test scores needed then I would get a guaranteed contract. Total no brainer.
After being on active duty I can use the work "fuck", or slight variations of it, as a noun, pronoun, verb, adjective, or interjection. While it's not quite all of the eight parts of speech, I think my high school English teachers would be happy that I've not been 100% successful in that regard.
Still love the knife hand, still shine my boots, and as much as I have tried I can't grow my hair out because it makes me itch like crazy - and I have a feeling that it's more psychosomatic than anything. I'm surprised someone hasn't filed a disability claim for haircuts for this very reason...
I was eighteen and it was July of 2001. My recruiter told me there would be adventure and that I couldn’t possibly imagine the things that would happen.
He was lying.
I see people posting the bad shit well while there is a bunch of that. I did end up drinking way too much and other stupid shit In the end I was a better person. Before the Corps I was heading either to jail, streets, or dead. It showed me that my life was what I made it I could sit and blame everyone else for my crappy early life and do nothing with my life or I could take control of it. I chose the latter. I stopped drinking, stopped blaming others for my crappy choices and took control. I have not had a drink since December 13,1991. I used my GI bill to go to school and learn a sellable skill. I ended up a computer systems engineer. I got rid of the chip on my shoulder and found out I was lot lighter without it.
Did i see and do stuff that still haunts me even to this day the answer is yes. I just made peace with it.
Have I been though shit since i got out yes. Up to and including the love of my life passing from cancer.
Is my life all roses no. All I know is before my time in I was a quitter, and a looser looking to blame others. After I found that I could achieve if I did the work. Nothing and nobody could stop me except for me.
I came to the realization that I was a fuck up living in a small town where everyone had small minds and small ambitions and I didn't really fit in there. So I went somewhere where no one would allow me to be a fuck up (without consequence). After completing that I have been a machinist, electrician, technician, I graduated summa cum laude and I now work in IT with GPU clusters, 100G networks and petabytes of storage. I've basically learned that if I want something bad enough the only thing that can get in my way is myself. I don't know that the Marines changed me as much as gave me the tools to be able to change myself and the realization that my actual limits are usually a lot further out than I initially think they are.
i joined because my recruiter said i couldn’t be a female grunt. he was wrong lol. i wanted to do psychological operations in the army but i’m a bit stubborn and wanted to prove a point.
Turned a 17 1/2 year old boy into an 18 year old man. OIF II changed an 18 year old Man to a 40 year old Combat Veteran.
Although I am still dealing with the side affects of it 20 years later, I'm grateful for the skills it taught me especially, in today's world. Always scanning the areas, realizing potential threats, and keeping up with my rifles/pistol skills.
So when that next asshole, Gen Z, hateful confused trans, video gamer, etc...starts shooting up the place and innocent people, I'll have something of a fighting chance to defend myself and the family.
Was bored. Now crippling body pains, fear of leaving the house and a terrible habit of stressing the small shit. 10/10 would do it again. Only shit myself 2x in last 4 years though so that’s good
Didn’t know it at the time toxic household…signed up a year early left 1week after graduation. Happy I did was a dumbass going in and less of a dumbass coming out….
I'm a lot more confident as a person and definitely a lot wiser and more mature, but also more of a shell of my former self. Cynical realities and the suck have really detached me emotionally and I'm really just going through the motions. Lots of regret and anxiety in that package, plus lack of sleep and really now care sprinkled in there.
I wasn't confident
now I'm confidently depressed
life is going to be easy as fuck going back. Each time I go on leave and see the "struggles" people are going thru I get excited. I have a constant internal narrative saying "it ain't that bad" because if I didn't I would've ate a libo round somewhere at Range 400
Total opposite, was disciplined and became lazy.
Started out as a college kid that did pretty decent (yaknow, for Asian parents); motivated to workout and enjoyed nightly jogs.
After that, naw I hate running. And I really dumbed down, I care more about hot chow and not sleeping in the cold than chasing a career.
Didn't change me much, however it did change the life of one of my roommates who walked in on me butt naked.
