Thread: Which choice is better for becoming a good sniper- USMC or Army

Congratulations sir. Serve the nation well.

Originally Posted by illusha

I took my physical today and passed with flying colors except I said yes to questions that I shouldn't have like have you ever had counseling or are you in counseling right now which doesn't specifically say did you have counseling with a counseler.

Piece of advice, friend:

NEVER, EVER lie, especially in writing, or with your signature attached. This is not just for your own protection and well-being (although I do assure you, son, that is a BIG part of it).

There is one rule that all my new subordinates will always hear from me: "NEVER lie to me. If you're in trouble, if you've done something or something has come up, tell me ALL of it. I absolutely HATE being surprised by something relating to you, especially if you already knew about it, or saw it coming. If you tell me, I will help you as much as I can and as much as is appropriate. I will be your advocate. I will be on you side. But let me get surprised, or lie to me, and I will be standing on the COMMANDER'S side of the desk, and I will help him screw you to the maximum extent allowable by law. ALWAYS tell me the truth, and if you do, if it's your word against somebody else, I will believe you first. But show me that you have no integrity, and you will NEVER regain that trust from me."

Live by that code, and you won't go far wrong. Don't, and you'll never be a Marine, no matter what that uniform says over your heart.

Bluesman, my recruiter helped clear that up. What they meant was have you ever had counseling with a counselor and I didn't know that was what they meant. In 5th grade I had a fight with another student and then I had to talk to the teacher and the principal about it, they told me not to do it again. Apparently, that does not count as counseling.

I am wondering why I got a 20/20 vision test result without my glasses on when I can't see that well with it, they just basically put the same letters up in the screen and it was easy to memorize it/repeat it back. If I don't get a prescription for glasses then should I ask for one? I need glasses for driving and for looking at letters at a classroom board/screen.

Originally Posted by illusha

Bluesman, my recruiter helped clear that up. What they meant was have you ever had counseling with a counselor and I didn't know that was what they meant. In 5th grade I had a fight with another student and then I had to talk to the teacher and the principal about it, they told me not to do it again. Apparently, that does not count as counseling.

Okay, cool. But I'm serious, and any military supervisor will tell you the same thing. (Back me up, here, fellas.)

ALWAYS tell the truth, if you're saying anything at all. If there is something you'd rather not get into, say THAT. (I've done that once. I was asked by a supervisor about an area that didn't bear on my military duties, wasn't any sort of violation of regs, and was basically not the business of the person asking nor was it my commander's business. So, I said, "I'm not going to answer that question. If there is anything else you'd like to know that bears on my standing with the military, and I'll answer completely and truthfully. Otherwise, I'd like to change the subject." Rocked him back on his heels, and he tried to tell me that Oh, hell YES, I'd answer! But I never did, and I didn't get in any trouble. So, if you are in a situation that you don't want to talk about, DON'T, but never lie.)

Tell me you understand that completely. It's important that you do.

Good luck.

Originally Posted by illusha

I decided to join the marines. I just took my ASVAB and I got a 73/99 (This is a really stupid test).

I took my physical today and passed with flying colors except I said yes to questions that I shouldn't have like have you ever had counseling or are you in counseling right now which doesn't specifically say did you have counseling with a counseler. Also, you never ever want to hear this again "Pull down your pants and underwear and bend down and spread your ass cheeks with your hands".

I am going to take my IST (initial strength test) on monday and I know I can already do 3 pullups. My recruiter and I have decided to continue with the DEP(Delayed Entry Program) for a month to help me with pushups and running, then I will go to bootcamp. I also did my oath of Delayed Entry Program after the physical. I was wondering, what ASVAB score would I need to be a sniper? You guys have probably said it in these 4 pages but I don't want to search them. Another question, do marines have enlistment bonuses? I already signed the contract and my recruiter told me that there is no enlistment bonus but I don't trust him since I know all he really cares about is the commission he gets.

Good luck to you.

Originally Posted by illusha

I am going to take my IST (initial strength test) on monday and I know I can already do 3 pullups. My recruiter and I have decided to continue with the DEP(Delayed Entry Program) for a month to help me with pushups and running, then I will go to bootcamp. I also did my oath of Delayed Entry Program after the physical. I was wondering, what ASVAB score would I need to be a sniper? You guys have probably said it in these 4 pages but I don't want to search them. Another question, do marines have enlistment bonuses? I already signed the contract and my recruiter told me that there is no enlistment bonus but I don't trust him since I know all he really cares about is the commission he gets.

