What are the cons of joining the Marines?

What happens after 4 years in the Marines?

When you sign you will serve 4 yrs of active duty. You then have a choice to re-enlist or get out of the Marine Corps. This is called the end of active service, however you are still obligated to serve 4 years in the inactive ready reserve.

Do Marines make good money?

How much does U.S. Marine Corps - Military in the United States pay? The average U.S. Marine Corps salary ranges from approximately $20,000 per year for Fire Controlman to $129,711 per year for Senior Medical Officer.

Does becoming a Marine change your life?

Being a Marine is more than just bearing the title of a United States Marine. It is not a concept or state of mind. It is a permanent transformation of the person who was previously known only by their given name. Once one becomes a Marine, it is for life.

Can you leave the Marines after 2 years?

As long as you're in the entry level period -- your first 180 days -- you can request an entry level separation. If you succeed, you'll get an uncharacterized discharge.

Pros + Cons of Joining the Military | Marine Corps

How long is a Marines contract?

Today, Marines are stationed around the world at all times, ready to deploy quickly whenever and wherever needed. Total service commitment ranges from four to six years.

How often do Marines come home?

Some units will get a 72 or 96-hour off-duty time to spend with their family. After the initial 72-96 hours off, most units will remain on duty at the base for about 2 weeks. Those two weeks will include working hours as well as briefs for transitioning out of a combat zone back into the US.

Do Marines get paid forever?

Our current retirement system consists of a 20 year cliff vested annuity (a defined benefit plan). This means that if you enter the Marine Corps and serve for at least 20 years, you will earn a monthly retirement annuity for the remainder of your life.

How many hours do Marines work a day?

Technically youre on the clock 24 hours a day for the entire contract, however you normally work 8-10 hours, Monday through Friday.

How much will a Marine make in 4 years?

For example, pay increase benefits you get after four years in the Marines, put you at about $2,714 per month at the rank of E-4, compared to $2,330 to $2,582 for less time in service at the same rank, according to 2021 pay tables.

Which pays more Army or Marines?

The Army and the Marine Corps have the same pay. All of the branches of the U.S. military use the same pay structure based on years of service and pay grade.

Who pays more Marines or Navy?

The United States Air Force, Navy, Army, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force are all equal in terms of basic pay. The basic military pay you earn is determined by military rank and years of service.

Do Marines get free housing?

Generally, military housing is provided for all service members, whether they're living on or off base.

What do Marines get for free?

What are the benefits of being in the Marines? The U.S. military offers a competitive salary, military housing or housing allowance, food allowance, free uniforms, medical care for you and your family, educational benefits, retirement plans, and affordable life insurance.

How many days do Marines get off a year?

Military Leave: What It Is and How It Works. As part of the military pay and benefits package, military service members earn 30 days of paid leave per year. You start at zero and for every month of military service, 2.5 days of leave get added to your leave account.

What age do Marines retire?

—Unless retired or separated earlier, each regular commissioned officer of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force covered by subsection (b) shall be retired on the first day of the month following the month in which the officer becomes 64 years of age.

What time do Marines go to bed?

In all the branches' basic training programs, bedtime is usually 2100, or 9 p.m., except during times of special events, such as night exercises. In basic training, lights out means go to sleep. It does not mean talk to your buddies, study or write a letter home.

How long do Marines get to sleep?

All Marines require seven to nine hours of sleep each night—period. Those who insist otherwise should not be celebrated for their toughness; rather, they should be educated and, if neces- sary, marginalized. Sleeplessness should no longer be viewed as macho but rather as foolish and dangerous.

What time do Marines wake up?

Typically, during the week, Marines will wake up between 4:00 and 6:00 A.M. and report to either their squad, unit, platoon, or, occasionally, their battalion, for morning Physical Training (PT). Morning PT can consist of a variety of exercises, depending on who is leading PT that day.

Do Marines get free flights?

Service members and their families can use Space-Available flights – formally known as Military Airlift Command or MAC flights – to travel around the country and world at little or no cost.

Do Marines pay taxes?

In the military, the federal government generally only taxes base pay, and many states waive income taxes. Other military pay—things like housing allowances, combat pay or cost-of-living adjustments—may not be taxed.

Do Marines get free college?

While you're on active duty, 100% of your tuition is covered at accredited institutions, up to $225 per college credit and/or $4500 per year. The Tuition Assistance Program is available at any duty station and participating can even help you earn bonus points toward promotion.

What does a 96 mean in the Marines?

In the Marine Corps a three-day weekend is called a “72” and a four-day weekend is called a “96”

How long do Marines get off for Christmas?

The 10-day break generally starts a week before Christmas and lasts until a week after Christmas.

Who gets deployed first in war?

The Marines are often the first on the ground in combat situations, leading the charge when conflict arises. They also serve on Navy ships, protect Naval bases and guard U.S. embassies. Marines patrol during a simulated embassy reinforcement.