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.

Wish we weren't so far apart! I'd love to let you use my Silverado 4x4 � if there were only some way to get it into your hands.

on the car issue.. one of the main reasons I want to have my own POV here is so I can take care of the other junior Marines in my shop. I'm the senior Marine of the ones I came here with from school and it's on me to make sure they all get to work on time. None of them have cars and it's a 15min walk to work up an icy mountain. Therefore, a bike or anything less than a car just wont do.

So all of you share the costs of a rental. But don't buy!

Listen to Ken.

Hi Ken
I'd fly over and visit and pick it up, but the 2000K mile drive back sounds daunting...


Who knows anything about having vehicles shipped across states? That's another thing I was thinking about.. if I could get one shipped from home...

Contact some moving company's, they will have contacts with "hot shots" that do that sort of thing.

You got me. I almost put 20111217

You are Marine.. And LPC's are still issue, are they not? A 15 minute walk equates to a 7 minute jog...

Nice. Do you think it's ok if I go out to the ranges on my own time just to explore around? Not expecting to go shoot anything, but just to watch. I want to see where they build the competition rifles too.

I was stationed in DC for three years (Anacostia, 1950�1953).

Barracks at the receiving station.

Duty at NPC on NAS.

Rode the WAVEs' Navy bus each way, morning and evening.

Marines are tougher.

I is great to see you here again. Sounds like good duty. I am thrilled for you. I still remember the day I left home and walked alone to the train taking me to boot camp. The mixed feelings of leaving home and the anticipation of the adventure before me are still clear in my mind. Enjoy your opportunity for the adventure. I am sure you will do well.

Thanks Scott, good to see you also. I love the anticipation of what every day is going to bring, haven't looked back yet.

Hello Tom, how are you?

Congrats SL. You are making this crew very proud!!

Nice to see you ET

Doing fine thanks, sounds like you are as well.

Congrats SL! I wish you the best. Maybe a beater to get by for now? Some thing you can pass on for a few bucks or walk away from?

Good on you SL!

Honestly, just stand by on that. Things like that are just one more thing you'll be dealing with, especially if you should get an overseas assignment. Don't be hasty.

Marines improvise adapt and over come. Marines do not need to be babied

Please welcome lcplcpowell to the fire. This is my son's first post.

Welcome to the Campfire

Welcome aboard.

It may be on you to make sure they get to work on time, but you did not take them to raise.

Let them be Marines and make their own way to work.

Now hear this!


Remember too, that they aren't going to have a sweetie (in Marine green or any other color) to coddle 'em through the rest of their hitches. Don't erase the raison d'�tre and carefully wrought effects of boot camp.

An integral and crucial element of military leadership is knowing when to NOT indulge your instincts.

LCpl. Powell, meet LCpl SL...

Y'all two really ought to introduce yourselves.

That's understandable. When did you/will you hit the fleet?

And it's safer to drive than to walk? Hmmmmmmmmmmm!

Good point.

Congrat's SL!!

Forget the Mom's Taxi nonsense. If the troops can't be there on time, go old school. Have them muster at a designated time/place near the barracks, and march their azzes up the hill.

I'm serious.

Semper Fi!

Great to hear from you. I'm glad you're liking your new "job".

"None of them have cars and it's a 15min walk to work up an icy mountain."
=======================================================
There aren't any mountains on Quantico, just some small hills!
I'm 20 minutes south of you in F'burg. Shane gave you good advice, as did several others. Welcome to VA! Be very leery of small dealers in that area. A lot of them make a living fleecing Marines with short duty assignments.
Good luck and thanks for your service! There's more than one way to skin a cat....you can get some range time in if you work at it!
1D

Precisely how I used to lead a bunch of "white hats" to choir practice at the chapel and back! And we were just sailors, not leather-necks!

'Course, that was 'way back in '49-'50 � but still �

Been to Quantico many times. Lived in Dumfries/Triangle area in the early 60s. Went back a few years ago to visit RAS and I didn't recognize anything on U.S. 1 north to Woodbridge and further.

Good to have you back home,SL. Been to Quantico a 100 times for soccer alone but still hit the PX with a buddy of mine every now and then.

Stay away from Rt 1 dealerships and if you get in a jame as far as a ride goes,give me a shout and I'll get you lined up somehow.

The main point of this post was to say hello and to welcome you home. All with my sincere thanks for your service. Congrats on a job well done and getting assigned to a post you enjoy.

Bob

I like this. Let someone be late tomorrow...
I do miss marching a platoon...

Don't mean to come off as an old curmudgeon, just my first impulse.

It's never a bad deal. Then you can let some of the weaker drillers take turns marching the formation if you want.

Good leadership and team building all around.

Semper Fi!

I did a couple student gigs, and an Instructor tour at Quantico, (MSG School 1982, and 1992, and MSG Instructor 1995-1997). That was at Marshall Hall on Elliot Road.

I think I remember the O-Club where you are working with the promotion board detail higher up that hill. Might have it wrong though, it's been a while.

Semper Fi!

If I had another LCpl Marching me to the shop and back, I think I would squerm. No offense, But I havn't experienced any of that since I've been in the fleet. On the same note, if you're responsible for them..hell yeah, have fun with it.

It's no biggie, happens all the time. Not unusual to have a Sgt for a Plt Sgt, and other Sgt's as squad leaders. Sometimes it's just how things shake out.

Anytime you have more than one Marine, someone is in charge.

It's either that, or we become just another undisciplined herd.

========================

I've had the pleasure of your dad's company several times,lcplpowell. He's a fine man. He speaks dad pride bragging rights about you with much frequency. I'll look foward to your company down the road,lcpl. Be safe and thank you for your service.

"undisciplined herd" . . . or Army pukes!