I've been pondering over this decision for the past 2 months, my wife and I have been talking about it every night, and I finally ended the conversations and am going to the station to fill out my forms tomorrow. I'm applying for the EODU (Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit), because i went 2 years post-highschool for an electrical degree, and my professor was an ex EOD, who taught us everything we could possibly know about 3rd world developed explosives.
If i do pass the test, I will take the boot camp training course for 8 months, and if I pass, I will be hoping to ship out sometime by next year (I believe that our amazing government will keep us in disputes with Russia for awhile). The rotation will be a 450 day rotation for each company, then I will return home for the remainder of the rotation. IF I do make it.

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Good luck and stay alive!!

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Do not rush into this life-changing decision. Analyse WHY you are doing it. Include your wife in the decision conversation or she may not be waiting IF you make it.

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Gunny Dfoster just got a woody.

Good luck AlHarrisdude. We'll leave the light on for you and keep up the prayers.

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Yeah, dude. And don't believe a WORD the recruiters tell you. Case in point. If you want EOD and only EOD, get it in writing. Don't settle for the "all Marines are riflemen...you can pick your MOS after boot camp." BULLSHIT.

You have the upper hand. They want you. You can always walk. You get what you get upfront and that is it. And don't believe that 450 day rotation thing either. They'll send you when they want and as frequently as they need/can. Ask some of they guys around this board.

Also, I wouldn't count on the fight with Russia. Especially as EOD. You'll more likely be in Afghanistan and Iraq trying to defuse roadside IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices ....i.e car bombs, roadside bombs, etc)

That being said, I applaud you for considering to join the Corps at a time like this. I'm sure you've thought of all the things above. Hope I don't come off as preaching. Think of it more as big brotherly advice to consider or blow off as you see fit. Just don't want to see someone screw you over when you have good enthusiasm and the right attitude. Don't forget, once a Marine, always a Marine. Semper Fi and good luck!

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Good luck my friend!

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good luck to you.

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Ask yourself this question:

If the career is so great, why do they need recruiters?

Also, as previously stated, if it's not in unambiguous writing, it's not happening. A verbal promise from a recruiter is a lie. Period.

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That's truth. And even if it's in writing, they have a back out for it if it suits them better.

Even with that said, I wish I had been able to continue recruitment for the Marines when I was 18. I think it would have done me good.

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Many companies have recruiters or contract with recruiting firms whose purpose is to find the right people to fill positions of need. Using a recruiter has no bearing on the quality of the employer, it's a tool to get the most qualified people in the door.

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