Lewreader- My DD14 says the EXACT SAME THING. After buying 8 clocks for a 4 room building, that already had 3 clocks. Because “If we don’t spend it, they’ll won’t give it to us next year.” NOTHING surprises me about the military.
Joe Allen Doty: “It seems that when a person joins the US Marines that he becomes so indoctrinated that he believes that he is a Marine for all of eternity. ”
I resemble that remark. And some say that Esprit de Corps is what makes the Marines a formidable force on the battlefield. Sure, there’s the bad apples, but I’ll talk with one of my brother or sister Marines any day and know we share a common history of blood, honor, and misery.
Now – I’m also a professor at a small community college, and I’ve had a lot of post 9-11 vets who have gotten discharged, and six to eight months later are headed to the recruiter’s office. I see it most with my Army and Marine vets, and more so the ones who have been down range a few times. So, I’d say, “Get some, little sis! And watch your six.”
I’m a civilian, but I see nothing wrong with “always a Marine.” Best of the best, Joe. The people who refuse to think having once been in active service has any current impact on their lives surprise me. That sort of thing should stay with you for the better on average.
I used to call myself an ex-marine. Did 2 tours, including time in Vietnam. I didn’t re-enlist a second time after being screwed over by my command several times on minor issues like education and applications for OCS. If the Corps had done right by me, I would have made a career of it, but they apparently didn’t think straight-A science majors with combat experience were what they needed in the officer cadre. And yet, other past and present Marines seem to feel insulted when I described myself as an “ex” Marine. Now I don’t describe myself as an ex-anything… I’m a registered architect and engineer, and a professional musician.
Herr Orgelspieler I suspect they choose to be insulted because you aren’t conforming. I’ve heard they like to refer to themselves as “former” Marines and that there’s only one “ex” Marine (Oswald).
Actually, she didn’t reup. She re-entered. Reenlisting happens before ETS. The first time, a bonus is usually in the offing. Re-entering means doing the recruiting paperwork all over again, a new issue of clothing, and retraining when necessary.
WETSU was the motto of my class at 7th Army NCO Academy back in ‘76.
Joe Allen Doty, the DD256A doesn’t have a gold seal. I might suggest you apply to the MILPERCEN for a copy, so that with it and $4 you can get a cup of mocha.
hymenoxis over 14 years ago
I did the same thing…got all nostalgic, went to re-enlist…then my recruiter tried to screw me. Suddenly I remembered why I left.
JonD17 over 14 years ago
Yeh Babe, that’s Army crazy. WETSU
@hymenoxis, I could tell a similar story too
sprint11 over 14 years ago
As the Marines would say: “SEMPER FI!”
lewisbower over 14 years ago
Somewhere on my DD14 it say, “does not desire to re-enlist.”
mjlew01 over 14 years ago
Lewreader- My DD14 says the EXACT SAME THING. After buying 8 clocks for a 4 room building, that already had 3 clocks. Because “If we don’t spend it, they’ll won’t give it to us next year.” NOTHING surprises me about the military.
RinaFarina over 14 years ago
(sigh) what’s WETSU?
Never mind - I found it in the Urban Dictionary.
Durak Premium Member over 14 years ago
We eat this, um, stuff up!
First termers only see the edge of the craziness. You don’t learn about true Army madness until your second hitch.
DBjorn over 14 years ago
Joe Allen Doty: “It seems that when a person joins the US Marines that he becomes so indoctrinated that he believes that he is a Marine for all of eternity. ”
I resemble that remark. And some say that Esprit de Corps is what makes the Marines a formidable force on the battlefield. Sure, there’s the bad apples, but I’ll talk with one of my brother or sister Marines any day and know we share a common history of blood, honor, and misery.
Now – I’m also a professor at a small community college, and I’ve had a lot of post 9-11 vets who have gotten discharged, and six to eight months later are headed to the recruiter’s office. I see it most with my Army and Marine vets, and more so the ones who have been down range a few times. So, I’d say, “Get some, little sis! And watch your six.”
BlueRaven over 14 years ago
I’m a civilian, but I see nothing wrong with “always a Marine.” Best of the best, Joe. The people who refuse to think having once been in active service has any current impact on their lives surprise me. That sort of thing should stay with you for the better on average.
Potrzebie over 14 years ago
Oorah & HUAH! (I’m a hybrid) Two different oil wars in two different services!
ChiehHsia over 14 years ago
I used to call myself an ex-marine. Did 2 tours, including time in Vietnam. I didn’t re-enlist a second time after being screwed over by my command several times on minor issues like education and applications for OCS. If the Corps had done right by me, I would have made a career of it, but they apparently didn’t think straight-A science majors with combat experience were what they needed in the officer cadre. And yet, other past and present Marines seem to feel insulted when I described myself as an “ex” Marine. Now I don’t describe myself as an ex-anything… I’m a registered architect and engineer, and a professional musician.
ClaireLumiere over 14 years ago
Herr Orgelspieler I suspect they choose to be insulted because you aren’t conforming. I’ve heard they like to refer to themselves as “former” Marines and that there’s only one “ex” Marine (Oswald).
margueritem over 14 years ago
Thank you to all you military commenters today. I learned a lot.
countoftowergrove over 14 years ago
Actually, she didn’t reup. She re-entered. Reenlisting happens before ETS. The first time, a bonus is usually in the offing. Re-entering means doing the recruiting paperwork all over again, a new issue of clothing, and retraining when necessary. WETSU was the motto of my class at 7th Army NCO Academy back in ‘76. Joe Allen Doty, the DD256A doesn’t have a gold seal. I might suggest you apply to the MILPERCEN for a copy, so that with it and $4 you can get a cup of mocha.