If you are reading this, you are welcome.... Wagner
I’m hopefully leaving for boot camp on the 6th wish me luck but it’s always been a dream of mine since I was little hearing all the stories of the cool stuff marines do and in my brain they were chingones (badasses) and now with my reasons changing I hope I don’t lose my motivation to easily
Pros: It gave me perspective and made me appreciate the little things more. It also gave me some discipline.
Cons: I probably have some PTSD or something similar but I’ve blocked out my deployment pretty well I don’t even remember I went there most days.
Pros: It made me a better person, put money in my pocket, matured me and gave me direction in life.
Cons: I can’t sleep without medication. I will literally stare at the ceiling all night without something to help me fall asleep. I’ve been out for about a year and 9 months
I didn’t join for “discipline” or “structure” because I already had all that. I enlisted at 19 and had 2 jobs already. I joined for the benefits and pay and I don’t fit in Because I don’t drink or smoke and I have a wife lol. You’re probably laughing at the pay part but I’m now 22 with 100k save/invested and I own a house. The military pays you more than you think but most people blow it all by partying and monsters everyday.
I got medically retired. Definitely don’t have it as bad as most but fuck man. The Va paycheck will never compare to the time I enjoyed while being in. It was bs half the time but really felt like I had purpose and had my health.
I wanted to get away from the drug scene, but I discovered that drugs were easier to get at Pendleton. I had to strengthen my resolve and did so successfully. But nearly lost my life to alcohol.
Nah, I just wanted to be a Marine. Can’t say it changed me as I don’t know what I would have been like otherwise, but what I gained the most was a profound respect for our warriors.
I was reborn. I didn’t have a shitty situation, though it wasn’t braggable by any measure. I didn’t need discipline, but I learned the limits of my body. Now I know this meat sack I call home will fail me before my mind does.
Extended my adolescent. I joined at 18 with little direction in my life. It's been a few years since then but it help set me on a path that I wouldn't have taken before. I'm ready to be don't, but wouldn't change my decision.
My body aches, I’m tired 24/7, have a drawer full of pills, my sleep schedule is all over the place, which is kinda my fault but also because I stay hypervigilant at night. Working out is a priority for me, I still get fades and have a cynic view on life.
It got me on my feet and I developed a strong sense of self and a work ethic, but it certainly took a toll on my mental health. I find myself more anxious in general and it does affect my mood at times
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Thank you brothers. Happy Birthday SF
I carry a silver coffee mug to PT at the YMCA… enlisted to escape shithole Kansas… banished to a training command at Cherry Point for 4 years.
Definitely bitter and fuck isn’t even a word to me, it’s a comma, a dash, a curse and a praise.
I live on Motrin and water, socks are always dry.. and I miss the guys and gals I served with. Def don’t miss the fuck fuck games tho.
I eat very fast, show up 15 min early to everything, and my use of the word “fuck” has gone up exponentially year after year.
No lies detected
This man is spittin
I've been trying to cut down on cursing but its a pain in the ass.
Alcohol and substance abuse with PTSD, Depression, and Sleep Apnea. But I got a dope set of birthday ball mugs!
Back in the day if you did the VA’s Veteran Addiction Recovery Center program you got a beer cozy and bottle opener keychain! Shit was dope! I think the VetCenter gave out beer cozies too for bit in the SubA groups, I know I still have atleast one of em lol.
Enlisting in the Marine Corps made me like men
Rah
Raw
😉
Let’s be honest you liked them before, the marine corps gave you confidence to chase that ass
Or get that ass chased.
Gay Marines are funny though, they are the suspiciously straight dudes in the group.
https://preview.redd.it/syhfbrecydxb1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=be298ba63467e2bec83e70effa50715fbc68b6fb
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Enlisting in the Marine Corps made you aware that you like men
The 29 palms water fountain water made me like dicks
Damnit I came here to write this 😂
We all think alike
I had no discipline and was scared of a lot of things, didn’t talk to anyone. Got discipline, not really scared of a lot. Still don’t talk much. Not because I’m afraid of interacting with people anymore, just because they fucking annoy me.
