Reserves Vs. Active Duty

[JessGirl89]

Hello! I'm a senior in high school, I'm graduating in two months, and I'm very interested in joining the Marines...the only problem is, I'm really not sure whether to start in the Reserves or go straight to Active duty. I have spoken to a recruiter and have already met with him twice, so I am well aware of my options. Right now the Reserves is sounding pretty good, because I really want to finish school, but at the same time it seems that Active Duty has a lot more benefits. My friend is in the Reserves and he says he's having alot of fun, and it's probably one of the best things he's ever done. Now, mind you, I'm not going for it because I think it will be fun. I know how much of a challange I'm in for I'm just not sure what the better option will be...Can someone plese help me ut and give me some advice?

[jackson07]

You really want to finish school? Do you mean you want to go to college or finish high school? Either way you will have to finish high school if that is what you mean.

[davblay]

Some people are under the assumption that the reserves will give you all the tie you need to complete your college aducation in 4 or 5 years......not always so! If your Reserve unit deploys, you go with them, and in your enlistment you could be deployed twice, that means you won't finish your college until after you are discharged from the Corps.

The reserves is FUN, but wait until you get your orders to deploy....then see how much fun that is! I suggest you go Active duty, get all the credits you can while on active duty, then enroll in your college efter your ETS. It may only take a few months to get that degree that way.

That's my 2 cents!

Dave

[ZSKI]

Well after he deploys he will get the same access the Motgomery GI Bill and most states give vets free tuition.

[JessGirl89]

Yes, I intend to continue on to college, after high school. That is what I meant by finishing school. My apologies for not making that clear. Davblay, thanks for the advice! It will help greatly in my decision making. My recruiter did inform me of what you have said as well, and it really does help being able to see that someone other than a recruiter has said the same thing! So once again, Thank you!

[davblay]

Well after he deploys he will get the same access the Motgomery GI Bill and most states give vets free tuition.
None of this was in guestion here L/Cpl! Us old Marines do know a few things about getting an education, it seems! The credits SHE gets while on active duty will go a long way toward that degree after HER ETS and the same GI bill will help as will the state tuition fund for Veterans (in some states). Plus she'll get that deploma sooner than usual, because of the credits she has already earned,,,,,make sense?

You hang in there L/Cpl and one day you will be older and wiser and pay attention to detail to! :marine:

Semper Fi, do or TRY (in cases like this), it's the best of both worlds really!

Dave

[davblay]

Yes, I intend to continue on to college, after high school. That is what I meant by finishing school. My apologies for not making that clear. Davblay, thanks for the advice! It will help greatly in my decision making. My recruiter did inform me of what you have said as well, and it really does help being able to see that someone other than a recruiter has said the same thing! So once again, Thank you!

I used to be a recruiter way back when Moses was the Commanding Officer! But some things never change! Good luck Girl! :marine:

Dave

[JessGirl89]

Oh really? That's cool! Well thank you for the help! I greatly appreciate it! :)