How to Become a United States Marine

I am the proud girlfriend of a United States Marine who just graduated from boot camp last month. I was there before he made the decision to join the Marine Corps and I was there after he signed, as well as when he finished and officially became part of the few and the proud. I have seen firsthand the drive and dedication that it takes to become part of the USMC, and I'm here to tell you that it's not easy, but if you want to become a Marine, it is achievable. Here are a few great tips that will help you in figuring out how to become a marine, and if this is the right path for you:

1- Get in the right mindset. This would be my first and strongest piece of advice for you if you are seriously considering joining the Marine Corps. If you can't handle criticism, don't like physical activity, and aren't ready to give up your life, then you may want to reconsider. In the Marine Corps you will be criticized greatly, especially during boot camp. The job of the Drill Instructors is to break you down so that they can teach you and mold you into a United States Marine. You will also have to get into the mindset of knowing that once you join, your duty is to serve as a United States Marine, and you must go when duty calls.

2- Start Running and Working Out- This should be next on your agenda if you want to become a Marine. I watched the transformation as my boyfriend went from being a semi-active guy to an endurance filled, buff Marine. He can run for hours, with heavy equipment on his back, and won't complain for a second. That's what it takes, along with much harder physical activity, so this is something you should consider if you really want to join the Marine Corps.

3- Be prepared to make a lot of sacrifices. This is my last tip for now that I'll leave you to think about when considering becoming a Marine. Joining the USMC is no easy task, and it's not for everyone. It requires a lot of sacrifices from yourself as well as your family. This is something that I have personally experienced, as I have had to be separated from my Marine for months at a time as he fulfills his duty. It is worth it to him and to me, however, because we know that is what he signed up for when he joined the Marine Corps.