magicalx
06-29-04, 04:22 AM
I'd like to start off by thanking all the members for posting their beliefs, thoughts, and advice pertaining to the beloved U.S Marine Corps. After reading all the insightful threads over the past several weeks I decided it's my turn to make my 1st official post :D .
What I want to ask is everyone's opinion and perspective about my decision in joining the USMC.
I contemplated enlisting when I was 18 (before Sept. 11) but instead choosed to attend college to pursue a political science degree and a career with some sort of federal law enforcement agency (FBI,DEA,etc.). As many teens across the country do, I fell a little off track and started to "hang-out" all the time. The result of that were mediocre grades...not the excellent GPA I needed to become a fed. Sept. 11 came and so did the realization that just because I would have a degree didn't mean I would have that dream job I always wanted.
The Sept. 11 attacks left a bitter taste in my mouth. I live 10 minutes from ground zero and could see the Towers from outside my bedroom windows. Soon after finding out that I would have to bury 3 childhood friends that died in the attack, the feelings of anger, disappointment, and duty took over. I wanted to do more then just graduate, make resumes,fill out applications and sit around waiting for some agency to call...IF they even called. So after a long discussion with my parents, I decided to straighten up my act, finish college and try to land a spot in the Officer Candidate School.
After doing tons of research and talking to friends, who are enlisted Marines...I began to have doubts. I read and heard stories about how enlisted Marines dislike the majority of officers and how many young officers let their college degrees come before being honorable and reliable leaders.
After some more soul-searching...I made the decision to put college off for a semester...enlist in the Marine Reserves, become a Marine (albeit a "weekend warrior" but Marine nonetheless)...come back home (assuming I dont get activated which most likely I will)...finish the few classes I have left in college and then become an officer. To me...my decision makes perfect sense. What better way to lead Marines into battle knowing that despite whatever rank is on my collar I know what it means to be in their shoes.
Am I making any sense? lol...I hope I am. I would love to here what you guys think.
I know the pros and cons regarding money, benefits,etc. between the enlisted and officer ranks...but to be honest, material things aren't important to me. I want to know how some of you Marines out there feel about this. And is it true that once I enlist I might not even WANT to be an officer (aside from the money of course)...the majority of my Marine friends have told me that.
Thanks for listening and sorry for the long post!!!
-MagicalX
What I want to ask is everyone's opinion and perspective about my decision in joining the USMC.
I contemplated enlisting when I was 18 (before Sept. 11) but instead choosed to attend college to pursue a political science degree and a career with some sort of federal law enforcement agency (FBI,DEA,etc.). As many teens across the country do, I fell a little off track and started to "hang-out" all the time. The result of that were mediocre grades...not the excellent GPA I needed to become a fed. Sept. 11 came and so did the realization that just because I would have a degree didn't mean I would have that dream job I always wanted.
The Sept. 11 attacks left a bitter taste in my mouth. I live 10 minutes from ground zero and could see the Towers from outside my bedroom windows. Soon after finding out that I would have to bury 3 childhood friends that died in the attack, the feelings of anger, disappointment, and duty took over. I wanted to do more then just graduate, make resumes,fill out applications and sit around waiting for some agency to call...IF they even called. So after a long discussion with my parents, I decided to straighten up my act, finish college and try to land a spot in the Officer Candidate School.
After doing tons of research and talking to friends, who are enlisted Marines...I began to have doubts. I read and heard stories about how enlisted Marines dislike the majority of officers and how many young officers let their college degrees come before being honorable and reliable leaders.
After some more soul-searching...I made the decision to put college off for a semester...enlist in the Marine Reserves, become a Marine (albeit a "weekend warrior" but Marine nonetheless)...come back home (assuming I dont get activated which most likely I will)...finish the few classes I have left in college and then become an officer. To me...my decision makes perfect sense. What better way to lead Marines into battle knowing that despite whatever rank is on my collar I know what it means to be in their shoes.
Am I making any sense? lol...I hope I am. I would love to here what you guys think.
I know the pros and cons regarding money, benefits,etc. between the enlisted and officer ranks...but to be honest, material things aren't important to me. I want to know how some of you Marines out there feel about this. And is it true that once I enlist I might not even WANT to be an officer (aside from the money of course)...the majority of my Marine friends have told me that.
Thanks for listening and sorry for the long post!!!
-MagicalX