My recruiter's told me that there's no such thing as this, however, I was reading about it on this site just a week or so ago. He also told me that if I want to be stationed in Okinawa, I will be put in Okinawa for sure. I just don't know if this is true or not.
The Marine Corps offers fewer enlistment incentives than any other branch, and they like it that way. In fact, they are rather proud of the fact that they continue to meet their recruiting goals without the use of enlistment incentives. The Marine Corps wants its applicants to join because they want to be a Marine, not because of enlistment incentives. The Marine Corps does have an enlistment bonus program, but doesn't use it very often. Like all the services, the Marine Corps has the GI Bill, but they have no "college fund" which adds money to the program. They also do not participate in the College Loan Repayment Program (CLRP).
Unlike the other services, which offer advanced enlistment rank up to E-3 (E-4 in the Army) for such things as college credits or JROTC, the Marine Corps Advanced Rank Program only allows advanced promotion to E-2 for such things.
As for Okinawa, I am sure you can ask the recruiter and request for a 2-year overseas contract.
Okinawa is a small island. Depending on what you like to do, there are many things to enjoy, particularily if you like to intermingle with and learn firsthand about other cultures. There are also many ways to get into trouble.
I was stationed on Okinawa many years ago as well as at Iwakuani,Japan which I found preferable as there is much more to see and do. it is also probable that stationed on Okinawa that you will visit other pacific areas.
Personally, I preferred being in the states.
There is a lot to do and a lot to explore and learn no matter where you go. It is up to you to take the opportunities. You can become part of the communities and learn about the many things around from coastal environments with rich histories and great recreational opportunities to desert environments with simular but different opportunities and enviornments. Or you can become a barracks rat and/or a intoxicated waste. It is up to you.
I have my doubts about being guarenteed assignment to Okinawa. If you base your decision on that be sure that it is in your contract.
I just want to make the best of my time in the Corps, see the world, and have the best 4 (possibly more) years of my life. I mean, I only have one life to live, why not make the best of it, even if what I'm doing isn't what I intended.
