Any Marines in the Guard that can help?

[formerMarine0311]

I was in the Corps and got out a few years ago. I just joined the local Guard infantry unit and im a little worried that the standards wont be as high as they were in the Corps. I was wondering if any one has insight into how the drills are done and how the discipline is.

[oakes21E]

As a former marine myself, I have been in the guard for a few yrs and have served with several different units. As far as discipline it varies on unit but all units i served with military bearing was followed to a tee. Drills are structured depending on mission and training and u have an input in the AAR's as what needs to be worked on and what might be addressed on the next drill. U make it what it it , so to speak. Semper fi and good luck

[Mr_Loki]

Let's face it. The Army Guard is not the Marines. The Marines PT test scores have to be higher (not by a lot though) and their training is tougher. They're basis job is Infantry!

Drill depends all on your NCOIC and/or OIC. As long as you do your work and/or your job, to the point to where you go home saying, "I deserve more in my paycheck" then you would be fine. Im not sure how infantry drill goes, being as I kind of ignore those good ol buddies ;) . But from what I hear, you learn A LOT on that weekend and you wont regret it.

[WIBecky74]

I hate to say it, but from knowing people in different units, they are all run differently. If there is one set standard, its not really being used. Not that this is a solution, but a bandaide, it isnt difficult to transfer units, as long as there is an open slot if you find your unit not up to your standards. I know its not a very good answer, and i'm not even MOSQ yet so not at my assigned unit yet. Just thought i'd mention that they are all run differently. Some more intense than others. I know some that do absolutly no PT unless its an individual that hasnt passed a PT test, others that spend alot of time on it. Some that train hard and hold many classes and training excersises, some more relaxed.

[Coach Barron]

My drill was very impressive. I'm a former Marine 82-86 and have not been in the Military for over 20 years. I'm a high school teacher that became very impressed with one of our school recruiters and one thing lend to another and now I'm in the Guard 13B at 42 years old. My first drill was excellent. I was very impressed with the Military bearing and how all the men were so squared away. We feel into formation and it was very military. Everyone calls each other by rank and last name. Seriously, I was impressive with how professional my unit was. From what I've heard my unit is known for being a very good unit. I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed the weekend. I was issued everything you can imagine, and It's all top notch stuff. I hope your unit is as good as mine, because you'll not be dissappointed. Good Luck and Semper Fi
Coach

[tldickowski]

I'm a former Marine also. All I have to say is that I'm glad there are other former Marines in my unit.
The Army and the Guard look at things a bit differently. You will adapt. It is good to be back in the military though.

There are alot of Marines in the guard.

Goodluck and Semper Fi Marine.

[JB27]

I am new to the military and the guard and just got to my infantry unit. There is a marine who just reenlisted in my unit and has made comments that led me to believe he is dissappointed. For one thing some of us are still in BDUs and some in ACU's and it does look sloppy. I was in shock at first coming from Basic/Ait in Benning where we were very squared away. So I guess it depends on your unit.

[jarhead_guard]

Im a former marine 1979-85. When I joined the marines back then my recruiter who didnt know squat, just like me, put me in open contract and I ended up with all the brass in military intelligence. It was a good tour but I missed out on all the infantry ooorah stuff. After being out of the military for 11 years, I joined an infantry national guard unit in 1996. I loved it. I was very impressed with the drills and how squared away my unit was. I got out in 1998 and regretted it ever since. I am now again thinking about re-joining that infantry unit. My only hurdle for me to jump over is my wife (you know how that goes). As a former marine I can say I think you wont be disappointed in the guards. I wasnt. SEMPER FI !

[Rich G.]

I am a former Marine Infantryman and on the verge of reenlisting in the Guard. I did spend some time in the Guard a few years back, but had a bad experience. We lost a child on Thursday so I missed drill that weekend and caught some **** for it. So I told them to drop dead. They could have offered me all the gold in the world and I would have told them to go pack sand after the way that one Sergeant talked to me. So, I hope this time around, those above me are not tweakers.

Personally, I am not up for the Ooorah stuff. I was never a big Ooorah type of Jarhead when I was in and yes I was infantry as well as an NCO and am looking at an infantry Guard Unit. I personally hope the unit I am going to join are very competitant in their skills, but kind of leave the toy soldier stuff behind. But that's just me.

The biggest thing to remember that the Guard is not the Corps. The focus is different, the mission is different. What will make you successful is realization that you are no longer part of the Marines, but you are now part of the same group of men who staired down British Regulars on the village green in Lexington, Mass. The advantage to you is that you are now able to leverage the very sharp skills the Marines gave you, for use with the National Guard.

[Sugarbear]

Actually, fellow soldiers (both senior and junior) sort of look up to the former Marines for assistance in getting their unit squared away. They figure that we have our **** together enough to help out. Especially when it comes to teaching classes, D and C, and other things. Of course, this just may be because I am with an airwing unit!!

Just keep your bearing, especially around those who dont. The prior Marines usually hang out together anyway in the unit!!

Good luck!!