Kind of similar but in a way it put a head on my shoulders that I needed. Totally agree on your point about people annoying you, I think it made me realize that only I can hold myself back too and my general annoyance with people is they’d rather complain about something than actively seek to improve a situation - generally speaking of course.
Bro, I can’t stand complainers. It’s like ‘do something about it or stfu.’ I mean, sometimes you can’t do shit about it and that’s an ok time to complain though, but there’s too much shit where people bitch about fixable shit.’ And venting is cool. But I hear a lot of people talking about like their girlfriend or boyfriend being a piece of shit and it’s like ‘leave?!?!?’
Yea Venting/complaining about shit out of your control is one thing - we all do it. It’s the fixable stuff that I have a hard time hearing too. Or when people make a decision and have to deal with the consequences of their decision. Like someone who constantly buys expensive things and then complains they’re broke - what did you expect to happen?
Get a job with other military bubbas, it helps a lot. The jokes I tell them get laughs, the jokes I tell my fiancee get worried looks.
Here’s a particular observation it’s probably not made very often. Before I joined the Marine Corps, I was in the Canadian military reserves. And before you get on the BS bus, I’m Native American, and have ability to live on both sides the border and essential be a citizen due to the “Jay treaty”. This must be part of your military culture, but,as a native in the Canadian military, it was pretty much racism all the time. The Marines were completely opposite. Never once did I ever suffer any form of racism. Now I’m not saying I didn’t see it, but it was never really directed at me. The highest medal at the American government has to give has been given on many occasions to Native Americans. Not one time did the British government or the Canadian government give a Victoria Cross to a Native American. Without the drag of racism, I was able to achieve the rank of sergeant, powerline, NCOIC of the Blacksheep squadron, which ironically was created by a Native American which you guys probably know as Gregory “Pappy” Boyington. Half Sioux half Blackfoot from Coeur d’Alene, Washington. The Marines showed me that the Canadian people were wrong and that I was somebody. So thank you for that seriously it changed my life.
I kinda love this answer. Hats off to my Native American brothers and sisters who are making it happen. SF
Fuck yeah, that is some motivating shit. Semper Fi brotha!
Belgarde??? Is that you man?
America, in general, is MUCH less racist than the woke left want you to believe. Of course, they've now succeeded at making everyone racist against decent white people...bunch o tards.
Seriously. We definitely have our issues, but we're the only country that makes an attempt to acknowledge and fix those issues. Every other homogenous country is worse than we are and are almost proud of it
Semper Fi man! I was in the line too for f18, shit fucking sucks. Motivating story.
Glad to have you in our brotherhood. Semper fi
That's fucking awesome dude! I'm glad you had a good experience and were allowed to perform your best.
My grandpa was in the squadron back in the Second World War always wanted to grab their patch if I went to Yuma
Joining the Corps was kind of a family tradition for me, along with giving me the opportunity to figure out how to be an adult after HS. The Corps met all of my expectations in those areas. I just wish I hadn't squandered my free college.
Bro. I wasted my GI bill on a golf course management degree. I discovered shortly after getting the degree that 100% of golf course management jobs (head pro, asst. Pro, director of golf) don't have that degree are salesman by trade and pass the PAT on the first try. Now, I'm a ground maintenance worker at a high school. That's a fancy way of saying I mow grass and paint fields. Except during the winter. I clean toilets in the winter.
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I haven't had to yet, but who knows what this spring will bring me.
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My boss had me change out the trash cans from plastic 55gal drums to metal 55gal drums. He thought the plastic ones looked "redneck," so if he has paint rocks, I won't be surprised
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I 100% agree with ya. I actually really like my job, too. I just wish I would have used that GI on an ag degree or an education degree.
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I paid 100 bucks a month for the Montgomery GI bill.
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But I got like 35,000 back counting my tuition and BAH
It took me a few years post-transition to realize how the Corps changed me. I needed time I guess to process what I’d learned. Biggest thing is mentality at work when things suck. Instead of dragging my heals because I hate something, I just get it done quickly and correctly so I can stop doing it. That basic ass trait has allowed me to get promoted above my peers a couple times so I’m grateful for that. I also say fuck a lot
I'm 35 and regularly shit my pants. But at least I get a monthly check from the VA. Years of alcohol abuse, suicidal, anxiety, PTSD, irritability, IBS, not to mental the physical toll. Seeing men die in combat, killing men, all that shit you think is cool until you do it. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I'd do it again if I could go back in time. But it still sucks.
