When I was growing up mom left dad.
Mom had a thing for marines. Visited her in the summers, 29 palms, Camp Pendleton and some other bases. My uncle was a carrier marine corps took his knees and back had to retire. Was always wanting to join growing up. Recruiter got me dialed in past the asvab and all that shit.
This was just before the first gulf war. Went in to my recruiters office pen in hand to sign my life over to the corps. After all the shit I went through recruiter asks me where I graduated high school. I said “what do you mean? I dropped out in the 9th grade”.
Well that fuck Clinton or bush,(can’t remember witch). made a rule like a month before all new recruits have to have a diploma or ged. Told me to go get one.
I said fuck it and left.
I was so pissed!
That truly sucks!! Those who want to serve; should be given the opportunity to qualify. Most will not make it for one reason or another and that is OK; the service is not for everyone; and everyone is not for the service.
I wish i could say i always wanted to be a Marine but that would be a lie.
I originally enlisted in Navy Nuke Sub program. Passed all the qual. shit; even signed pre-enlistment papers. The day i went down to do final paperwork some sharp eyed recruiter asked how tall i was. Answer 6 foot 3 inches at which point my recruiters head snapped around. At the time subs had a max height of 6'1-6'2. Like you i was pissed and stormed out of the office and ran smack into the Marine recruiter coming in the door. He asked what my second job choice was, aircraft electronics and computer (almost non existent)... Welcome to the Corps.
and I loved it... Hell there was nothing they could do to me that pops had not already done, having spent 20 years in USAF and an E-8 by that time including training boots. I am the oldest of four.
The Corps has always been with me and a part of me since, even though I only did two years (took all of the training and bailed). Figured pops spent 30 years in, so that I and my siblings did not have too.
Thanks Pop!!
Thanks to all of you who have served or supported someone who did. They could not do it without the folks back home.
p.s. 6 months later the newest LA class of Nuke sub was so large they completely removed the height restriction (or at least high enough for me). 3 months after i finished boot camp
.. Shit Happens!!.