The Brutal Truth About Marine Recon: 99% Won't Make It

[@robertperrin-v6u]

I was in the Corps from ‘97 to ‘01. Got out exactly 60 days before 9/11/01. The same old schtick about “don’t join the infantry, get a skill” is worn out to me. I didn’t join the military to learn a career. I wanted to be in the military and blow stuff up. I was an 0861/Forward Observer and loved every minute of my job. When I got out, I went to college and earned my bachelor’s with the help of the GI Bill. I didn’t need the Corps to teach me to weld, code, or whatever the hell. I got discipline, hard work, and the title…yes we are underfunded but I didn’t think it was bad at all. Three meals a day, a roof over my head and great memories. I never considered any other branch when enlisting at 17.

[@RossNaylor-j1q]

Yeah I'm an ex assault engineer my dad was infantry and always wanted me to get a skill. I was more like you though and wanted to get my hands on anything that went bang 😂. I think I made a good decision and got the best of both worlds,i learned infantry skills and got to fire almost everything in the UK infantry arsenal such as the light anti tank weapon aka law90 I got experience with the Milan which I hated as a weapon it was heavy and awkward to carry and I didn't like the targeting system i quite enjoyed the mortars and the heavy machine gun g.p.m.g the standard SA80 rifle was probably best used for throwing at enemies 😂 but on top of all that i learned how to do explosive entry, scaffolding, concrete work joinery, bricklaying and I had the option to learn how to operate heavy plant vehicles which I turned down and did the army war graves course which was an eye opener having to recover body parts and try to match them to the person they belonged to, then send them to the morgue to be sent home to their loved one's I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to get into the infantry side of things whilst also setting yourself up for a career after your service 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💙🇺🇲

[@CombatSecurityPolice85]

You didn't join the Marines to be Desk Jockey? That would be a Joke!

[@FreddieArnold-o6e]

@robertperrin-v6u I was in the CORPS. 86 to 90. I was what they called at that time 0351 anti- tank assault man. I felt then and I still do regular infantry wasn't so much different than recon except more exercise swimming and being in the bush in smaller teams in short glorified grunts.😆😆😆😆😆😆😆

[@nathanammon4021]

Effin’ ehh guy that’s great

[@twi5tyx]

Semper Fi Devil

[@drn13355]

Love Jakes videos. Like the recruiter said they tell them the truth and people feel they are "hating on them". When Jake tells guys hey you are not going to make it. It isn't "hating". He is saving them from chipping paint for 5 years. What I love about these videos is Jake doesn't bad mouth people he just gives them reality and gives them options that might be a better fit.

[@ragnarlothbruk5090]

Marine Recon has become a feeder line to army SF. More then a few former Recon Marines have made the jump and passed selection and are now serving in army SF/Special Operations forces.

[@Mc007-]

There are more former Marines including myself in the Ranger Regiment as well as SF.

[@captainnitrousx1331]

@@Mc007- was in the 82nd Abn from 78 to 81. That whole Division was full of former Marine Corp. Probably still is today.

[@teflondefcon1674]

​@@Mc007- alot become SEALs to.. alot of guys I know did some even went to Gold team.

[@TheCerebralDude]

And I hear Marine 0311s have become a source of Army Ranger Regiment recruits. Marines looking to rank up faster in the Army than they would in the Marines

[@philipdru9290]

@@TheCerebralDude When I was in Regiment in '92-'96 there were a few. I'm sure it's different now as the wars have changed everything. But, yeah wouldn't surprise me.

[@alexh7064]

I spent 12 years in the Marines. I wasn't recon or a CSO (critical skills operator) but because I was a small craft mechanic, I spent my first 9 years in the recon/special ops community. My first unit was 3rd SOTG (special operations training group), then 2nd MSOB (marine special operations battalion) - it was called MSOB before they changed their name to Marine Raider Battalion, then 1st recon battalion (did a pump with a force recon platoon and we were tasked with running VBSS ops in the Gulf of Aden) before I finished my career on recruiting duty. Even though I wasn't a SOF guy, I worked and trained with these dudes for the larger part of my career. I became very knowledgeable with with how recon and the raiders train, work, and recruit as well as how their selection and assessment pipeline works. I don't say all of this brag or some shit. It's just help provide validity to the point I'm trying to make. My take on this after listening. This guy knows jack shit about Recon or MARSOC. Now your viewers are misinformed and underinformed on this topic as it is clearly evident by the comments in this video. Why couldn't you have tried to have a former or current MARSOC recruiter, or former or current Recon Marine or Marine Raider on instead so that you could've provided actual value to your viewers about this? You couldn't have picked a worse guy. He gave you the most surface level bullshit explanation of the process and the culture and basically went off on what you'd read in the recruiting brochures and yet he still gave barely any real insight. You could tell he wasn't even sure of wtf he was saying. Also - 9 years in and still couldn't make E6? I've heard the "not promoting, promotions were locked, so that's why I never made E6" excuse so many times. And he did a recruiting tour. If you complete recruiting duty, that's almost an automatic promotion to E6 because of how challenging of a duty it is. If you couldn't make E6 after recruiting, you just sucked as a Marine or got multiple NJPs (non judicial punishment). It wasn't the NJP because he would've said it if that was case.

[@Vinny6962]

I see you watched the interview and you felt some type of way, that is your prerogative. First of all, I’m not going to go on a rant about how I was affiliated with fancy groups here and there, blah blah. I was a regular Marine, I served my country honorably and got out right after recruiting duty. Never been NJP. Many Marines go promoted fast, many got promoted on time, many got promoted slow or didn’t get promoted. It’s life 🤷🏿‍♂️. In the interview, I was sharing my opinion based on my experiences. The whole point was to tell dudes that it’s not prudent to go straight into recon off the streets. That it was better to go infantry, as a stepping stone, and then later lat move into recon. In that aspect, it comes with a bonus. Worst case scenario, if that person doesn’t make it, they go back to their original MOS. Idk about you, I just wouldn’t advise any dudes right off the streets to go into something with such high rate of failure, when they can choose a path that will get them there a guarantee more success.

[@Vinny6962]

If you want to be triggered and go on a rant, by all means, more power to you 🤷🏿‍♂️ 😂.

[@RemoWilliams-jg4yb]

Thanks for your insight. I get tired of seeing nothing but Marine bashing on here. Some people just don't get it. All they talk about is toxic leadership. I am not saying that isnt true, I am just saying maybe the recruiting pool is getting a lot more soft. There was a write up about a battalion commander making his guys have a uniform inspection before deployment and they all cried like babys. Those were common place back in the day. I remember that denim shirts were outlawed in the 70's. It seems they will cry about anything these days.

