Marines?

[Harlow]

I feel pretty dumb posting here but I want to see some your opinions. I'm almost 17 (junior in high school) and I've been thinking about joining the marines after I graduate (next year). One of my friends has his heart set on the marines, and has been trying to talk me into it. I have a 3.5 Cumulative GPA so I could get into colleges but I've always felt sort of drawn to the military, even before my friend started trying to talk me into it. How many of you guys have gone into the military, whether it be AF, army, navy... What did you think? Did you regret it? Was it the best thing you've ever done? Would you suggest a different branch other than the marines? I don't think I want to make it a career, just get in for the required time and then go to school. I'm not 17 so the recruitment officers can't talk with me, but when I turn 17 I'll make an appointment and sit down and figure out if its something I want to do. My family isn't very well off so they won't be paying for my college, and I was under the assumption that it can be payed for once I get out? (again I'll be able to figure this stuff out when I make an appointment). Does anyone know what the required time is for the marines? Thats all I can think of for now, your thoughts and opinions on this subject would be great. I'm not sure what I want to do right now just playing with ideas.

- Scott

[Mopar440+6]

My best friend since 2nd grade went to the Marines as did 4 or 5 other very close friends. I myself chose not to go military but I can only think of one of those friends that hasn't said his time in the service was the best thing he has ever done. IMO you might want to look into VMI or an NROTC program. That way you can, as the saying goes, "have your cake and eat it too." If you find the right program they will put you through school. Granted that program may not be the Marines but it might be something to look into. The guys on here that are serving and have served will know better than me. And I'd like to say a big THANK YOU to those guys!

A question like that is NOT something to feel bad about asking. Considering that you are trying to figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life early; you seem to have your head in the right place for being 16. I know alot of 21-22 year olds that have spent thousands of dollars in college and still have no idea what they want to do with their lives. The guys on here are a wealth of information. Listen carefully and these guys will point you in the right direction...

[chargerboy69]

Scott, I think it is great that you are thinking about the military. I bet most on here will say the US Air Force is the way to go. I have several friends that have made their career in the Air Force, and they love it. Good luck to you in whatever you decide to do.

[mikepmcs]

Scott
I am about to retire from the Navy after 20 years, and I don't regret a single minute. 
I want to answer your questions in sequnce so here it goes. 
1: I think the military is an awesome deal, cause you have served your country.  It's ok if you don't serve too, no one will look down on you regardless. I've never regreted my decision.
2: You have a 3.5, that's phenominal, go to college, because if you choose to finish that first, you can get in to the military, but as an officer and provide for your family better than you could ever imagine.  I'm Enlisted and had a great time but as an officer at retirement, their is no comparison..  But if you need assistance, the Army or Navy can provide you with that assistance with a short term commitment. You should find out what the enlistment incentives are for the Corps and all the other services.  DO a lot of research prior to going in to the recruiter.
3.  Yes, it is the best thing I've ever done.
4. You are right, the military can pay for your schooling when you get out or while you are in.  There is a very good tuition assistance or whatever you want to call it while you are active.


Ok the bottom line is this.  You want a college eductaion and want it paid for , the military is your best option if.... you don't have another option.  With your grade point you might have another option and that is scholarships.  Are you involved with school, in clubs, sports etc... let us know and we can provide more info.

v/r
Mike

[Harlow]

I payed/play football and hockey for my high school, I stopped playing football after sophomore year (bad decision), I really should have stayed in it but I liked hockey more so I thought I'd just play that, which gave me time to start working. I'm still on the hockey team but I really don't think I'm good enough to get any type of scholarships or anything like that (I just like to rough people up). Are there any scholarships for me if I can prove that my family has had a low income? I would like to serve in the military not only to reap the benefits but because its something that I could feel proud of. Although I don't want to make it a career, I'd like to do the required (minimum) time and then get out and go to school.

[AKcharger]

Marines are OK but they never have any money. I've been happy in the AF for 23 years

good luck!

[TeeWJay426]

With that kind of GPA and being a junior, perhaps you should look at trying to get into one of the acadamies.... not sure how the rest of your background looks.... ie, athletics, work history, extra-curricular activities, 'cuz they look at that as well.... but you may have a shot at that. You'd end up with the finest education that money can't even buy, not ot mention the career opportunities that would follow. Anothe rpossible route would be the ROTC programs available at a lot of schools. I think with your grades you should be heading to college, but there are ways to incorporate both, and your junior year is the time to begin exploring them.

[mikepmcs]

http://www.navy.com/

I applaud you wanting to join. I say go for it, get the GI Bill and all the benefits for a term and then do your thing.  Who knows, once you see all the benefits the military gives you, you just might want to stay in.
I like the academy idea as well.  Kill 2 birds with one stone.
v/r
Mike

[Orange_Crush]

3.5 GPA?

Go to college, get your degree, and, if you still want to do it, go into the Marines as an officer.  When I was in high school, I considered a military career and that same advice was given to me by several officers and enlisted men in all the branches of the armed forces.  Whatever you do, do not go to recruiters for advice on this, go to people who have nothing to gain and get their honest opinions.

[Vainglory, Esq.]

O_C got to it sooner than I did.  And just like him I was thisclose to joining the military.  Marine aviation, in fact.  The reason I'm not flying right now is congenital hearing loss that kept me out against my will.

Go to college, join the ROTC.  They'll pay for you, you get a degree, you get your commission as an officer.  If, after several years in, you decide the military is not for you, you can leave knowing that you've served your country and go into the work force with a bachelor's already - no waiting.  Similarly, you can go to graduate school if you decide to.  Also, if you decide that you want to make it a career, you still may decide after 20 years or so in the Marines, when retirement is likely to be imminent, that you'd like to have a job after you're out (you'll only be in your mid-40s).  Again, you'll have the degree already and can pursue many career options that wouldn't be open to those who haven't.

All that being said, it is your choice.  If you decide to go in before college, you can still be satisfied with the knowledge that you've served your country.

[golden73]

I am a Marine. I am currently in Iraq. The military is not for everyone. The pay stinks, in fact the people I have to escort around to pump the poop out of our toilets make more money than I do, even with all the deployment pay. If you do end up joining the Marine Corps, expect to be deployed very shortly after going to School of Infantry, or your MOS school. I deployed about 3 months after going through the infantry training. The tours are getting longer now too, instead of 7 month tours which used to be the norm, they are getting a lot longer, like mine, which is currently schedualed as a 14 month tour. Maybe you might be one of those gung-ho type guys, wanting to see action, but it isn't all its cracked up to be. It really freaking sucks watching your best friends get blown up right in front of you, and there is nothing you can do to help them.

Serving your country is a very honorable thing to do, but don't talk to a recruiter once, and sign a contract. Check out all the branches and see what will offer you the most. If you have any questions at all, feel free to shoot me a PM, it might take me a few days to get to it, but I will most definately reply.

[Irisharse]

I'm an ex Marine.  If you decide to join, the only advice I have for you is -when you're in boot camp keep a low profile. That means keep your mouth shut until told to sound off, do not volunteer for anything, and don't try to be funny. Also, while you are in, you may not realize how valuable your training will become in the future.  Pic is circa 1985 I'm sitting. By the way, when I was overseas I wish I could have escorted people to pump the poop - Semper Fidelis!