The Marines

Have you ever had a love/hate relationship? Sometimes people ask me about my experience in the Marines. There are so many aspects that the simplest way I can explain it like this… It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. And the next best thing I did was get the heck out!

I was only 17 when I enlisted. Because I was still a minor, my parents had to sign my life away. Then I became property of the U.S. Government. And I wasn’t even a U.S. citizen!

By scoring well on assessment tests I was able to choose any military occupation and where I wanted to be stationed. I decided on the infantry. After Basic Training, the School of Infantry, and more assessment tests, I received orders to join a Boat Raider Unit and was stationed with the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, in Camp Pendleton, California.

At face value, I gained training and experience in military tactics, expert marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat, explosive ordnance and specialized training in amphibious assaults, mountain warfare. and communications.

From a deeper perspective, the Marines allowed me to face my “dragons” and awaken to self-realization. And it definitely honed characteristics like focus and self discipline. I’m sure it fueled some of that passion and intensity a lot of people know me by as well.

It’s impossible to go into any detail without turning into a lengthy novel. So I have some blogs about it. You can see these posts in relevant categories.

Here’s a glimpse into The School of Infantry.

A bit about Boat Raiders.

Oh, and by the way, I did receive my U.S. citizenship shortly after I got out.   : )