[@4threconmarine]

@@RemoWilliams-jg4yb I came in early 80's.Never heard about denim shirts. I only knew that if you parted your hair down the middle was a sign you were a druggie. I'm also a little tired of the Marine bashing. Yes it is generational.

[@RemoWilliams-jg4yb]

@@4threconmarine Each generation had their thing! I started chalking it up to just kids who really have no idea. It just shows how bad the education system is these days.

[@JB-uw5yh]

Go USMC Infantry grunt if you want a solid military combat MOS, from there you can TRY RECON or MARSOC, you will always be an 03 if you dont make it. Being a Marine Grunt is something to be proud of. You will work your ass off! And, there is a pride being a Marine that you wont get anyplace else. In the Marines you get the short end of the stick, slow promotion, and crappy equipment, but Marines always get the job done. Whats your purpose? BEING A MARINE IS SPECIAL, you will have pride and be a part of a unique culture. Going in with a RECON contract is a huge gamble. Only the SEALS go in directly, and most dont make it, then the Navy has some crappy jobs! In the Marines or Army you gotta be seasoned with some rank before you go Special Operations, thats the culture. But, Army is bigger and has more opportunity to do Ranger, SF, Delta, etc. Its not easy, just more spots available. With an Army combat MOS the Army is way better for a long career and promotion. My nephew was an 03 in the Marines with combat deployments to Afghanistan, he loved it. Once things stopped, the Marines were shrinking and it was less of a good time. He went into the Army and is now in a Ranger battalion in Georgia. Career path in Army is better and he likes it. Though he still says being a Marine was one of his most proud accomplishments. Great interview, this former Marine is a good guy, hope all works out in his future.

[@jakezweig]

BOOOOOOOOOM ARMY

[@GU_671]

appreciate the well thought response , gonna be doing marine infantry in hopes of getting into marsoc , might consider army after if things don’t work out , chasing the combat life that I want to fulfill , if you could give any more advice that would be also great man

[@mikesmith7497]

@@GU_671 did you not watch the video just go army man

[@GU_671]

@@mikesmith7497 what makes you think I didn’t watch it though , I was asking for more advice

[@mikesmith7497]

@@GU_671 im sorry I didn't mean to be a dick man. what do you think your plans are still?

[@mattsouter1768]

Changed my mind from marines to army from your videos. In the prescreen process right now. Army rangers here I come

[@jakezweig]

Boooooooom

[@Infantrymarine0311]

The advice I give people is to consider what is going to happen when and if you get out I did four years in the infantry I didn’t want to be a cop or security guard or work at an ammo shop afterwards, so I’m an Electrician now. I make really good money as a traveling industrial electrician. I talked a guy into joining as an air traffic controller and he chose navy and got that job. He’s still in, Has a house near the beach, but he can get out at any time and make 6 figure salary at an airport with his certification. Had a buddy who went Diesel mechanic, works at Chevrolet full benefits

[@Infantrymarine0311]

You say you want to be a ranger, have you considered having permanent joint injuries? Nerve damage, arthritis, knee replacements, Go to chiropractors weekly, get some relief for a day or two, pain & aches every day. That’s if you don’t get shot. Just consider everything. You have 1 body.

[@RedTeufel]

Marine infantry is what you can make of it. If you want to be shit you’ll be shit. If you want to be an elite alpha male you can be.

[@jakezweig]

@@Infantrymarine0311 shit that's the minor stuff

[@dr.haroldlee913]

Seen a lot of Lance Corporals with service stripes

[@willsmith6560]

I definitely had I was 7-year Lance and I'm not trying to brag about that part of that was on me yeah and still a lot of that as I was getting out they was already processing how a lot of Marines that were almost a decade in and was stuck at E5 and he's six most of my staff and my training battalion when I was at camp lejeune and los we're basically basically facing early retirements.... I was having conversations with Vietnam era Marines and Marines of the early '90s and I was telling them about all the staff sergeants in gunners sergeants that I saw that were taking 15-year Early retirement packages and they thought I was lying and it actually made them do some inquiries and calling around and hopping on online forms and finding out that I was definitely telling the truth and that was during the tail end of operation enduring freedom and the Afghan war

[@ahmedanderson5480]

​@@willsmith6560don't feel bad. I was in from 02-06, made Sgt in 3.5 yrs all I had to do was reenlist, volunteer for recruiting duty which is what I wanted to do but no, I got out for a female and as soon as I got out the relationship ended

[@stevenhargrove7536]

I can confirm what he said about slow promotions. When I was in in the early to mid 80's the corps was still drawing down from Vietnam and some MOS's were being phased out. I had made E4 but would have never made E5. I saw the writing on the wall and took a job in civilian life. Love the corps, but they are spitting straight facts in this video.

[@lapieddeschiens8738]

JAKE ALWAYS DROPPIN THE FIRE MMMMKAY!!!🔥🔥

[@stevenglincosky2393]

Mmmkayyyyyy lmao

[@jakezweig]

kzbin.infoRcJ8Ini_yPo?si=4Sl5bIF7AgL1rpUF

[@GodGunsGills]

😂😂😂😂💀​@@jakezweig

[@kcpilot63]

Hello Jake, thank you for all you have done and continue to do for our country and for our youth and young adults. You are good man!

[@maddenislifeperiod1600]

Army here: Offered my E5 my 2nd year in. Turned it down because I wanted to complete school. Got 3 degrees ( Associates, Bachelors, Masters), and still got my E5 before by friends who were in the Marines. This is just to show you how much better and how much faster the Army promotes and provides opportunities.

[@JpRiascos]

But you’re not in the Marines…

[@mikesmith7497]

@@JpRiascos lol

[@InitialFailure]

"Turned it down." It's E-5, not 6 or 7 wherein your day to day would drastically change or prevent you from attending college. This didn't happen, did it?

