By Jonathan Belouin
Become an engineer! You have to go to college after high school! Sound familiar? That’s because most of our generation have been raised to think in the direction of one job field. Most people think of this as what they have to do, and it is the only way to be successful. What many people are overlooking is a career in the military. The military provides amazing experiences most people never get an opportunity to do. Through the GI Bill, your college tuition is covered, and you can work toward a degree as you serve. I personally have already signed up for the Marines and plan on leaving for basic training July 6th. That being said, it does not mean that I believe that military is for everyone...
Become an engineer! You have to go to college after high school! Sound familiar? That’s because most of our generation have been raised to think in the direction of one job field. Most people think of this as what they have to do, and it is the only way to be successful. What many people are overlooking is a career in the military. The military provides amazing experiences most people never get an opportunity to do. Through the GI Bill, your college tuition is covered, and you can work toward a degree as you serve. I personally have already signed up for the Marines and plan on leaving for basic training July 6th. That being said, it does not mean that I believe that military is for everyone...
I have done extensive research to come to the decision of joining the Marines, as opposed to any other branch based on what I am looking for. I did not come to this decision impulsively, and neither should you if this is what you’re considering as an option. Once you are in, you must serve the designated time usually, four years active and four years inactive reserve.
Although the military is something to be proud to be a part of and serve, it isn’t for everybody. When observing and listening to conversations between SSGT English of the Marine Corps and students during the Mashpee Middle high School College Fair, I was able to hear what he had to say about the requirements. The first requirement is to get a passing score on the ASVAB test. This is a test that determines basic knowledge and determines what job you would be successful in if you serve. Next you have to meet physical requirements. You have to pass through the medical exams which test many different aspects of your health. Another physical requirement you must have is to be able to perform different activities such as a run, pull ups, and push ups and other various exercises to ensure you can perform to the military branch's standards.
What I believe every student should contemplate is a career or even a minimal time spent in the Armed Forces. It helps create discipline. and provides great opportunities. It is what you make of it. With my experience in the Delayed Entry Program, which for me takes a “to be” Marine and prepares him or her for bootcamp, and all of your other trainings in the service, already I have seen drastic changes in my discipline and physical capabilities through challenging physical activities and practicing drill. So my final thoughts is that everyone should at the very least get more information about it from a recruiter so you do not miss out on an opportunity you never saw.