I don't know if this is exaggerated or not. Since we don't have the Marine side of the story, it is safe to conclude that it is.
I do know that based on the personal experience my buddies and I had with Army recruiters in the early 70's, (at the start of the "Volunteer Army"),I give the following advice to my own kids.
1. Don't believe anything a recruiter says unless you can independently verify it.
2. Take me with you when go to see the recruiter.
3. Don't commit to anything without taking a couple of days to think about it and to get some informed advice.
4. Don't sign anything unless you read and understand it.
Please note that I am a very pro-military vet and would be proud to have my kids serve if they choose to. However, military recruiting has always been a corrupt process and I would not like to see my kids get screwed just so some staff-sargent can make his quota.
Ha - what you say is true. Recruiters DO lie :)
My 16 yr old daughter is very interested in the USMC and has taken the asvab already. She's got 2 yrs left in high school, tho.
She knows darn well that me (former Sgt USMC) and her father (retired CWO5 USMC) will join her at the recruiters when it's time for her to sign anything regardless of what service she may enter.
OOH-Rah!