How does joining the Marine Corps change you as a person?

[geoffreygbsn]

How did it change you or someone you know?

[Tristan S]

A few of the guys I went to high school with joined with the Marines. One guy in particular... complete meathead, got in a lot of fights, was constantly listening to nu metal and couldn't wait to learn how to go blow things up. If something pissed him off, his gut reaction was to punch, throw, kick, or smash whatever the nearest thing to him was.

The last couple times I talked to him, he'd mellowed out SO much, it was amazing. Infinitely more calm, composed, and pleasant to be around. We talked about that... he said that boot camp and basic training made him realize that he hadn't ever been tough... he'd been a big coward who had a lot of anger and aggression but was too afraid to confront his problems.

Most of the guys I've known who have become Marines have been changed for the better, but I've also met a couple who were waaaaaaay too aggressive, way too abrasive, and way too arrogant for most of non-military society. The disdain for any civilian who had never been a Marine hindred the way they fit into the workplace and a lot of their relationships, but I got the feeling that these guys probably had some issues in the Marines too: arrogance is not a virtue, especially when you have to analyze a combat situation.

[Sonja B]

more pride, more responsible, respectful, etc.

[RAHUL P]

More pride, more confidence, and u change for the better. Its really amazing....

[Private]

It will teach you honor, self disipline, and self-respect,
which nobody, seem's to have, today. <|:-})-{*

[americanarrayan]

You become a killing machine.

[------- -]

They strip you down from the person you were before and "rebuild" you back up to a marine/soldier. You will learn to tolerate more b.s. than you ever had in life; thus your patience will dramatically increase. You will also learn how to think while in a frantic situation while others panic!