Marines Vs Mission? Need Help!

[the Ogre]

. . . fighting for the country we believed Christ to have walked on, IS putting God first . . .

I don't.

If the US were as righteous a nation as it once was, then I think you might be correct, but our society and nation is beginning to slide into the pit. I think a young man should choose to save souls over serving his nation.

Don't get me wrong. I'm a vet and I am very proud of my service, but my four years in the Army do not equal the two years I should have served as a missionary. I would have done more good as a missionary and the Army would still have been there if I had gone on a mission first.

Serving in the military does not equal serving G-d ever.

[Traela]

A young man in our ward has been facing this same dilemma. After talking to other LDS servicemen, he has come to the same conclusion that others are recommending: serve the mission FIRST. He was advised that he will need the strength that comes from a mission to spiritually survive in the military.

[COUNTRYBEAR]

If you desire to serve a mission then put the lords calling first, from experience boot camp is not conducive to spiritual growth plus during these unsettled times if needed you will be sent to a situatiuon and you may not get the chance to sever a mission (this side of the veil) beacuse once you sign up you are goverment property and they will always have first claimon you, thus you mayend up never serving a mission as a young man. Go on a mission first beacuse the marines will be there when you get back. As for your shortcommings Moses had problems to but he was still called. Those who are about the Lords work have calim upon him for support. You will be edified and blessed by the Lord and supported by your companions, zone leaders, ward mission leaders (of which I was one), and area mission president. Hope this helps.

ps; I was unable to go beacuse of wisdom teeth and I do regret it, even after 15 years, if I could go back and change one thing in my life serving a mission would be it.

[Hemidakota]

Thanks in advance for reading.

Anyhoo, here's my problem. I've reached the ripe ol' age of 19. Nearly 20, in fact, but that's besides the point. I've come to a rather odd path, and I'm really not sure what I should do.

I've been speaking to a marine recruiter, and the entire thing sounds great and all. Go to the basic trainings, then I can do the whole mission thing after those, then come back and finish up my 6 years. The mission would take off the 2 years of inactive duty they'd tack onto the end, which would be nice, and I'd get the money from training and the enlistment bonus to help me out. Training would also help me with my confidence, discipline, self esteem, as well as a handful of other mental/emotional things that I've had problems with over the last few years.

Now, while this sounds good to me, I've talked to a few others, and most of them have been really negative about the whole thing. My dad, especially. His main argument is that boot camp and training aren't good for spiritual growth and the like, and is otherwise not a good place to be if I'm prepping for my mission. On the other hand, I don't see how I could possibly be a good missionary without getting some of the aforementioned skills before I get out there.

I'll still be able to go to church, and read my scriptures, and stuff like that... It's just that I would be in boot camp, rather than at home with them.

I've gotten a lot of opinions, and some other fairly sound advice... it's just that... I don't know what's going to happen over the next 8 years, and as such... I'm hesitant to pick either one.

I'm still kind of leaning towards going through the start of the marine's program first, and then going through my mission, and returning and finishing up.

Any thoughts would be highly welcomed!

Are you near the west coast or on the west side of the Mississippi river?

Are you referring to the reserve program that allows sabactical leave?

[ComeComeYeSaints]

In my opinion kirby101 I think you should go on a mission first to prepare you for going into the military. In my basic at least (Ft. Benning B-258) I was exposed to a lot

of foul and filthy language. Also in a environment like that there will be alot of stress, abusive behavior, and fights between the recruits.

After going through basic my self, I can not see how basic can help you serve on a mission in anyway.

You should heed your father's advice and listen to what he has to say.

[great_daines]

PLEASE READ THIS.. I hope you havn't made any decisions yet. Why is that that you think you have to decide between the marine corps and the lord? Join the Marines Reserve and serve your mission as well man. Thats what I'm doing. I just barely swore in January 5th, and today i started my mission papers. It's kind of a juggle between getting your mission papers in and getting a mission call after all your training, but it can be done. Talk to your recruiter about joining into a unit that just got back from Iraq or afghanistan. And just to make myself a little more credible, THREE guys in my ward did this. 1 just got back off his mission (he went army reserve), 1 is about to leave for his mission (he went army reserve as well) and another is off his mission from being in the Marine reserve. It's great because its that much more time in the military PLUS serving your mission

[MorningStar]

After my husband being in the Air Force, I could never recommend military life to anyone who would be bothered by the immoral atmosphere you're surrounded by, but if you do decide to do it, continue to live your standards and whatever you do, do not let your recruiter talk you into a position that will be worthless in the civilian world. My husband got out and had to start from scratch. He would probably be making a lot more right now if it weren't for that.