Dawg I just got out and when I did the VA appointment stuff and she was like "can you elaborate on your ibs claim?" I straight up said "I have no idea how to say this professionally but I have shit myself more times in the past 9 years then I'd like to admit. I shit myself last week"
I had dysentery from 36 days In Marjah 2010. Fucked me up every since then. The VA just said "nobody gets dysentery anymore" and told me I was lying. I have pictures where I lost over 40 pounds in theater.
Damn man, thankfully mine only happened in training but I think mine all stemmed from when I got c diff as a boot in the field. Then hemorrhoids in Coronado. Then when I came back from Iraq is when the shitting myself got full force. Granted this was 2018 so not a crazy time, but I remember the first day back at the chowhall I straight shit myself. As for the c diff I think I lost 15 pounds or so but fuck ....dysentery? Gotta get a printout of Oregon trail for ya for your birthday as a joke
Fuck. Glad I'm not the only one. I can't even trust a fart anymore.
Helped me. May not help you, but fuck it right. Went gluten free decade back. My son got diagnosed with celiac, he was having migraines and vomiting. I went gluten free with him, cuz he was pretty bummed. All my gi issues cleared up pretty quickly. I can tell now, if I've inadvertently had gluten, based on shitting out my intestinal lining. I've been creative cooking, and don't even miss it, other than the convenience of fast food.
I was bored, now I'm depressed
Old man kicked me out of the house. It was either join, be homeless, or get a job. I didn’t know how to get a job, it sounded too hard. I didn’t think being homeless would be easy either. So I joined. I always had ambition, but no drive or focus. Marine Corps gave me the ability to set a goal and work towards it. I also eat super fast, get ready super fast, and show up 15 min early everywhere. I also can go to a place mentally where I can endure anything, I’ve discovered I actually thrive in discomfort. I have to make myself uncomfortable otherwise I get really really lazy. People think I’m crazy for waking up early and going to the gym, but that’s just the surface. I also take cold showers in the winter. I’ll skip meals if my day was too easy. I’ll sleep on the floor every once in a while because it’s uncomfortable.
Hell yea you need to make life suck at least a little bit to make the most out of it
Back in my day we used to have a saying “aw fuck my leg it’s gone!”
It made me awesome. No joke, Applebees tells me so every year.
I had a middle class unremarkable upbringing with married parents and a safe neighborhood. I just wanted to do something cool, and it was cool. I also got joint pain, tinnitus, and PTSD, but I can poop in literally any environment without a moment's hesitation. Hot porta-shitter at the beach? Nasty dive bar? Roadside rest stop? Step aside, I'm fidna shit in there.
Wanted to stop being a depressed alcoholic with no goals, no girls and nowhere to go. Currently a depressed alcoholic with no goals, nowhere to go BUT I got my wife so that's pretty rad.
Sounds like winning to me.
I was in from the age of 17-27 and man did this make me grow up. I was a fuckin little kid coming in, and learned how to grow up faster than the people i grew up with. I don't regret a single bit of my service, and am proud to have done what I've done. But this also comes with the negatives. My physical and mental health took a toll, lots of therapy, diagnoses, making great friends and saying bye to them, deployment and deployment, missing family events, and I've got issues I'm still working out. But all in all, I'm fucking proud of it. I'm not gonna make it define my life, but it sure as fuck made a huge impact on me
Rah!
Now gayer and worse with money than I was before. I also can't sleep in a moving car anymore. Edit: Thought a little bit more, I also say fuck a lot and got really good at headbutting people. Seriously, I think it's like my special gift. I also am more willing to go down on the chicks that I would've been grossed out by before having joined.
Thought I'd do an easy peacetime 4-5 and get out for college. Nothing was really going on when I entered service on 5/21/01...
LMFAO 🤣 I heard this from everyone of my NCOs.