[@steelgrunge]

🐂 💩

[@ΜΟΛΩΝΛΑΒΕ_1776]

I originally wanted to be a 1stMRB; however, I made a bold decision to pivot my career aspirations when California skyrocketed its minimum wage for fast food to $20. I realized that my long-term future required a strategic shift, so I boldly applied for the prestigious In-N-Out selection process

[@wokeup1969]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@commonsense215]

​@@wokeup1969 lol😅

[@chadh0348]

I was an Officer recruiter (Officer Selection Officer) out of NYC for 3.5 yrs. Recruiting over the last few years was a grind. I very much resinate with what the prior enlisted Marine felt at the end of the duty. I’m a Marine Corps infantry Officer and nothing I did compared to the stress of recruiting duty. That said, the selling point of the Corps is that it’s a very difficult life and it takes a toll on every Marine at some point. Still, it’s one worth looking back on with pride. I do agree with your point that your odds are higher for reaching a SOCOM unit with the Army given the sheer numbers and competition. The esprit de corps in the Marines as a service is unmatched however and I think this and the allure of “pride of belonging”are what attracts folks to the branch.

[@jakezweig]

Thank you for your service man and the great comment

[@JS1318-j5b]

I believe we spoke once at the Manhattan station. I was prior enlisted and stationed in 29 Palms too. Back then, I was aspiring to become an officer.

[@DonF-16]

Jake, what do you think about retired Navy SEAL Eric Deming exposing the Navy SEALS for all the lies they told about missions and people who lied about accomplishments.

[@jakezweig]

Crazy ass toxic culture

[@rojoloco3911]

You join the Corps to be a Marine it ain’t better- ain’t worse, it’s just different. Money is tight that is for sure but that’s not why you join. If you are squared away, you will make rank. And if you want to be in recon or MARSOC and you are worthy of it you will be. You become a marine because you want to be one we don’t think in terms of LES statements, and what we’re getting from the Corps. If that mentality is not for you that’s fine and totally understandable it’s just a different culture. I don’t crap on any other branch. I think they all work just do your research before you join.. I don’t know it is hard to articulate I could go on and on and but I think that’s basically a decent explanation.

[@ChestyPuller1775]

Nah even if you are square a marine it’s 50/50 you might not make it especially if you are Hispanic or Black them white officers and senior enlisted will make it harder a lot of times trust me I know

[@denniskowalski8442]

Former 1980s usmc recon here. Had great times and left as a whopping E3. Told my kids to go AF or fire dept and get paid. They are very happy

[@enetoo2736]

So many comments here degrading the Corps by so many who had never coming close earning the EGA!! It's vcery simple; if you want to have a better chance to get a class room education, or to make money, or just an easy military life, the USMC is not for you. But if you are the one that hunger for pride and become something special, then welcome my brother/sisters...SEMPER FI!!

[@jakezweig]

I love the USMC ...... you don't want them showing up in your back yard ever. The Army has a far better opportunity

[@ocampbell1954]

I'm a USMC vet, but lets be real. The other branches of the services are more professional. From the quality of the gear to the job opportunities. The Marine Corps is dead last.

[@longskyhook4917]

Semper Fi.

[@JesusGarcia-cs9wl]

Let me tell you a little secret... All veterans are proud of the branch they served. Marines don't have a monopoly on pride.

[@longskyhook4917]

Every generation of marines have always done more with less and still gets the job done. Semper Fi.

[@DJF1985]

There were Recon selection every 6 months when I was in back in the 80’s. Infantry is where you learn the job.

[@v71-pq5oo]

Concur. Apparently the Marine Corps is still the Marine Corps.

[@jim-pauladams9194]

Marine Recon is special operations capable key word capable, meaning they may not be part of the Special Operations Command (SOCOM) but they do have the training, capabilities and equipment to carry out special missions.

[@wakeupsleepyfox]

This is one of the many reasons why I left the Marine Corps after seven years. I recently did an inter service transfer. Now I’m here on Fort Moore. I was recently inserted into week 12 of infantry AIT. (I obviously didn’t have to go through Army basic training) The grass is greener on this side.

[@billyjacc]

So you have 10 weeks to go?

[@RemoWilliams-jg4yb]

The grass is greener were you water it. I don't begrudge anyone wanting to better themselves, but I have respect for people seeing something through. I have a lot of respect of the crusty Master Guns who didn't leave recon to go sf just because.......

[@billbaggans1799]

There is no "interservice transfer" for enlisted. Unless your offered a Commission in another branch.

[@jayklink851]

Interesting. Is it a permanent transfer? In the early 2000s, I was dating a girl whose old brother was a Marine (6 or 7 years), but ended up transferring to the Army. But something I found interesting, I heard after his time in the Army, he came back to the Marines to retire.

[@dd-uj8jx]

​@@RemoWilliams-jg4ybcause off that crusty dude maybe just maybe they all leave😂😂 Power Ranger here 1903-1907

[@InstructorBlackDynamite]

Keep dropping this fire content👍🏿

[@tonyallen3138]

I was in the Marine Corps from 99’ to 23’ and just retired last year. When I went to my A School at NAS Pensacola, I met alot recon drops, and most of those dudes where studs. But alot of them were rolled into aviation MOS’s like ATC, O-Level Avionics, etc. But that was 20 years ago, plenty may have changed since then.

[@kubasaki1978]

This may be true, and my experience goes all the way back to 1979. I started the process of joining the USMC and had taken several tests plus started a running/training program with my recruiter. He had made the promise that I would go directly out of boot and AIT into the selection process for Force Recon. After 4 weeks or so of working out and getting ready to finalize my enlistment, the gunny pulled me aside and showed me a new memorandum, that according to him, was fresh from the higher-highers (he said the office of the commandant of the Corps, not sure about that) and he was unaware of its existence until that week. It stated that a Marine recruit could no longer be offered a contract for Force Recon straight out of boot/AIT. 3 years in the Corps was the requirement to get chosen for selection. Ruined it for me, so I made the biggest mistake in my life and didn't go thru with becoming a Marine.

[@larrybland007]

You do not join the Marines if you want to get married or have children.

[@ahmedanderson5480]

Exactly. So many do it for bah and to get out of the barracks to only get a divorce.

[@manwithnoplan5496]

Isn’t that the military in general?

[@ahmedanderson5480]

@@manwithnoplan5496 nope was Marines 02-06, never thought of getting married while I was in. I was having too much fun in oki and 29

[@ChukedIII]

​@manwithnoplan5496 Air Force has the most relaxed jobs that never see combat, same with the Navy... Army is basically a human organization where you have half the people working on desks and more focus on logistics

[@williamsmith8790]

What are you talking about? Sure you do. You have two or three wives. The one to two kids you had with them, and the kids they bring from all the other Marines they were married to.

