Marines

[GenPapi]

I am a 21 year old considering the an army job. My very first choice is the marines because I love the way they work. The disipline is good and I already have a head start on the excise.
I was wondering if anybody out there knows much about them and could give me info on requirements as I was told that you cannot join if you have tattoos. I have PRIDE in big letters on my back and Im pretty sure that would be a problem.

[Kimble]

First, I'm sure you meant no offense, but DO NOT call a Marine a member of the Army. Two separate branches, and Marines don't take kindly to being called "Army" or "soldiers", they're Marines.

Second, check out marines.com, and talk to a recruiter. I'm going to move this to the military section, since it has less to do with Ask A Cop, and more to do with asking service members.

[marinepilot]

+1 to what ROS said, we're not "soldiers", we take great pride in the title of Marine!

I don't know how things are now, but when I retired a couple years back, you could have tattoos, just not any on your neck, face, and those on your forearms and any part of your arm that will show below a short sleeve shirt, need to be approved before they'd let you join.

If your tat is covered by a shirt most of the time (which across your back sounds like it would be) you probably won't have any problems with it.

But again, what ROS said, call a local recruiter. They'd know the info best and most likely 1st hand.

[JakeLock]

ROS I'm glad you pointed it out... :D

Marines, where to start... Pilot you hush... I love em... You have to be tough, dedicated and willing to sport a silly haircut... :D

Being a Marine is not something to be taken lightly, contact a recruiter and see if it reall is for you. Just like LE, being a Marine, or any branch for that matter, is not for everyone. Only the best belong in either category.

[jsk02a]

Tattoos are fine, the Marine Corps got stricter on allowing the "sleeves" that has often times been sported by Marines. There is a waiver for everything though.

The only type of tattoos that will DQ you on the SPOT are gang related tattoos and that includes supremist tattoos...if it says brown pride, black pride, white pride, polkadotted pride, etc...you will get a swift boot in the *** and told to go home.

Otherwise, as long as your tattoos aren't TOO bad (like both arms being covered is bad), and you don't have any wierd medical conditions (like asthma, heart murmur) then you will be good to go....and you think you've got an "edge on exercise"...you don't know nothin' yet...there's no such thing as being in shape at MCRD SD or PI.

[marinepilot]

and willing to sport a silly haircut... :D

Hey, what are you trying to say?? :p

Actually, I still sport that haircut. Tried to let it grow to a respectable "civilian" length when I retired, but only made it 6 1/2 weeks before I had to buzz the damn stuff off again! :D

[Stub]

I was wondering if anybody out there knows much about them and could give me info on requirements as I was told that you cannot join if you have tattoos. I have PRIDE in big letters on my back and Im pretty sure that would be a problem.

Excerpt from MCO P1020.34G (Marine Corps Uniform Regulations):

Marines are prohibited from:

(a) mutilation of the body or any body parts in any manner, and;

(b) attaching, affixing or displaying objects, articles, jewelry or ornamentation to, through or under their skin, tongue or any other body part. Female Marines, however, may wear earrings consistent with paragraph 3009.

(c) tattoos or brands on the head and neck. Sleeve tattoos are likewise prohibited. A sleeve tattoo is a very large tattoo, or a collection of smaller tattoos, that covers or almost covers a persons entire arm or leg. Half-sleeve or quarter-sleeve tattoos that are visible to the eye when wearing standard PT gear (t-shirt and shorts) are likewise prohibited. A half-sleeve or quarter-sleeve tattoo is defined as a very large tattoo, or a collection of smaller tattoos that covers, or almost covers, the entire portion of an arm or leg above or below the elbow or knee. Tattoos or brands that are prejudicial to good order, discipline and morale, or are of a nature to bring discredit upon the Marine Corps are also prohibited. Prejudicial to good order, discipline and morale, or are a nature to bring discredit upon the Marine Corps may include, but are not limited to, any tattoo that is sexist, racist, vulgar, anti-American, anti-social, gang related, or extremist group or organization related.

(d) this regulation does not prohibit necessary medical or surgical procedures conducted by licensed, qualified medical personnel.