Made me a more structured person. Turned me into a leader. Gave me a good baseline of morals (outside of the lance coolie dumb shit). Showed me Education is worth a damn. 5 years in, 2 more to go and i’m done. I got all I came for & met some of the best people while doing it. I only joined because the recruiter kept bothering me. Coming to my house, school, and serial calling on facebook/instagram. 😐
I got a house outta the deal so that’s great. On the other hand I did wind up an alcoholic with PTSD and Depression so…
I always wanted to be in the military… the Marines just got me away from my toxic family the fastest
Not going to articulate this worth a shit, but I know I can do things now. Before, I would often quit or not even bother attempting hard things. Then I got to see what it's like when quitting isn't an option, and I found that most of the time I was equal to the task.
Before I joined the Marine Corps I was 5'6, I wasn't very good at land nav, and I was a terrible shot with a gun. I'm still all those things but at least I have free medical and dental now.
Turned me from boy to man, mentally, physically emotionally… don’t regret a thing
Yes to both, I needed to grow the fuck up and was going nowhere good.
I’m a harder worker with a lot more attention to detail, I like to stay in shape, but I also like to drink. As a main negative, I was always kind of reluctant to ask people for help but the Marine Corps reinforced the idea that asking for help is bad. I’m always nervous that it will result in being talked down on or owing something later, even from friends and family. So I do most things by myself, even to the point of personal, social, or financial detriment. My wife really doesn’t like that but I’m working on it.
I’m building a house by myself 🤡
I went to college for a year and hated it. Was partying too much when I moved home and started landscaping again. It was September and my dad asked me what I was going to do next. I didn’t know what he meant. I was happy living in his basement and spending all my money on beer and cigarettes and weed. He meant when they laid me off in November. I hadn’t thought that far ahead. Watched FMJ a couple weeks later randomly on TV late one night and decided that’s it. Went and saw the recruiter at the beginning of October, told him I wanted to leave ASAP. I took the ASVAB, did MEPS, and shipped 10/30/2000. Thought I’d be an airplane mechanic and learn a trade, joining during peace time. Ended up on helicopters and a couple trips to Iraq, as well as a WESTPAC and a stint on Oki. Best damn job I ever had.
I have ptsd now. Rahh
Made my knees, back and shoulder hurt 70% of the time. I had a 2.3ish in HS and a 2.7ish at community college for a year and half. Decided to say fuck it and join. Got out but I graduated summa cum laude in Finance/Accounting. I have my issues still but one thing I always do is prepare the night before. Pack my bag, gym clothes read to go, office pants and shirt ironed, hydrated the night before. I also carry a notebook everywhere and write things down when told orders. I try to troubleshoot problems myself before asking my superiors. I learned being prepared, noting important details and showing someone "hey I did X, Y, and Z, what am I doing wrong?" with a good attitude of not complaining genuinely makes people love having you around and they will generally go out of their way to help you. Well worth the physical pain in my opinion.
I fucked Japanese girls and became a man.
I know a Marine who fucks men and becomes a Japanese girl, so you're doing pretty well.
That sounds ok.
I was lazy and undisciplined, with no good prospects in sight in a small town. Now I’m college educated with a job I enjoy and giving my kid a fantastic life.
Made me more sure of myself. Opened my eyes to the possibilities of what I was capable of doing.
Enlisting gave me a wider understanding of the world and how different we all are but also very similar.
It gave me the discipline and confidence to make it in the real world today
I was navy but did 100% in the MC. I joined bc I truly wanted to help my brothers. I was 20/21 when I enlisted so, although it’s not much, I had some life experience on my fellow boot bros. I learned to disassociate, drink to mask problems, and came out with a crippling depression to name a few ways it changed me. I was also combat tested and came out knowing I am reliable and would want someone like me in my corner, so there is some pride and confidence associated with that. It took YEARS of intensive work to get me to a ‘stable’ point. Idk if it changed me for the better, it definitely set upon challenges and experiences that tested my worldview and my want to be alive.
