Active Duty or Reserves

[Kerahs05]

Hello, To jump right in, i would like to have some opinions to help me decide between the two: Active duty or Reserves. Initially, I think active duty in the Marine Corp would be a great experience. Though my mother doesn't believe that I should do that because she thinks I'll be killed in combat. So my first question is if I were to join active duty, as any MOS, would I be likely to see combat?
Secondly, I also believe the reserves would be a good choice. That is, because I could still pursue a career in college, which brings me to my second question. Would being in the USMCR and going to college be too difficult and compact?
I would really appreciate replies, thank you.

[Lisa 23]

How about filling out more of your profile.....site rules, which can be found in the poolee and Ask A Marine forums.

[Kerahs05]

Sorry Ma'am, I filled out

[josephd]

Let's put it this way, you're more likely now to be killed driving down your street from a drunk driver than you are in combat. Being in "combat" is based on your MOS also, obviously if you are a grunt/infantryman then yes your risk will be higher than if you are say a Legal Admin clerk or something along those lines.

If you are young(18-22) still and want the "Marine Corps" experience I would suggest going active duty. You can get out after your 4-5 years and still be able to go to college at a relatively young age.

[Kerahs05]

Yes thank you very much for some advice, I'm 17 right now and I'm focusing on my decision.

[josephd]

Yes thank you very much for some advice, I'm 17 right now and I'm focusing on my decision.

Again I would suggest going active duty, you'll be out by 22 or 23(if you don't re-enlist) and can still go to school. You can also join the reserves once you get out/off active duty if you wanna stick around the Corps still.

If you join the reserves you'll need to get a civilian job still and a place to live(unless you're going to live at home and suckle from the parental teet).