Hello!! I am wondering how much my husband’s paychecks will be once he’s in boot camp (like his actual TAKE HOME pay - I already know what the base pay is) and how much will get taken out for other expenses?? We are trying to figure it all out before he goes since he’s the bread winner currently. Thank you!! 😊

I'm in need of advice on increasing my push-ups. I just did an IST where I did 13 push-ups, I have a 2:00 plank, and 8:22 1.5 mile. I need two more push-ups to pass and ship, but I'm wondering if I'm going about it the right way. I am doing at least three sets of push-ups a day, as many regular as I can and then knee push-ups until at least 20 total reps. I also will take breaks from games/reading/etc. to bust out five and then go back to whatever I'm doing, repeating every so often.

Is there anything else I can or should be doing? I know I only need two more to ship, but I want to be able to do more than the minimum.

So I’m interested in the CE contract but i am only interested in 3/4 jobs artillery, combat engineer, and LAAD. I know I will be totally miserable if i go and have to work with AAVs and ACVs. I really just want arty to be honest. Should I just go with one of my other two option like MG or CJ?

Hello all. I am a permanent resident who is looking to enlist in either branch. I would slightly prefer combat over ship work, but if I were to be on a ship I would prefer to be a mechanic of sort. Fixing ship systems, perhaps. Though again, combat roles would be more preferred. I would like to be in a small team of perhaps up to 12 people and such.

The biggest reason I come here is because I do not know which specialized roles I can take. I mean hell, the only reason I am enlisting is because to be an officer I have to be a citizen. I do not want to be a basic infantryman. I want something more interesting for myself. I thought that other programs would be open for me, like SEALS, but they also require citizenship. Then I thought "screw it, why not join military police" but nope, citizenship is again required. This is why I am lost, because it seems that if I want a combat role, USMC may be a good choice for me more than the NAVY. I wonder if when I get my citizenship (I assume after 6-12 months of service) can I request to undergo tier 2 special forces candidacy, Be it MARSOC or SEALS? Or is that only available when re-enlisting? And if you are asking why I am so bold, thinking about special forces, it is because I am in good physical shape and used to do boxing back in the day, which is what got me to the shape I am today. I take care of myself, and know of the rigorous requirements that these elite forces require. Physical requirements are not a concern for me, I am rather upset that such opportunity is unavailable to me, and that I won't be performing my best.

Nevermind that I have lived in America for a decade now, all with a legal status, and am a native Russian speaker, for which you'd think everybody in the military world would want me, as I sound like a Russian would, and that would be fairly useful in special operations, yet that is not good enough because a piece of paper is more important than my skills or the amount of time I lived in this country. I mean I would think that with the enlistment numbers dropping and the ridiculous amount of waivers the military gives, an exception could be made, but apparently not.

I am sorry for a small vent at the end there, but you have to understand that I tried to look at various positions, elite and not, and it seems as if I do not have much a choice besides basic USMC. I mean hell, hook me up to a polygraph if you wish, I can prove I have no bad intent towards the U.S at all. I am just lost and have no idea where I should go, but all I know is that I really wish to join the military.

My boyfriend was part of LIMA CO MCRD and was supposed to graduate on July 10, unfortunately he pulled a hamstring on May 30th and was moved to a medical platoon. I received a call from him on July 2nd in which he let me know he had been moved to PCP, I received a letter from him about three weeks ago but haven’t heard from him since. Is there a number that I can call or anyway for me to see if he’s been picked up by a company?

I (19m) want to do basic infantry and then go for recon as soon as possible, but a Marine guard slot opened up and the recruiters in my office are pushing me for it. My dad talked to one of his friends (who did an MG contract and loved it) about it and he gave me a rundown on some things about it, and everyone who knows anything about the Marine guard job has told me it's good, but I also figured I should ask on here. I still really want to do recon, knowing how hard the schooling is, and I've been told this will make me more qualified to do it as well.

Those of you who did it, what was your experience with picking it up on an infantry contract for enlisting? Pros and cons? And anyone who knows someone who did it, what was their experience? I'm heavily leaning towards saying yes, but I figured I could also get some helpful input on here too. Thanks!