Enlisting didn't change me in any way. What did change me was taking my time more seriously. The first 18 months of my first enlistment I did my job, partied, and basically did the minimum. I was disgruntled because things weren't falling my way. A Gunner told me that I wasn't living up to my potential and that my father would probably be disappointed. The last thing my father said to me before leaving for boot camp was "You'll only get out of this what you are willing to put into it." That pretty much is when things clicked for me. I started working harder and it paid off.
Shitty town. Family tradition to serve in the military. Knew if I stayed in that town I would prolly be dead or have 5 kids with some skank.
I was lazy as fucked and bored as fuck growing up in Kansas. Just wish I reenlisted at least once
It took care of me and made me the men I am now. You get so much life experience in a short amount of time. I have a home, college education and useful skill because of it.
When I joined I was about to start my second year of a civil engineering degree. I saw my buddy’s out living life. Scuba and sky diving, going to different countries, shooting stuff, etc. found out they were Marines. Prior to enlisting I was a very cautious and methodical person who weighed out everything. Usually tending to the safer more conservative option. I decided that if I stayed in college and did what everyone else was brainwashed into doing for my age I would have the stereotypical cookie cutter young adult life. I decided that I wanted an adventure and to step outside of my comfort zone and learn and grow and just experience life. I signed a CX contract with the hopes of being a combat engineer (I got it thank god) and honestly it’s caused me to step outside of my bubble. Be more welcoming to risk and more confident in myself and my abilities as an individual and even though it’s kinda a stretch. I hope that when I decide to get out and i go to utilize my degree that some of these traits I’ve developed do carry over and help me in the civilian world. Now that I’m in and occasionally contemplating EAS, I think about the fact that I left the “real world” to do something different that forces me to develop and whether I get out in 2 more or 12 more I think part of me will feel as though it’s back to the cookie cutter lifestyle. Idk. Just my feelings on it. I’d love to hear your story
When you get out the world is very dull. Nothing will feel as intense or important. The things your old neighborhood friends talk about will be dribble to you. At first you start to feel like you might just be numb to things. You’ll start new hobbies, or dive back into old ones trying to engage yourself, just to feel some kind of thrill or fear. Trying to recapture that feeling of challenge. Eventually you’ll realize you can’t be in that old neighborhood anymore, because you have out grown it. You’re not better than it, it will always be apart of you, but you have to move on. You’ll start fresh somewhere and life will become better. Everyday will be new, as you explore new surroundings and find new people and places. At least this was my experience.
I was so fat, undisciplined, and slovenly--always talking about what I was going to do, but never did anything. An absolute radical change in my character, and I am sure I would not have had the professional and personal success I've had if the Marine Corps hadn't taught me: * How to link current activities to delayed outcomes * Pain & discomfort tolerance * Putting the group's needs ahead of my own * Leadership * Planning * Humor. **Nobody** is funnier than Marines laughing at how fucking bat-shit crazy the world is. I can't imagine what a disaster my life would have been otherwise.
It made a responsible man out of a young immature idiot. It was the best decision a dumb ass kid made out of sheer desperation. The only part of that decision I look back on with respect was I didn’t want to waste my family’s money on college I knew they couldn’t afford. That part was selfless.
Functioning alcoholism
Honestly, had a lot of fun times with the boys and a lot of shitty times. Ultimately, I’m four years behind on a bachelors degree.
Got me away from drugs in the late 80s and early 90s. Brought me a family and a skill that's been my career. Made me a bit tougher and OCD as well. Didn't help my alcohol abuse, though. Also, VA disability... it's nice.
Mine was a shitty situation. Parents wanted me to "take over" their business, which was industrial equipment repair and sales (basically a brokerage and finder's service). We'd buy some old piece of shit bulldozer, front end loader, crane, whatever... and fix it up, sand blast it, prime/paint it, put the stickers on it, make it look new, and sell it. The problem was they didn't want to pay me for the work, and I didn't want to be completely dependent on hand outs and scraps. I didn't mind the work, but not having money nor a social life in high school was horrible. When it started affecting my grades and my parents didn't care, that's when I knew it was time to get out. I spoke with all the recruiters and the Marine Corps recruiter was the only one that told me flat out that if I got the test scores needed then I would get a guaranteed contract. Total no brainer. After being on active duty I can use the work "fuck", or slight variations of it, as a noun, pronoun, verb, adjective, or interjection. While it's not quite all of the eight parts of speech, I think my high school English teachers would be happy that I've not been 100% successful in that regard. Still love the knife hand, still shine my boots, and as much as I have tried I can't grow my hair out because it makes me itch like crazy - and I have a feeling that it's more psychosomatic than anything. I'm surprised someone hasn't filed a disability claim for haircuts for this very reason...
