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Joining the Military
Posted on 1/18/15 at 1:25 pm
Posted on 1/18/15 at 1:25 pm
Hey guys. Considering joining the Marines. I'm 22 with a Associates degree from a CC and i'm 3 semesters from a Engineering degree.
I've always felt like I should do something in the military. Almost joined out of HS, but got talked into going to college for a semester, which turned into 4 years.
My mind is pretty much made up to join, just looking for some advice from people who have maybe been in my situation before/or something similar. Is it dumb to leave behind a degree to join up?
I dont plan on making a career out of it. Just sign a contract for 4-5 years and get out and continue with my degree when I'm out.
My grandfather, who passed a few years ago, was drafted for Vietnam & did not go because he had started a family, but he always told me his biggest regret was not going and doing his part. I'm worried that I'll be like that too.
Long post sorry. Basically looking for advice. Why should I/shouldnt I join?
Thanks for whoever has managed to read this far
I've always felt like I should do something in the military. Almost joined out of HS, but got talked into going to college for a semester, which turned into 4 years.
My mind is pretty much made up to join, just looking for some advice from people who have maybe been in my situation before/or something similar. Is it dumb to leave behind a degree to join up?
I dont plan on making a career out of it. Just sign a contract for 4-5 years and get out and continue with my degree when I'm out.
My grandfather, who passed a few years ago, was drafted for Vietnam & did not go because he had started a family, but he always told me his biggest regret was not going and doing his part. I'm worried that I'll be like that too.
Long post sorry. Basically looking for advice. Why should I/shouldnt I join?
Thanks for whoever has managed to read this far
This post was edited on 1/18/15 at 1:28 pm
29
Posted on 1/18/15 at 1:29 pm to TheJunction
I've never considered joining the military and never will, but as a professional engineer, go on and finish the degree. Depending on which type of engineer you want to be, consider taking the FE before you graduate.
ETA: I say this as someone that is only patriotic when it comes to the Olympics or international soccer.
ETA: I say this as someone that is only patriotic when it comes to the Olympics or international soccer.
This post was edited on 1/18/15 at 1:30 pm
Posted on 1/18/15 at 1:31 pm to pvilleguru
Finish your degree then join. You will get a ton of engineering experience in the military, and be able to serve your country better with the degree.
Posted on 1/18/15 at 1:48 pm to TheJunction
Engineering? Have you considered the Navy? The Seabees are frickin magicians.
Posted on 1/18/15 at 1:48 pm to TheJunction
Have you already taken the ASVAB and seen what your options are, as far as MOS?
If you get in the right field, you can continue your college while in The Corps.
If you get in the right field, you can continue your college while in The Corps.
Posted on 1/18/15 at 1:51 pm to TheJunction
Don't watse your time in the Marines. Either go Navy or Air Force. They will treat you better and you'll be able to find a job that better translates to the civilian world.
I would also suggest finishing your degree first. With a Bachelor's you can go in as an officer and skip all the enlisted bullshite.
Unless you're like me and you just feel more comfortable being a doer and not a planner. In that case go in enlisted.
I would also suggest finishing your degree first. With a Bachelor's you can go in as an officer and skip all the enlisted bullshite.
Unless you're like me and you just feel more comfortable being a doer and not a planner. In that case go in enlisted.
Posted on 1/18/15 at 2:08 pm to Wanderin Reb
USMC probably has a wider range of options than any other branch of The U.S.Military. They have fewer slots available, but they also have fewer people to fill those slots.
Also, Having a bachelor's degree, doesn't guarantee becoming an officer.
Also, Having a bachelor's degree, doesn't guarantee becoming an officer.
Posted on 1/18/15 at 2:10 pm to KSGamecock
quote:
Engineering? Have you considered the Navy? The Seabees are frickin magicians.
^ This.
Posted on 1/18/15 at 2:12 pm to auggie
quote:
Having a bachelor's degree, doesn't guarantee becoming an officer.
