might enlist in Marine Corps

So I'm a soph. in college and this past summer i went to a session of PLC (Platoon Leaders Course) for the Marine Corps. I never really thought about enlisting until then and had always planned to go the officer route. Now that I am back in school I am wondering if i really wanna be in college right now and am thinking that I want to go ahead and just enlist after this/next semester and go out and do something with my life. I know there is a lack of money compared to officer, but I wasnt doing it for the money in the first place so that is not really a big deal to me. Plus after meeting all my SI's i have so much respect for them and i want to be just like them. such bad asses and they all seemed really happy with their choice to enlist. plus if i enlist now i can use the GI bill and go back to college in a few years and finish up then go officer through OCS if i decide that is the route i wanna take. any opinions>?

 

I'd go with Officer the first time... I'm sure you won't regret it. Since you're already in school, just finish it up and go in as a commissioned officer.

 

X2, However your idea of using the GI bill is a good one as well

 

This x 100000000000000!!!!! Get your degree and get commisioned first!!!!

 

Finish your degree first, then decide if you are going to enlist or OCS, whatever branch you decide. If you are enlisted with a degree, you'll get more promotion points and if you are an officer, you'll be able to take advantage of further schooling such as grad school later on in your career. I was enlisted and had fun but going back to school later on sucks, and I did finish my degree on the GI Bill.

 

Very bad idea to go enlisted....you are in school now, stick it out and become a commissioned officer.
Look into the ROTC program.
Where are you in Virginia..?? Maybe I can set something up for you to talk to a recruiter about a commissioning program.

 

I agree with everyone here. Stay in school. Go in as an officer. Its not just the money, its an all around more pleasent experience as an officer. At list finish college. Even if you go in as enlisted, just finish college first. Its really hard to finish later once you have started living your life and working in your career.

 

x2 that one, speak with an officer rep of some sort. I'm sure any captain will speak with you. You're probably in a rut, hating school but just suck it up, it gets better.

 

I dont know where you get off saying being enlisted is a "VERY BAD IDEA" Just because you or whoever is an Officer absolutely does not make you better than me. Or maybe I just read into that wrong, you tell me.

But I do agree with finishing up your first degree. Then decide whether to Enlist or Commission. Good luck to you on whatever you choose.

 

Glad you asked, I meant since he was in school and working on a degree it would not be wise, and a very bad idea to quit and enlist as a non-commissioned officer. Since you are enlisted, how many of the guys you work with, know, or associate with had previous college (prior to joining) and now look back and wish they had finished school?

Having completed 19 years in the Navy, serving alongside the greatest warfighters in the world, I think I know a few things.

 

Oh, and he would be a fool to enlist if he has a degree (my opinion). He could join the other sourpuss's that complain about what could've been instead of what should be.

 

The USA is unique and that we have an all volunteer force. Not too many nations have an all-volunteer force and it shows. Just work alongside a nation of conscripts. In all, it's an interesting experience, just recognize your priorities. You are better off with a degree than w/out no matter what you do....IMO

 

I say finish school first and then enlist. Its a big decision to make and itll give you more time to think about it and a chance to power through school. Not saying your one of those guys, but often times it is the case that once people stop going, they never go back. VERY OFTEN.

 

I agree with you 100%

I have 26 years of service, 21 as an NCO. There is nothing at all wrong with being enlisted but if anyone has the opportunity for a commission it would be foolish not to take it. Just an honest opinion of an old NCO getting ready to retire. Take it or leave it.

 

i would go enlisted first, then if you want to become an officer you have both sides and you will earn more respect with your boys. you will not only know what they are going through cause you were there once too, but you will learn a lot more of the basics. if you dont care about the money, flat black (enlisted), is the way to go. from enlisted there are so many different routes you can go. if you have any questions pm me.

 

I enlisted in the Navy out of High School and then got my degree on the GI bill. If I had it to do over again I would've gone the other way around. I've always been fascinated with airplanes and wish I could fly but can't afford it. I wish I would've finished my degree and gone to OCS. Who knows if what I could've been a Naval Aviator. Oh well, like they say, "Hind sight's 20/20." One thing's for sure. The military offers a lot better career opportunities for officers than they do for enlisted personnel. Just sayin'.

 

You really can't go wrong either way- I would finish your degree and then decide what you want to do from there.
Enlisting and then going thru OCS or going directly thru OCS both have their benefits and pitfalls.

Personally....my wife and I dig our O2 paychecks and assignments. I've loved every job I've ever had...but there have been a few times I've been a bit jealous of my guys who were out doing cool stuff while I was doing paperwork...

 

There are plenty of officers who came from enlisted ranks who have no clue what their enlisted guys are going thru either....or have other vices that make them horrible officers. And there are guys like me...Academy bred....I'l do everything I can for my guys up to and including standing their watches and working right alongside them cleaning guns and laying paint and floor finish.
There is an eternal debate about who makes the best officers....and there are good and bad from all officer development sources.