[lestertheemt]

First and formost I love, honor, and respect our men and women in the armed forces. What you need to remember is that the recruiter is trying to "sale" you on the marines. Many times they omitt important details. Put your trust in the Lord! If you choose to go on a mission the MTC will be your bootcamp. I wish you luck in what ever you choose.

Semper Fi

[great_daines]

marine boot camp would actually prepare you for the mtc. Depends which service's recruiter to talk to. Marine recruiters dont need recruits, so theirs is more of a screening process. The marine corps sold itself to me, he didn't really need to tell me much for me to be impressed with how they work. Army recruiters on the other hand, he told me to lie on the medical screening. youre looking at this way too logically, like if you join the marines you wont serve your mission. if you join the reserves, yes you still can serve your mission then go active duty once you're off your mission. Yes they do have a hold on your life but it's not to the extent that everyone else is telling you. Lestertheemt, were you a Marine or something?

[Hemidakota]

Thanks in advance for reading.

Anyhoo, here's my problem. I've reached the ripe ol' age of 19. Nearly 20, in fact, but that's besides the point. I've come to a rather odd path, and I'm really not sure what I should do.

I've been speaking to a marine recruiter, and the entire thing sounds great and all. Go to the basic trainings, then I can do the whole mission thing after those, then come back and finish up my 6 years. The mission would take off the 2 years of inactive duty they'd tack onto the end, which would be nice, and I'd get the money from training and the enlistment bonus to help me out. Training would also help me with my confidence, discipline, self esteem, as well as a handful of other mental/emotional things that I've had problems with over the last few years.

Now, while this sounds good to me, I've talked to a few others, and most of them have been really negative about the whole thing. My dad, especially. His main argument is that boot camp and training aren't good for spiritual growth and the like, and is otherwise not a good place to be if I'm prepping for my mission. On the other hand, I don't see how I could possibly be a good missionary without getting some of the aforementioned skills before I get out there.

I'll still be able to go to church, and read my scriptures, and stuff like that... It's just that I would be in boot camp, rather than at home with them.

I've gotten a lot of opinions, and some other fairly sound advice... it's just that... I don't know what's going to happen over the next 8 years, and as such... I'm hesitant to pick either one.

I'm still kind of leaning towards going through the start of the marine's program first, and then going through my mission, and returning and finishing up.

Any thoughts would be highly welcomed!

I guess your father was not paying attention to President Monson remark concerning our young men either serve a mission or serve in the military. I found this a problem among those who rather 'spit' before looking.' It really does saddens me to see even Bishops who at times, do not tell the worthy male, seek out the Spirit for a confirmation vice condoning the individual in not serving a mission. A needed correction.

As a reservist, you can take a two-year sabbatical time to fulfill a mission call. The Marines will allow this but ensure that your recruiter is aware of this since the paperwork needs to be started soon-as-possible. You are correct, your time will be tack on your contract as for duty time. It is VERY important that they coordinate with their unit and fill out the needed paperwork and provide the Call Letter from the Church.

Also, if this is the case of confirming it with the Holy Ghost on your choice, if you are 18-years old and worthy, have the Bishop ordained you as a Elder prior before leaving for boot camp. If there is a disagreement, have him read the General Handbook or call the military department of the church.

Last, by going to boot camp, you will learn self-discipline, being a team player, supervisory role, comradeship, and other needed character molding that will aid you on those tougher mission calls. It will change you life - period.

Anything I can do you, let me know.

Edited January 12, 2009 by Hemidakota

[Just_A_Guy]

I served my mission in a country with compulsory missionary service. The native missionaries (and the Americans who had done military service) were almost uniformly excellent missionaries.

That said, bear in mind this simple truth:

Recruiters lie.

