The End...For Now

Hello, all! I'm writing to you as a civilian. Today, I was officially dropped from the USMC Officer Candidate School by request. To put it bluntly, I quit.

There were two main factors affecting my decision. First, I realized that my body just can't keep up with training - both physically and mentally. This week, my body started to give out. I almost fell asleep standing up a few times; I had bronchitis for about 2 weeks; I started losing concentration, becoming unable to perform simple tasks and remember simple details; I started getting double vision from lack of sleep; and I started getting more tired quicker than usual, as my body has had little-to-no recovery time from exercises. In addition, the exercises are getting progressively more difficult, but my body is not getting progressively stronger. I didn't have adequate time to prepare physically, nor did I work out hard and fast enough during the time I did have.

Second, I came to realize over the last two weeks that the Marine Corps just isn't for me. To be honest, I don't know what I was thinking applying to the Marines. I have no interest in ground forces or ground tactics or being an infantryman. None whatsoever. I think I was a bit blinded from the fact that I finally got an air contract. That covered my eyes to what was expected of me and what I would need to dedicate to obtain the goal of being a pilot.

So, I requested to be disenrolled from the program. Because of this choice, I have been forbidden from ever applying to the Marine Corps again, but I think I'm OK with that. The more I thought about it, the more I didn't want to be there. I have absolutely no idea where God wants me or what he has in store for me next, but I do know that it wasn't with the Marines.

I should be home in a week or two, after seeing more friends and family, so pray for safe travels and quick and plentiful rest and recuperation between now and then. Thanks for all the support thus far, and I'll see you soon!

Also, if you know of a job opening, let me know.