A few questions asked, last one first.

Recruiters do not get a commission. Its straight salary just like the rest of the Corps.

Second Bonuses. Did you sign your contract? If yes did you get a bonus? If no then there are no bonuses for you. Bonuses are given for difficult to fill MOSs.

IF there was one for the MOS that you signed up for and its not in the contract
that you signed then, you didn't get a bonus.

You will learn that USMC stands for yoU Signed the Motherf**king Contract.



Assuming that you signed up for an 03 MOS (Infantry). If not, forget about sniper school.

Basic requirements are a first class PFT

You won't even be looked at if not a 285 or above. You need
20 dead hang pullups = 100 pts
100 crunches in 2 min = 100 pts
3 miles in 20:30 = 85 pts

Cannot fudge the pullups or crunches. Cannot max them your not even in the game. The closer you can get to 18 min runs the better. Looks even better if you over do everything. Do 30 pull ups and 110 crunches.

Multiple award expert shooter.

At least a 2d class swim qual. Here are the requirements, you start at WS4 and then progress. From MCO 1500.52B Dtd 17 Apr 2001


Testing for CWS3, CWS2, CWS1, and WSQ will be accomplished while
wearing full combat gear, unless otherwise stated.

(1) Full combat gear will consist of boots, utilities, helmet, flak
jacket, Load Bearing Vest (LBV) or issued equivalent, cartridge belt, two
magazine pouches, two full canteens with covers, rubber rifle, and a standard
30 pound pack, which has been properly water-proofed. The Modular Lightweight
Load Carrying Equipment (MOLLE) pack has an internal frame that cannot be
removed; therefore, it is safe for training. However, the MOLLE may not be
attached to the Load Bearing Vest (LBV).

(2) The pack will consist of the appropriate uniform/
individual combat clothing and equipment (ICCE) items to approximate 30 pounds.

Combat Water Survival, Fourth Class (CWS4). Emphasis is on personal
survival without combat gear. CWS4 training will include instruction on the
Beginner's Swimmer Stroke (front and back), drown-proofing, and treading water.
Minimum skill level for all enlisted Marines (unless assigned MOS dictates
otherwise). Re-qualification will occur every year.

(1) Uniform for qualifying is utilities only (no boots).

(2) Enter shallow water (minimum 1m depth).

(3) Swim 25m in shallow water using either the beginner swimmer stroke
(front or back), or demonstrating a basic knowledge of a survival stroke, or
any combination thereof.

(4) Using the ease-in entry method while wearing utilities, enter deep
water and perform personal water survival skills using one, or a combination
of, water survival techniques (i.e., drown-proofing, treading water, and/or
trouser or blouse inflation) for a total of four minutes. Touching the bottom
or the side of the pool before the four minutes elapses will disqualify the
Marine.

(5) Without exiting the water, from the side of the pool, swim 25m
using either the beginner's swimming stroke (back or front) or demonstrate
working ability of any survival stroke or combination thereof.

b. Combat Water Survival, Third Class (CWS3). Marine must have completed
CWS4. Emphasis is on personal survival under combat situations and while on
maneuvers in full combat gear. Re-qualification will occur every two years.

(1) From minimum height of eight feet (maximum of 15 feet), using the
abandon ship technique and wearing utilities and boots only, enter deep water
and travel 25m using either a beginner swimming stroke (on front or back) or
demonstrating a basic knowledge of any survival stroke or combination thereof.

(2) Enter shallow water (minimum 1m depth) with rubberized training
rifle at port arms and wearing full combat gear.

(3) Walk 20m in shallow water (minimum 1m depth/waist deep) with weapon
at port arms and wearing full combat gear.

(4) Walk 20m in chest high water wearing full combat gear with weapon slung
around neck, muzzle down.

(5) Travel for 20m in chest deep water wearing full combat gear with
weapon slung around neck, muzzle down, using a modified breast stroke arm
movement and modified combat stroke leg movement (bicycle kick).

(6) Travel for 40m in deep water (over the head) wearing full combat
gear with weapon slung around neck, muzzle down, using a modified breast stroke
arm movement and modified combat travel stroke leg movement (bicycle kick).