As you described, you would not be in violation of the Marine Corps tattoo policy.

Next stop.......recruiter's office. :eek:

I have witnessed a Marine get the boot for having his college football number tattooed to the side of his head, above his ear. Unknown characterization of discharge. It was maybe an inch in width by an inch in height. Dark in color.

Marines on active duty before this new policy was in effect are grandfathered. Effective date of new policy is 1 April 2007.

Very few exceptions/waivers are granted for initial enlistments.

[marinepilot]

I have witnessed a Marine get the boot for having his college football number tattooed to the side of his head, above his ear. Unknown characterization of discharge. It was maybe an inch in width by an inch in height. Dark in color.

When I was a Drill Instructor, we had a kid come in who, when we shaved his head for the initial Marine Corps haircut, was found to have a full-fledged map of the entire Earth tattooed on the back of his head!!

It was great work, water was blue, land was either green or brown, looked just like a mercator projection map.

But, he was subsequently let go with an entry-level separation.

And this was LONG before April 1, 2007.
:D

[England]

I'm biased becaue I am a Soldier but the points about the Army that you should consider is the budget for one. The army's budget is big. Big budget=big opportunity for you. I've done almost everything in the Army. I've jumped from planes, fired an arsenal of weapons and deployed to numerous countries for training and for combat. I truly do believe the Army has alot to do with the man I am today. Plus the marines make you buy that cool uniform you wear . But you really can't make a bad choice no matter how you chose to serve your country.

[GenPapi]

Thanks for the info about the tattoos. I am now going to look into recruitment.
Sorry about the army name.Meant no disrespect to any marine.
Well Ive heard much about how hard it is and the exercise is grueling.But Im up for a challenge and Ive always thought they would be my first choice. The haircut would do me good.:DIm pretty sure I dont have a map under there so it'll be all good.:D

[DetSgt.]

You are now issued Dress Blues while at boot camp. I left the U.S.M.C. over 30 year's ago and still have a High and Tight haircut.
Bill

[Aussie George]

I worked with some Marines a few years back in the Australian Army. They used to come to our base once a year (from Hawaii) to compete in a cross country run (we always beat them :D).

Do they still issue them those awful green shorts that look like ill fitting boxers?? :p:D

Jokes aside, they were all great guys and we had a blast, even if they couldn't drink as much as us Aussies!! :p:D:p:D

Dress blues for the Marines did look very impressive though. The Captain we had posted to our unit always stood out on parade.

[UMD]

signing up for OCS. recent college graduate that wants a career in the federal government, more specifically DHS. i need some experience and a good kick in the *** so i am leaning this way. not to mention i have always had the "itch" to join the corps. any thoughts or suggestions from people that have done it or are in similar positions to myself? much appreciated guys, i value your insight.

[bell4fan]

signing up for OCS. recent college graduate that wants a career in the federal government, more specifically DHS. i need some experience and a good kick in the *** so i am leaning this way. not to mention i have always had the "itch" to join the corps. any thoughts or suggestions from people that have done it or are in similar positions to myself? much appreciated guys, i value your insight.

What is yur degree in? If its not in engineering, or medical, its goin to be hard to come off the streets and become an officer. Sometimes its easier to enlist, and then go OCS. They are less strict on enlisted members w/ bachelors becoming an officer, than someone off the street.

[Stub]

bell4fan, what is your experience with Marine Officer programs?

What is yur degree in? If its not in engineering, or medical, its goin to be hard to come off the streets and become an officer.

The Marine Corps is not looking for candidates with medical degrees. A bachelor's degree in any discipline will suffice. GPA, leadership potential, integrity, clean background, well rounded resume, attitude, and physical fitness are all more important factors than what you majored in.

Sometimes its easier to enlist, and then go OCS. They are less strict on enlisted members w/ bachelors becoming an officer, than someone off the street.

From my experience and to my surprise, the selection process from enlisted to officer in the Marine Corps is more challenging than being selected off the street as a civilian.

UMD, I will be out of pocket for the next two weeks. If you have specific questions, PM me and I will respond when I return.