Joining with family

[Blackfly]

Looking for honest thoughts,
I've been interested in joining the Corps ever since I was a kid, but that got put to the side when I pursued my college career, got married and started a family. I now have 3 little kids with my wife and I have been finished with college for a few years. I was talking to my wife about how I still wish I joined and she told me to look into it and see if I still can. Im only 24 so I know I can still join. My wife understands the risks and how hard it can be cause she's had family who were marines as well.

So my questions for you marines is, What are your thoughts on joining when you have kids and a family already? I want your advice and thoughts before I make a decision like trying to join. Thanks for your thoughts.

[Zulu 36]

You'll have to double check with a recruiter, but you have four dependents and that is a disqualifier.

[Blackfly]

Yah, I'm aware that I'd need a waver.

[Zulu 36]

No, what I am saying is that four dependents is a total disqualifier. No waivers. How do you expect to feed a family that large on non-rate's pay anyway?

[Blackfly]

Ah, I see. Well that answers that question. Thanks.

[Tennessee Top]

That's the reason they have a restriction on total number of dependants. A private cannot support that many people and pay their bills at the same time. The last thing a Commanding Officer wants, is a spouse showing up complaining they cannot afford diapers for the babies or baby formula (I've seen it happen and it ain't pretty - especially for the Marine that spouse belongs to).

[crazymjb]

You guys know if the reserves would still be an option? I feel like mitigating factors would always be considered. If his wife makes good money, they have family money, etc.

Mike

[TolzerVman]

You could try for a dependency waiver in the Army. I know it is not the Marine Corps, but if you are looking to serve, then that is one option. If you completed college and have a 4-year degree, then you could enlist as a Specialist/E-4 which is more money to start than being a Private.

So using the info that you enlist as an E-4, you would start with $2088 a month base pay (taxable). The housing allowance which is variable, but here at Fort Bliss it is $1221 for an E-4 with dependents and is tax-free. You could possibly start at $3309, then once you and your family were living together, possibly $3666, when you add the food allowance. So if you think that is something you can live on, then give it a shot.