16 and wondering if I should enlist or get a commission.

[JumpinJackFlash]

Hello everyone, this is my first post here. I'm 16 years old and trying to figure out my next move when I get out of HS. For years all I have wanted to do was join the marines. I make it a daily goal to work out and keep myself physically fit. My parents are all for this.

So here is my problem...Until recently I was planning on (attempting) to go to VMI and get my commission as an officer. Ive been thinking a lot lately about it and I don't think its the best course of action. I am an active member of Civil Air Patrol and I look for leadership opportunities everywhere. This summer I'm going to a military base and NC and also I am going to spend a week as flight sgt for CAP cadets on Paris island. So what would you do I'm my shoes? I really don't want to spend my whole life in the Marines. Just a few years. If I get a commission then I believe I have to spend 4 in collage and then 7-8 active. That's a long time. I want to start a family and run a small business like all my past ancestors (I have great ambitions I know) . So anyway, what are the pros and cons of each?

One more thing, I have a friend who is looking to join also. He said that two people can request to stay together through basic training/afterwards. Was he right? What does this include?

I know I'm asking a lot of questions but just think how many you had when you joined...

[m14ed]

First thing here is fill out your profile.
This topic has been covered before . Do a search.
99 of us out of a hundred will tell you to keep in school and futher your education
IF that is an OPTION you have open.

'Nuff Said

[Lisa 23]

Fill out more of your profile besides a first and last name....site rules, which can be found in the poolee and Ask A Marine forums.

While this is the Ask A Marine forum and we are here to answer your questions........this topic has been asked an answered many times before.

As m14ed already mentioned to you, 99% of everyhere here will tell you to further your education, then decide after that if you want to still go enlisted or the officer route. This is a decision that you have to make.

Also, on this site, Marines is always capitalized......and there's nothing basic about Marine Corps boot camp.

[SGT7477]

BASIC,BASIC that's for the army of none, the Marines, Good Luck, Semper Fidelis.