oarodriguez55
01-22-11, 11:03 PM
Hello everyone. I am currently short of swearing in at MEPS - need a simple medical waiver for some random birthmark I had removed - as an enlisted Marine recruit. I am very proud of how long I've come along and can't wait to go to boot camp to earn my place. My biggest concern, however, is that I feel like I have not recieved all the information I need to insure that I am joining the Marines the best way possible for the goals I want to accomplish.
I've learned so far that excuses are worthless when applying for the Corps, so I'll get straight to the facts. I currently have a 1.46 gpa, after having unsuccessfully atteneded a local community college, for a AA/2yr. Transfer degree. I had to choose between work and school... so I choose work. I am by no means ashamed of that, because in the handful of years I have committed to working, during and outside, of school, I have accomplished so much for my career and myself; and, I have worked with non-profit organizations to help improve the community around me. I have earned the respect and the recommendations of many of my peers, co-workers, and employers. I have worked really hard to learn all I can on my own, and when money was tight, and school was un-affordable, or out of the question, I have taken the time to study math on my own. I currently work as a Signal Tech Installer (aka. Lineman/Fiber Optics). Its a job that I love, and has provided many opportunities for me, including being promoted to a Foreman position. I am the second youngest on my yard to accomplish this, in the least amount of time (only 6 months, when the requirement is 3 years), and will be responsible for upgrading the PEDs in downtown Raleigh. I now only work 3 days a week, 40 hour weeks, and make a good living - no benefits, but thats a whole 'nother story.
Now that I'm financially stable, and the timing is right, I enrolled in APUS Online, for a BA in International Studies. My academic goal is to get my transcript strong enough to have a fighting chance to transfer into NC State. Aside from these goals, I feel it is the perfect time to join the Marines. I am now 23, I have a family of my own, and they are fueling me to finally pursue my dream of becoming a Marine, not to mention that the TA with be a great help. And so here I am, days away from being a "poolee."
Problem is, I want more than just enlistment. I want to become an Officer, regardless of what I have to do. As of now, it is estimated that I have until September to raise my gpa to a 2.0 and transfer my credits for a promotion as an Enlisted Marine. My question is, after I swear in and declare my MOS - this Monday - and join DEP, do I still reserve the right to speak with an OCO about joining and applying for Commission via PLC? Or should I simply speak with an OCO this Monday to see what he has to tell me?
I received a 88 on my ASVB (with only a handful of days to study), and would be willing to take it again, because I am confident I can score at least a 100 with proper preparation. I'm not sure if my SAT scores are still valid, but they were above 1000 when I first took them, and I'd be willing to take them again.
I wrote what seems to be an essay because I really need the truth, and not sales pitches. With my current resume, what real chance do I have of making it into PLC (considering what wavers are available, and the use of work experience and recommendations), or being qualified by a OCO and the Board? Or am I better off just going about my way enlisted, and proving that I have what it takes? I want to take the most direct path no matter how many loops I have to jump through, or how many teeth I have to get kicked in during training.
Thank you for your time in advanced. Despite how I do it, I am not going to give up on my goal.
I've learned so far that excuses are worthless when applying for the Corps, so I'll get straight to the facts. I currently have a 1.46 gpa, after having unsuccessfully atteneded a local community college, for a AA/2yr. Transfer degree. I had to choose between work and school... so I choose work. I am by no means ashamed of that, because in the handful of years I have committed to working, during and outside, of school, I have accomplished so much for my career and myself; and, I have worked with non-profit organizations to help improve the community around me. I have earned the respect and the recommendations of many of my peers, co-workers, and employers. I have worked really hard to learn all I can on my own, and when money was tight, and school was un-affordable, or out of the question, I have taken the time to study math on my own. I currently work as a Signal Tech Installer (aka. Lineman/Fiber Optics). Its a job that I love, and has provided many opportunities for me, including being promoted to a Foreman position. I am the second youngest on my yard to accomplish this, in the least amount of time (only 6 months, when the requirement is 3 years), and will be responsible for upgrading the PEDs in downtown Raleigh. I now only work 3 days a week, 40 hour weeks, and make a good living - no benefits, but thats a whole 'nother story.
Now that I'm financially stable, and the timing is right, I enrolled in APUS Online, for a BA in International Studies. My academic goal is to get my transcript strong enough to have a fighting chance to transfer into NC State. Aside from these goals, I feel it is the perfect time to join the Marines. I am now 23, I have a family of my own, and they are fueling me to finally pursue my dream of becoming a Marine, not to mention that the TA with be a great help. And so here I am, days away from being a "poolee."
Problem is, I want more than just enlistment. I want to become an Officer, regardless of what I have to do. As of now, it is estimated that I have until September to raise my gpa to a 2.0 and transfer my credits for a promotion as an Enlisted Marine. My question is, after I swear in and declare my MOS - this Monday - and join DEP, do I still reserve the right to speak with an OCO about joining and applying for Commission via PLC? Or should I simply speak with an OCO this Monday to see what he has to tell me?
I received a 88 on my ASVB (with only a handful of days to study), and would be willing to take it again, because I am confident I can score at least a 100 with proper preparation. I'm not sure if my SAT scores are still valid, but they were above 1000 when I first took them, and I'd be willing to take them again.
I wrote what seems to be an essay because I really need the truth, and not sales pitches. With my current resume, what real chance do I have of making it into PLC (considering what wavers are available, and the use of work experience and recommendations), or being qualified by a OCO and the Board? Or am I better off just going about my way enlisted, and proving that I have what it takes? I want to take the most direct path no matter how many loops I have to jump through, or how many teeth I have to get kicked in during training.
Thank you for your time in advanced. Despite how I do it, I am not going to give up on my goal.