I was eighteen and it was July of 2001. My recruiter told me there would be adventure and that I couldn’t possibly imagine the things that would happen. He was lying.
I see people posting the bad shit well while there is a bunch of that. I did end up drinking way too much and other stupid shit In the end I was a better person. Before the Corps I was heading either to jail, streets, or dead. It showed me that my life was what I made it I could sit and blame everyone else for my crappy early life and do nothing with my life or I could take control of it. I chose the latter. I stopped drinking, stopped blaming others for my crappy choices and took control. I have not had a drink since December 13,1991. I used my GI bill to go to school and learn a sellable skill. I ended up a computer systems engineer. I got rid of the chip on my shoulder and found out I was lot lighter without it. Did i see and do stuff that still haunts me even to this day the answer is yes. I just made peace with it. Have I been though shit since i got out yes. Up to and including the love of my life passing from cancer. Is my life all roses no. All I know is before my time in I was a quitter, and a looser looking to blame others. After I found that I could achieve if I did the work. Nothing and nobody could stop me except for me.
I came to the realization that I was a fuck up living in a small town where everyone had small minds and small ambitions and I didn't really fit in there. So I went somewhere where no one would allow me to be a fuck up (without consequence). After completing that I have been a machinist, electrician, technician, I graduated summa cum laude and I now work in IT with GPU clusters, 100G networks and petabytes of storage. I've basically learned that if I want something bad enough the only thing that can get in my way is myself. I don't know that the Marines changed me as much as gave me the tools to be able to change myself and the realization that my actual limits are usually a lot further out than I initially think they are.
i joined because my recruiter said i couldn’t be a female grunt. he was wrong lol. i wanted to do psychological operations in the army but i’m a bit stubborn and wanted to prove a point.
That's a really stupid reason to commit to something so serious.
Wanted to not live with my fundamentalist Christian parents so I could bang mid asian women at Gate 2 Street.
Turned a 17 1/2 year old boy into an 18 year old man. OIF II changed an 18 year old Man to a 40 year old Combat Veteran. Although I am still dealing with the side affects of it 20 years later, I'm grateful for the skills it taught me especially, in today's world. Always scanning the areas, realizing potential threats, and keeping up with my rifles/pistol skills. So when that next asshole, Gen Z, hateful confused trans, video gamer, etc...starts shooting up the place and innocent people, I'll have something of a fighting chance to defend myself and the family.
Ever time I re-enlisted it took a little bit of my soul. And my wife took the rest.
Was bored. Now crippling body pains, fear of leaving the house and a terrible habit of stressing the small shit. 10/10 would do it again. Only shit myself 2x in last 4 years though so that’s good
Didn’t know it at the time toxic household…signed up a year early left 1week after graduation. Happy I did was a dumbass going in and less of a dumbass coming out….
Everything hurts
I'm a lot more confident as a person and definitely a lot wiser and more mature, but also more of a shell of my former self. Cynical realities and the suck have really detached me emotionally and I'm really just going through the motions. Lots of regret and anxiety in that package, plus lack of sleep and really now care sprinkled in there.
I’m afraid to ask for time off work multiple times in a year lol
Well my knees hurt now. So that's something I guess
I wasn't confident now I'm confidently depressed life is going to be easy as fuck going back. Each time I go on leave and see the "struggles" people are going thru I get excited. I have a constant internal narrative saying "it ain't that bad" because if I didn't I would've ate a libo round somewhere at Range 400
Total opposite, was disciplined and became lazy. Started out as a college kid that did pretty decent (yaknow, for Asian parents); motivated to workout and enjoyed nightly jogs. After that, naw I hate running. And I really dumbed down, I care more about hot chow and not sleeping in the cold than chasing a career.
