What is the exact process for enlisting? At what point in the process is the person unable to change their mind? My hubby saids it's when you say your oath. Is that correct?

I wouldn't say that, I knew a Captain who was passed over for promotion to Major and he was asked to go home.

Way back in the dark ages when I enlisted in 1970 at the height of the Vietnam War the platoon I joined in Boot Camp had about 130 people in it starting out. By the end of Boot camp all but 39 got sent home either because physically they couldn't hack it, they mentally couldn't hack it, or they decided being a Marine was something they just did not want to do.

I hear it is much more difficult now to become a Marine. I remember 10 years back a kid down the street enlisted and they put him on a 1 year deferrment, I understand he had the ability to change his mind at any point in that year.

I can't speak for the other branches but I can tell you if you don't want to be in the Marines, they are glad to be rid of you.

I don't know about that. I knew a guy that joined and, through boot camp, he decided that he didn't want in anymore. He tried to get out, but wasn't successful.

Maybe it's different now-a-days considering they're having a hard time recruiting folks. Or, maybe this case in which i'm speaking of, is a rare occurance.

Hard time recruiting? The military went through about 5 months a year ago not meeting their goals, since then they have had no problems.

If the guy you knew is having a hard time getting out, I'll give him my email and if he follows my advice he will be out in six months. It might not be a pleasant 6 months but he will be out of the military.