(7) From a height of five feet, using the abandon ship technique, enter
deep water with full combat gear and weapon (weapon inverted at sling arms),
travel 10m, remove pack, and travel 15m transporting both pack and weapon.

c. Combat Water Survival, Second Class (CWS2). Marine must have completed
CWS3. Emphasis is on the ability to assist an exhausted/wounded Marine to
safety wearing full combat gear. CWS2 is the minimum requirement for all naval
aviation aircrew with a written waiver from their commanding officer. It is
the minimum skill level required of all officers, MOS 0313 (LAV Crewman), 0481
(Landing Support Specialist), 1371 (Combat Engineer), 1833 (Assault Amphibian
Vehicle Crewman), and all 7212 assigned to LAV-AD platoons. It is also the
minimum skill level required for Marines assigned to "Boat/Raid Companies."
Re-qualification will occur every three years.

(1) Wearing full combat gear minus pack, using one or a combination of
survival strokes, travel 50m in deep water, with weapon slung across back
(muzzle down).

(2) Wearing full combat gear, perform 25m collar-tow on wounded
"victim", dressed identically, while simultaneously towing two packs. Weapons
will be slung across the back (muzzle down). Victim will hold on to the two
packs and will not assist in propulsion.


Must have correctable vision to 20/20. Not color blind.

No Company level NJP within 6 months. No Bn level . Most units won't even look at you if you have a counseling statement (Pg 11 entry)

GT score of 110.

Most units also have Proficency/conduct mark requirements.

Recommended by Squad leader, Plt Guide, Plt Sgt, Plt Cdr, Co Gunny and CO.
The Bn Commander WILL talk to ALL of them. In addition to interviewing you.

Do all that and you can go through the indoc course. Normally a 4 week course that test your mental and physical abilities.,Skill at land nav, observation, memory and field craft.

Pass indoc and get selected for one of the open slots and you have a probation period of 6 months. Pass all that and then you can attend the S/S course.

Figure at least 18-24 months in your unit before they will even consider letting you try out.

I thought Infantry gets a bonus in the USMC? Like sometime measly compared to the army. ($4000) (army - $20,000) depending on how long you enlist for.

" You will learn that USMC stands for yoU Signed the Motherf**king Contract"

US Army is "Uncle Sam Aint Released Me Yet".

LOL...

"I thought Infantry gets a bonus in the USMC? Like sometime measly compared to the army. ($4000) (army - $20,000) depending on how long you enlist for."

When i joined the infantry(Army) i got $5k for 4 years.

I was reading an article the other day about senior enlisted Green Berets. They're being offered renlistment bonuses from $5000 to $150,000 to stay in the Army above the 20 year mark. I was like "DAAMMMMNNNNNN". But then, a lot Private companies pay that yearly so it's a fair compensation.

Originally Posted by giggs88

I was reading an article the other day about senior enlisted Green Berets. They're being offered renlistment bonuses from $5000 to $150,000 to stay in the Army above the 20 year mark. I was like "DAAMMMMNNNNNN". But then, a lot Private companies pay that yearly so it's a fair compensation.

Just had a Navy Master Cheif SEAL re-enlist for 6 years...$150K.

He managed to get a out-and-back trip to Afghanistan, and he did it while he was there. So, $75K of that is completely tax-free.

And he's worth every penny of it.

No, I didn't get any enlistment bonus. My recruiter gave me this bs excuse that the marines want you to join and not because of money. I didn't question it which might have been a mistake. I did sign my contract. I was wondering, what the law saids about if you didn't tell the doctor that you have say (just a example) a skin disease or what you think might be a skin disease but it was not intentional, you just couldn't remember it.

This physical part of the training is a lot harder than I thought it would be. I can do 44 situps in 2 minutes (which is the lowest amount required) and I can do 3 dead hang pull ups. The problem is with my stamina, I cannot run or jog or exercise over a long period. So, I am really worried about that and I haven't been having any success lately.

The problem with me in running is I can't control my breathing (I tried taking deep breaths) and don't have enough energy to finish a mile (I am close to to having a heart attack or fainting at the last part of the mile). I just can't keep running or jogging all the time. Is there any good hints for running for people who usually don't run?

"Is there any good hints for running for people who usually don't run?"

Try to relax. Breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. And keep at it, it should get easier.