fatbear
01-23-17, 06:46 PM
Hello Marines,
Thank you for your service, and for checking out this thread.
I'm happy to say that I've finally been medically approved and I'm going to MEPS this week to finally swear in to the USMC. It has been a dream of mine to serve my country - and it looks like it is going to be a reality. I'm confident that all the information that has been relayed to me is more or less true - I completely trust my recruiter and I have no reason to doubt my officer selection officer - yet for the peace of mind of my loved ones, I would like to quickly verify a few things regarding my situation.
BACKGROUND:
In May of this year I'm going to be 29 years old. Despite my old age, I'm athletic and fit. Regardless, I'm still old bones compared to the kids. I understand that I need to enlist/be in bootcamp before my birthday, otherwise I'll need a waiver. The plan is to not let that happen.
I have two Bachelor's of Science degrees, I also got a 99 on the ASVAB. If I go enlisted (vs officer) I'm deciding between an Intel and an Infantry Squad Leader contract (a 6 year contract). If I go Infantry Squad Leader, I may be shipping out next month, or in March. Apparently there are no Intel contracts left according to a local SSgt at a nearby RS, but my recruiter said he could somehow make it happen... I don't know how. FIRST QUESTION: I'm leaning towards accepting an Infantry Squad Leader contract, for a couple reasons, but mostly, as it seems like a much more physically active position compared to Intel. I imagine Intel is working in a windowless room with a stack of papers. At least, that is what I've been told, jokingly. ARE THESE ASSUMPTIONS COMPLETELY NAIVE/DELUSIONAL?
Apparently, because of my education and test scores, I need a waiver/letter from an Officer Selection Officer basically saying "this guy doesn't want to become an Officer, he wants to enlist, and I have verified that." I spoke with my OSO for the first time today. He told me that because of my old age and being literally a few months away from my 29th birthday, and because I have no prior military service, it is very unlikely that I would be approved by some "board" to be accepted to attend OCS. He didn't say it was impossible, but he said it was very unlikely. I told the OSO that my priority has always been to be a Marine first and foremost, and that I would be very disappointed if I missed an opportunity to serve in the USMC.The OSO then went on to tell me that, on the other hand, if I enlist for a couple of years and do well - already having the education that I do - I would then be much more likely to be recommended to attend the Officer Candidate Course. SECOND QUESTION: IS THIS A BUNCH OF HOEY? He informed me that the cutoff age to be an Officer is 35. I imagine a lot of enlisted go in with some idea that "someday I'm gunna be'un officer!" only to find that it's really hard to make it happen and they end up completely disillusioned. My peace of mind comes from the fact that becoming an officer isn't my MO, but, because I'm looking at the USMC as a career option, I should understand this career path. In fact, my recruiter one upped the OSO and said that I could have this option in under a year If I go in gunning for it, and if I make my goals and intention of attending OCC known.
Well, this is all I have. Really, I'm wondering, according to your experience, if everything adds up. I'm very much looking forward to giving back to a country that has given me so much. Thank you again Marines, for your service and your time.
Thank you for your service, and for checking out this thread.
I'm happy to say that I've finally been medically approved and I'm going to MEPS this week to finally swear in to the USMC. It has been a dream of mine to serve my country - and it looks like it is going to be a reality. I'm confident that all the information that has been relayed to me is more or less true - I completely trust my recruiter and I have no reason to doubt my officer selection officer - yet for the peace of mind of my loved ones, I would like to quickly verify a few things regarding my situation.
BACKGROUND:
In May of this year I'm going to be 29 years old. Despite my old age, I'm athletic and fit. Regardless, I'm still old bones compared to the kids. I understand that I need to enlist/be in bootcamp before my birthday, otherwise I'll need a waiver. The plan is to not let that happen.
I have two Bachelor's of Science degrees, I also got a 99 on the ASVAB. If I go enlisted (vs officer) I'm deciding between an Intel and an Infantry Squad Leader contract (a 6 year contract). If I go Infantry Squad Leader, I may be shipping out next month, or in March. Apparently there are no Intel contracts left according to a local SSgt at a nearby RS, but my recruiter said he could somehow make it happen... I don't know how. FIRST QUESTION: I'm leaning towards accepting an Infantry Squad Leader contract, for a couple reasons, but mostly, as it seems like a much more physically active position compared to Intel. I imagine Intel is working in a windowless room with a stack of papers. At least, that is what I've been told, jokingly. ARE THESE ASSUMPTIONS COMPLETELY NAIVE/DELUSIONAL?
Apparently, because of my education and test scores, I need a waiver/letter from an Officer Selection Officer basically saying "this guy doesn't want to become an Officer, he wants to enlist, and I have verified that." I spoke with my OSO for the first time today. He told me that because of my old age and being literally a few months away from my 29th birthday, and because I have no prior military service, it is very unlikely that I would be approved by some "board" to be accepted to attend OCS. He didn't say it was impossible, but he said it was very unlikely. I told the OSO that my priority has always been to be a Marine first and foremost, and that I would be very disappointed if I missed an opportunity to serve in the USMC.The OSO then went on to tell me that, on the other hand, if I enlist for a couple of years and do well - already having the education that I do - I would then be much more likely to be recommended to attend the Officer Candidate Course. SECOND QUESTION: IS THIS A BUNCH OF HOEY? He informed me that the cutoff age to be an Officer is 35. I imagine a lot of enlisted go in with some idea that "someday I'm gunna be'un officer!" only to find that it's really hard to make it happen and they end up completely disillusioned. My peace of mind comes from the fact that becoming an officer isn't my MO, but, because I'm looking at the USMC as a career option, I should understand this career path. In fact, my recruiter one upped the OSO and said that I could have this option in under a year If I go in gunning for it, and if I make my goals and intention of attending OCC known.
Well, this is all I have. Really, I'm wondering, according to your experience, if everything adds up. I'm very much looking forward to giving back to a country that has given me so much. Thank you again Marines, for your service and your time.