Terminal Lance “Gag Reflex”

The Career Planner is a weird guy. He’s like a recruiter, except instead of luring high school students to Applebee’s, he preys on already-enlisted Marines. Each Marine he re-enlists is another notch on his belt, feasting off of the legendary power of DD-214’s that were never to be, and youth lost to the Corps.

Don’t fall for his ruse, for it is… a ruse.

There are few reenlistment incentives that can match the holy power of the Post 9/11 GI Bill. The career planner knows this, so he will try to trick you with bonuses and promises of a better future, perhaps even select items of your choosing. The second term is better, he says, you’ll be treated with more respect.

You must resist, for this deal can not be undone. A second enlistment leads to a third, and then a fourth, and next thing you know, you’re at the PX eyeing that mess dress uniform and justifying its $1300 cost.

There is no justification.

…It’s all a ruse.