“Sea”ing Success

The day she would start her journey to accomplish her dreams had finally come. She stood with pride next to fellow recruits from across the country, butterflies filling her stomach. Repeating the words that would guide her actions for the next few years of her life, she made a commitment to her country and its safety. With satisfaction overflowing from her heart, she returned home, awaiting the day that she would leave her family, travel across the country, and begin training to serve her country.

Senior Paige Allen has enlisted to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps. She will attend boot camp from July to October in Paris Island, South Carolina.

“I’ve wanted to do this since I was 9,” Allen said. “I got a marine flag when I was that age and it’s always been on my wall.”

Allen made a commitment to the marines on August 17. She will work in general logistics with the hope to one day work in combat logistics.

“I chose logistics because I wanted a job that is needed everywhere,” Allen said. “I can travel to a variety of places.”

Allen began training during school breaks with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps starting in 2012. This program allows young adults who have not yet enlisted to participate in training related to the marines. These training sessions include honor guard, medical, seamanship, submarine, and fireman trainings.

“I love going to the trainings,” Allen said. “They can be mentally and physically challenging depending on which training you go to.”

The Sea Cadets have their own set of rankings, and Allen has obtained the highest rank of Chief. This rank’s requirements include all of the training sessions, an intensive online test graded by the National Guard, a Chief charge book, and an interview with three chiefs of the Navy.

“[The chiefs] were intimidating at first,” Allen said. “But [they] were very encouraging towards the end of the interview.”

As a Chief, Allen trains younger members to one day take her place.

“I feel obligated to all of my cadets,” Allen said. “They depend on me and trust me, which is something most don’t see until they are graduated from high school and start their own career.”

The Sea Cadet program has allowed her to make friends from different states and countries.

“I picked every training out of state on purpose to be able to see different cultures,” Allen said. “[My friends and I] keep up and check in with each other. We have a group chat for each training.”

In February, Allen will have participated in this organization for six years.

“I used to be very disrespectful,” Allen said. “I had anger issues growing up, and I was very shy. This brought me out of that stage and has made me very respectable and kind to others. It has also made me outgoing and has brought my voice out to encourage others to be the best they can be.”

The enlistment process includes a trip to a Military Enlistment Processing Station, where recruits participated in a two day testing process. The first day tests more mental abilities, and the second day tests physical abilities.

“The test itself was not hard,” Allen said. “But the testing area made it hard because it was really loud. To prepare for it, I took a practice test to see which skills I needed to improve on. After taking the test, I received different packets that covered the areas I need improvement on.”

After passing both days of testing, recruits then swear in to the Delayed Entry Program. Following this pledge, the enlisted Marines have to pass physical tests once a month to ensure they are keeping in shape before boot camp.

“Making a commitment to the DEP program was the biggest commitment of my life so far,” Allen said. “I have to check in every week and make sure I stay out of any kind of trouble. While I wait for boot camp, I have to continue to gain muscle and keep checking in with my recruiter. I have to learn the basic knowledge needed to know for boot camp.”

According to the Council on Foreign Relations, only around 8% of enlisted Marines are female.

“Most girls don’t choose to do this,” Allen said. “I want to be something that most girls aren’t, and I want to make a stand for all females to not be afraid to be in the military.”