[@ARMON180]

Just based off of sheer numbers of options, the Army is the best spot for someone coming right out of high school that wants a shot at Special Operations. There’s way more opportunities under the USASOC umbrella (75th, 160th, SF, PSYOPS, CA). The scenario of going to the Army and doing BCT, AIT then going to RASP, SFAS, Green Platoon etc. just seems like a better deal as you’ll already have your MOS so if you don’t make it you know what you’re gonna be doing for the next few years at least. Thats a more informed plan for a young person trying to figure shit out. People get so caught up with earning the title of whatever it is that they aspire to be, that they aren’t thinking about what their life is going to be like for the next 4-6 years. 🔥 video! Great insight!

[@azovandy14.88]

It’s crazy this guy only made E-5 regardless of how hard it is to ascend the ladder in the Marines, which it is, but to still not get past E-5 after a recruiting tour is unheard of.

[@geoffsmith76]

No shit right. I know quite a few grunts that made E-5 first enlistment, and I was very close myself. I smell shitbird.

[@donjuan4632]

Appreciate these videos I always looked for info online from experienced guys stories before considering enlisting and maybe regretting the choice .

[@nickdills8848]

Even if you go through with a recon contract you still have to go through IMC/ITB before you go to BRC so even if you wash out you are still classed as 0311,0331, etc. you’ll just get cut orders to a victor unit and have other opportunities later down the road. One more thing I should mention that about halfway through ITB/IMC recon recruiters actually speak with the students and those qualified to try out can get packages for BRC without even having a recon contract.

[@watsonrigodon5821]

lol all the recon drops get sent to be 1371 combat engineers

[@nickdills8848]

@@watsonrigodon5821 seems like a waste of time and money to send a marine who already went through IMC to combat engineer school

[@teflondefcon1674]

I did the Indoc in 2004 in SOI one morning... Run 1st class PFT, Swim 500 meters I think I forget the time, using rescue , breast, side stroke.. then have to run another 1st class PFT.. that got me to RIP.. was doing well like 7 weeks in President's day 96 I got NJPed in Tijuana Mexico well someone got caught and dropped names.. we got dropped from course.. I went to 2nd LAR .. I was bitter at 1st so I volunteered for IP in Ramadi in 2005 which was wild, then went back to LAR and worked with alot of great guys and we did alot

[@homeless854]

SHOUT OUT TO THAT MOTOR T!!!

[@BlackBullRising]

I was in the Corps for 10yrs. Made E4 in under 2yrs and remained a Corporal for another 4yrs. When an MOS closes, it's closed. The Career Planners mismanage MOSs. Mine was tech job with low numbers, CPs flooded it with bonuses and quick promotions. Locked up Sgt - GySgt for years. After that it was a breeze.

[@itsAmeOFP]

I was in for 5 years. Made E4 meritoriously about halfway through, and stayed there until EAS. 300 PFT, expert rifle, PME complete, leadership positions throughout my entire enlistment. My brother did 4 years in the Navy and got out as an E5. It just be like that

[@dayshawnmcgee2065]

You become a Marine to simply be a Marine. College, pay etc you go to the Army or Air Force. But yes definitely research the branch and the job you want. Ive see plenty people go to college while in. It depends on your MOS. You can’t be a grunt and expect to have time to go to school. Most POGS have time for school and most big bases have colleges. One of my boys was a recruiter, idk why they work Monday-Sunday being that they always hit their recruiting mark. They definitely deserve more off days

[@teanistillmon3341]

Wow, my cousin and uncles were Marines. My uncle served in Viet Nam. Thank you, Marine.

[@HoneyBadger9760]

I wish recruiters would do more to screen guys before getting those Recon contracts. I was in 2010-2014. 2011 not everyone went to Basic Recon Platoon which is the unit you went to after graduation SOI, and you essentially waited there to go to BRC. The bulk of the time, those Marines in BRP would train for Indoc. And I was appalled how many dudes weren't even ready for treading water during Indoc. Literally the bulk of guys dropped during the treading water portion of Indoc. And to a point I get it, because Recruiters have so much to account for, but if you can't even tread water for 45 minutes bare minimum, or do 500 meter swim in 12 minutes or better you have no reason getting a Recon contract. Period.

[@TheHYDROrooster]

Love the video Jake, been waiting for this one! Can you get some Space force people on please!

[@roninjanjira9687]

17 year old me joining the Corps thinking that I was going to live the commando life as a Recon Marine and then having my dreams shattered as someone explained SOCOM to me.

[@kdlusmc]

Yup. Contract infantry first. In SOI there’s a Recon screen in week 2. If you don’t make it, once you get to the fleet, the Battalion generally have a volunteer training pipeline that’s done on your own time, generally early morning or noon chow time. About twice a year message drops for recon screening at which time, if your command thinks you’re good, will let you go to the screening. If you pass the screening you’ll extend your contract out to six years and wait for a school seat. The rest is up to you

[@DJF1985]

You have to do time in the infantry, at least 2 years, to be successful in Recon, or beyond. You need to learn all the skills, land navigation, toughening your body by doing long humps, patrolling, learning call for fire, shooting for real during live fire exercises, basically learning how to be effective in the combat arms. You’ve got to do your time, you have to pay your dues. There is no short cut to Recon and beyond.

[@billbaggans1799]

Humping, some basic patrolling shit. Otherwise stuff your not going to do as a grunt.

[@LRS11B]

Jake us right. I setved in the Marines from '85 - '90. The service is great, but they promote very slow. I saw squared away guys getting forced out because they didn't make E5 within 8 years.

[@jakezweig]

Yes sir

[@jakezweig]

Tell them

[@phettywappharmaceuticalsll8842]

If the most important thing for you is to be a Marine then go in the marines…if you just wanna do something combat related to in the army ..much bigger budget better support and lifestyle

[@corvanphoenix]

Great video, thanks guys!

[@joelmartinez2278]

Navy basically has the same. You can get a SEAL contract guaranteed, but have to pass the basic screening test again. If you don't pass BUDS, you get sent to whichever "A" school the Navy decides to send you.

[@johnfarrow3463]

I remember you from Freestyle & Collegiate wrestling. We went to the same wrestling camp.

[@jakezweig]

Which one man!!!! Where did u wrestle

[@jakezweig]

Do you remember forst grant

[@DAVYMAC]

This A.F. dude loves you Jake! Always watching and cheering for YOU. Keep up the great work!

