Ask a "Seasoned" Veteran

Newbies*

 

Well I reasearched this forum and I didn't really find what I was looking for, but as a 17yr old considering joining the Marines...

What are the pros/cons?

What was it like from basic - present?

Are you glad you did it? Is there anything you regretted about it? etc. etc.

Anything from you guys would help, I know there are alot of vets on here! BTW, I appreciate everyones service and Happy Belated Veteran's Day!

 

I can't talk many details about the Marines, only that I respect the hell out of them.

As far as the military goes there are good time and bad times, just like any other career. The big difference iis you're putting your lfe on the line for your country (as do cops, firemen, etc.).

Basic is hard, for a reason. If you can tough out Basic you can handle actiive duty. I did 24 years USAF (start the Chaiirforce jokes lol) and worked with all branches and several other nationaliities. I had experiences you cannot get anywhere else, and loved it. The best times I had were when I was embedded with an Army unit in Iraq and in a NATO unit in the Balkans.

Good luck with your decision!

 

Please take a moment to check this out. I did not see the ceremony, but was certainly disgusted when I read this:

http://www.newswithviews.com/Lloyd/rees110.htm

Anybody got an opinion?

 

Hmm, cuz he's the Commander in Chief and he receives salutes, not gives them? He still outranks the kid.

 

MOH out ranks everybody!

 

"Although not required by law or military regulation, members of the uniformed services are encouraged to render salutes to recipients of the Medal of Honor as a matter of respect and courtesy regardless of rank or status"

 

He may outrank him, but all.....ALL CMH wearers are to be saluted by all. It is the sign of recognizing the valor and honor the award carries.

 

Mark, Wrong. That's your opinion and here's the truth of it:

Congressional Medal of Honor Society National Headquarters

MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS
General Protocol and Information
SALUTE:
There is no law or military regulation that sets forth a requirement for military personnel of any rank to salute a Medal of Honor recipient. It is presumed that this assumption arises from an old custom in the Army when the Medal of Honor ceremonies included a regimental or brigade parade. The recipient stood beside the officer receiving the “pass in review” and, with that officer, returned the salutes of the company or unit commanders as they passed. However, it is permissible to salute a recipient as a display of respect or honor – whether he is civilian or retired military – when he is physically wearing the medal.
NOTE: If the recipient is still on active duty and is a commissioned officer, those of a lower rank will salute him as per military regulations.
---------
Anyone saying the President must salute him, that's an opinion. In mine, the President saluting an active duty service person shows deferrence to that person. No President should do that.
​

 

It outranks all other medals, that's all.

 

Ok... MOH aside, being as how Obama is the Commander in Chief and you are supposed to salute him anyway, he (Oboma) should RETURN the salute.

 

Even if it is the highest of all medals, which it is, there's so many courtesies that we do that are not written down somewhere. So the man could of saluted. anyways i'm done i posted something on the original thread

 

I didn't read the whole article. Did the kid salute him and Obama not salute back? If so, that's wrong.

 

The kid saluted and Obama HUGGED him back

 

Thank you for correcting me on that. I am a customs and traditions type person, so I went with what I was taught. In past ceremonies, the CINC saluted the recipient as a sign of respect. They were not required to, but chose to honor the individual with the salute.
I will take this no further. Thank you.

 

I have a question for the Seasoned Vet's, Can you tell me what the Meritorious Service Metal was given for? I have read things about it online but why was it given out??

 

Ok, he should have returned the salute first. In that case, dumba$$

 

Usually for a tour or assignment where the individual's contributions or service was deemed worthy of meritorious recognition. Sometimes it was awarded (in the Navy) to those senior enlisted or officer personnel who were retiring, and there service over the years was considered "meritorious". I can't speak for the other services........

 

Mark:
I was taught the same. When you see a soldier wearing a blue battle ribbon with stars you really do snap to attention. No other ribbon looks like a CMH ribbon.

The only sight that comes close is when Marine Corp are at a home Redskins game and display the Marine Corp flag with battle ribbons. It is truly a great sight.

If you are going to be in DC this summer and looking for something to do you should go the Marine barracks at 8th and I on a Friday night for the silent drill. You will not be disappointed.

And this is from an Army guy.
http://www.mbw.usmc.mil/parades.asp

 

Thanks for the tip! I've always admired the Marine's small arms and close order drill prowess! I was at Anacosta for a 2 week school in the mid-90s and, had I known about that, I would certainly have attended. Thanks very much for the information and the link.