I’ve decided to join the military and been gathering as much information as i can. From this information i noticed a lot of opportunities for me in the service but i want to make sure that i don’t go in one bit blind to reality.
So first off, my branch of choice is the Marine. I’ve always been into the law enforcement/Justice/military/war and during my senior year ohigh schoolol i sat down and really tried to find my place in the world. I asked myself, “What am i good at?”, and all i could think of waget inin into trouble and hurtin people. So i started speaking to family and friends from all the military branches and their pride and love for what they do is admirable and some even turned their lives around for the better.
With one foot alrdy in the door and stopped and realized i cant go in blindly like im sure most people do. So as i researched i learned about alot pros and cons, but for me everything was brighter then my current path.
Reconnoissance/Scout Sniper/Pararescue were the 3 specialty jobs that i know would fit me best.(I know these arent MOs’s and are privelages/indoc positions but its go hard or go home)
Went to the local recruiter office and sat down with 1 of the recruiters and listened to his BS for about 30 mins, he obviously was a deskboy his whole life and cared nothing for the upcoming marines futures. But i managed to speak to another recruiter who offered to let me take the ASVAB which i thought could only be taken after paperwork and such. After i took the ASVAB i got my scores with no clue how to read and went right to my recruiter to have him explain it. I scored a 92 and was told that is exceptionally high and would stand with me for 2 years.
I’m starting college in janurary and will be majoring in liberal arts till i decide on a major in engineering or criminal justice. Although i plan of making the military into a career, reality is if i get hurt and can no longer serve, being infantry really isnt much for my resume.
So now to my main purpose/questions,
#1) Although my leadership skills are great i dont want to be an officer, should i take college before the military or in the military or if possible associates before and finish my bachelors inside?
#2) Realistically how much longer and harder is it to get college credits while in the miltary?
#3) What events will i be limited to when it comes to visiting family (Death, Ilnessnes etc.) and will i always be able to be their for my family in emergency cases?
#4) How do i get into military schools such as Marksman School/Survival School/SERE, etc.?
#5) I’ve been long range rifling for about 2 years, with my remington 700 30-06, should i stop to try and drop any bad habits i might of learned since the military will surely teach me how to shoot all over?
There is so much more i’d like to know and say but i’ve asked enough on here, If you have any questions or just wish to help guide me further please email me at
NexGenMarine@yahoo.com
Response to oscar d: If only I were that lucky.
Response to Eric A: The reason I dont want to be an officer right off the bat is because i feel theres so much more for me to gain as an enlisted and alway have the opportunity to be a mustang!
I have tried not to overlook any of the branches but right to my questions.
#6) Either while on active duty or when re-enlisting is moving between the branches possible/common for those who make the military into a career?
#7) If i am injured and cannot serve any longer do i still recieve the intuition money and bonus to school myself or does this void the contract somehow?
#8) Are there any public rifling schools that are military controlled cause i love to shoot but only if im gonna shoot properly?
#9) I’ve only purchased a ruck-pack and been doin 1.5-2mile walks with 25-30lbs in it to strengthin my odd muscles and get used to those nasty shin splints. Is there anything else i can do to put myself ahead of the rest?
well u are gonna die
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1. Good call on not becoming an officer. Knock out at least one stint as an enlisted Marine, and then go to school either through Green to Gold or GI Bill
2. In my experience (16 years in Army now) It is difficult to attend college while on active duty. I got my degree after my first honorable discharge and drew almost 1600 a month on GI Bill/Army College Fund. Joined the Army National Guard concurrently and they picked up 75 percent of my tuition as well. Good deal huh?
3. Death and serious illness of immediate family will usually allow emergency leave. To do this, you must be contacted through the American Red Cross. (Your commander will know all the details)
4. To get into military schools, talk to your training N.C.O. He will work out all the details.
5. Yes, drop the bad habits, and if you are going to practice, use a small-bore rifle. .22 shoots a lot more like an M16A2 than your big 30-06. Practice shooting prone unsupported.
6. Don’t join the Marines without looking into the other services. Army and Navy especially have better funding for your civilian education, and Air Force has a better quality of life.
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1.) If you go into the military with a degree, not being an officer may not be an option. I never knew anyone with a 4-year degree who was an enlisted man. Besides, leaving after four years, getting your degree, and coming back as an officer might be a better option. “Mustangs” are the best officers.
2.) You can take night classes at community college, but if you have an MOS which requires a lot of time in the field, it will be difficult, probably impossible, to attend class.
3.) Emergency leave is available on a case by case basis. I had to take emergency leave twice in four years and it wasn’t a problem either time.
4.) Competition for those schools is high due to the low availability of slots. Whether you even qualify will depend on your MOS.
5.) Not necessarily, but you would be wise to listen to your instructors. I’ve been shooting my entire life and also recognized that I had probably developed bad habits. I simply adopted everything I was taught in boot camp and graduated with an expert badge.
Semper Fi
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well first and foremost, you understand that being a PJ, sniper, or SF isnt something you can just “decide” to do, you understand that it takes work, so good on you.