[@jakezweig]

Thanks man !!!! This is the way

[@DAVYMAC]

@jakezweig Yowza! Thanks man! You are the first real famous celebrity that has EVER texted me back! You obviously can't answer every text, but you took the time to answer mine! Super cool! I gotta subscribe to your website. I will be watching and listening to past and future videos, I have to do it in measured increments because I have limited minutes from this government issued phone. Thanks Jake. I was stationed in several places around the globe, the most interesting was Central America in the mid 1980s and got to deliver Classified Material to some scary locations. Other than that it was a routine military 5 1/2 years.

[@Cedric-b3o3f]

I got Corporal after Recon Induc and picked up E5 before my first enlisted. Once l reenlisted 6 month later l was promoted to E6. I retired as a SgtMaj with 25 years of service. But that was back in the day

[@imakawboy]

I was guaranteed 0311. My recruiter was the best he told me after SOI, (1993) Recon will come and ask for volunteers to try for the selection. Recon is special Operations and you can get the MOS from 0311 to 0321. From Recon you can apply for Force Recon, which I think is MARSOC now. Every Special Operations start at 03 MOS.

[@TWalker87]

I was in the marines in a weapons company/infantry unit 0331 and spent 3 years in Iraq/saw combat in Ramadi. They're so right talking about how cut throat it is. Jake is spot on saying the army is a better opportunity, and in the end your up against Army guys, not marines who are in significantly better shape. I had a 285-300pft score consistently and it took me years to get promoted. I got out as a Cpl after 4 years and I was in the minority, most were lance cpl by the time our 4 years were up. I got out in 2010, and they took the re-enlistment bonuses from 48-64k (depending on rank) down to 8k which aligns with them downsizing as they mentioned.

[@marcuspayne9744]

Had two ex Jarheads in my Airborne Infantry Unit at Bragg, this was late 80's, that got of the Marines and came back into the Army and went Airborne and got first duty stationed at Bragg. They were very impressed with how much better the Army's facilities, gear, equipment etc was. They like the chances for all the challenging schools to go too if good enough to go and more deployments too. Both admitted if they had it to do over, they would have went Army all along.

[@valdivia1234567]

They didn't stick to the narrative.

[@captainnitrousx1331]

@@4threconmarine I don't think any of us said the Army was better than the Marines. I know I didn't. Well I am too old to be on this site anyway. At age 65 I am never going to be able to go back in. It's over. I apologize for my unintentional insults.

[@mogwaiman6048]

​​@@4threconmarineit's better for career opportunities and living standards. It's why a lot of Marines go to other branches and not the other way around.

[@Hasir1986]

Even at 17 in 1983 I knew the promotions were quicker in the Army. But what really sold me on the Army was the really cool places you could be stationed overseas versus just Okinawa. I ended up being stationed at Cakmakli (Istanbul) Turkey, Camp Darby (Pisa) Italy, and Heidelberg Germany. Being stationed and living in Europe during the Cold War was an absolute blast. Of course that was then and this is now. While Camp Darby is still in business, most Army installations in Western Europe have closed.

[@BrianRandolph-jt5vp]

Easiest way to get to Marine Recon is to sign up guaranteed contract for radio operator/comm. Then do your best in pft’s at bootcamp. Ask for recon through your D.I.’s

[@larrybland007]

Bro if you go motor t and get assigned to an infantry unity or artillery you are not driving everyday you’re not, you are a grunt or ramming rounds and we run 25 miles a week and hump 25 miles a week. You still gotta be a dawg and Lord bless you if you get fapped out to a special operation. I did it and yes I was a dawg as an alcoholic 17 minute 3 mile runner with a damn good buzz.

[@nathanmacdonald6696]

It you go into the Marine Corps you aren’t guaranteed a job unless you have a high ASVAB score you go open Contract. I am not surprised they cancel your contract if you don’t pass BRC

[@anthonyharvey8571]

I can speak about this extensively. Seriously. I went into the marine corps with a recon contract like many others and the biggest thing about that pipeline is the swim. The attrition is outrageous and they did not have training before BRPC back then. You just woke up and got slayed everyday. No swimming or anything. They eventually implemented more practical workouts but it was at the very end of my time at RTC. The marine corps knows what it’s doing. It used that pipeline to source people for jobs no one signs up to do. You either get really lucky with the mos you get re assigned or you get boned. Either way for someone to sign up to do infantry stuff and then have to go work on cars or jets or some other stupid none infantry related shit is hell on earth for the individual. My expert opinion is save yourself the hassle and join a different branch. The Marine corps outside of what I just said has extremely toxic and overbearing leadership. It’s like living in hell until you become a NCO and even then…. Just joint another branch with more opportunities and less stupidity.

[@ricky0357]

Dude who graduated with me went to the marines and graduated recon training and is now a force recon marine. Never would’ve guessed it with this dude he was always quiet and was in band. I guess he was silently a savage

[@DennisBocock]

At 19 joined USMC 65/68 to avoid draft and get it over with no promises. M14 at least 1 hot meal a day( if available) $ 86 a month

[@carldavenport6793]

Having been a 0321 it is about mind set and not quitting. In my RIP school class we started with 189 Marines,Sailors and Air force C Cs we graduated 29. But for the ones that didn't make it for multiple reasons I told them to hold there head high when they returned to their units, because at least they had the balls to try .This was before MarSoc .Under General Al Grey,Who felt the Marine Corps was a special unit as a whole ..

[@mikebrown9521]

I’m a Marine veteran! I’m 64 years old and to this day being a Marine grunt 0331 was the best job I had. I was selected to be in Recon unit after I spent 2 years in my grunt unit. Semper Fi Marines!

[@jakezweig]

Thank you for your service

[@Mc007-]

Jay I told you I didn't like the way the Corp was selling the MARSOC contract because those would end up in RECON the contract would give them the opportunity but!!!!!! If your command was short of Marines you couldn't go or if there were Marines ahead of them they would have to wait

[@tyroneshoemaker5264]

Outstanding podcast! Wish I had this type info 20 years ago when I was dead stuck on joining the Marine Corps. Now I am a Career Advisor by profession, and I have to say, Jake, you are doing great work. Leading by example, sharing knowledge, and helping people out in life after your time in the military is a continuing credit to our country.

[@jakezweig]

@@tyroneshoemaker5264 thank you man !!!!

[@MrOrJones]

I’m from Little Rock, AR and did 10 years in the gun club. I went back on Recruiters Assistance many times. The last time as a Sgt because I wanted to be a recruiter, granted this was back in 2010. But recruiting out of Little Rock hard and I can only imagine it got harder. And they also started cracking down on RSS Little Rock because there were recruiters that were doing extremely shady shit. One of them, the one I always got paired with, was actually charged with SA against a poolee.

