Reflections of a Marine at almost 50. Life is made up of choices, and I have had plenty of time to reflect on my choice to become a Marine. I believe that the main reason I signed my life to the Corps was simply to test my metal. I was at that point in my life when I was looking for the next challenge, looking to see what kind of man I could be. The Marines were regarded as the hardest, as the best, and I wanted to be one of them. The brotherhood, the integrity, the esprit de corps were very powerful attractions to an 18 year old trying to find himself. I have heard many negative comments about the Marines and I would like to share my take on a few. First, they are overconfident and cocky. Well can you imagine the disaster that would ensue if the fighting force, designated as the first to fight, was not instilled with self confidence. Yes, I have always known from my many years of boxing that six months of boot camp, and some specialty training does not make you as tough as some believe they are. But a Marine does not have to fight in a cage or a ring. They have to charge that bunker, that hill, that beach, or any other order without fear and with confidence their brothers will be with them. And they did not self proclaim themselves as Devil Dogs, their enemies did! Second, they are brainwashed, yes it is an indoctrination. The same as a patriotism, school pride, and even religion. But again please consider the alternative. The Pacific was won by Marines who had faith in each other, their cause, and the belief that our side was the good and true. I am a different man, with an evolved thought process now, so there is no way to accurately reflect on would I do it again?. I do know that I am not proud to be a Marine, but rather proud of why I chose to become a Marine. A Marine does not make me better, tougher, stronger, than others. But choosing to be a Marine made me better than I was before. I also know that the friends, and Marine brothers, are lifetime friends. I know my evolved thought process questions everything including patriotism, religion, and even the Corps. But in the end I love my life and owe some of my confidence, and life character, to the fact that I chose to test my metal against what the Marines could throw at me. I have no regrets!! battlerattle.marinecorpstimes/2014/11/10/band-hopes-to-find-big-bucks-in-their-rendition-of-marines-hymn/?sf33538764=1
Posted on: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 22:27:51 +0000
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