Maybe you'll get to submit your mission papers as soon as you come out of boot camp. Or maybe they'll put you on the first plane to Afghanistan. My understanding (based wholly on hearsay) is that the recruiter doesn't know, and more than likely doesn't care.

Just keep that in mind.

[Hemidakota]

Guys, I am assigned to the Marines by the Church. I have already sent several reservist recruits on a mission already.

[great_daines]

I served my mission in a country with compulsory missionary service. The native missionaries (and the Americans who had done military service) were almost uniformly excellent missionaries.

That said, bear in mind this simple truth:

Recruiters lie.

Maybe you'll get to submit your mission papers as soon as you come out of boot camp. Or maybe they'll put you on the first plane to Afghanistan. My understanding (based wholly on hearsay) is that the recruiter doesn't know, and more than likely doesn't care.

Just keep that in mind.

I'm sorry to say that you dont know what youre talking about. MARINE RECRUITERS are different from army recruiters i thought i ran that by you. they dont need any more recruits so there isnt a quota to crunch. Either way, if you want to get into the military, youre going to have to work with a recruiter at some point. whatever your experience with recruiters is, yes YOU CAN SERVE YOUR MISSION WHILE IN THE RESERVES. It just depends on what company you join. If you join a company that just got back from a deployment, they have 3-4 years before they deploy again. its not like the marines just randomly start shipping people on a plane to iraq. Even if youre assigned to a company that will deploy soon, you'll still be able to serve your mission after (assuming you dont get blown up ).

haha thanks hemidakota for shedding some light. some people just dont know what theyre talking about

[Hemidakota]

You are correct. Since 911, the Marines have seen more than the given quotas. Alot of schools are backed up to boot camp is limited on bed space. Noting the disparity of Obama's intent, the Marines have done well in recruiting.

[Just_A_Guy]

Hemi and Great Daines, a family member of mine went into the Marine Reserve after his recruiter swore up and down that he could serve a mission immediately after getting out of boot camp.

He's going to Afghanistan in June.

You're right that I have no idea what the Marine Corps' internal procedures are. All I know is, what he was promised would happen, isn't happening.

Edited January 12, 2009 by Just_A_Guy

[Hemidakota]

Which boot camp did he attend.

[Just_A_Guy]

I want to say it was Camp Pendleton, but I'm not positive.

[great_daines]

Even if youre assigned to a company that will deploy soon, you'll still be able to serve your mission after (assuming you dont get blown up ).

sorry about your relative. i hope he can do his mission after deployment. I wouldnt be too surprised if that happened to me though. you never know

[qmechanoid]

[Long post]

I know that the option I am about to present is not available to just anyone, but should the OP be able to get in, it is viable.

The only organizations of the United States Military (of which I am aware) that will allow you to swear in to active duty, participate in training, and experience the military lifestyle full-time would be the various Service Academies (Army/"West Point", Navy/"Annapolis", Air Force, Coast Guard). As I am about to graduate this summer from one of them, I can offer a little bit of insight into that path into a military career.

I, too, made the difficult decision to enter the academy prior to serving a mission. Barely six weeks out of high school, I found myself immersed in a culture that is often hostile to things spiritual. Abuses of the Word of Wisdom and the presence of pornography are ubiquitous in the living quarters, and that first year I found myself somewhat spiritually adrift. The only things that kept me going were my commitment to attend church, no matter how apathetic I felt, and the availability of a nearby Institute class that buoyed me up between Sacrament meetings. However, I had made a promise to fulfill my commitment to serve a mission, an opportunity that is unique to the academies.

Just a few days before my eligibility ran out, I resigned my spot at the academy and left to serve a full-time mission, along with about ten of my classmates. We were fortunate to be riding on the shoulders of previous classes, who had forfeited their chances at graduating to serve God as missionaries. Their efforts and successful re-applications, coupled with outstanding performances during their post-mission years enabled me and my classmates to return and fulfill our obligations to this nation.

I sometimes wish that I had possessed the maturity present in returned missionaries in my first year at the academy - indeed, after returning, I pulled straight A's and outperformed all of my previous marks physically and militarily. I think that if I had served my mission first, I would also have greatly benefited from the experience and maturity that I otherwise lacked.