[@MrX-s2s6l]

What do you think of going in the marine infantry for 4 years and then re enlisting to the navy for bud/s?

[@jakezweig]

Go in the army

[@blackandy973]

The running joke in the Infantry is that recon guy are just “Boots with Wings”, in the later part of the gwot they just sit on boats and don’t do anything. When I went on my 2nd deployment half of my platoon had combat experience and the recon guys were barely even on their 1st deployment but they walked around like they fought on d-day 😂😂. Recon definitely used to go hard but now they aren’t doing shit and they all run to army sf after

[@DJF1985]

@@blackandy973 when I was in Recon was super hard to get into. ARS was very difficult. I watched those poor bastards out at Fort Story and was glad I was just a Regular Grunt. Shit, regular grunt stuff was hard enough back in the mid 80’s.

[@Cedric-b3o3f]

When l went in in 1983 as a Marine Infantry but while in infantry school l took the Recon Assessment test and interviewed and passed as a Lance Corporal. Went to Reconnaissance Indoctrination at Camp Schwab for 18 months

[@douglasfillbrandt170]

I reenlisted for 4 years in the corps back in January after this im going army route to be a special forces operator.

[@jpkerns7427]

My experience.... Former Marine 1996-2000 (Made E5, in 3.5 years) awesome experience and got deployed alot (fun)... some MOS's promote slower than others, ... But the lack of options unlike the Army or Navy does suck. Other than that, Love my bros 'Semper Fi'

[@mikezacher]

Mine was backwards of all that. Came out of communication in the 3rd wing. Orders to Okinawa. Orders to 3rd recon as RTO. In 1983. Before it was disbanded and rebuilt. Times changed. Now recon has a comm mos

[@Scarlett0311]

Yooooo my boy Vince . Was in bootcamp with him .. solid dude .

[@Darryl-u2f]

Great interview, I entered " open contract, " ended up 0331( m -60 machine gun) 1st enlistment Barracks Marine 😢2nd enlistment 2/9 FMF! I am 69yrs old!

[@justingause5501]

Good stiff Jake. Finally a USMC video on the real of the situation.

[@wordword6039]

Former DI. MOS's that require a swim qual (Tracks, LAR, Recon, Combat Eng, etc). Those kids get extra attention so the Marine Corps does all it can to help these kids make the qual. IDK but in my experience most of the kids who had recon contracts and other swim qual MOS's MOSt made it to graduation and on to their schools after that Recon is hard af. SO.....they have a high attrition rate. Also you can get assigned to a Battalion and they are normally close in being good at what they do. But every once in a while some battalions just dont do well and its mostly attributed to reconstitution from a combat deployment and/or just bad leadership. He is right on the case that if you want to see combat the Marines will put you eyeball to eyeball with the enemy. No you wont make alot of money. My last combat tour I ran into some AF SNCO's in Kuwait while I was returning home. I was an LDO Captain over 20 and was making less money a month than an E7 in the AF stationed in Kuwait at the JW Marriot colleting all kinds of pay including per diem. SO....its not for everyone. They live in austere conditions and they live rough. Its the way it is and Marines are the type of people who select that.

[@odasmith1215]

2010-2014 USMC Infantry Afghanistan Combat Vet x2, 2/6 Golf Co. When i was in i couldnt wait to get out Im out and wish i would have stayed in E-4 in 3 years and 3 months I wish to this day i would have went MARSOC the thing is that it was never offered to us Also these promotion statements are wild I picked up E-4 in 3 years and 3 months I have a buddy whose a SSGT right now on the board for GUNNY and hes been in 12 years nd he is Infantry However i am beyond grateful i never served during peace time When i got out i tried going to an Army Rec for a SF contract and they gave me the run around blah blah

[@jakezweig]

That happens

[@odasmith1215]

@@jakezweig i mean i really wanted to go in on a Ranger contract then try out for GB The Army wanted to demote me, still keep my E-4 rank however i was a Corporal in the Marine Corps they wanted me to be a Specialist and im like ABSOLUTELY NOT ive led Marines into Combat i am not about to demote myself because we all know an E4 Specialist is a different world than an E4 Corporal in the Army I was 25 at the time now im 33 going on 34 i really dont get it

[@chrisr326]

Marine Corps so poor I never even got a desk to study during training. 1 out of four Marines didn't have a desk to learn maps in class. Sat on steps with map in my lap. I was shocked how fckng poor the Marine Corps is. The poorest of all the services. Desperate to remain in existence, so Generals tell Congress: " it's ok, we do more with less!"

[@laughingtothebanklikehahah3618]

I got a funny story from the Marine Corp’s BS model of “doing more with less”: It’s summer in North Carolina and We hiked 15k to the range for a 5 day field op to practice shooting drills and other infantry shit. Within the first hour of shooting every rifle jammed during hammer pairs, failure to stop, and controlled pairs. You’d be lucky if you shot FTS without misfiring, no joke. After the first few waves, Staff NCOs are chilling in the shade shitting on everyone because we can’t clean our rifles. So after getting shitted on for an hour in the hot sun, me and the squad leaders come to find out that all of the rounds were botched. All of the brass had dents on them and even the primers were fucked. After bringing this up, Company XO brought the whole company in. I’m thinking he’s gonna: 1. Atleast acknowledge that the issue is out of our control and beyond weapon cleaniness. 2. cease fire until we get new rounds because faulty rounds will destroy rifles right ? Instead, he spent almost an hour reminding us how generations of marines have been “doing more with less” and lectured us again on how dirty our rifles were. XO and first sergeant reassured us that we are shooting until every round is fired and we should view this as a training scenario if we are in Afghanistan or some shit. So for the rest of the day, we kept shooting botched rounds and spent so much time misfiring, that we didn’t even complete the day shoot. Ontop of that, rifles started getting seriously damaged. I think one of my team leaders destroyed his chamber shooting those things. It was so bad that we shot half of the ammo at midnight. ATP, me and squad leaders from other platoons gave the green light to bury those rounds in the dirt while staff wasn’t looking. I don’t agree with some of the shit Jake Zweig gives marines but he’s right about 2 things: 1. The USMC is a cult 2. You shouldn’t be here during peace time

[@joshuasingleton8235]