This. The only degrees that guarantee that you go in as an officer are a law degree, medical degree, or... well, whatever degree chaplains have.
Posted on 1/18/15 at 2:19 pm to TheJunction
Join if you want to serve.
Nothing wrong with an adventure while you are young and the Marines are the leanest organization. The Army has a bigger bureaucracy.
Nothing wrong with an adventure while you are young and the Marines are the leanest organization. The Army has a bigger bureaucracy.
Posted on 1/18/15 at 2:19 pm to TheJunction
Its my biggest regret, not serving.
If I were you I'd get that degree. Open yourself to ALL branches, and you will find something.
Good luck to you.
If I were you I'd get that degree. Open yourself to ALL branches, and you will find something.
Good luck to you.
Posted on 1/18/15 at 2:25 pm to TheJunction
I wouldn't join the military unless you gain some type of transferable skill for when you get out. Most companies don't need someone with shooting or skydiving skills.
This post was edited on 1/18/15 at 2:45 pm
Posted on 1/18/15 at 2:27 pm to Wanderin Reb
quote:
With a Bachelor's you can go in as an officer and skip all the enlisted bull shite.
And you don't know shite.
Posted on 1/18/15 at 2:37 pm to diddydirtyAubie
Wait diddy.. you mean OCS ain't a piece of cake?
Posted on 1/18/15 at 2:46 pm to TheJunction
First, I admire your patriotism. However, I agree with the other poster who said finish your degree if at all possible. You're young enough so that military will still be an option in 18 months.
Go to college while you can. Perhaps you ought to look at something like a Platoon Leaders Program or something with the USMC.
However, I agree with the other poster who said finish your degree if at all possible. You're young enough so that military will still be an option in 18 months. Go to college while you can. Perhaps you ought to look at something like a Platoon Leaders Program or something with the USMC.
Posted on 1/18/15 at 2:52 pm to TheJunction
I had a great uncle that went straight out of high school to enlist despite having a full ride to a local university. He said until the day he died his biggest regret was not getting a degree first then enlisting. He spent 28 years in the Army with half of that in Germany.
Posted on 1/18/15 at 3:16 pm to TheJunction
Active duty air force here.
Finish. Your. Degree.
No ifs, ands, or buts. Finish that shite (especially since it's in engineering).
And especially if this is still your end game. Wifey (also active duty USAF) and I used military scholarships to pay for our A&M degrees, but are not looking to stay in beyond our current active duty commitments. Make sure you keep quality civilian contacts on the outside so you have options when the time comes to leave the service.
Finally, like some other posters have said, I highly encourage you to look at either Navy or USAF. No offense to the Marines, but I think your skill set would be best appreciated in those branches.
Best of luck to ya, OP
Finish. Your. Degree.
No ifs, ands, or buts. Finish that shite (especially since it's in engineering).
quote:
I dont plan on making a career out of it. Just sign a contract for 4-5 years
And especially if this is still your end game. Wifey (also active duty USAF) and I used military scholarships to pay for our A&M degrees, but are not looking to stay in beyond our current active duty commitments. Make sure you keep quality civilian contacts on the outside so you have options when the time comes to leave the service.
Finally, like some other posters have said, I highly encourage you to look at either Navy or USAF. No offense to the Marines, but I think your skill set would be best appreciated in those branches.
Best of luck to ya, OP
Posted on 1/18/15 at 3:27 pm to diddydirtyAubie
quote:
I wouldn't join the military unless you gain some type of transferable skill for when you get out. Most companies don't need someone with shooting or skydiving skills.
You ignint.
Companies Demand More Retired First Sergeants With Homeland Security Degrees
Posted on 1/18/15 at 3:29 pm to auggie
quote:
Wait diddy.. you mean OCS ain't a piece of cake?
OCS has been cut back extensively in recent years. Very hard to even get a slot anymore.
Posted on 1/18/15 at 3:33 pm to KSGamecock
quote:
a recruiter for Comcast
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