is the coast guard considered a tough outfit? i think they are and im a former marine.....?
611017
Hell yeah, the Coasties are tough. I dont think they get the credit they deserve. You gotta have your shit together to board a boat full of drug runners, who usually have guns and a bad attitude, and arrest them. They also have the daunting task of making sure every dumb civilian who owns a boat doesnt kill themselvesd on it. And I'll say this too, anybody who is willing to fly a helicopter into a hurricane, then dangle below said helicopter, to rescue complete strangers, is ok in my book. These guys and girls fight a war every single day, against either people or Mother Nature, and they do it well, like the professionals they are.
973155
Go to The United States Coast Guard Recruiting Command website for info:   \n\nwww.gocoastguard.com
796141
I retired after 22 yrs of military duty in the U S Navy.  I was a naval police ( Master - At - Arms ), with the K9 division.  I worked with / assisted Navy SEALs', Army Special Forces, Marine Recons, FBI, NCIS, FDA, DEA, Secret Service, U S Marshalls, U S Customs, various city / county / state / and Federal agencies, both U.S. and over seas, and U S Coast Guard.  I've been on task force teams, in helo's, assault watercraft, raids, line of defense for restricted areas, worked with FEMA on guarded escorts for supplies, pursuit of armed suspects, plenty of excitement for a life time.  Most of this was tied to being a K9 handler / trainer / instructor.  If you like ( no love ) police work and K9s then I guarantee you can have as much action as you want.
44120
Yes, I went to Parris Island for boot camp.I saw a program on T.V. about a year ago on marine corps bootcamp, and it was alot differant then when I was in. So all I can do is tell you my experiences from 1992(man, do I feel old!) It was broken down into three phases.About a month per phase. They key in on Knowlege(everything from marine corps history,and uniforms, to basic infantry weapons,and communications), and they also key in on physical ability,(in other words they push your limits).Although theres more to it then that.If its something that your going to do, dont doubt yourself. Dont go into it half hearted. Once you make up your mind that its what you want to do, Then do it. In my platoon, We started out with alot of people, by the time we graduated and became marines, there was no where near as many.When people ask me what it was like, the only thing that I could tell them is that It's something you have to experience yourself. No words can describe it.Good luck! "Chesty Puller"
453384
There are some Marines and Soldiers that are tougher than others but as a whole the Marines are better pound for pound. The Marines are similar to the ancient Spartans in that for the most part an individual Marine is average in sheer physical strength as is the Soldier.  When there is more than one Marine together with a common objective, they are unstoppable.  The main differences between the Army and the Marines is in their training, dedication, drive, motivation, discipline, heart, skill, their sense of purpose and duty and mostly their attitude.  In those areas, the United States Marines blow everyone else away.  If anyone is in doubt as to what I have just stated, just do a little research and answer these two questions; Who is more famous, more respected and has a bigger reputation world wide?  Why do you see so many Marine stickers on automobiles than any other branch of service when the U.S. Marines is so small in comparison?  Here are a few more questions that might keep you busy.  Why are the Marines the ones that guard American Embassies?  Why have the Marines had to take over Army duties and tasks time and again?  Why did General MacArthur order the Marines to remove their canvas leggings in the Korean War?  Why is the Marine Band called the President's Own?  Why is there a Marine Air One and not an Army One?  Why is it that the Marines guard the White House?  Why were the Marines the ones asked to guard the U.S. Mail in the early 1900s' and not the Army?  And finally, my personal answer to your question.  Maybe not always the Marine, but most of the time.  If I had to bet on one of them in a fight I would always put my money on the Marine.  The Marine might not win but you can bet your *** that he will have to be dead or almost dead at the end if he loses.  If I had to bet on who would quit first, I would put all of my money on the soldier.  Semper Fidelis!!!!!!!!
899852
That depends on what the job is.  The Navy is excellent at defending American shipping from hostile threats.  The Coast Guard is excellent at rescuing people that are in danger in America's waters.   The Navy is an offensive/defensive branch of the military.  The Coast Guard is defensive only, but is vital to catching illegal immigrants and illegal items (drugs and weapons) being brought into this country.\n\nSo, it really boils down to the job.  Defending oil tankers in the Persian Gulf is a good job for the Navy.  Catching drug runners is a good job for the Coast Guard.
394426
I hate to do this but I've just got to respond t a_ranger_ boy. I hate to break to you but your beloved commander in cheif does not care about you. He's sent you to fight for an un-just 'cause. As far as "Where the bullets meet the meat" I've been there. So have a-lot of people who oppose the pres. I thought the marines were brain washed not the army. BTW I feel for you being over there and I hope you return safely but sadly you are not defending any americans right to anything. Sorry. You are being used.
895353
I was a Navy sailor and I never ran into the problems you are saying you ran into and this was in the 70's.   \n\nGangs are generally made up of people who stay together to reinforce their own way of thinking by hanging out with people who share their beliefs, most of them wrong.\n\nQuestion, how much of California have you seen to be able to tell people that it is not safe?\n\nAlso how old are you?  If your age is typical of most people in the military you are probably quite young and haven't seen that much of the world yet.  California is more than San Diego, Imperial Beach, National City and Chula Vista.
