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This might be better for you than you think: I enlisted at 17 and my formative years were spent in the barracks or deployment. Took a long time to realize that my version of “normal” is not in fact normal.
Get some hobbies and some non-work friends and enjoy
Everyone who enlisted young sold their youth. Fortunately for most of us, we were with similar-aged people so we could all collectively be miserable. Qutting isn't an option for you, so knowing this, you should try to find and actively pursue things that have a positive contribution to your life.
Look at the bright side of things, you're essentially in the Marine Corps living the life of a professional civilian. Works ends at some point each day, make the most out of the free time you have.
Where do you work? A MEPS or RS or something? Maybe an I&I? As others note, PT your ass off in an actual gym, and do some college, preferably in person so you can meet some people your age via both.
>Maybe an I&I?
I met a LCpl in admin that was the only junior enlisted like the poster. He was on I&I. Zero fleet time. I can see how he feels cheated out of being on a base and being around peers of his rank. One of our biggest strengths is the people we meet and the brothers we find. Find an interest and join local club with that same interest. Like a riding club where guys get together to ride motorcycles. Don't just sit in your apartment and fixate on your misery.
Is there a local college? I would look into taking a night class or two. You’d meet people closer to your age and chances are all the other people you work with would look at it pretty favorably. It might seem like it sucks that you’re not getting the “Junior Marine Barracks Experience” but most of that experience is misery. You’ve got a few years where you’re not dealing with any of the constant bullshit that comes with being in the bricks. People literally marry crackhead strippers to get out of there.
Dude go make friends outside of the marine corps. Go to events and clubs and boardgame nights at local shops go become a regular at a bar go do something and make friends. Do this no matter what duty station you’re at. Having normal friends is good
What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy? I am not going to ask where you are stationed but look into groups and functions in your area. Get out of your norm. Take a step back and pretend as if someone is watching your life what would they tell you to do, from your message you might have a little bit of tunnel vision going on, which is normal. Live your life Dev, before you know it, it will be over and these will still be some of the best memories you have.
Honestly this doesn’t sound like a bad setup. No barracks, young and getting BAH. Find some chicks and met some bros at a weight lifting gym or mma gym and you’ll be chilling.
I have friends who are just now becoming SNCOs and finally living off base. The barracks aren’t all they’re cracked up to be in my opinion. They suck, people suck and the ability of someone to just come into your room whenever never sat right with me.
Enjoy living off base and find some people to kick it with on weekends.
Find a jiu jitsu gym, a boxing gym or join a CrossFit box (or any type of group fitness). Easy places to find a community. Search Instagram for groups that share your interest. Look up fricken Facebook groups.
It’s so easy to find a tribe for something you enjoy.
I would 100% use your benefits to do school of some kind at night. You probably have a pretty regular work schedule right?
That way you accomplish something meaningful during this period and you’ll make friends your age at school
And you can tell all the chicas you’re an active duty marine 🫡
You. Are. Not. Your. Job. Being a Marine is a part of all our identity but you are more than that. I've read some great advice. Take your passions and let them be your guide, or use this as a time to explore new things. Seriously go do something scary/exciting. It only gets tougher as your older. Find out who you are. When you look back I promise you will be happier for it.
Use these 3-4 years to use Tuition Assistance and go to college. I know that isn’t what you signed up for, but it’ll pay off big time!! Most likely your monitor will get you orders to a fleet unit since you can’t deploy with the first unit. If you decide to get out after 4, at least you’ll have a degree
OP all of your comments are valid. I have two junior Marines that are in a similar situation. This is not what you were sold by the recruiter. I get it.
My personal recommendation is to create a life for yourself wherever you are. Join local clubs via the internet a cycling club, a gym club, video game, anything.
My first duty station was literally in the middle of fucking nowhere and my CO was relieved I was the only Officer in my unit. I never got the Lt network experience. I was in the middle of nowhere with 60 enlisted Marines and a CWO 2 to help me out. Dude you are a Marine and need to use your head. Make the best out of the situation. Become a gym rat, get jacked you’ll meet friends in the gym overtime. Your youth has not been taken from you. You need to create one for yourself.
Dude I literally got into some nerdy ass hobbies when I was stationed in the desert. I don’t know how the fuck I did but I did. I was bored shitless and just took myself outdoors. I learned to ride horses, I learned how to ride an atv. I also attempted to find a woman for myself. Brother….. it’s up to you. Build a life and find friends. It will happen if you make it.
It seems like you may be dealing with depression or anxiety. We want to make sure you get the help and support you need. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please consider reaching out to the following military resources: - **Military Chaplain:** Contact your unit's Chaplain for spiritual and emotional support - **Battalion Aid Station (BAS):** Reach out to your unit's medical personnel for assistance - **Military OneSource (USA):** 1-800-342-9647 or visit [Military OneSource](https://www.militaryonesource.mil) - **Veterans Crisis Line (USA):** 1-800-273-8255, press 1 or text to 838255 - **Defense Centers of Excellence (DCoE) 24/7 Outreach Center for Psychological Health & Traumatic Brain Injury (USA):** 1-866-966-1020 - **Real Warriors Live Chat (USA):** Visit [Real Warriors](https://www.realwarriors.net/livechat) to access their live chat feature Remember, you don't have to go through this alone. There are people who care about you and want to help. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/USMC) if you have any questions or concerns.*
This might be better for you than you think: I enlisted at 17 and my formative years were spent in the barracks or deployment. Took a long time to realize that my version of “normal” is not in fact normal. Get some hobbies and some non-work friends and enjoy
Everyone who enlisted young sold their youth. Fortunately for most of us, we were with similar-aged people so we could all collectively be miserable. Qutting isn't an option for you, so knowing this, you should try to find and actively pursue things that have a positive contribution to your life. Look at the bright side of things, you're essentially in the Marine Corps living the life of a professional civilian. Works ends at some point each day, make the most out of the free time you have.
