Questions to Ask Marines
Connect with Marines and understand their unique experiences with these thoughtful questions that show respect for their service while exploring their perspectives and stories.
1What made you decide to join the Marines?
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What made you decide to join the Marines?
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Why this works
Opens discussion about their motivation and values while showing genuine interest in their decision to serve.
2What's the most important lesson you learned in the Marines?
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What's the most important lesson you learned in the Marines?
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Why this works
Reveals their values and what they consider most valuable from their military experience.
3How did your time in the Marines change you?
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How did your time in the Marines change you?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their personal growth and transformation while respecting their journey.
4What's something about Marine Corps culture that people might not understand?
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What's something about Marine Corps culture that people might not understand?
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Why this works
Gives them a chance to share their unique perspective and helps you understand their world better.
5What's the most challenging thing you've overcome?
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What's the most challenging thing you've overcome?
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Why this works
Respects their resilience and allows them to share their strength and determination.
6How do you want to be remembered for your service?
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How do you want to be remembered for your service?
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Why this works
Deep question about legacy that shows respect for their contributions and reveals their values.
7What's something you're proud of accomplishing?
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What's something you're proud of accomplishing?
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Why this works
Celebrates their achievements and allows them to share what they're most proud of from their service.
8How do you want to use your experience to help others?
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How do you want to use your experience to help others?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their future goals and how they want to continue serving and making a difference.
9What's the best advice you'd give to someone considering military service?
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What's the best advice you'd give to someone considering military service?
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Why this works
Provides valuable perspective for others while showing respect for their wisdom and experience.
10How do you want to be supported by civilians?
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How do you want to be supported by civilians?
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Why this works
Shows care for their wellbeing and helps you understand how to be a better ally and supporter.
11What's something you wish more people understood about military service?
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What's something you wish more people understood about military service?
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Why this works
Opens space for them to share their perspective and helps bridge understanding between military and civilian worlds.
12What's a value that's really important to you?
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What's a value that's really important to you?
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Why this works
Reveals their core principles and what guides their decisions, helping you understand their moral compass.
13How do you want to grow and change in the future?
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How do you want to grow and change in the future?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their continued development and reveals their aspirations beyond military service.
14What's something you're looking forward to?
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What's something you're looking forward to?
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Why this works
Creates positive anticipation and reveals their hopes and plans for the future.
15How do you want to contribute to your community?
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How do you want to contribute to your community?
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Why this works
Shows respect for their desire to give back and reveals how they want to make a positive impact on others.
16What's a quality you admire in others?
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What's a quality you admire in others?
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Why this works
Reveals their values and what they find inspiring, creating connection through shared appreciation for certain traits.
17How do you want to be challenged and pushed to grow?
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How do you want to be challenged and pushed to grow?
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Why this works
Shows respect for their desire for growth and helps you understand how to support their development.
18What's something you want people to know about you?
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What's something you want people to know about you?
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Why this works
Gives them the opportunity to share what's important to them and how they want to be understood.
19How do you want to celebrate and create joy in your life?
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How do you want to celebrate and create joy in your life?
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Why this works
Reveals their approach to fun, celebration, and creating positive experiences in their life.
20What's something you're grateful for today?
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What's something you're grateful for today?
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Why this works
Focuses on positivity and appreciation, creating a moment of connection through shared gratitude.
Best Practices for Conversations with Marines
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Show Respect for Their Service
Approach the conversation with genuine respect for their service and sacrifice. Acknowledge their commitment without being overly formal or awkward.
Listen Without Judgment
Be open to hearing their experiences, both positive and challenging. Avoid making assumptions about their service or experiences.
Ask About Their Individual Experience
Remember that every Marine's experience is unique. Focus on their personal journey rather than making assumptions based on stereotypes.
Question Sequences
The Service Understanding Sequence
The Future Vision Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask About Combat Experiences
Avoid asking about specific combat experiences unless they bring it up. Many veterans prefer not to discuss these details with civilians.
Don't Make Assumptions About Their Experience
Avoid assuming they've been in combat or have specific experiences. Every Marine's journey is different.
Don't Use Military Jargon Incorrectly
If you're not familiar with military terminology, ask for clarification rather than guessing or using terms incorrectly.