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Enlistment
5 years ago
Salmontations,
I just enlisted in the USMC today! I wanted to keep it under wraps until I actually process through MEPS in order to avoid false hype.
I've wanted to join the Marine Corps since 2015, and for those who can remember me mock-up MARPAT outfit and their associated photos, you can confirm. Trouble is, The USMC has higher standards than the other branches, those being the Army/National Guard and Navy. Those standards include a high school diploma. Being a GED holder out of necessity, I shelved this idea for good.
Until my recruiter reached out to me via phone call one fateful morning last week. I wasn't sure the outcome, but I figured that I would indulge him. Lo and behold, I am one step closer to my dream!
Now, I'm not going in to become a grunt. My technical achievements thus far are notable and my interest in the respective fields of motorcycle technology and electronics/communications systems and radios still hold strong. My interest in the USMC may not be based entirely on the same drives of yesteryear, but are based on new visions of what my life can be. The USMC employs some novel communications technology that I find fascinating and I'm excited to have the chance to work with that equipment. Most notably, troposcatter, a topic of hobbyist intrigue. Troposcatter's characteristics and advantages are highly useful to military operations, and thus, they work with this equipment often. This is but one radio system I may have the ability to work with intimately.
Enlisting opened doors to technologies I was dying to operate and understand, but it is not the sole reason. The honor of becoming a Marine is one I will cherish forever, and I hope I can one day step up to the plate and fill the boots of this brotherhood of service members; but first, I must earn it. This is a decision that will distinguish me from the demons I sought to topple. Whether I come out of basic training on top, or get sent home, this is an exclusive experience that will only better myself.
It's not flowers and sunshine; it will be one of the toughest undertakings of my life. But as long and I believe in myself and keep that vision in mind, I can persevere.
In the meantime, I have a college program to complete and graduate from. I'm going to make the most the my remaining time as a civilian.
Speaking of my college program, I haven't made many update. mostly because I haven't had any hiccups I needed to work through textually. Things are great! My grades are outstanding and my instructor is very impressed with me. The thing is, such and consistent level of success become some-old, and minor hiccups (such as missing a question or two on a test) bother me. Once you've hit the ceiling, there's nowhere to go but down, and being the overachiever I am, I become mildly distraught with these.
I can't tell if the material is simple enough (to me) or if I'm just that good at what I do. What can I say, I'm a passionate man.
Sadly, my instructor, Laura, retired a few days ago, and she has been replaced with a stand-in for the foreseeable future. He's an ex-Marine radio operator as well, so I'm sure I'll learn a lot from him. I've never met the man in person, but I am certainly looking forward to the day.
That is all. I hope you all are doing well and find success in your ventures. Hang in there.
[EDIT: Yeah, it ain't happening. Sucks to suck, I guess.]
I've wanted to join the Marine Corps since 2015, and for those who can remember me mock-up MARPAT outfit and their associated photos, you can confirm. Trouble is, The USMC has higher standards than the other branches, those being the Army/National Guard and Navy. Those standards include a high school diploma. Being a GED holder out of necessity, I shelved this idea for good.
Until my recruiter reached out to me via phone call one fateful morning last week. I wasn't sure the outcome, but I figured that I would indulge him. Lo and behold, I am one step closer to my dream!
Now, I'm not going in to become a grunt. My technical achievements thus far are notable and my interest in the respective fields of motorcycle technology and electronics/communications systems and radios still hold strong. My interest in the USMC may not be based entirely on the same drives of yesteryear, but are based on new visions of what my life can be. The USMC employs some novel communications technology that I find fascinating and I'm excited to have the chance to work with that equipment. Most notably, troposcatter, a topic of hobbyist intrigue. Troposcatter's characteristics and advantages are highly useful to military operations, and thus, they work with this equipment often. This is but one radio system I may have the ability to work with intimately.
Enlisting opened doors to technologies I was dying to operate and understand, but it is not the sole reason. The honor of becoming a Marine is one I will cherish forever, and I hope I can one day step up to the plate and fill the boots of this brotherhood of service members; but first, I must earn it. This is a decision that will distinguish me from the demons I sought to topple. Whether I come out of basic training on top, or get sent home, this is an exclusive experience that will only better myself.
It's not flowers and sunshine; it will be one of the toughest undertakings of my life. But as long and I believe in myself and keep that vision in mind, I can persevere.
In the meantime, I have a college program to complete and graduate from. I'm going to make the most the my remaining time as a civilian.
Speaking of my college program, I haven't made many update. mostly because I haven't had any hiccups I needed to work through textually. Things are great! My grades are outstanding and my instructor is very impressed with me. The thing is, such and consistent level of success become some-old, and minor hiccups (such as missing a question or two on a test) bother me. Once you've hit the ceiling, there's nowhere to go but down, and being the overachiever I am, I become mildly distraught with these.
I can't tell if the material is simple enough (to me) or if I'm just that good at what I do. What can I say, I'm a passionate man.
Sadly, my instructor, Laura, retired a few days ago, and she has been replaced with a stand-in for the foreseeable future. He's an ex-Marine radio operator as well, so I'm sure I'll learn a lot from him. I've never met the man in person, but I am certainly looking forward to the day.
That is all. I hope you all are doing well and find success in your ventures. Hang in there.
[EDIT: Yeah, it ain't happening. Sucks to suck, I guess.]
Best fishes,
-
fletcher~
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fletcher~ 