I've been planning on enlisting in the Marine Corps when I graduate this coming year, but I've been strongly pushed to become and officer right away. I have the grades to get into a good college and have been told that I would be a good candidate for OCS or even Annapolis. However, I really want to experience the enlisted side of the military before I lead Marines. Does anyone here beleive I should bother doing enlisted first, or am I being dumb to ignore an oppurtunity to become an officer?

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However, I really want to experience the enlisted side of the military before I lead Marines

That comment gets more stupid every time I hear it used here...

GO to COllege.....get a degree...then be an officer.....

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but I've been strongly pushed to become and officer right away

Hmmm...and how many 18/19 yr old lieutenants do YOU know?

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I really want to experience the enlisted side of the military before I lead Marines

I realize that there may be other perspectives regarding other branches, but in the Marine Corps enlisted Marines are also leaders, and start very early - to include recruit training.

Academic skill is not an indicator of leadership. I've known lots of VERY intelligent and gifted Marines who did not want to lead, and when pressed into the situation weren't very good at it. Conversely, I've known a lot of folks who don't have the best test scores, but who are some of the best leaders around.

Otherwise, there's any number of threads here in this very forum, discussing the dilemma you find yourself in. I recommend you spend some time reading.

Leading Marines is by far the most humbling thing you can ever do. Be it Officer, or enlisted.

I've known LCpl's who commaned more respect than Col's. Just the nature of the beast.

I also know many retired Marines and a few active duty that, I would follow into the fires of hell.

Semper Fi

Johnny Blaze

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Originally posted by cwaldman15:
I've been planning on enlisting in the Marine Corps when I graduate this coming year, but I've been strongly pushed to become and officer right away.

You need to do what's best for you, not what others think you should do.

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I have the grades to get into a good college and have been told that I would be a good candidate for OCS or even Annapolis.

Question is, do you have the desire to go to college? If you're going to to be a senior this year, then you're already pushing it for some of the college ap deadlines? Annapolis? I wouldn't even think of going there if you're just asking this question.

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However, I really want to experience the enlisted side of the military before I lead Marines.

Like was said, you can lead as an enlisted Marine, too. You just won't be expected to after Boot Camp (though they like Marines Pvt to Gen to show some initiative). But this thing has been beat to death, the "I want exeprience before I lead (or become an officer)" thing. So easy to say.

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Does anyone here beleive I should bother doing enlisted first, or am I being dumb to ignore an oppurtunity to become an officer?

What's dumb is you're relying on others opinion on what career path you should go. Do you even want to go to college? (At this point in time anyways.) Do you even want to be an officer?

I've known people who've done things because everyone and their brother wanted them to do it. The fact that they were doing things for everyone but themselves eventually caught up to them.

No matter how well meaning these intentions are (and unless they coincide with what you want) you just set yourself up for failure.

Take the "Opportunity to become an officer" only if it is your desire (or becomes as such in the future). Not because someone else sees rank, money and prestige and thinks you should go that route.

I used to have this dilemma, but decided to go annapolis (not really just got lucky by the grace of god) they offer usmc basic anyway so you will know how it feels, you will train with enlisted so you will get that "enlisted" feel

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Originally posted by wannabe0351:
they offer usmc basic anyway so you will know how it feels, you will train with enlisted so you will get that "enlisted" feel

That's a bunch of BULLS***!

I don't know what Marine Corps you're referring to, but USNA don't offer "USMC Basic."

You don't know what an "enlisted feeling" is unless you've been there.

Yes, there are enlisted instructors and advisors, but they really can't help you experience the enlisted side.

Read the rules for this forum, if I recall, it says something about wannabes posting advice they really have NO business offering.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SgtLtUSMC,

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What's dumb is you're relying on others opinion on what career path you should go. Do you even want to go to college? (At this point in time anyways.) Do you even want to be an officer?

your absolutly right sgt, at this point i dont want to go to college, maybe sometime later in life, but not right after i graduate. thank you for the advice

Are you going active duty? I would assume so, but bear in mind that you still will have to attend college at some point in the future to earn your commission. I have been enlisted over 2 years and just completed OCS. All that separates me from being a 2nd Lt is my college degree. And, as others pointed out, do not enlist/goto OCS because someone says it is best for you. Make that decision yourself, but make an education decision. Learn what you can on this forum, from Marines you know and trust, from whatever credible sources you can find. As a reservist, my enlisted exposure has been less than strong versus my active duty counterparts. I have not experienced the Corps as an officer yet, but after completing OCS I have a general idea of what will be expected of me. The enlisted/officer worlds have their similarities and differences; I suggest you consult with mustangs and find out which choice is the best for you.

LCpl Russo USMC