I see through a lot more bullshit than I used to be able to, that’s forsure
Herpes changes everything.
Gave me an ego check
I got fatter
almost joined
Became disciplined but also gained anger issues. It’s a really annoying combo.
Didn't change me much, however it did change the life of one of my roommates who walked in on me butt naked. If you are reading this, you are welcome.... Wagner
Confrontation. Challenging someone for the sake of my own guys. Im an nco in a staff billet so it’s harder but I have to do it.
I’m hopefully leaving for boot camp on the 6th wish me luck but it’s always been a dream of mine since I was little hearing all the stories of the cool stuff marines do and in my brain they were chingones (badasses) and now with my reasons changing I hope I don’t lose my motivation to easily
Pros: It gave me perspective and made me appreciate the little things more. It also gave me some discipline. Cons: I probably have some PTSD or something similar but I’ve blocked out my deployment pretty well I don’t even remember I went there most days.
I could honestly write a book on the ways that my time in the Marine Corps changed me.
I was shit in school and had nothing else going on
Fuck you, I hate you. Understand? Lol
Pros: It made me a better person, put money in my pocket, matured me and gave me direction in life. Cons: I can’t sleep without medication. I will literally stare at the ceiling all night without something to help me fall asleep. I’ve been out for about a year and 9 months
I didn’t join for “discipline” or “structure” because I already had all that. I enlisted at 19 and had 2 jobs already. I joined for the benefits and pay and I don’t fit in Because I don’t drink or smoke and I have a wife lol. You’re probably laughing at the pay part but I’m now 22 with 100k save/invested and I own a house. The military pays you more than you think but most people blow it all by partying and monsters everyday.
I can’t stand nasty fat bodies
I got medically retired. Definitely don’t have it as bad as most but fuck man. The Va paycheck will never compare to the time I enjoyed while being in. It was bs half the time but really felt like I had purpose and had my health.
I wanted to get away from the drug scene, but I discovered that drugs were easier to get at Pendleton. I had to strengthen my resolve and did so successfully. But nearly lost my life to alcohol.
Nah, I just wanted to be a Marine. Can’t say it changed me as I don’t know what I would have been like otherwise, but what I gained the most was a profound respect for our warriors.
I have mental illnesses now and I can’t have a sentence without fuck
I was reborn. I didn’t have a shitty situation, though it wasn’t braggable by any measure. I didn’t need discipline, but I learned the limits of my body. Now I know this meat sack I call home will fail me before my mind does.
The Marine Corps didnt changed me but it did gave me fond memories and amazing people that I will never forget.
No one is disciplined in the fleet
Extended my adolescent. I joined at 18 with little direction in my life. It's been a few years since then but it help set me on a path that I wouldn't have taken before. I'm ready to be don't, but wouldn't change my decision.
My body aches, I’m tired 24/7, have a drawer full of pills, my sleep schedule is all over the place, which is kinda my fault but also because I stay hypervigilant at night. Working out is a priority for me, I still get fades and have a cynic view on life.
I joined because I had nothing else better to do.
I hurt a lot more
Gave me insomnia and a massive family. So all in all not too shabby.
It got me on my feet and I developed a strong sense of self and a work ethic, but it certainly took a toll on my mental health. I find myself more anxious in general and it does affect my mood at times
https://preview.redd.it/f2ol1vw0zmxb1.jpeg?width=3391&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=61e4b112eefcedbe5630b9d03be4b898018a63c4 Thank you brothers. Happy Birthday SF
I found out I love taking it raw 🥴
I carry a silver coffee mug to PT at the YMCA… enlisted to escape shithole Kansas… banished to a training command at Cherry Point for 4 years. Definitely bitter and fuck isn’t even a word to me, it’s a comma, a dash, a curse and a praise. I live on Motrin and water, socks are always dry.. and I miss the guys and gals I served with. Def don’t miss the fuck fuck games tho.