I am here looking for some unbiased opinions and straight up answers.
I just turned 26 (I know age may be a factor) I work full time, and am working on my PhD in Computer Science. I was/am considering the ANG, but the USMC has always intrigued me and EVERY marine is a hero and I cannot imagine doing something that would make me more proud. Id rather call myself a United States Marine than to have $10 million dollars, if that makes sense.
I am considering the reserves as an officer, but have been on the fence for the last couple of months. Being scared of the unknown is really what is holding me back. If I get in, and hate it, obviously there is no getting out (plus once I commit, I want to honor my commitment)
I have spoken to some recruiters, but was hoping for some straight up answers as to what I could expect as a reservist officer and straight up opinions on my situation.
Originally posted by 16919149: I am here looking for some unbiased opinions and straight up answers.
I just turned 26 (I know age may be a factor) I work full time, and am working on my PhD in Computer Science. I was/am considering the ANG, but the USMC has always intrigued me and EVERY marine is a hero and I cannot imagine doing something that would make me more proud. Id rather call myself a United States Marine than to have $10 million dollars, if that makes sense.
I am considering the reserves as an officer, but have been on the fence for the last couple of months. Being scared of the unknown is really what is holding me back. Nobody really knows until they try it. If I get in, and hate it, obviously there is no getting out Get out of what? The Marines? Nobody said you had to make a career. You can do your 3-4 years honorably. Besides, if you want to go to Officer Candidate School, you can drop on request, or be dropped, at any time up until graduation day when you get commissioned. If you are going into the reserves, other than being activated to deploy, you can hold a civilian job and still make that "10 million". (plus once I commit, I want to honor my commitment)
I have spoken to some recruiters, but was hoping for some straight up answers as to what I could expect as a reservist officer and straight up opinions on my situation. Have you talked to an Officer Selection Officer? He/she is the one to talk to about becoming an officer. The enlisted recruiters might be knowledgable, but they play no part in the officer selection process.
Excellent post. I was considering trying OCS, and if I hate it, then i can get out then.
I understand I wouldn't have to make it a career, but my understanding is that an officer initially incurs a commitment of 6 years (could be alot of deployments)
As strange as it sounds, deploying does not scare me, deploying 2-3 times does though for some reason.
My point about the 10 million dollars wasnt that I want to make that much really, it was that being a marine would mean more to me than anything.
Age isn't that big a factor. Mostly the DI's will make fun of you alot. If you wanna try this crap, go for it. But don't Enlist, having a PHD and enlisting is a waste of time. Go for officer.
I dont have a PhD yet (I am only working on it) I do have an MS though. One reason I am choosing to look at the USMC over the ANG is both the pride factor (not that ANG people have nothing to be proud of) but also because I could receive a commission where the ANG doesn't really give those out to non-priors.
Originally posted by 16919149: Excellent post. I was considering trying OCS, and if I hate it, then i can get out then.
I understand I wouldn't have to make it a career, but my understanding is that an officer initially incurs a commitment of 6 years (could be alot of deployments)
As strange as it sounds, deploying does not scare me, deploying 2-3 times does though for some reason.
My point about the 10 million dollars wasnt that I want to make that much really, it was that being a marine would mean more to me than anything.
Why do you even want to be a Marine? If being a Marine means more than having $10M, then you should not be scared of deploying 2-3 times.
If being a Marine is SO important to you, just do it. You don't need opinions or advises from others. You are not 18. Make up your mind. From reading your posts, I believe that you would be happier as a civilian.
Originally posted by 16100572: But don't Enlist, having a PHD and enlisting is a waste of time. Go for officer.
That's EASY FOR YOU TO SAY especially since you're not an officer.
A long while back Leatherneck magazine did an article about a Harvard Educated Lawyer who ENLISTED in the USMCR. His MOS was infantry.
Getting an education is not just about getting that "position," it's about how much you learned in school and how you present yourself to the world afterwards.
Originally posted by 16100572: Yeah thats true SgtLTUSMC.. Enlisted men do do great things too.
As you move on in your career (whether it be 4 years, 10 years or more), you will meet some service members whether in the Corps or other services that were grads and enlisted in lieu of a commission. Their reasons will vary on why they went that route.
And you will meet Marines and other service members who got their degrees while in and are still young enough for OCS, but STILL didn't commission.
Again, a college education is not all about making more money and/or nabbing that "higher" position, but about improving yourself and showing others how you've done so. The enlisted members of the Armed Forces need college educated people aswell.
Originally posted by 16919149: One reason I am choosing to look at the USMC over the ANG is both the pride factor (not that ANG people have nothing to be proud of) but also because I could receive a commission where the ANG doesn't really give those out to non-priors.
I am not sure why folks (including you)think the Marine Corps has the market on pride.
If you are joining a branch of service because of the pride issue -- DON'T -- that has to come from within and your pride is no more/less important than your teammates'. Branch of service is irrelavent because EVERY servicemember I have met has been proud of his/her service...
I agree with you. EVERY member of the service should hold their heads up high and be proud. However, the sense of pride I'd get from me saying "I am a Marine" over "I'm in the Air Force" is different.
My point about the 10 million dollars wasnt that I want to make that much really, it was that being a marine would mean more to me than anything.
Damn and I was going to ask for a loan
I am a prior enlisted Marine, and am scheduled to go to Guard OCS in a month, both branchs have plenty to be proud of, but I think that being enlisted will make me a better officer.
Tell it how it is 