@@laughingtothebanklikehahah3618 Damn right, I was an 0311 from 06-09 but got injured during training while in the fleet. They sent me to Regimental s-4 and I learned a whole lot that really took the steam out of me. Not only was I not doing infantry shit and wasn't even given the opportunity to heal up properly before being sent to s-4, but they put me in the role of facilities chief (without the title) as an e3 which should have been an 03 or e7 (not sure which was the standard, they had both at different times). The problem was they just didn't talk about it and nobody cared because nobody wanted the job. I spent most of my time making barracks keys, building mcmap pits and manipulating the budget while running back and forth to Grainger for working party supplies. As a lcpl I was running working parties with e1 to e4's. It didn't make any sense. Unfortunately the base commander seemed to like me so when we finally got an 04 in facilities, he just sat at his desk playing computer games while I continued to run the shop, he barely ever even spoke. Weird as hell when officers and high rank nco's have to ask you as a lcpl for permission to do things while the Cpt would just stare at his screen. Nobody cared as long as they got their barracks room and broken shit got fixed. Some of the most awkward times of my life. Most 1st enlistment guys thought it was cool that I got to be in that role, but it was 2 of the most depressing years of my life. I wanted the Corps to be my career while still with my platoon, but after everything that I learned while in Reg constantly being around the higher ups and seeing what they were about, I'm glad I got out when I did. I was honorable discharge under medical conditions and they screwed me on that also by saying that my injuries stemmed from pre existing conditions from old martial arts injuries as child. They had the doc act buddy buddy with me and ask me questions about what I liked to do before the Corps. I told him that I was a loner and just did a lot of martial arts in highschool and he said stuff like "oh man, you probably got hurt a few times doing that, huh?" Not thinking, I said yeah, that comes with the territory, no big deal though. He was trying to act relatable. Next thing you know... they shafted me and sent me out with 10%. They knew damn well why I was injured but somehow these folks are incentivized to get you as little as possible. Regardless, I did my best in everything that they asked me to do. P.S. They could have afforded to do better as far as equipment goes, but I learned first hand that a lot of the money is terribly mismanaged and nobody was looking to see where it went.

[@Island-dog110]

Hey Jake, why don’t you ever talk about Navy SWCC? My son initially thought about going SEAL and met a SWCC mentor while training for his warrior contract… Not Buds … but extremely tough pipeline. His class started with 70 in prep and is down to 10. Couldn’t be happier with his choice and seems to be a great option for a young man graduating high school and looking into Navy Special Warfare. Great signing bonuses too.

[@jakezweig]

Your body gets destroyed in the Boat ....go seals

[@BeingLovedAlways]

Goodluck with your future endeavors

[@williamsmith8790]

If you want to join the Marines and deploy just about any MOS can get you there if you get on the MEU cycle. That’s guaranteed two deployments in three years. If you want to go MARSOC, or Recon/Force the O3s are still your prime feeder. And they deploy like mad. If you just want to deploy regularly go aviation. Dets, MEUs, and SPMAGTFs. You’ll be called a pogue but you’ll be a well stacked pogue. But if you really want to see the world, be on multiple MEUs, go SOCOM, or JSOC then you’re missing the boat if you don’t go SIGINT, or CI/HUMINT. High demand, low density MOS that they have to have on every Det. Even before the war I never met a 26XX, or 0211 that didn’t have multiple deployments and a fruit salad that looked like the entire ribbon chart.

[@e6bond]

Served in ReconBN in late 80's, back then a Marine couldn't even apply for assessment unless they were already an 03xx. That eliminated 90% of the physically and mentally qualified pool in the Corps. I understand this changed several years back, but I don't think the Corps does a good job promoting the 0321/26 field.

[@brucemolett9843]

I was a recon Marine back in 1986-1990. I know that was a long time back but I don't think this recruiter really knows what he is talking about. In my experience, if somebody truly prepares themselves for the Recon screening and training process they will most likely make it through. The problem is that most people who try-out don't really prepare themselves either physically or mentally.

[@johnboatwright5060]

My cousin was a recruiter, boy did that burn him out. His plan was to retire but it was the burn out.

[@DeliaHale-oy2vh]

I was going to pipe in with my experience in the Marines, the offers I had and stuff but after reading the comments, it’s best not to. What I do appreciate is that it’s was said plainly you can’t go straight to MARSOC after Boot Camp unlike the highly praised Navy SEALS, Delta Force, Rangers, Special Forces etc…

[@doyleshaw5582]

I JOINED THE MARINES 3/26/68 WENT TO NAM 9/18 /68 E4 5/69 13MOS IN NAM THEY OFFER ME A E6 IF I WOULD REUP FOR 3 YEARS DID HAPPEN.

[@JeremyGraham-gf8qc]

I had a recon contract, DOR’d 1 week into Recon Training Assessment Program (RTAP) and immediately got out of the marine corps straight from Lima company where they were reclassing guys who also failed. Let’s just say I didn’t wanna make scrambled eggs for the next 4 years 😂😂

[@TacMoTo]

If you drop on a recon contract you Do Not automatically become an 03, they reclassify you to something like air wing, air traffic controller. They don’t want to waste someone with a high ASVAB, very few become MT or cooks.

[@DJF1985]

Just because you want it doesn't mean you deserve it.

[@KameronPuryear]

It’s not that bad, I was a Sgt in 4 years, SSgt in 7 years, GySgt in 11 years, 1stSgt in 15 Years. It all comes down to mentorship and your seniors getting you the opportunities necessary to advance. Trust me I’m still in the Marine Corps and I’m doing it for my Marines now.

[@jakezweig]

When

[@sledge7583]

So what you are saying, it's really damn tough to make it into Recon? Well, what does that say about a basic Recon Marine? Tough, smart, never give up attitude 💪......

[@dialecticalmonist3405]

If you are joining the military to find "good odds in life", you have already made a poor decision.

[@ChriS-tz9jm]

Just go reserve you can do everything reserve EXCEPT MARSOC which is crazy because theres even SEAL reservist

[@jakezweig]

But the we're active duty then when reserves

[@clay.redlineadventures]

MARSOC has a reserve detachment now, but you have to do an active enlistment first as a Raider, same as the SEALs. Great opportunity for the active duty guys to take a break and keep a foot in the door.

[@dorianvick8932]

Good on you Vince!

[@Rocketrich88]

The unfortunate truth is genetics plays a HUGE roll. If you have struggled physically playing sports, and trained consistently, then you are going to have a VERY hard time in Selection. A lot people are not ready for that level of failure, rejection, and pressure. It sucks on a level most people can not handle; so they quit...