833219
Marines still have some pride and they have an airwing. \nThey are tough but its worth it.\nGo Marines!
343186
It depends on what you want to do.  Coast Guard is not as strict as the Navy.  You do more search and rescue through the CG.  The Navy offers a more traditional military experience.  The boats are larger and so are the guns.  But the down side is that you're 6 months out at sea with the Navy and with the CG you're only out 3 months.  I've never heard someone say a bad word about the Coast Guard.  Where as with the Navy I've heard Never Again Volunteer Yourself.
249849
Man how things change...\nNo Navy Boot camp is not hard. It is probably not what your used to but it is not hard.\nIf you start doing something's to get in shape and work out on occasion it is more a mental game than a physical one. \nNo - They are no allowed to hit you. They can cycle (exercise)you to death... but not hit you.\nTaking a "crap" is not that big of deal. In the barracks they do have stalls but no doors. If it bothers you that much get up in the middle of the night and go...\nAs for "combat engineers"... the Navy does have them they are called Sea Bees and no they do not drop you out in the middle of anything to find your way back.\nBoot camp is all bout learning the Navy way and getting your basic military bearing. They do not even touch on your specific job skill (unless your a fireman - you do have to put out a small fire).\n\nIf you can follow instructions and are willing to put 100% into all you do then you not only can make it easy but actually somewhat enjoyable.\n\nI do agree though with "wythingco" - Any "panty waste" can make it through.\nI went through in 1985 and it was way to easy then. My son gets treated worse for High School football.\n\nAnd I know a number of people that were in the Air Force. Their boot camp is like a camp for cheerleaders.. Neither Navy ore Air Force are hard, but it is a bit tougher to become a sailor than it is to become a "fly-boy".\nAt least it used to be :o)
237668
Thank you for your kind words. I am a retired Marine (due to injury in Iraq) Just wondering, have you ever seen a Marine in his Dress Blues?
435683
My husband is currently deployed for the 2nd time.  It's hard, I am not going to lie.  But I grew up Marine Corps and then I married right back into it.  As long as you have the strength and the love for your husband/boyfriend/fiance you will make it.  I PROMISE!  I would truly say being a Military Members spouse during deployment or any other time is the toughest job in the corps.  We girls call ourselves "Semper Gumby" Always Flexible!  Cause, in reality, we have to be flexible, hardly seeing our loved ones, holding down the fort, and I am taking care of our beautiful 18 month old little boy but everyday I see that little boy of ours smile I remember my husband is doing his job and fighting for our freedom!  I pray for EVERY Man and Woman over there fighting and am very very proud of all of them, even the wives and families at home, missing their loved ones like crazy!  I have spent our only 2 anniversary's alone but when he is home it's all worth it!  I am proud to be a Marine Wife and I am proud to have my husband serve in the armed forces with anyone's husband, father, mother, sister, brother etc.  You will make it!!!!  Be strong!!!!  SEMPER GUMBY!
560021
in order for the "docs" to wear Marine regulation uniforms they have to go completely "green side". which means that they have to conform to all Marine Corps regs. so yes some corpsman do wear and some dont.
800673
Lots of my buddies are in the Marine Corps. They joined up right out of High School, and many of them today are Staff Sgt's and above, And the highest rank Marine Corps guy I know is a Colonel and serving in Iraq right now. They are pretty hard core guys, can't lie about that. \n\nSemper Fi
246519
TRUTH IS STRANGER THAN FICTION\nWhat's funny my youthful decision at 17 to join the Marines to woo the girls in Dress Blues, even though I became an NCO and could wear the red blood stripe on my trousers and strap an NCO sword on I never had Dress Blues. Very very few Marines are issued Dress Blues and the rest who want them have to purchase them and since the majority of Marines didn't have them the guys would harass you to no end as an idiot if you sported one around the barracks. I sincerely believe very few Marines ever owned them, outside some  career Marines (lifer's) and some of those didn’t have them either or couldn't fit into them anymore, because of beer bellies.
1068075
I myself am a US Army Ranger. I have worked with the Navy SEALS unit before, and I must say, they are among some of the most lethal and highly trained military men in the whole world. \n\nThere is no "supreme" fighting force though, I'm afraid to say. it's all a matter of opinion of course, but you choose the right tool for the right job. Now I wouldn't want to be involved in a mainly amphibious operation due to my semi-low level of experience in that field, I would rather have a person (meaning a SEAL) who is mroe qualified than me to do the job, than myself. Now if it were a land or air operation. Call me in. They don't call us the "Army Airborne Rangers" for nothing! lol and plus...SEALS don't belong on land.\n\nOf course...there is Delta Force and the Marines new SOCOM units...\n\nIt's all a matter of the job my friend. Join the military then come back and ask yourself that question again.\n\nSua Sponte\n\nRANGERS LEAD THE WAY!