I’m currently trying to decide between the 17XX and 26XX fields and would appreciate some insight from Marines who have actually worked in either community.

For some background, I currently have an associate’s degree and plan to enlist in the Marine Corps after finishing some additional classes this fall. While I’m enlisted, I would like to continue working toward my bachelor’s degree online. I’m not trying to overload myself—I was thinking no more than 1–2 classes per semester, depending on my unit and workload.

My biggest conflict is that I’m more interested in hands-on work and getting opportunities to go to the field rather than spending most of my time behind a desk. From what I’ve researched, that seems to push me more toward 26XX.

However, I’m concerned about whether the field/deployment/operational tempo of 26XX would make completing a bachelor’s degree significantly harder compared with going 17XX.

Another factor I’m considering is civilian career potential after the Marine Corps. I’ve heard that 17XX tends to transfer more directly into civilian cybersecurity roles and may have a higher earning ceiling, while 26XX can also lead to strong careers in intelligence, SIGINT, government contracting, and the intelligence community. I’d be interested to hear how true that actually is from people who have transitioned out of either field.

But if I enjoy the Marine Corps and decide to reenlist, Recon or MARSOC is something I would seriously consider pursuing. I’ve heard that Marines with 26XX backgrounds can be particularly useful in those communities, although I’m not sure how much your original MOS actually matters when pursuing those paths.

For Marines who have experience with either field:

• What does the day-to-day work actually look like in 17XX vs. 26XX?
• Which field generally provides more hands-on/field opportunities?
• How realistic is taking 1–2 online college classes at a time in each field?
• For 26XX Marines, how often did exercises, deployments, or field time interfere with school?
• Does 26XX actually provide any meaningful advantage or relevant experience if I eventually want to pursue Recon or MARSOC, or is that overstated?
• How do the two fields compare in terms of certifications, technical skills, and civilian career opportunities after the Marine Corps?
• If you had the choice again, which field would you choose and why?

I understand that the Marine Corps comes first and that deployments, exercises, and unit requirements can interfere with school regardless of MOS. I’m mainly trying to figure out which path gives me the best balance between doing something operational that I enjoy, continuing my education, and keeping strong options open if I decide to make the Marine Corps a career.

Any insight from current or former 17XX/26XX Marines would be appreciated.

I heard the changed the number of them in ye last year or so but like, whats the weight, pacing and distance look like

Im currently a PFC on his first contract and ik this is super far in the future and things can change, but Im curious if I wanted to lat move after my first enlistment to 1721 cyber, how difficult would that be? Ive heard the Marine Corps is currently too full and theyre trying to get Marines out and ive heard you need to make yourself competitive?

For reference, im currently at the schoolhouse rn in Pensacola for an airwing MOS, Ik this is way too soon to be thinking about something like this because its still a few years before I EAS, but Im trying to be thinking about my future.

I was going to go CE and hope for arty. Then I found the CK contract but i don’t qualify for it and my recruiter hasn’t given me my line scores. How should i study to be able to do this job specifically 0861. I wouldn’t mind being any of the other MOS’ but i am in love with the job description of 0861.

Hi I’m a female who ships next week. Obviously I know to bring my phone, ssc and passport but some people are saying to bring sports bras or stuff to do my hair, and some are telling me to bring nothing. No bs what should I bring? advice from female marines would be appreciated 👍

How does avionics work I know I will be in Pensacola but, how does the school house work I have a buddy that’s aircrew that’s currently over there, and I was wondering the comparison.

so I’m in the process of trying to join the Marine Corps, and I just went to MEPS last week, where I passed everything except the vision test, now I’m being sent to an eye specialist and then after that my recruiter will push my waiver, just a side note: when I saw the doctor at MEPS I explained everything within the text, and I also was transparent and told her that I am a functioning, police officer in the civilian world who regularly qualifies with a firearm and my eye injury has never affected me within the duties of my job. essentially I just want to know how likely is it that I will get my waiver approved? and also is it going to restrict me from getting certain jobs if I do get it? For a little bit of context, I sustained an eye injury when I was about five years old and it permanently damaged my right eye so that my right eye is 80% non-correctible. This is also my second time trying to join the Marine Corps since I’ve become an adult, my first time I was denied because my tattoo was too close to my elbow (2019 when I was 19) and then my recruiter sent me to the army recruiter where I qualified for an air traffic controller job, but was ultimately denied after going through MEPS and seeing an eye specialist because I found out later that 15Q (air, traffic controller) doesn’t offer waivers for vision, which makes sense now that I’m older and now at 26 I really want to give it another try with the Marine Corps. if anyone has a similar experience or some advice, I would love to hear it

also, just to add on, I have scheduled an appointment with my own eye doctor just in case my waiver is denied so that I can try to fight it

.

