The Marines are Looking for the Few and the Proud

Posted: Dec. 22, 2009

The Marines are looking for a few good men and women. They are looking for individuals who want to carry on the long tradition and history that has been established since 1775. That is the type of person you want next to you in a foxhole someone who actually wants to be a United States Marine not someone who just wants to join for the college money. My name is Sgt. Ryan R. Riekkoff and I am the local Marine Corps representative for the Greendale area. I just wanted to introduce myself to the fine people of Greendale, WI. I am originally from the Sherman Park area on Milwaukee’s north side. I graduated from Brown Deer High School and the day after I went right to basic training in San Diego, CA. I decided to join the Marines because out of all the other services the Marine Corps offered the most challenge, has the highest standards and most importantly I wanted to be the best of the best one of the few and the proud. Marines are held to a higher standard ethically and morally and respect for others is essential. Marines are expected to act responsibly in a manner befitting to the title they’ve earned. The oath every Marine takes is a promise and a reminder of their commitment to the defense of our nation.

 

Eligibility

To even have the opportunity to become a United States Marine, applicants need to be mentally, morally and physically qualified. You must have a high school diploma or on track to get one. The Marine Corps wants people who can think on their feet and make quick decisions because the job can be stressful at times so we need people who can keep their cool under pressure. Also the Marine Corps wants people who have clean records no major crimes so the reputation of the Marine Corps will never be tarnished and having people in our ranks who are not morally sound will not help the Marine Corps accomplish its important missions worldwide. Training in the Marines is rigorous so applicants who have medical conditions such as asthma for example cannot be accepted. Finally like I stated earlier the Marine Corps wants someone who wants to be a Marine.

 

Basic Training

Once applicants are selected for the Marines, they head to 13 weeks of some of the most challenging training that transforms civilians into Marines. Basic Training is the most difficult challenge they will ever face. It will be good for them because it molds them into a United States Marine, someone who is looked at highly. The recruits will be sore after the first couple of weeks because the physical training is intense and they will be using muscles they never even knew existed. Basic training even though very physically challenging is also even more mentally challenging. You actually have to think of it as a game and the Drill Instructors are trying to break you. So you really have to dig deep and really want to claim that title United States Marine in order to get through it all. Once through basic training, these new Marines stand out in the crowd, people notice a difference and change in you once you get through this rigorous training. People can tell you are a Marine just by the way you walk and talk and most importantly the way you conduct yourself. The first time my parents saw me after basic training they didn’t even recognize me. So yes Basic Training will change you but change you for the better.

Opportunities

The hard work and discipline pay off for Marines. Along with college opportunities, the Marine Corps offers hands on training. The title of Marine on a resume places that resume above the rest. Companies look for people who are going to be at work every day, who are leaders, who know the meaning of teamwork and who also know the meaning of mission accomplishment which is the number one mission of the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps will instill a hard working attitude, dedication and how to be cool under pressure. A golden path is laid out for every Marine they must take advantage of that path. To learn more about the Marine Corps you can contact me Sgt. Ryan R. Riekkoff at ryan.riekkoff@marines.usmc.mil or at (414) 282-3911 (262) 347-8769.