My name is Josua Alvarez and I just enlisted into the Marines. I am really excited and I know I want to do this... but I just believe that it is too soon. I am a family guy, and I have never been apart from my family. So one thing, I am afraid of being away. Plus, I turn 18 4 days before I ship out (July 8th), but I still feel like I am atleast 15. My maturity level is kinda out there... I mean I still enjoy imaginary games with my nephew... All I am saying is that I don't think I am ready. My plan, brought up by my girlfriend, was to ask my recruiter to delay my ship date for atleast a year... that way I can spend a bit of time being an adult (18) before I go and continue this life changing career. What are your opinions? Should I ask for that delay, or should I just stick it out and deal with it? I am just afraid I won't be able to handle it. Any opinions help... please. I would greatly appreciate it.

-Josua Alvarez.

I am in the Royal Marines here in England and i did an officers degree. I was like you once worried about going in, if i really do have the state of mind or even if ill survive the training. I did go in though and i completed my training and was able to get over the fear and doubt of going into the unknown with people ive never met. But now because of the training i feel a better man for it, all this worry and fear is a natural prosscess of the mind i wouldnt worry too much, its the best thing that youll ever do for yourself, and youll never forget it

I agree with the two previous commenters. You NEED to speak up and talk to your recruiter. There is the possibility that you might not get to prolong your ship out date, but make the effort. It depends on your contract/resources/etc. Good luck!

Hey! im joining the marines too!!! but not for another year.
but i totally agree with Kharybdis, best thing to do is talk and explain to your recruiter, being in the military does mean your going to be away from your family and i get how hard that can be, i get home sick just sleeping over a friends house longer than a week. But just think of what your accomplishing and how proud (if your family is supportive of you joining) just think how proud they will be.

Just sticking it out without even voicing your concerns to your recruiter seems like the worst way to handle the situation.

Talk to your recruiter about it--you haven't done anything irreversible yet, but you might if you just go on without saying anything.