When I decided to join the military I had no particular affiliation or history with any of the branches of the military. I was a twenty year old kid with no clue of the history, goals or purpose of our military. So quite at random I walked into the Army recruitment office and started talking with the man behind the desk.
A bit disheveled in his appearance, but otherwise nice enough. He talked of joining the largest branch of the military, a proud history, where many men and women have served with distinction.
I thanked him and went to the Air Force recruiter. A loose, baggy man who spoke of how awesome and easy it would be in the Air Force and when I got out I’d have the GI Bill to get some education.
Down at the Navy recruiter I asked the man who paints the ships and he told me they had contractors for that job. True as far as it goes, but the day to day has the enlisted turning gray splashing coat after coat onto those walls and floors.
When I walked into the Marine Corps office I asked the recruiter why I should join and he said I shouldn’t. He said it would be the hardest thing I ever did and I would curse his name with every pushup performed in boot camp. I told him he had a lousy sales pitch and he responded by telling me they only wanted those who had the attitude to take up the challenge. I signed up that day and two days before Christmas I stepped off a bus and planted my feet on two yellow footprints.
Looking back on those recruiter experiences, I feel the same way when I hear about politicians who tell me I’m joining something larger than myself, can get something for free or tell lies I can easily fact check. All a politician can do is take from one person and give it (minus a cut, of course) to another person. They can’t give me me anything they didn’t already take from somebody else first.
I joined the Marine Corps because I love this country and I love freedom, but mostly because I love exerting effort to achieve my goals. Freedom doesn’t mean free from effort, it means free to make your own choices to act to achieve your values. Any time somebody tells you you have a right to the goods and services of another human being they’re selling you the con of slavery. Free college, free healthcare, these have a cost in the form of moving you one step closer to slavery. Because if “society” is paying the bill, “society” is going to want a say in their investment.
I joined the Marine Corps because it was a challenge that turned me into a better person. I learned skills I’ve used throughout my life. I’m not saying it’s for everyone, but the underlying principle of self sufficiency can be applied by anyone.
