my brother was a Marine as well.. he's one bad ass dude. he loved being in it but it was grueling too..
USMC boot camp @ Lejeune was insane from what i saw when i went down there to his graduation, and also from what he told me

he tried to play it down, but i mean duuuudde.. heh
later he then went off to Okie for a year..
Marines do have it rougher than others, IMHO.
if you DO end up getting into the marines and all i wish you luck!