The only reason you should join the Marine Corps is because you want to serve your country. You should understand the risk and challenges that come with enlisting in the military and more specifically the Marine Corps. Having said that, there are some benefits to being a military service member. Here are 9 tips to taking full advantage of being a Marine.
1. GI Bill. College is one of the main reasons many join the military. Military service does allow for money for college. You will have to pay a certain amount to obtain the GI Bill but you can use it to get a bachelors, masters, and even a doctorate degree. Sign up for it as soon as you can. If you can enroll in college while on active duty then do it. If you have an MOS that doesn’t allow for it then start school as soon as you can.
2. Free housing and food. As a single Marine, you will be living in the barracks with other single Marines. If married then you will be given an allowance to live on either base housing or off base. For barracks Marines all meals are provided. For married Marines living off base, an allowance is also provided. Basically, the government will cover your housing and food expenses.
3. MCI promotions. One way to assist in getting promoted faster, especially when first starting out, is to complete MCIs. These are books from the Marine Corps Institute that cover different topics. Choose which topics you want to cover and order them. Take the tests at the end and submit them for credit toward your next promotion.
4. Resume building. It is very wise to keep a running list of all skills and talents you acquire while in the Marine Corps. It’s easy to forget unless you write it down. When it comes to eventually getting out and working in the civilian world, many of the skill sets you learned can help when adding them to your resume.
5. Free medical/dental. This accompanies service in the military. Many will argue whether or not the medical care is good or not. It depends on each person’s experience. Regardless, take the time to get all checkups done and preventative care.
6. Title of hero. People want to thank you for your service. They know that you are doing what most will not volunteer to do. It is an honor to serve your country and they want to recognize you for it.
7. Good physical fitness. Being in the Marine Corps means keeping in good physical fitness. You are required to meet height/weight standards to stay in the Marine Corps.
There is nothing wrong with taking advantage of all of these benefits as long as you remember that your first duty is to serving your country.
