A few questions.

If you haven't seen me around already (I registed 10 minutes ago), I'm a future Marine (3 years 7 months and 17 days until enlistment).

What does the EGA symbolize?

I wear glasses, and I want to be in the best shape I can be. I work out once a day, and I'm looking into corrective surgery. I have read tidbits on the net about it, but what is teh Corps policy on getting corrective surgery?

How is my job decided? If I do good on the ASVAB, do I actually have a CHOICE on what I WANT to do? Its not important to me. I just want to serve. The way I see it, every jobs gotta have someone to do it. I love guns... I'd love to work with them, and I'm sure I'll have a chance (seeing as all Marines are 0311).

[USMCRET6391]

Originally Posted by Alpha

If you haven't seen me around already (I registed 10 minutes ago), I'm a future Marine (3 years 7 months and 17 days until enlistment).

What does the EGA symbolize?

I wear glasses, and I want to be in the best shape I can be. I work out once a day, and I'm looking into corrective surgery. I have read tidbits on the net about it, but what is teh Corps policy on getting corrective surgery?

How is my job decided? If I do good on the ASVAB, do I actually have a CHOICE on what I WANT to do? Its not important to me. I just want to serve. The way I see it, every jobs gotta have someone to do it. I love guns... I'd love to work with them, and I'm sure I'll have a chance (seeing as all Marines are 0311).

EGA=Eagle, Globe and Anchor... the globe symbolizes world wide service, the anchor symbolizes our relationship to the Navy (some people would say it is a "fouled" anchor which has it's own implications) the eagle is more nebulous.........I have heard that it represents the Air Wing portion of the Corps, I have also heard it symbolizes the United States, depends on who you ask.

The only advantage to getting corrective surgery I can see is if you want to be a pilot and the surgery makes your vision 20/20. If you have it done before you go in I dont think it will affect you one way or the other otherwise.

Your job is decided by a number of factors, ASVAB scores are one of them, contract guarentees are another, but basically what you do is what the Corps thinks you are best suited for based on the needs of the service when you join.

Semper Fi and welcome to the forums.

Thank you very much, very informative.

[Grimmy]

I wouldnt worry too much on your vision unless corrective surgery is something you just personally want. Corrective surgery does have its risks too.

Many Marines serve just fine with less than perfect vision. The USMC even provides glasses for those that need them.

As far as being in shape and working out goes, concentrate more on endurance and less on bulk strength. Weight lifting will make you look pretty but Boot Camp and general Marine work is more endurance oriented.

Possibly (anyone feeling different please say) the best 2 sports to prepair for USMC are wrestling and swimming. Wrestling because it is heavily endurance oriented and teaches basic food disciplen...swimming because there's alwase a chance you dang well might need it lol.

[Beowulf]

before you get any surgery done i suggest you talk to a recuiter first, just to double check.

I hear wrestling is the all around hardest sport, but ive never done it so yea, but I run track, and a P.F.T. at the end of track season was a piece of cake, but seeing as my coach was a major in the Army airborn i guess that kinda explains it. I mean c'mon, all we do is run.lol.

[Grimmy]

There's alot to phiscally surviving Boot Camp that is not track and field related. Running is important but dont forget the:

Bends and thrusts
Getup Getdowns
Mountain Climbers
Pushups
Pullups
and more that go on and on and on seemingly unendingly through a standard day lol

I suggested wrestling and swimming for the all round physical development that both provide. Boot camp is just the "primer". Having all round good endurance and physical conditioning habits will help keep a man in good stead regardless of his job slot in the Corps.
It's all about self motivation, self disciplen. Any sport will help and track and field certainly is a good thing.

[goose0656]

As far as the surgery goes, wait until you're in, and have Uncle Sam foot the bill. There's a waiting list, but it's free.

[ANGRecruit]

Alpha.... I was going to ask the same thing about eye surgery. I looked into it myself it keeps getting more affordable. With me though I can't stand glasses and the fact of doing any physical activity with they just irritates me. I would definitely have the surgery before going into basic.