I applied through a recruiter. The process took 3 days. I interviewed at US Marine Corps (San Jose, CA) in Feb 2012
Interview
During my initial interview with the Marine Corps Recruiter, he was very up front with what I am getting into. He told me what life would be like and didn't try to hide anything. Some people have had bad experiences with their recruiter but I had an overall good experience.
I applied through a recruiter. I interviewed at US Marine Corps (Fairview, IL) in Nov 2013
Interview
It was a great process I was offered the world l, and got a cheese burger MRE. Trust the recruiter they never lie. There is a 3 mile tour around the grounds. There was even free personal training session.