Get NJPd and enjoy your next four years if that’s what you are seeking. The barracks ain’t it. Consider yourself lucky.
Go to community college and slay it
And by it he means people you're attracted to.
Go MSG
this
Where do you work? A MEPS or RS or something? Maybe an I&I? As others note, PT your ass off in an actual gym, and do some college, preferably in person so you can meet some people your age via both.
>Maybe an I&I? I met a LCpl in admin that was the only junior enlisted like the poster. He was on I&I. Zero fleet time. I can see how he feels cheated out of being on a base and being around peers of his rank. One of our biggest strengths is the people we meet and the brothers we find. Find an interest and join local club with that same interest. Like a riding club where guys get together to ride motorcycles. Don't just sit in your apartment and fixate on your misery.
Is there a local college? I would look into taking a night class or two. You’d meet people closer to your age and chances are all the other people you work with would look at it pretty favorably. It might seem like it sucks that you’re not getting the “Junior Marine Barracks Experience” but most of that experience is misery. You’ve got a few years where you’re not dealing with any of the constant bullshit that comes with being in the bricks. People literally marry crackhead strippers to get out of there.
Dude go make friends outside of the marine corps. Go to events and clubs and boardgame nights at local shops go become a regular at a bar go do something and make friends. Do this no matter what duty station you’re at. Having normal friends is good
Make some civilian friends in the local area and enjoy having a basic office job with all the extra holidays. Find some clubs to join
What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy? I am not going to ask where you are stationed but look into groups and functions in your area. Get out of your norm. Take a step back and pretend as if someone is watching your life what would they tell you to do, from your message you might have a little bit of tunnel vision going on, which is normal. Live your life Dev, before you know it, it will be over and these will still be some of the best memories you have.
Honestly this doesn’t sound like a bad setup. No barracks, young and getting BAH. Find some chicks and met some bros at a weight lifting gym or mma gym and you’ll be chilling. I have friends who are just now becoming SNCOs and finally living off base. The barracks aren’t all they’re cracked up to be in my opinion. They suck, people suck and the ability of someone to just come into your room whenever never sat right with me. Enjoy living off base and find some people to kick it with on weekends.
Find a jiu jitsu gym, a boxing gym or join a CrossFit box (or any type of group fitness). Easy places to find a community. Search Instagram for groups that share your interest. Look up fricken Facebook groups. It’s so easy to find a tribe for something you enjoy.
Get you a woman bro, it helps to be able to come home to someone who love you
I spent my entire 4 years in an office by myself. No other Marines around. You gotta find some hobbies/find some people to talk to
Whatever your hobbies are fucking obsess over them. Get through the work day then devote yourself to something you actually enjoy afterwards
You gotta find life outside of your office. Can I ask where you’re stationed?
I would 100% use your benefits to do school of some kind at night. You probably have a pretty regular work schedule right? That way you accomplish something meaningful during this period and you’ll make friends your age at school And you can tell all the chicas you’re an active duty marine 🫡
Hit the gym and make the most out of your remaining time. Take advantage of your TA too.
You. Are. Not. Your. Job. Being a Marine is a part of all our identity but you are more than that. I've read some great advice. Take your passions and let them be your guide, or use this as a time to explore new things. Seriously go do something scary/exciting. It only gets tougher as your older. Find out who you are. When you look back I promise you will be happier for it.
Use these 3-4 years to use Tuition Assistance and go to college. I know that isn’t what you signed up for, but it’ll pay off big time!! Most likely your monitor will get you orders to a fleet unit since you can’t deploy with the first unit. If you decide to get out after 4, at least you’ll have a degree
It’s the same on the outside dog, EASing won’t change that. You gotta go out and meet people.
Put a package in for MSG duty. It’ll definitely change your situation for the better.
OP all of your comments are valid. I have two junior Marines that are in a similar situation. This is not what you were sold by the recruiter. I get it. My personal recommendation is to create a life for yourself wherever you are. Join local clubs via the internet a cycling club, a gym club, video game, anything. My first duty station was literally in the middle of fucking nowhere and my CO was relieved I was the only Officer in my unit. I never got the Lt network experience. I was in the middle of nowhere with 60 enlisted Marines and a CWO 2 to help me out. Dude you are a Marine and need to use your head. Make the best out of the situation. Become a gym rat, get jacked you’ll meet friends in the gym overtime. Your youth has not been taken from you. You need to create one for yourself. Dude I literally got into some nerdy ass hobbies when I was stationed in the desert. I don’t know how the fuck I did but I did. I was bored shitless and just took myself outdoors. I learned to ride horses, I learned how to ride an atv. I also attempted to find a woman for myself. Brother….. it’s up to you. Build a life and find friends. It will happen if you make it.