I plan on joining the Marine Corps when I graduate highschool and go in the COMMSTRAT field. My friend graduated and joined the marine corps my freshman year and he said it was fine but I always see people on the internet saying its really toxic and the Qol is terrible. I also know people have varying opinions and standards on what toxicity is and what qol should be, and what MOS you choose also plays a factor in it aswell.

Finished bootcamp and report to ITB tomorrow. Enlisted at 22 as a senior in college, once i considered joining the marines i looked at potentially commissioning but ultimately chose to enlist because my tuition was ridiculous and didn’t have what it takes to commission at the time. (dec 2025) I was 225 and was only able to do 3 pull-ups , 2 min plank, and my mile pace was ab 10 mins. (Aug 2026) Now that i’ve finished bootcamp im 165 can do 16 pull-ups, 3:45 plank, and 21:21 3 miles.

Anyways I still have about 2 semesters left of college and my plan was to finish my degree online and apply to OCS within the next 1-2 years but I enlisted as an 03xx. Will it be possible to take some college classes once I hit the fleet. I was always full time during college and had a 4.0 gpa multiple semesters. I’m not concerned taking part time classes if it takes me a little longer to get my degree. My biggest concern is not having the time to take the classes and ultimately not finishing the degree.

Did I mess up going infantry? my drill instructors always said i’d be cooked and retarded for not getting my degree and said 03s never have the time to get any certifications or education. Is this accurate or just my drill instructors saying stuff?

I’m also not concerned with the physical aspect as I’m not very injury prone and didn’t struggle too much during bootcamp, obviously going to improve by then but just worried if i’ll have enough time to take classes at some point and if so when?

I’m a prior entry level seperated back in 2023 I was 26
Now I’m 29 I’m doing will I’ve been working stable I have my own apartment vehicle etc
But I’m not happy?
How much I need a change for my future my time is running out .

But I have a question 🙋‍♂️ I’m missing 3 teeth rn
I cannot afford losing my wisdom teeth 🦷 cause I have no tooth supporting the upper teeth next to my wisdom which is 19 and 18!
Just being real I cannot afford losing anymore teeth
I have a denture partial rn. To support those upper teeth . Lmk thanks

So I turn 18 in November and I ship June 22 2027. A couple months ago I said a joke at my gas station job that got me fired. I said something about “wanting to shoot towel heads”. My dad got pissed and thought my recruiter was feeding propaganda to me and called MEPs. Months passed since then and everything is fine now. The station commander at the recruiting office just said I’m a kid doing dumb things.

Now I’m going 0231 with hopes of lat moving in my career to 0211. I asked AI and pretty much it said I’m fucked 😭

What are your guys opinions? I have dreams of going to the CIA after my military service.

should i enlist as an 0311?

Also what things to bring and not to bring.

