100 Things Entry 1: It's 99.999% Propaganda and Myth-Building

[erunamiryene]

(Note: These entries aren't in any certain order. It's basically just what I feel like writing about at the time.)

Today, I'm clicking through Tumblr, and I see this quote:
"Being a Marine is a state of mind. It is an experience some have likened more to a calling than a profession. Being a Marine is not a job - not a paycheck; it is not an

Comments

[erunamiryene]

Okay, this is gonna be very, very strange. But ... did you comment to an annoyed anon over on fandom!secrets about Katy Perry wearing cammies for a music video when she didn't earn it? Cause that very irritated anon was me. XD

When I first signed up, I was as moto as all hell. Recruiting posters on my walls, I wore USMC shirts everywhere, it was all I talked about. XD I think it wore off ... about in comm school, so about 6 months in. That's when I realized that there was a lot of stupid shit in the Marines. And a lot of really stupid Marines. XD

I thought about going to school and then going OCS, and then after I enlisted I thought about going MECEP, but ... IDK, dealing with the enlisted side was enough for me. XD I don't regret getting out (except when I'm tired of being unemployed), but I don't think I'd do it again.

Also - and hopefully I don't sound too much like a motivational poster, LOL - just trying to get in is a lot more than most people - men or women - do, so I definitely don't think you're a pathetic wannabe. :)

[khronos_keeper]

That was me! Yeah not many people swanning around claiming to be rejected Candidiots lols.

I still sort of have that pang to want to join, but I remember the process of getting there, and this in an even worse economy and yeah. The application process was not fun, and extremely competitive. I was no stud, but I did pull a 1st class PFT, so at least I was up to par. And I was still a non select.

I am such a KoolAid drinker its not even funny. My future job choices are still a 3-way split between military officership, intel work, and political communication work for me. Maybe as a somewhat older person going into OCS (Marine or Army), it would be better for the enlisted guys. I once saw a comparison drawn between bootenants and puppies. Cute as hell and energetic, but you sure as shit don;t want to give them any kind of authority or command. Hahah.

But I'm glad I don't come across as a reject to servicemembers, active or former. I still feel bad not getting in the first time, but eh. What can ya do.