What was I doing before I joined the Corps? I was going to college. The local draft board culled the list of student sand called me in. “Why are you on our lists?” I was asked. After putting my pink ID on their desk, I said because I am already in the Navy – Navy Reserves that is. 3 years and a month into my 2X4 program (2 years active, 4 years reserve). I was a Seaman bucking for 3rd Class.
I contemplated asking my sweetie that ONE question a lot of women want to hear. Maybe not answer, but always nice to hear. I took an early “Kiddie Cruise” (two weeks of active duty training (ActDuTra) and when I came back, my sweetie was someone else”s.
Reserves stated it would take them 4 months to put me on active duty. Regular Navy stated same thing, Air Force said 6 months and Army – all they could talk about was “programs”. The Coast Guard was out for the day so I walked into the Marine Recruiting office (crap, how many stripes do they give out to Marines! – he was a MGySgt). He said let me tell you about the Marines – I figured someone here needs me. I said I am not here for a sales pitch, I am here to join the Marines. He then asked: “what do you want out of the Marines?” I told him factually: “Out of town!” Counting that day, on the 4th day I was standing in those yellow footprints in San Diego, CA. I ended up in aviation where the average education of the enlisted was 2 plus years of college.
One MSgt or was it MGySgt held a PhD! A number of the staff NCOs held Associates, Bachelors and a few had Masters. Some were as dumb as bricks. Go figure! Overall, a great bunch of down-to-earth people.
Hey Richard – This must be jilted lover and Dear John week. Glad to hear that I wasn’t the only one that shipped over because of an unfaithful relationship. When I first entered the Corps in ’64, we would call MSgts and MGySgts Zebras because of all the stripes. Surprisingly, every exceptional Marine staff NCO that I knew in the Marine Corps was well educated, a life-long-learner and a voracious reader. You had to be to keep-up, yet we did have our share of numb nut drunks. I wouldn’t change my career for any amount of money. Semper Fi!!! Top Pro
March 1967 had 3 years 8 months on active duty, was a Sgt with 2 years in a Combat zone and was in Vietnam, and loved the Marine Corps.