Todd--that wasn't me in Anbar--I've been in Okinawa for a couple years now. The last shots I saw fired in anger were in East Timor (working with our Australian brothers-what a professional, no-nonsense group of warriors) and in Aden, Yemen just after the Cole was sucker-punched. I'll report in to 3rd LAR on Halloween this year (18 years to the day from the first time I reported in there)--will you still be there?
Bard--regarding how training is getting easier--I've been in since Ronald Regan was in office (I joined to fight the Russians.....
). I think the emphasis in the last 20 years has been to train a smarter warfighter, rather than a stronger one. It's far easier to make someone strong than it is to make them smart. I've seen that transition particurlarly in the Navy and Marine Corps. Having said that, I know from personal experience that Marine Corps physical fitness standards have gotten tougher since I came in (especially the pull-ups, and the change in female physical fitness test standards becoming comperable to the males). In recent years, the Corps has also instituted martial arts training, emphasing not only the physical skills, but also the "warrior ethos" that any martial artist must also master to add make the martial arts an appropriately used and effective weapon.
The Navy also recently tightened up on their physical fitness standards, and Sailors are sitting up and taking notice.
My experiance with Corpsman has been pretty darn good. Since there's only 1 per Infantry Platoon, they need to be able to do everything we do to the same standards. In the past, if I had one that couldn't (or wouldn't) hack it, a quick talk with the Chief (HMC) got me one that would fast. Corpsman are one of the key players in the team, and since there's only one, he has to be smart, professional, competant and strong. There can't be a compromise with that, or Marines will die. That's a huge responsibility for a 19 or 20-year old, but that's the way it is. I personally think that Corpsman serving with the Marines are the finest that the Navy has to offer. That's not to take anything away from the other Sailors proudly serving (or have served in the past), I just don't have much personal experiance with that part of the Navy.
Volumefiend-
If you're fortunate enough to pick your job, pick something that seems interesting. No matter what it is, be the best there is at what you do. People will notice. I meant what I said about adopting the Core Values--use them in all you do and they'll serve you well in life. If you really want to get ahead of your peers, learn the Marine Corps Leadership Traits and Principals. They will serve you well personally and professionally, whether in the military or as a civilian. And whatever you do, take advantage of any education benefits you can. I've been able to earn 2 Bachelors degrees and am working on a Masters since I've been in. I had just about zero opportunity to that as a civilian.
Regarding Stress Cards--I've heard of them, but have never personally seen them. I suspect that those who would do us harm won't acknowledge them, though.
Scott Zaehler
GySgt USMC
For females it's... are you ready? 20. :scowl: This is from the Navy's Physical Fitness OPNAVINST 6110G. So yeah, it is watered down. 