1. i recommend that you go to college first. get that education. its all about having options, and getting a college degree gives you more options. additionally, you might be eligible for a higher rank when you enlist; usually around e-3 to e-4 with a college degree, as opposed to starting at e-1
2. very hard. my dad has been in for 24 years and still doesnt have his college degree. he’s been working on it for the last 10 and is still not there. the job just catches up to you, you get deployed, go tdy, a bunch of stuff can happen.
3. immediate family you’ll be able to go no questions asked, with a life threatening situation. the red cross will pay for your dependents to accompany you; at least thats how it was 3 years ago. might have changed
4. i cant really vouch for this as i have not experienced. however given how the military works, it’ll be dependent on the needs of the service, and your aptitude for these courses.
5. cant vouch for this either
good luck! you seem to have a good head on your shoulders, and will make a fine member of the service in my opinion..if i may ask, why dont you want to be an officer?
Semper Fi
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1) Although my leadership skills are great i don’t want to be an officer, should i take college before the military or in the military or if possible associates before and finish my bachelors inside?
If you don’t want to be an officer the start NOW. One reason is that, even in your early 20s, Marine basic is hard on your body. Nearly 1 in 10 recruits become sick or injured in the training. The younger you are the easier it is to recover and make it back to your company.
#2) Realistically how much longer and harder is it to get college credits while in the military?
Depending on your MOS you’ll get college credits as you earn and learn. Plus the Marines will pay for your college classes. Most every camp has at least one off-site college on base, or you can attend one of the thousands of online schools.
#3) What events will i be limited to when it comes to visiting family (Death, Illnesses etc.) and will i always be able to be their for my family in emergency cases?
The American Red Cross handles emergency leave for death and serious illnesses. Normally you can be back home within 24-36 hours after you have been notified and approved for leave. Understand that someone falling down and breaking a leg doesn’t fit the bill. But, if someone is in the hospital credical care unit you shouldn’t have a problem coming home.
#4) How do i get into military schools such as Marksman School/Survival School/SERE, etc.?
These schools are for the Infanty only so you have to pick that MOS. Once in basic you must excell, not just be good but highly above average. The men picked from those schools must score 290 or above on the PST, shoot 35 or better, have zero disapline issues, and make the best impression on their instructors. You must speak up and inform you instructor that you wish to attend and pray you get picked. If you don’t make it in basic you will have a change again when you join the fleet.
#5) I’ve been long range rifling for about 2 years, with my remington 700 30-06, should i stop to try and drop any bad habits i might of learned since the military will surely teach me how to shoot all over?
Keep on shooting but use open sights. Range you shots from 50 to 500m. The M16 doesn’t have near the kick of the 700 so be ready to fire a lighter weapon without the recoil. But, it never hurts to shoot, even a 22.
My son is a Cpl with F.Co 2/5 Marines they lead the way in Iraq and my oldest daughter is a logistics officer C.Co 3/1 Marines
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1) You can take college before and go in as an officer and make more money. But it would be best to get your BD before you go in the military.
#2) Im sorry for no real answer but it all depends.
#3) They have phones in the military so you will be in touch (of course) but if bad things happen to your family you are aloud to lieve.
#4) First start off in ROTC, but for survival i remember that from just running away from my family in the summer. (bad example) but if you have $50 to last you for a month u need to learn to ration things.
#5) In the military,when you get in a reserved camp or a regular training camp they will teach you everything you need there. 50 cal is the best rifle to me though. and its usualy what they hav in stock for recon and scouts.
. . . BTW i know alot of this from experience and alot of my family was in WW2,Vietnam,and,the war in Iraq. and there is an old guy down the street from my house that was in WW2 and Vietnam because he 83.
My son is a Cpl with F.Co 2/5 Marines they lead the way in Iraq and my oldest daughter is a logistics officer C.Co 3/1 Marines
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1 & 2. OK so you do not want a commision. So go for Non Commisioned Officer. You can make it into the NCO ranks within 3 to 5 years. And Get college credit along the way. Here is a little known fact. 5 tests at the Base Education center gets you 30 Credit Hours of college. Its called CLEP. They are free. Then you can test out of other college courses taking DANTES tests. I knew a warrent officer who had a four year degree in 2 years and never sat in one class. Nor did he pay for a course. (his CLEP and Dantes were converted to a degree by the NYC Board of Regents total cost $150
3. Emergency leave is normally granted for the death of an immediate famly member. But remember in most emergencys the needs of the Mlitary are always considered first. Example, my Grandmother was having open heart surgery, My position (in Europe) at the time allowed me to leave to be with the family but would have caused a strain on others in the Unit. My decision was that I could do nothing for her even if I were there. But if things got bad I would fly home immediately. 6 months latter she won 5 gold medals at a senior olympics. I made the right decision.
4. Depending on your MOS you will have a chance to request different schools, some you can get in your initial contract.
5. We all develop bad habits when shooting our civilian rifles. The NCO’s that will teach you the Military way to shoot have seen them all, and they will guide you in the right direction. All you have to do is listen to them and believe what they tell you about markmanship. Trust me they know more than anyone else.
SFC
US Army
Retired
My son is a Cpl with F.Co 2/5 Marines they lead the way in Iraq and my oldest daughter is a logistics officer C.Co 3/1 Marines
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