Originally posted by Trapps:
1. Do what you're told, as efficiently as possible; and to the very best of your ability.
2. Pay Attention.
3. Keep your mouth shut.



I gave my brother this exact advice when he entered the Marines. Since obviously I've never been in the Marines, I think it's good advice for anyone in life and you learn it well from experience and screwing up.
He goofed up now and then, but for the most part he followed the advice. This from a kid who had an authority problem all his life and never wanted to listen to anyone. He shaped up fast.
It's funny too because I always tried to teach him this stuff growing up. Do what you're told as fast as you can so you can then have "you" time. Don't always question, just do it and get it over with and you'll understand the why's eventually. He just never got it. It took the Marines to finally pound this concept into his head. lol
He did some reflection and told us that he now sees what we were trying to tell him all those years.

He returned not too long ago from Iraq, where he got into some pretty hairy situations, but his experiences have only affected him positively. He is still a goofball that wants to play videogames all the time, but he's also matured really well.

It's so nice to see how much he's grown up. The Marines really did him well. I used to hate him because he never followed the rules, but now I'm really proud of him.

btw, he started out at Paris Island, but is now in SD.

Kim 1995 Contour GL Needs less "needs more"