Have Officer Questions - 26 years old, Married, In Grd. School

[MontyHound]

Hello, I've been reading through this forum for a while but this is my first post.

This place is an amazing resource of information related to the USMC. Especially this board.

I've been looking into joining the Marines for quite some time. I was going to go enlisted after finishing college, but decided to go back to graduate school first, Now i'm a year away from graduating from there and looking into the OCS Path.

First, some personal information. I'm 26, Married with no Kids, I work full time and go to Business School Part-Time. I'm 6'0 205lbs and in good physical conditions. I want to be an officer in the Marines to serve my country and give something back, develop my leadership skills, and be a part of the best fighting force in the world. I came to the idea of joining the marines after talking with some friends who are now serving and former Marines.

I have a few questions and was hoping for some input from the members here as i am beginning the information collection process all over again.

First, As someone who seems longer in the tooth than other canidates (27 after i get my MBA) am I at a disadvantage? Is OCS my only option?
Second, Reserve... Do all officers in the Marines serve as active only? Or do some go into reserve while others go active? I've asked a few people and really couldn't get a clear answer. I know there are officers in the Marine Reserve but i'm not sure if they all came active. Reserve, in general, is attractive to me because i'm in career and it would, seemingly, allow me to stay where i am.
Third, What is the commitment (in years) for an officer? What portion of it can be broken up active / reserve? Does it depend on your MOS?
Fourth, I have an interest in aircraft but i need corrective lenses to see (glasses and contacts) so i don't think i can be a pilot. Is there another option where I could still work with aircraft?
Fifth, If not, what types of roles are there for ground officers. How are they chosen / prioritized?
and Lastly, Law option... I've always had an interest in going to law school but i'm sure the USMC has plenty of canidates who already have JDs.. right?. Plus, at my age, finishing law school would make me 30. Is this still an option? doable?A lot of questions.. I"m just happy this forum exists. Thanks to anyone who answers. Feel free to ask questions if i didn't cover everthing.

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

There is no way for you to become an officer other than to go to OCS. I think you're a little past applying to the USNA. <br />
<br />
It used to be that all officers did time on active duty and then they...

[killerinstinct]

you arent at a disadvantage at all but you will be able to choose air/ground officers..

Most officers dont have an EAS like enlisted(End of Active Service). Usually most go in for 8 years specially the pilots. I know a lot of pilots who do wear glasses/contacts as long aas they are 20/20 corrected or better.

Hopefully an officer will read your post as only they would know the best answers.

[jetdoc]

Try some of these links on the officer programs:

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/marinetrng/Marine_Corps_Education_Training.htm

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/marinejoin/l/bloffjobs.htm

[jetdoc]

There is a sticky over on the poolee board.

http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35882

[ammermda]

Contact your local OSO for authoritative answers.

You will go through OCS. You will not be at a disadvantage because of your age. We had people up to 32 years go through my OCC.

There are several different contracts: air, ground, law, reserve, national call to service. Again, talk to an OSO.

Many of your questions, including those about officer MOS's can be answered here: www.marineocs.com (http://www.marineocs.com)


Bottom line: if you want it, DO IT! Good luck!

[jetdoc]

PLC is the most popular way into "officerhood", Hound. If you're a junior in college you can still go PLC from what I've read. What do you think Lt?

http://www.marines.com/page/usmc.jsp?pageId=/page/Quadrary-XML-Conversion.jsp?pageName=Platoon-Leader-Class&flashRedirect=true

[ammermda]

Again, an OSO can give better information.

Jetdoc, I believe you are correct. College juniors can do PLC. However, I believe they do what is called PLC combined. It is a single 10 week course similar to OCC.

The regular PLC program basically splits the 10 course into two six week courses. (The extra time comes from admin.) College students do their PLC in the summer, finish their degree, then commission. College juniors would end up going to PLC one summer, finishing their degree, then finishing PLC and commissioning. For whatever reason, that is not the way it is done. College grads do not attend PLC. OCC is for college graduates. So, PLC combined is for college juniors, even though it is the same program of instruction as OCC.

MontyHound, since you are a grad student you are looking at OCC. Check out this link to get a basic idea of what OCC might be like: www.marinecorpstimes.com/class186 (http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/class186)

Hope this helps a little more. Again, good luck!

[jetdoc]

Didn't see he was a grad student, thanks.

[jetdoc]

I know the thread is titled "Grd student"....too much of a hurry to help and missed that tid bit. There have been several guys asking about Officer information and I had posted lots of links, on the board and PM's, so I had the links handy.

Again, this link does have good USMC officer links in it for OCS and other programs.

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/marinetrng/Marine_Corps_Education_Training.htm