[@jakezweig]

HUGE

[@richardelias2674]

USMC 67-70, medically retired after my 68-69 tour.

[@Kq4hcuDan]

Im 43 years old i could if i was younger again i could see going SAPPER and once term of enlistment is up id transfer to Navy and go Seabee.

[@philipdru9290]

Why I didn't join the Marines. Back in the 90's they only guaranteed you 12 weeks of Boot Camp and that was it. As I had a 93 ASVAB and 142 GT score, they told me I probably would be in some admin, mechanic or tech job. And, you had to be Infantry to be recon back then. They laughed when I asked to be a paratrooper. I left the recruiter office, and the Army recruiter asked me what I wanted to do in the Marines, explained what they told me. He, Sgt. Doug Verplank, asked me " have you ever heard of an Army Ranger? " I was like nope. He said watch this video, it was a video from the Discoveryt Channel World of Valor; Army Rangers. I was like, where do I sign? Next day, went to MEPS. Signed my contract and a month later I was off to Benning. Absolutely no regrets. 11-B, made my E-5 in three years. And, got some awesome training, deployments and sent to the best kept secret in the Army, Savannah, Ga HAA/Stewart.

[@koden24]

I retired Gysgt 1371 Combat Engineers. This was a good MOS. I used it to the best of my ability! This was from 1980-2001. During that time we had rapid promotions. I was a Sergeant in 21/2 years.

[@joshuasingleton8235]

That's amazing. I was an 0311 from 06-09. It was rare to see someone even pick up Cpl before their first was up. Terminal lance here...

[@koden24]

That was because at that time, Ssgt, Sgt, and Cpl, were getting out, eoe, and reenlisting to go to another MOS,or the 3rd Engineer overseas. Which left Lcpl ,Pfc,and Pvts, so our Battalion Gunny started promoting Marines who He felt, had the leadership skills for the rank that was offered circa 1981-1983. Now it took some years after that for promotion to Ssgt to GySgt for me, as I was getting close to 20 years.

[@joshuasingleton8235]

@@koden24 oh ok, that makes sense. Everyone I was with was gung-ho to re-up and deploy at the time. Too bad, I could have used some extra cash being stationed at kbay in HI. A gallon of milk was $8 even back then. We could barely afford to leave base. In regiment they had a thing for not assigning a chief to S-4 and the like and would turn the blind eye to a LCPL in the position of an e7 or 03. Before I got out I was in reg hq s-4 facilities and they didnt give us a facilities chief so I as a lance ran the office and made all of the keys, did the budget, made the purchases, moved the guys in and out of the barracks, organized working parties... the list goes on. I never got recognition, but all of the higher ups came to me when they needed something. This went on for almost 2 years before my med sep. Then I got screwed on that by doc saying that my injuries stemmed from pre-existing conditions from martial arts injuries in high school. I was not a happy camper when I got out. I was not a turd, I was completely squared away and had a lot of respect from everyone in HQ. They just didn't do much of the right thing. At one point they gave us a gunny. He sat on the computer all day playing solitaire until he sep'd. Then we got a Cpt for a month or so. Same thing. Folks came in the office and he didn't say a word. They just came to my desk. Weirdest thing I've ever seen. They were just killing time. They never even bothered to formally get me a clearance or anything, but here I am walking around with my ID as a master key and using the accounts. All they told me was that if I spent the money, the budget wouldn't go down. If I spend too much, they'll complain. Keep everybody happy. I've never seen such disorder.

[@cypi6210]

I’m in the Marine Corps right now. Wanted to go to selection but now I’m just looking at switching to the army next enlistment

[@jakezweig]

Great plan

[@itsAmeOFP]

Go to A&S. It’ll at least give you an idea what to expect at SFAS. Unless you’re in a recon BN you probably won’t get that kind of experience anywhere else in the corps. Best case scenario you get selected and you can choose whether you want to do an enlistment with MARSOC before you transfer over, worst case you don’t get picked and you identify your weaknesses or reassess whether that kind of thing is really for you. Lots of people leave when they realize that a warm bed is more important to them than feeling cool.

[@eddiearias5409]

Go 18 X as prior service. Or try out at your closest SF National Guard group

[@waynepolk4179]

Wow! NINE years as an E5! In Army and Air Force most make it in about half that time: 4 to 5 years! Cannot believe guys put up with the Marines with so much career impediments!

[@30minutesLess]

My brother made it to the end of RTAC, and they dropped him and told him to come back and mature in the corps

[@ronportillo3851]

In 1986, I was an 0321, then Force Recon reactivated in i believe end of 1987. I went through a selection for them and got selected. I went through a divorce within 2 years. Botton line, if you're married, you will get divorced

[@jakezweig]

YOU WILL

[@hdaines03511]

I was 39 months as a Lance Corporal during GWOT. Never demoted never NJP'd. Even got the good conduct medal.

[@joshuasingleton8235]

GWOT here also. Terminal lance was the norm. NJP's for underage drinking were too though but the punishment was usually half pay for a short time and that's it. I rarely saw even "stellar" Marines pick up Cpl during their first enlistment

[@rebelintel]

You couldn't sign up for recon in 1987-91 when I was in. Interesting that they opened that up.

[@jakezweig]

What do you mean

[@rebelintel]

@jakezweig I mean, I was in the Marines from 1987-91. At that time, one could not enlist in recon. Recon recruiters came out to about our 6th week in School of Infantry (SOI) and asked if anyone wanted to try out for recon. This was after completing a 15 mile hump. Those that went for it had to do a PFT and swim qual that day, and then go on to indoc.

[@samuelcook7179]

I was a USMC Aviation Ordnance SGT making SSGT was not going to happen. SNCO boards being to competitive with already a top heavy MOS. Moved over to Army for Flight School. There were many Marines who became Warrant Officer Candidates, since the Army did not require a degree for flight school. Retired as CWO3, Senior Army Aviator, USAR

[@jakezweig]

Lets go!!!!!!!!

[@geoffsmith76]

He isn’t lying. I met one of Jake’s frog buddies on ship that was a Marine motor T prior to making the jump to the Seals(Northcutt). Became a sniper with the Seal teams but obviously the Corps didn’t know what to do with him. That being said I have not ever heard of anyone going 9 fucking years as an E-5 without getting in trouble. Bet that DD214 tells a different story.