Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Greetings from HQMC Quantico, VA

Been thinking about ya'll but haven't gotten online much lately. I've been finishing up MOS school and getting settled into my first duty station.
I graduated an honor grad on Dec 17 at Camp Johnson, NC earning the MOS of 0111 (Admin Specialist). A few Marines from my class were sent here to HQMC Quantico, VA as a special duty assignment to work on the Promotion Boards.

I love my job! I feel very fortunate to have been given the opportuity to come and work here with the big dogs.
The office where I work is beautiful...at the top of a hill with a view of the Potomic, and being an old Officer's Club building, it is very nice inside, more like a lux hotel than an office.
When I'm not in the office I'm the duty driver, running documents around base and to the Pentagon, visiting the Commadant and the Sgt Major of the Marine Corps' office to pick up/drop off promotion warrants and such. Did I mention how much I love my job?

The base of Quantico is interesting.
When I first got here it gave me a wierd impression, I thought it was kind of ghetto for being Headquarters of everything. But as I got to know it, it's grown on me, I like it here. The HQ of the USMC shooting team is located on base, something of course I want to try out for, but unfortunately, since I'm only here for a number of months, my chain of command wants me to focus on work and not do a lot of extra stuff. The Master Sgt who is the SNOIC of our shop won't even let us take the motorcycle class to get licensed to ride on base. Boo.

I need some help/suggestions from you guys...
The base is huge and I need a car while I'm here
I'll only be here 6mo..should I buy, rent,...borrow..? I don't think leasing is an option because they all want 24mo min. Hesitant to buy what I really want 'cause if after here I am stationed overseas then it will be sitting 3yrs not driving but making payments.

Who all lives in this area? I have weekends off an definitely need to get off base once in awhile.

Buying a car when you are just getting started might not be too good an idea. Start seriously saving your bucks for a really nice car when you get settled down at a permanent station. Buying a cheapie to get by on is not in your best interests, cheapie aren't the least bit cheap, they will nickle and dime you to death. Have patience, tough it out for the six months, you'll be glad you did.

If you can take it with you when you move you might find a nice small used vehicle that has some hauling capicity. Moved my daughter and SIL in Air Force a few times and was nice to have something with a little room to haul their personal stuff.

Congrats and thank you for your service to this great Nation.

So, welcome to the great state of Virginia. I'm in Reston, which is about 20 minutes NW of you. Here 2 weeks then SC 2 weeks. Several of us are in the area.

David

BTW---There's a great CarMax and Wegmans grocery store just around the corner from you!!

Date a guy with a car?

ShootingLady,

Congratulations being an honor graduate. The Fire is proud of you, and we did miss you.

Regarding Carmax, it is generally a very good place to over pay for a car. You may want to check the bulletin boards at work. Or, there may be a newsletter on post.

People being assigned overseas frequently sell their cars. You are probably better of buying from another Marine.

All the best,

Steve

Guess that's why they call it Car"max". I didn't know they were known for being over-priced. For sure they have a TON of cars on that particular lot.

Dating someone with a car was a good idea. Truck would be better!

I'd be tempted to say an old compact pickup - like a Ranger. As long as a truck is in good running condition, they never depreciate below a couple grand in value. Even if you have to sell it in six months, the odds are you wouldn't get hurt on the value.

Bearing in mind your next duty station could be anywhere, if you can find a way to borrow or cheaply rent from friends or family that's what I'd suggest.

And congrats on your success! Thank you for your service, and good luck to you!

Congratulations on your career moves... car choice has always seemed like a crap shoot to me... used is great IF you have a trustworthy mechanic to check it out before you buy and keep it running smooth....

I'm a frugal sort and hate the depreciation of buying new or cream puff late model full retail used.... but especially for a woman in a new urban area <Marine or not> dependable is key...

Just some rambling thoughts... glad to see you posting again...

As a former enlisted Marine who went through this same situation my opinion is to NOT buy a car. Use taxis, or ride with friends. Get a bicycle to ride around base. You need to travel "lite" as you get started in your career. Keep your seabag packed. Sounds like you got a good start at the promotion board. Probably a reward for your honor-grad status. You will have a chance to see exactly what jobs/duty stations you will need to get on the fast track, if that is your goal. Always do the work and assume the responsibility of the rank to which you aspire. Don't brown nose. Do develop a cordial, but professional relationship with a senior NCO who can be your "sea daddy." Everyone needs friends in high places as we climb the ladder of success, especially in the Corps. Earn everything you get. Don't be lazy. Always be early. Don't wear perfume, but always look your best. Don't be politically correct and don't be afraid to laugh at off color jokes. Do keep "pestering" the "gunny" to let you get out on the range and burn some powder. Women Marines who prove a propensity for marksmanship are especially valued in a man's Marine corps. Congratulations on your fast start out of the gate. I'm sure your parents are proud of you. Like it or not you will alway be judged on how you compete with the male Marines on physical fitness and marksmanship. As you know, all Marines are riflemen first, then cooks, clerks, or whatever. Semper Fi.

First off, CONGRATULATIONS on your success in MOS training and duty station. You make us VERY PROUD and THANK YOU for serving Lady.

When I was in the service you had to be careful of the used chariot dealers, they usually tried to sell us high mileage horses, OH, Today in the modern world........ I would look in the local and post papers for a used compact truck or car since you can't do the MC course. A thought, do you need it for a scooter? If not that might be good for the base and a rental if you take a long weekend off.

The very best of luck in your future endeavors and did I mention we are very proud of you and thankful for your service?

Dec 17, not 17 Dec???? hmmm

I to live nearby in Reston & am frequently visiting the marine base in Quantico. I chair the Wounded Warrior/Veterans Committee for the local SCI chapter & am VP. We have a number of events coming up & some of us can work out picking you up if interested in attending. We also have events at NRA Hq. in Fairfax, Va. Send me a PM with contact info. You can read about some of our activities at www.scicapitalchapter.org. I currently have one or more cases of donated books that I would like to deliver to someone at QMCB. Perhaps, you can assist. We shipped about 700lbs. to our troops in Afghanistan before Christmas, but these are a bit to heavy. As far as the car goes I would suggest just renting for the few times you might need to leave the base. The FBI range is being expanded & I just received an order for some of the electrical equipment. Great place to shoot, but I'm not really legal . Thank you for your service. We need more great Americans like you.

This sounds like a TON of great advice, from someone who knows whereof he speaks.

Sycamore

Here's a novel idea:

Congratulations.

Get in touch with Isaac. He'll take care of you.

Hello SL.

My cousin is the OIC of the Shooting Team there at Quantico.
Seems like they shoot most everyday in some form or fashion.
Good luck

Taking this to heart for sure. Thank you.

Yes I'd love to go, sounds fun. PM incoming.