The Marines take pride in that. We do more with less than any other branch of the service. Born out of necessity, and bred into a hallmark of service.

Amen. When I was in Iwakuni we had three flying coffins, if I recall correctly, and none of them were ever air-worthy and functioning at the same time.

As a former active duty Marine I'll admit that some take the AD versus the weekend warrior a bit too far. But you also have to realize that behind a lot of stereo-types there's a grain of truth: many reservists only perform their MOS skills for the Marines, the bulk of their time as a civilian is spent doing something unrelated. For that reason it's only logical that you're safer with a full timer than a reservist.

You may be the exception of the rule, but you need to temper your attitude with some recognition of the practical reality.

A good attitude, even under less than ideal circumstances, goes far in the Marines. Like your SSGT, I earned commendations for writing software to aid job functions. Everyone will get their chance to perform, but you have to be patient, keep a good attitude, and stay ready to take advantage of the opportunities as they come. Or you can just be blind lucky, like I was.

The Marine Corps is the finest institution on the planet. Let's not get blinders over every minor flaw an inconvenience. Everyone on this thread joined for some reason, and it certainly wasn't for the pay.

No offense, but you sound like a boot. I served in the active duty Marine Corps and I can honestly say that the most valuable lessons I learnt had nothing to do with my MOS (5938 & 6493). The downside is that I didn't truly understand the purpose and meaning of those lessons until years after I got out.

My point: suck it up. Do whatever the Corps asks of you, and do it gladly. You'll end learning a lot more down the road, even if you don't see the value now. Also: you're a boot. Just because you think you know better doesn't mean you actually do. Of course, we're all that way when we're young & dumb. We think we know everything. I'm older now, and the older I get the more I realize how little I actually know.