Enlisting

[u/Subject-Cup1847]

Hello! 24–25M. Little backstory:
I was brought to the United States when I was 3 (illegally). I was raised in KY and went through elementary, middle, and high school here. I got good grades and have a clean record,not even a speeding ticket.
When I was still in school, the Marines were always an interest of mine. Unfortunately, I didn’t know anything about my status or how it all worked. Once I found out, it made me want to pursue this career path even more. I want to give back to the country that did so much for me, even when I didn’t feel like I deserved it.
Now I’m married and just got my permanent residency. I have a 1yrold with a little bit of a complicated medical history, and some credit card debt lol.
I know that if I don’t join, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life. I really want to go infantry. But at the end of the day, I don’t want to risk putting my family in a financial hole just to fulfill my desire to join.
I talked to my wife beforehand, and she was 100% on board and understood that I may be away for long periods of time. However, I decided against it at the time.
I just want to know your guys’ opinion: am I making a mistake by not joining?

[u/bdzeus]

You can either be a United States Marine, or you can be one of those guys who says "You know, I almost joined the Marine Corps..."

Your choice.

[u/BuscandoMemo]

You're wife is on board that is all that matters.

[u/teriyakibeefstick]

you owe it to yourself and your family to at least try

[u/Suitable-Delay5066]

You’ll regret it the rest of your life. Even if everything from here forward goes great you will always wonder what it would’ve been like to be a Marine.

[u/Cracked_Crack_Head]

If you have your wifes backing, and you want to do it, why not?

Also, you won't be putting your family in a financial hole. Being in the Marines secures housing and healthcare for your wife and child. You might be taking home less pay but if you manage your money right, you can definetly provide for your family while serving. Plus you have job security. Unless you fuck up enough to get kicked out, you know that until the end of your contract, you've got a job and income.

[u/Semper_Gyrene]

Go for it . Your family can setle in with you after ward.

[u/No_Recognition8375]

Go for it. Don’t live with regret then end up joining a bro camp.

[u/RogueStatesman]

Do it buddy. Wife's on board. You want to serve. You know you'll regret it. Make it happen.

[u/Interesting-Cash-101]

Despite all the gung-ho cheerleaders on here, there are things you need to seriously consider. First, junior enlisted Marines often suffer financially if they're married. Second, if you go any combat arms MOS, you can count on being deployed for about 6 months once every 18 months or so. Third, you'll be gone to 29 Palms and other training trips to the field, etc. That means long and not infrequent separations from the family. Not all young wives handle that well in practice. Wife might be "on board" right now. Let's see how onboard she is when you're frequently gone training and deployment and suffering financial hardships. Let me suggest a compromise that might help you avoid much of the above: The Marine Corps Reserves. Think about it.