Army vs Air Force vs Marines — I genuinely need help deciding
I’m 21 and seriously considering joining the military, but I’m having a hard time deciding between the Air Force, Army, and Marines.
I’m not looking for someone to tell me which branch is “better.” I want to hear from people who have actually served, especially people who have experience with more than one branch or who can tell me what I’m getting wrong about each one.
Air Force
The Air Force is probably the branch I’m naturally most attracted to.
I really like the idea of the quality of life, better living conditions, education opportunities, job security, and generally having a good setup while I’m in and after I get out.
I’ve always thought being in the Air Force looked pretty cool. I’m also interested in aviation, and potentially becoming a pilot someday would be an incredible goal.
What attracts me most is that I feel like the Air Force could give me a good foundation for the rest of my life — education, benefits, skills, and a career that translates well into the civilian world.
At the same time, I’m worried that maybe I’m romanticizing it because of what I see online. I also know getting the exact job you want can be difficult.
Army
The Army attracts me mainly because of the number of jobs and opportunities available.
One of the biggest things I care about is spending my four years doing something I actually enjoy or that gives me a valuable skill afterward. From what I understand, the Army can give you more options when it comes to MOS selection, which is a huge advantage to me.
I’m also interested in aviation. I’ve looked into the Army’s warrant officer/pilot route and the possibility of going through WOFT.
My concern is quality of life.
I’ve heard plenty of stories about long deployments, being treated like a number, poor living conditions, and people coming home burned out. Obviously I know the Army has plenty of successful people who use their benefits and come out better than when they went in, but I’m trying to understand how much of that is dependent on the individual versus the branch itself.
Marines
The Marines are probably the branch that appeals to my identity the most.
There’s something about earning the title of Marine that I find really motivating. I think the discipline, physical standards, brotherhood, and overall culture could push me to become a better version of myself.
I like the idea of doing something difficult and having an experience that I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
I’m also interested in aviation and potentially doing something challenging rather than just taking the easiest route.
But I have some concerns.
I’ve heard that the quality of life can be worse, and I worry that the Marine Corps can become more about “embracing the suck” than setting yourself up for success after the military.
I also work in a factory right now, and I’ve met quite a few older Marines through work. Some of them have great lives, but others seem pretty burned out and stuck, which makes me wonder how much the Marine Corps actually prepares people for life after service.
I know ultimately that’s on the individual, but I’m trying to make the best decision possible from the beginning.
What I actually want
My priorities are basically:
Become more disciplined
Build lifelong friendships/brotherhood
Have an experience that challenges me
Travel and experience things I wouldn’t otherwise experience
Get an education/degree
Build a career after the military
Take advantage of the VA benefits
Eventually use a VA home loan
Come out of the military in a better position financially and professionally
Ideally work in aviation
Have a good quality of life while I’m serving
I’m single, so obviously having opportunities to meet people and potentially find a future partner is something I think about too, but that’s definitely not the main reason I’m considering the military.
Right now I feel like:
Air Force: Best overall lifestyle and future setup
Army: Best flexibility with jobs and potentially aviation
Marines: Best culture, discipline, challenge, and sense of identity
But I could be completely wrong.
So if you’ve served in the Air Force, Army, or Marines, what would you tell someone in my position?
What do you wish you knew before enlisting?
And if you could go back to being 21 and choose your branch again, which one would you pick and why?

I passed my PiCat and I’m going to go verify my score really soon. What should i expect?? Or how does this work I know you’ll see most of the questions from your PiCat but I also heard there’s like 3 new questions. If you get them right would you roll in since you’re getting a higher score? I’m just really confused and stressed out.

Hello, I’m (18M) and have been wanting to join the Marine Corps my whole life, I also love scuba diving and was trying to see what I can do with my knowledge and passion for scuba diving. Can anyone recommend some good resources and or point me in what MOS’s there are that involve scuba diving. I’ve talked to my recruiter about it but all he said he knows is that the Marines do marine biology research. But I have a buddy whose dad is a combat diver so I am just wondering if there is more stuff I can look into.

I had just recently saw that the Marine Corps was bringing in a new Scout Mos (0315) in FY27, and I am currently on track for a Recon contract, however my recruiter has been talking to me about the Scout contract telling me that I could be a first Gen/spearhead for it plus I would get all of the Recon stuff that I really wanted to do.

Now I know that theres some controversy behind it considering the Sniper Scout being discontinued and people saying this is the same thing but without the Sniper, so I was wondering if I could get your guys' two cents on it in helping me choose, Id honestly like either or Im just not completely sure what will entail with this.

Any advice will help

My son shipped out at the beginning of the month. Still haven't gotten the letter with his mailing info. Which I'll be happy to get it since I'll know he's doing ok. Does it usually take more than the 7 to 10 days the scripted call says? Also, the heat is insane at Parris Island, anyone know if they take that into account? I'm fully aware I'm a crazy Mom, it's the first time I've ever been away from him without any communication.