The Veteran Thread

theoddz · 07-16-2018, 09:35 AM

Wow, have things ever changed in the past 39 years since I trained at Parris Island MCRD and earned my Title (U.S. Marine). Watching this, I'm filled with pride, yet I feel a bit jealous, too. I'm extremely proud that Women Marines have made these giant steps of equality, and a large part of that is the fact that that accomplishment is largely due to the courage and commitment of not only my generation, but of millions of others who came before. On the other hand, I'm jealous that my generation didn't get the opportunity to meet the challenges that this new generation has.

To understand my perspective here, let me say that my boot camp series (each "series"/company consists of 2 platoons), back in the Spring of 1979, was only the second series to be issued the camouflage utility uniform (aka "BDU's" or Battle Dress Uniform) and leather combat boots. Prior to that, the female utility uniform consisted of a pair of blue trousers/slacks and a light blue blouse. Back then, we didn't get training with the M16 rifle in boot camp, nor did we receive any instruction with hand to hand combat. Instead, we had classes on makeup and military bearing.

Still, I am pretty proud to have served as a Woman Marine. Nowdays, I just call myself a Marine. It's what I am and will always be. Semper Fi.

~Theo~

View Poll Results: Are you a Veteran???
I served in the Army	24	46.15%
I served in the Navy	5	9.62%
I served in the Air Force	7	13.46%
I served in the Coast Guard	1	1.92%
I'm a United States Marine	5	9.62%
I served in the Army Nat'l Guard	2	3.85%
I served in the Air National Guard	1	1.92%
I served in a Reserve Component (please specify)	3	5.77%
I served in the Armed Forces of another country	4	7.69%
Voters: 52. You may not vote on this poll

07-16-2018, 09:35 AM	#33
theoddz Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Cranky Old Poop Preferred Pronoun?: Mr. Beast Relationship Status: Married to a beautiful babe whom I don't deserve. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 3,545 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 11,163 Thanked 9,939 Times in 2,516 Posts Rep Power: 21474855	Wow, have things ever changed in the past 39 years since I trained at Parris Island MCRD and earned my Title (U.S. Marine). Watching this, I'm filled with pride, yet I feel a bit jealous, too. I'm extremely proud that Women Marines have made these giant steps of equality, and a large part of that is the fact that that accomplishment is largely due to the courage and commitment of not only my generation, but of millions of others who came before. On the other hand, I'm jealous that my generation didn't get the opportunity to meet the challenges that this new generation has. To understand my perspective here, let me say that my boot camp series (each "series"/company consists of 2 platoons), back in the Spring of 1979, was only the second series to be issued the camouflage utility uniform (aka "BDU's" or Battle Dress Uniform) and leather combat boots. Prior to that, the female utility uniform consisted of a pair of blue trousers/slacks and a light blue blouse. Back then, we didn't get training with the M16 rifle in boot camp, nor did we receive any instruction with hand to hand combat. Instead, we had classes on makeup and military bearing. Still, I am pretty proud to have served as a Woman Marine. Nowdays, I just call myself a Marine. It's what I am and will always be. Semper Fi. *~Theo~* __________________ *"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost."* -- J. R. R. Tolkien

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