When people ask me if I was ever in the service I reply that "the Marine Corps politely asked me to leave boot camp."
You'd think I'd just say "no" and leave it at that however, that episode was so humiliating to me that it's become meaningful and feel that, though I was never a Marine, the Marines taught me a lesson that turned out to be important.
It's impossible to imagine someone saying they were a Marine after being washed-out: Rather's an embarrassment to all us losers who failed basic.
How much do you suck if you're an embarrassment to losers?
You showed up and you tried. Perhaps you made a mistake or simply had a physical makeup that didn't match the demands of bot camp. You still are a child of God and apparently have learned from your disappointment.
And know that, whatever your past, you have a perfect future before you if you choose to make it happen. Please keep the eternal perspective and know that our time here on earth is one of testing, making mistakes, faltering, and earning our way back to the presence of our Heavenly Father -- who knows and loves you, awaits your return, and hopes that you will choose His path so that you can sit on His right hand as one of His children. May He bless you for your honesty and humility -- two very rare and much-needed commodities in these troubled times -- and give you the courage to move on in His service. All the best.....
Do you use your Marine Corps experience to try to close off debate, do you claim superior authority or moral standing because of it? If not, you're not a loser.