so when I enlist, can I be guaranteed that I will be allowed to apply to enter the Naval Academy?

quote:

Originally posted by blessthetroops12:
so when I enlist, can I be guaranteed that I will be allowed to apply to enter the Naval Academy?

Ahhhh, No. You cant be guarenteed that. But if you have the desire and motivation, you will be encouraged to apply to any of the commissioning programs.

My son-in-law was selected for MECEP's and is preparing to PCS as we speak. My question is: How is college paid for?? He is under the impression that he will be using his G.I.Bill. I know, different branch/different program/different rules, but in the USN, commisioning program personnel recieve a set amount of cash annually to pay for college, books, lab fees etc. GI bill is left for post military education

Thank You
ABHC (ret)

Under the MECEP program, college is paid in full by the participant. The GI Bill is the most common method. However, at the same time, the particpant is still receiving base pay and BAH, and must undergo financial counseling as part of the selection process. So, if he was selected, he made a financial plan and everything must have checked out okay.

through deeper research I also found that MECEP participants receive in-state tuition rates wherever they attend and yes, GI bill is the normal way of paying. Most of the info on this site seems to be pretty worthless for anything more than basic info but the colleges Marine liaisons at the participating colleges can be quite helpful.

ABHC (ret)

and thank you anywherealwaysready for your info.
Thats good info.

Might as well fill out a FAFSA....



http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

Makes him eligible for Student Loans....and PELL GRANTS...if not this year, then next.....

you know, what's been interesting to me throughout this entire process is the complete lack of assistance he got at the local level. Sure, there was a good amount of moral support but absolutely nothing beyond that as far as hard information and assistance. Either way though, he made it through the selection process, has been accepted to a college and is on his way... hopefully he'll be succesfull and earning salutes in two years.

I will be 24 on June 18th, I have 1 DUI (six years ago, no later convictions), I have 60 hours of college credits (GPA 3.9), my GL score is 132, I will complete boot camp this December.

What are my chances of making officer (via BOOST, MECEP)? I've been reading this and that, but it seems like there are several possible setbacks (age, DUI) and unknowns (TIS/TIR).

Thank you,
-Jon

quote:

Originally posted by JonCorbett:
I will complete boot camp this December.

What are my chances of making officer (via BOOST, MECEP)?

You need to worry about completing boot camp first and like being a Marine afterwards.

1 DUI is waivable.

You have the GPA and college credits to be competitive for an enlisted to commission program.

But again, one step at a time. You have to see if you'll even like being a Marine.

Good point, sir; I suppose I'm getting a little ahead of myself.

Thanks for the reply,
-Jon

I've skimmed this thread, and Corbett's situation seems to be similar to mine. My GPA is 3.3 and I have currently 78 college credits. But my plan is to finish getting my 4 year degree before entering the Corps.

Now, my Recruiter is pushing for me to join the reserves and then pick an officer program to become a Mustang. How likely am I to actually be able to go through officer training once I'm in the reserves with a degree? My thought process was to go right in as a officer through a program like PLC. Is this suggestion of my Recruiter a feasible one? Or is he just trying to get me to join as enlisted for his own sake?

Yeah, your recruiter knows he'll lose you to an Officer Selection Officer if you get your degree first. But it's really not a bad idea to go ahead an enlist. First of all, you'll have more experience in the Corps, and be better prepared for officer training...and get more respect as an officer. Secondly, you'll get the rest of your degree paid for (check out the new GI Bill...it's a hell of a deal). You only have to make it to Lance Corporal (about 16 months) to get into BOOST, which gets you into MECEP, which puts you back in college and makes you an officer. There's also the chance of a meritorious commission, which you already have enough credits to qualify for (check the MCO's for details on the commissioning programs, they can easily be found at usmilitary.about.com).
Anyways, that's basically the conclusion I came to; of course, I have other personal factors affecting my decision to go ahead and enlist.
If anyone realizes I'm wrong about anything, please let me know...but I've read the MCO's, so I'm pretty sure I'm right.
Good luck, fellow future Marine

quote:

Originally posted by JonCorbett:
But it's really not a bad idea to go ahead an enlist. First of all, you'll have more experience in the Corps, and be better prepared for officer training...and get more respect as an officer.

Don't be too sure. Respect is earned no matter what your background is when you get commissioned.

Yes, your enlisted Marines will have a high opinion of you when they learn that you were enlisted. At the sametime, they will sit back and expect more out of you. If you foul up, they will say, "He/she should've known better." And unlike a new non-PS second lewie, where foul ups are understandable and are redeemable, it would be hard for a Mustang to redeem themselves.

quote:

You only have to make it to Lance Corporal (about 16 months) to get into BOOST, which gets you into MECEP, which puts you back in college and makes you an officer.

That's only for active duty though. Reservists aren't eligible for BOOST unless they're full time Active Reservists.

quote:

There's also the chance of a meritorious commission, which you already have enough credits to qualify for (check the MCO's for details on the commissioning programs, they can easily be found at usmilitary.about.com).

Great gouge, but like I told you before, for these enlisted to officer programs, these are really for Marines who've been in long enough and like being a Marine enough that they want to shoot for a commission.

quote:

Originally posted by Silen****cher:
Now, my Recruiter is pushing for me to join the reserves and then pick an officer program to become a Mustang. How likely am I to actually be able to go through officer training once I'm in the reserves with a degree?

Provided you don't get mobilized for deployment, your chances are very likely to get picked up for PLC provided you are an ABOVE AVERAGE Marine with your commanding officer's endorsement, plus other stong recommendations.

quote:

My thought process was to go right in as a officer through a program like PLC. Is this suggestion of my Recruiter a feasible one? Or is he just trying to get me to join as enlisted for his own sake?

It's feasible only if you want to be a Marine first. If you want to enlist first with the intent of using it as a stepping stone to commissioning, then you're doing it for the wrong reasons.

I'm not saying it's wrong to do it. What I am saying is if your ultimate goal is to get commissioned, and you feel you have the ability and/or desire TO LEAD, then straight off the bat, apply for a commission.

There have been many good officers who didn't have prior enlisted experience.

Yes, your recruiter is probably trying to get you to enlist first for his sake. Talk to an OSO instead.

Thanks for the skinny. I think my best bet is to go straight for an officer program. I believe I have what it takes, and the best way to find out is to go for it.

I just spoke with my local OSO and will be setting up a meeting with him soon. Thanks again JonCorbett & SgtLtUSMC.

No need to repost what Top Hicks had posted.

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

so if i enlist, about how long would it take me to be able to be commissioned?

quote:

Originally posted by HillsEastRecruit:
so if i enlist, about how long would it take me to be able to be commissioned?

That would depend on a couple of factors. What's your education background?

In my freshman year of high school, but im gonna drop out