When I was 23 years old, I made the decision to join the toughest, meanest and roughest branch our military has to offer, the best of the best, the United States Marine Corps (USMC). Each branch of the military has special forces that are tougher, meaner and rougher than a Marine, including the Marine Corps; however, the USMC basic trained individual (Marine) is better trained than any new Soldier, Airman or Seaman right out of basic training. Am I biased? You better believe I am! I am a Marine! Once a Marine always a Marine as the saying goes.
Growing up, I always had a fascination for service members and anything to do with the military; especially, the vehicles. I frequently played “Army” with my friends and I always admired seeing people in uniform during parades and other events. As I grew into my teenage years, I learned that my mother’s father, my grandfather, was an Army pilot of both planes and helicopters. It was about this time that I decided I was going to join the Army when I grew up. About a decade later, I found myself standing in front of an Army Recruiter.
