,,,,

[USMC VET]

DO NOT GO ENLISTED! DO NOT GO ENLISTED! DO NOT GO ENLISTED! DO NOT GO ENLISTED!

Its like applying at McDonalds and having a degree. Are all you guys on crack telling this kid to go enlisted?? Would you want to scrub toilets for an officer? Or do you want to be an officer getting your toilet scrubbed.

The bigger question is, which branch of service are you getting into? You should consider the following in the order I am presenting to you:

Air Force
Navy (they advertise that they will bring you home alive)
Army
Marine Corp

Not bagging on the marines, I was a enlisted Marine for 4 years. No matter what your job is as an enlisted Marine, you will start out as a janitor!

Also, look at the pay difference between the officer corp versus enlisted corp. What are you guys smoking????

If the OP is even still reading this, do not listen to the advice above. This is advice from an enlisted person that prob had a hard time taking orders and spent too much time dwelling on why he cant be in charge.

I did 4 years, stayed on the straight and narrow (meaning i just never got caught ) made it to E-5. It was the greatest thing ive ever done and the prestige of being a marine is something i will never take for granted.

I will however say that as a person with a degree, go in as an officer (ocs) and when you get to your unit, earn your respect by leading them the proper way.

Re-think using "last resort" when considering your decision as once your in your in and your serving the greatest country in the world.

[6172crew]

Ladies and Gents; fair warning, inservice ribbing or razzing is part of the fun but don't take it too far.

It could cost you access to this sub-forum which most have earned, it would be a shame for me to take it away.

Semper Fi.

[Foriegn power]

I'm still reading ladies and gents, I appreciate all comments. I'll be graduating in couple of weeks. No career start by Sept, military reservist here I come!

[KALIDAWG8996]

I knew a guy that had his degree in Biology from USC and went the enlisted route. He did it because he wanted to enlisted and not officer at first. He later on decided he wanted this to be a career and decided to go officer from there. Do not listen to Hsienjohn.... he sounds like he got a Big Chicken Dinner.

You can do what you want, its up to you but remember, you will work and work hard you should and your life will have atleast some meaning to it if you look at all the life experience earned. Its all what you make of it and how you look at things. If you go in and get out as a bitter disgruntled person then its your own fault. Many will tell you it was the greatest experience in their lives and they would do it over again and more if possible.

Going in as a "last resort" is a bit worrisome. Do it because you made a decision and sticking to it. Don't let others tell you otherwise.

When you're out of service, no matter what branch, we all become vets. As a vet we should all watch out for each other (especially in these hard times) and leave the petty differences in the past.

Drider, good to hear you made your decision and wish you the best! network while you're in since you'll have alot of exposure to federal agencies such as ICE and CBP. Think about what you want to do after and start working towards it!

[ankyle62]

If the OP is even still reading this, do not listen to the advice above. This is advice from an enlisted person that prob had a hard time taking orders and spent too much time dwelling on why he cant be in charge.

I did 4 years, stayed on the straight and narrow (meaning i just never got caught ) made it to E-5. It was the greatest thing ive ever done and the prestige of being a marine is something i will never take for granted.

I will however say that as a person with a degree, go in as an officer (ocs) and when you get to your unit, earn your respect by leading them the proper way.

Re-think using "last resort" when considering your decision as once your in your in and your serving the greatest country in the world.

doesnt change the fact that you probably scrubbed quite a few toilets for the higher ups, it's just part of the job at the lower levels. He has a good point. If you have the maturity and leadership ability go officer.

[CavTrooper]

doesnt change the fact that you probably scrubbed quite a few toilets for the higher ups, it's just part of the job at the lower levels. He has a good point. If you have the maturity and leadership ability go officer.

I think most people misunderstand the role of the Officer in the Military. "Leadership ability" is not neccisarily an important trait for Officers, especially as they progress in rank. Officers are more of planners, delegators, lobbyists and the sort. Officers are pretty much hands off once theyve completed their time as platoon leaders, they rely on their NCOs to lead and train the Soldiers/Marines.

The "leadership", in the sense that you are dealing directly with the troops is handled by NCOs. You need time, experience, competence and the confidence of your superiors to progress into the NCO ranks, its not something thats just handed to you because you were able to bull**** your way through a community college or second rate state school.

Most senior NCOs have the perquisites they need to cross over to the Officer ranks and some choose too. Some prefer to be on the ground, handling business, getting stuff done so they stay enlisted.

Either way, you got to do what you feel is best for you, if you cant hack it on either side, they will let you know.

[CWUSCG]

No career start by Sept, military reservist here I come!

Like I mentioned, think real hard about going active duty. Enlisted or officer is up to you. I think you may get more out of the experience.