On the other hand, my academy experience helped me endure some very difficult trials during my mission, especially when it came to handling the difficulties of apathetic companions and immature leaders. I had patience I would not have acquired otherwise. I had the physical capacity to endure some physical and mental trials that may have sent other missionaries home.

In the end, it's almost a chicken-or-egg debate - would I have been a better missionary if I hadn't gone through my military experience first? Would I have been in the right place at the right time if I had gone earlier? On the other hand, would I have been a better cadet/midshipman if I'd possessed that experience and that spiritual strength?

It's only speculation. And as said before, only the Spirit can help you properly make that decision. Take into account everything the recruiters tell you, especially that those contracts may be overridden far more easily than you suspect. If you go on a mission first, you will definitely receive the blessings. If you enlist, then you are taking a chance. However, you do not know what God has set in motion, and whether or not He intends for you to experience those trials in the military first, unless you ASK Him.

This is a personal decision, made in humility between you and God. Listen to wise counsel, seek blessings, and obey the Spirit. Then, as long as you are faithful, you can know that you are acting in accordance with His will.

[hordak]

As many people have said the military isn't "conducive to the spirit"

It reminds me of a story of a man named Job. He was called by God to teach the wicked town of Nineveh. He didn't go, was punished, repented taught them and the repented and changed their lives.

Now I'm not saying you would be punished for not joining the military, or that all the military is that wicked.

I'm just saying don't go the "safe route" because of the negative conceptions others have of the military's lack of spirit. If you wish to bring people to the Gospel I would focus on those who need it the most.

The choice is ultamenty yours and yours alone. You can't make it through this life without missing out on some opportunities either way.

A wise man once said

When you come to a fork in the road, take it.

Edited January 13, 2009 by hordak

[PolarBeccaBear]

In my personal opinion, I think that you should go on your mission, come back and decided whether or not you still want to be a marine.

My brother is 23 and a marine. I know a lot about what goes on, from his experiences. If you go there you will be surrounded by vulgarity, crude behavior, and very few spiritual things. If you go there you will become stronger, more skilled, and maybe find happiness.

It's a big toss up.

When I was looking at going into the army a couple years ago to become an assistant chaplin I met a dude who was LDS and had chosen the army over going on a mission. He seemed like he thought that it was a mistake...

I don't know. I am opposed to your plan, personally. =P

6 years is a long time.

If you wait the 2 years after your mission you would better be able to figure out whether or not the Marines are what you really want...

Well, I hope that it all works out for you, anyway. =]

[LDSgurl1788]

Have you prayed about it? I can understand how that would be a hard decision to make. I've had a few friends leave on missions a bit later than the 19 year old and they have all struggled to get out there. Granted it's different for everyone but I think that you will be enormously blessed for going on a mission. I think praying about it and really taking it to the Lord would be a good thing, if you havn't already. You'll know what to do. :)

[Hemidakota]

I want to say it was Camp Pendleton, but I'm not positive.

Do you remember the time frame? I may had spoken to him.

[Hemidakota]

As many people have said the military isn't "conducive to the spirit"

It reminds me of a story of a man named Job. He was called by God to teach the wicked town of Nineveh. He didn't go, was punished, repented taught them and the repented and changed their lives.

Now I'm not saying you would be punished for not joining the military, or that all the military is that wicked.

I'm just saying don't go the "safe route" because of the negative conceptions others have of the military's lack of spirit. If you wish to bring people to the Gospel I would focus on those who need it the most.

The choice is ultamenty yours and yours alone. You can't make it through this life without missing out on some opportunities either way.

A wise man once said

When you come to a fork in the road, take it.

I would leave this in the Lord's hand since we are called to various places on this earth for a wise purpose.

[ruthiechan]

Ask your Father in Heaven, "What would you have me do? Join the Marines then go on a mission or go on a mission and then join the Marines? I'm at a loss, you know what's best for me. Whatever you tell me to do I will do it."

Then keep your word.

You never know, you may be told that for YOU the best thing IS to join the military and then go on a mission, or it may not be. I do not know. But your heavenly father DOES know. So ask him, and then do whatever He tells you to do.