Alright, first of all, let me start of by saying thank you. First for serving and allowing myself and all the people I know to live in this free country. Second for taking time out of your day to read and answer (if you so choose) my questions.
I'm currently a college student at Virginia Tech, I study English and have a 3.7 GPA. Two years away from graduating. I'm 5'7" about 150 lbs (been a while since I checked). This sounds like a dating ad. Haha. Anyways, I wanted your thoughts on what I should do. I know I have to make the decision for myself ultimately, but I figured since I have this opportunity, it'd be stupid not to ask people who know a little something (a great deal) about it.
My situation is this: If I finish college and try to commission as an officer, there are no guarantees. I want it so badly. I know it's a bad attitude to not believe that I can make it, but the numbers that get commissioned in OCS (OCC?) seem daunting to me. I'm not sure how to make myself want it that badly. Because it's not just about doing the task at hand, it'd be doing it better or wanting it more than the rest of the people there.
Another option is to enlist. I can finish college, and then enlist. Or enlist and work on it afterward (circumstances permitting). Or I could finish college, go through OCC, see how that turns out and provided I don't make the cut, enlist.
Both my aunt and uncle were Marines. From looking at their life and their drive to succeed, and ability to do so... I want that in my life. Any words of wisdom to help me out?
It is pretty simple. Do you want to be an Officer or Enlisted? Don't just choose officer because you have college. Yes the OCS attrition rate is high, but if you want it bad enough and you work hard enough you will earn it. It may even take you more than one try. I suggest doing a search on these forums and find out the difference between the officer and enlisted route (if you don't know already). Yes you can always enlist if you don't make OCS. However, you can also enlist and try to earn your commission after a few years of enlisted experience. Either way is very honorable and you still earn the title, just depends on where you can best contribute to the Marine Corps with your talents.
If you think you're officer and leadership material, then apply for OCS. So what if the attrition rate is high? That shouldn't be a factor in not applying (unless you have absolutley no self confindence!).
As Jagges said, enlistment is just as honorable even if you have a degree.
If you can answer, "Why do you want to be an officer?" And intelligently at that, then go for it.
If you're not 100% about commissioning, then enlisting won't hurt you an iota.
"If you focus on results, you will NOT get change. If you focus on change, you WILL get results."
Since you're a sophomore, you can do the PLC combined course for 10 weeks next summer. If you apply and get accepted to OCS then you go and do your 10 weeks to see if that is what you want. If not, then you can deny your commission and take a different route. There aren't any real commitments so you can always turn it down, although I'm not suggesting it. Just remember...there is another young person out there who would love to have that spot so if you're not 100% committed then don't do it.
If you keep that GPA around 3.7 and put in a good PFT, your selection rate is going to be pretty high. Good luck with whatever you choose.
