Exploring The Globe As A Marine: Is It Possible?

If you're considering joining the Marines and are keen to see the world, it's worth noting that travel opportunities are much better in the Marines than in the Army. Marine infantry can be stationed in Japan, and there are also short deployments via Navy ships, called floats, all over the world. These deployments are typically for six months but can be shorter, and they travel to the Med, Africa, South America, the Pacific, and Southwest Asia. Marines also guard US embassies and consulates, so if you go MSG, you could be stationed anywhere in the world. However, it's important to remember that travel is not guaranteed and permission may be denied. There are also physical, mental, and moral requirements that must be met before enlisting, including passing The Initial Strength Test and the Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery test.

Marine deployments via Navy ships are called floats and can last for 6 months

Marine deployments via Navy ships, called floats, typically last for six months. However, some deployments may be shorter, such as NATO floats to Norway. These floats can go to various regions, including the Mediterranean, Africa, South America, the Pacific, and Southwest Asia, and usually stop in several countries.

Marine deployments often involve travelling to different parts of the world, and the duration of these deployments can vary depending on the specific mission and requirements. For example, a Marine deployment could involve flying to a distant location for a few short months. On the other hand, Marine Corps deployments can also include approximately one year of training followed by six to seven months of actual deployment.

The deployment cycle for Marines starts with notification and extends through pre-deployment training, the deployment itself, and the reunion and reintegration process. During the pre-deployment phase, Marines undergo specific training to prepare them for their assigned tasks, which may include learning new skills. The duration of the deployment cycle can differ across various branches of the military and even within the same branch.

It's important to note that accommodations on board Navy ships for Marines are often described as less than ideal. However, deployments offer Marines the opportunity to travel and gain diverse experiences during their service.

Marines guard US embassies and consulates, so you could be stationed anywhere in the world

The Marine Corps is the only military service entrusted with the responsibility of providing security for U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. This duty is reserved for the highest-calibre Marines who have demonstrated their exceptional ability to take on any challenge.

If you become a Marine Security Guard (MSG), you will have the opportunity to serve at embassies and consulates in various countries. This role offers a great opportunity for travel, and you will work daily with foreign dignitaries and U.S. government officials.

There is extensive specialized training involved in becoming an MSG. The Marine Security Guard School in Quantico, Virginia, is a six-week course that covers interior guard procedures, reactionary force training, weapons familiarization, handling and storage of classified material, and anti-terrorism training. All applicants for this program are screened through their respective command and by the MSG School Screening Team.

As an MSG, you will have special living quarters, such as the Marine House, and receive special pay and allowances, including a Special Duty Allowance (SDA) Pay, Cost of Living Allowance (COLA), and a civilian clothing allowance.

Typically, you will serve one tour in what is considered a hardship post and another in a location that is not. There are special requirements to get MSG duty, and you should see your Career Retention Specialist for more information.

Marine recruits are required to make one phone call when they arrive to let their next of kin know they are safe

During this initial period, recruits are only allowed to correspond through letters and postcards. The first letter home is sent seven to nine days after their arrival, and it includes their new mailing address. Mail call is a highly anticipated time of day for recruits, as hearing from home is comforting and uplifting. However, it can be disappointing when no mail is received.

After the Crucible, new Marines can make personal calls and use the internet during on-base liberty. They receive one day of travel and ten days of leave after recruit training graduation before attending the School of Infantry (SOI). Those with an Infantry Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) undergo 52 days of training at the Infantry Training Battalion (ITB). On the other hand, recruits with a non-Infantry MOS receive 29 days of training at the Marine Combat Training Battalion (MCT).

Marine recruits can expect rigorous training to become the world's most elite fighting force. They will undergo physical training, classroom instruction, and develop combat skills. This training transforms recruits into disciplined individuals with the necessary knowledge, teamwork abilities, and fitness levels required of a Marine.

Marine recruits are allowed to drive, fly, or take a bus home

Marine Corps recruit training is approximately 13 weeks long. The first week is receiving week, where recruits complete paperwork, receive haircuts, are issued uniforms and gear, undergo medical evaluations, and take the Initial Strength Test. The actual training takes place over the following 12 weeks. Recruits are transformed into the world's most elite fighting force through rigorous training, where they acquire the knowledge, discipline, teamwork, and fitness level required of a Marine. This is done through physical training, classroom instruction, and developing combat skills.

A typical day in Marine Corps recruit training involves recruits eating breakfast, attending training or classes, breaking for lunch, and then continuing with scheduled training until dinner time. Recruits may also spend part of the day discussing core values and receiving coaching about future training from their drill instructors. The remainder of the evening is spent preparing for the day, cleaning the squad bay, and enjoying one hour of free time before lights out and 8 hours of sleep.

The final 54 hours of training is the Marine Crucible, a training exercise that tests the recruits on the knowledge, skills, and values they have learned throughout their training. Those who complete the final challenge are awarded their Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, symbolizing their transformation from recruits to Marines.

All branches of the military can deny you international travel

Joining the Marines can be a great way to see the world, as they are stationed in many different countries, including Japan, Germany, Italy, and Norway. Marines also go on short deployments all over the world via Navy ships, and can be stationed at US embassies and consulates in various countries.

However, it's important to note that all branches of the military can deny you international travel. Military personnel must follow foreign travel procedures and pre-travel training is mandatory before any outside travel. The State Department's travel advisories and the Foreign Clearance Guide are important resources to refer to when planning international travel as a member of the military. Certain countries or areas within countries may be off-limits due to security risks or other concerns. For example, North Korea, Iran, Russia, and China are often restricted for military personnel. Even within approved countries, there may be restrictions on the type of accommodations allowed, such as hotels being permitted but AirBnBs forbidden. Additionally, ties to certain countries, such as Russia, China, North Korea, Yemen, Syria, Somalia, Venezuela, or Cuba, can make it challenging to obtain a security clearance.

Furthermore, the military branch and specific job within that branch can impact travel opportunities. For instance, the Army has big bases in locations the Marines don't have, such as Korea and Europe, providing additional travel options. The Army also offers more duty stations and a larger variety of jobs to choose from. On the other hand, Marine deployments tend to be shorter, typically around 6 months, compared to the Army.

In conclusion, while the Marines can provide opportunities for international travel, it's important to remember that all military branches have the authority to deny or restrict such travel for a variety of reasons, and each branch and job will have unique travel possibilities.

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