Are Marines crazy once they get out of the military?

I've worked with post-war marines from the Vietnam War, and there is a "lock and load" component to our marines that some in other branches do not have (unless, of course, they are in Special Forces). The whole idea of bootcamp is to, in effect, "brainwash" or to strip away personal pride and then reinstill esprit de corps (a team pride). The marine corps training in bootcamp is the most stringent, the most demanding of all other branches, and the saying, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going" is embedded in their psyche, with no room left for compromise. Marines are harder on themselves than any outsider could ever be if they feel they let someone down or didn't do enough. They are also the hardest ones to help, speaking as someone who helped locate homeless veterans during the Reagan years when the numbers of homelessness in our major cities skyrocketed. Some are rigidly defensive, unwilling to admit they even need help despite all signs to the contrary. Depending upon how much conflict they feel and how intense the battles and chaos to which they were exposed, marines cover their softer sides with anger, risk-taking, and other high adrenalin escapades. Most are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but feel it might be letting "the Corps" down if they give in to it. Most have no patience whatsoever for bureaucracy and so never file for benefits to which they might be entitled. I had great success with the DAV (Disabled Veterans of America), because it is an organization run by other disabled veterans that is not supported by government, and their sole purpose is to help veterans (especially combat veterans) get past the effects of the war, file disability claims, and connect them to resources to which they are entitled. There are fellow marines as case managers usually, and marines I've convince to seek help prefer talking to other marines. Hope this helps.
 
And exactly how many people have you met that have gotten out of the USMC?

Does Drew Carrey look crazy to you?

I suppose you're not bright enough to think of it like this. Perhaps some people who enlist into the USMC are already a bit "out there" and this is why they may seem crazy.

Don't blame the USMC for every little thing a Marine does. That is just stupid to do.
 
You know, that's a very good point. I don't think they are crazy as far as the definition goes, but the Marines break you down completely mentally and physically, proceeding to rebuild you how they want you. The change in the person is usually permanent. It is a very traumatic and stressful time, but it effects all Marines differently. I know some who go psycho, and some who are just fine. Hope this helps!
 
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