While many college-bound students will experience a combination of migraines, headaches and sleep deprivation next year, senior Adriano Regis will deal with trying physical stress greater than that caused by any college calculus course.
The Marine Corps does not hold the motto “the few, the proud” for no reason.
“Marine Corps is the hardest boot camp out of the four [branches, whichinclude the army, navy and air force] and has the least amount of people,” said Regis. “I wanted a real, serious challenge.”
Regis begins the three-month recruit training this upcoming September, which includes both physical and skill preparation. This is comprised of hand-to-hand combat, gun-firing, bayonet and rappelling skills, all of which may be needed in a combat situation. The physical training consists of typical core exercise, such as running, push-ups, sit-ups and pull-ups, but at an intensive rate. At the end of the training is a two-day test which every recruit must pass to become a marine.
“It’s the most difficult thing that most people do until that point of their lives,” said Regis.
His parents initially opposed the decision to join the Marines last November, but now they agree with Regis.
“I tried to show them my point of view and what I think,” said Regis. “They were completely against my idea at first, but now they think it’s a better option than college.”
After a much needed month of rest for those who pass the training, trainees await roughly a year and a half of additional training and schooling. Next is the school on infantry, and after a month recruits are sent to the military occupation specialty school depending on what specific job best suits their abilities. Marines are ultimately assigned to permanent duty stations.
College is still a possible option for Regis. Six months into the final training teachers and professors from different universities come to teach, which is paid for by the Marine Corps.
“I’m still thinking about whether I will stay or get a college degree,” said Regis.
Regis urges students to look into options other than college.
“Not everybody may be ready for [the Marine Corps],” he said. “But if you look at the benefits, it’s never a bad idea to look into it.”
