Hello, Marines. I am currently a college student who is strongly considering going into the Marine Corps after graduation (which looks like it will be Christmas of 2013). I was going to go out of high school back in 2008, but a football scholarship lured me away from joining the Marine Corps and I did not go. Now, after having it weigh on my mind since that day, and since football is done for me (long story short, my 1 year of college football ruined playing the game for me because of terrible coaching and a lack of caring by that coaching staff for the players or the game), I have decided that I want to enlist after I graduate.
Being a Marine has been a dream of mine since I was 11. My father is former Army (mechanic and cook) and this lead me to joining JROTC in high school (Army). The Marine Corps has always been appealing because I like a challenge and want to be part of the best. Also, the recruiters that visited were very helpful and informative, more so than any of the other branches recruiters that came to my high school. I currently have a friend in MOS training at Camp Pendleton who has been helpful as of late in answering questions on conditioning for boot camp.
Right now, I am in a little bit of a rut. I am really sick of school, but realize that a degree is a good asset to have, especially for my life after I retire or get forced out (yes, I plan on being a career Marine). If I stick around until I graduate, I will be 24 years old. I realize that I will still be able to join, but I really want to get my life going. Would it benefit me more to stay and finish my degree or to go ahead and enlist? I am majoring in Physical Education and plan on coaching high school football in my life after the Corps.
Also, what is the best way to approach a recruiter at this time about general information on an MOS? Is there any place I can find a full listing (I've searched the internet with no luck)?
Would it be in my best interest to be talking to a recruiter now, just about all things involving the Marine Corps or should I wait until closer to my graduation date/drop-out date from school?
Thank you all in advance for any responses I receive.