Enlisting in the United States Marine Corps

Though I am knowingly aware that specific individuals will endure specific training situations, I have provided my own personal experiences while serving in the United States military. The first article associated with the respective military branch consists of the individual motive to enlist in one of the most physical training regimes existing today. Of course, please acknowledge that I understand very few foreign training methods...and am quite aware that various governments similar to communist states, etc. will undoubtedly prove more enduring. With that said....

Although my brother had enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2000, I never once claimed any intention of following. Apparently, his physical nature was considered more "gung-ho" than my own. 17 and expressing very little motivation, my hobbies included PC gaming, reading, partying, and occasionally sports. However, family relationships and childhood housing conditions were a bit more complicated than most, and eventually a friend and I were visiting our local Marine Corps recruiter. He advised us of a DEP program that also offered a year long waiting list. As our motive for enlistment was quite demanding and nonnegotiable, we pressured him to ship us out within a two week period. Naturally, we would have to assume open clerical positions, but we refused to occupy infantry occupations.

Minor disputes within the two weeks created opposing viewpoints between my friend and I, and eventually we were separated and advised to attend boot camp individually; aside from our previous Buddy Program involvement. Initially, the bus would reach the respective location and all enlistees are instantly rushed off and required to stand on the yellow foot prints. This represents immediate response to orders and begins to instill discipline in the even the first 5 minutes of reaching our acquired destination. For the next 2-3 days (not sure exactly as all of our personal possessions are stripped and locked away for the duration, including watches, etc.) enlistees are required to adjust necessary paperwork and obtain all necessary uniforms, gear, etc. I should also note that these 2-3 days are comprised of constant interaction and void of sleep.....

Black Friday in Marine Corps boot camp lacks the shopping specials and holiday joy we associate it with. In fact, Black Friday to Marine Corps recruits provides the initial opportunity to become formally introduced with their platoon drill instructors. At this point, each recruit is expected to perform as a team member aside from an individual. Speaking in first person perspective or speaking without instruction is prohibited. Curious eyes and delicate voices are ill advised. Acting without or against orders...even acting without haste and motivation will be discouraged, and those responsible will be punished...along with fellow rack mates, squad leaders, and the guide. Of course, these positions will be allocated frequently as each member is fired or demoted. My own platoon, Delta 3153, had an entry date of Nov 17^th, and therefore included roughly 60-70 recruits as it was active during the holidays. If my mind recalls correctly, we graduated 3 months later with 54.