Just A Few Questions -- Any Feedback is Appreciated

[Bradg613]

I am a civilian who is very interested in joining the Marines, and just has a few questions for anyone out there that has the time to answer them.

I have taken my ASVAB, and scored an 83 on it. My main interest in the Marines was for intelligence, specifically 0231. What other MOS's require higher ASVAB scores?

Also, one of my main worries is starting a family while being enlisted. Money is no issue to me, however, supporting and raising a family is. Is the salary as an enlisted Marine enough to help support and raise a family?

If I were to pursue a career as an Intelligence Specialist, would it be likely that I would be deployed over seas, or stationed at a base domestically?

I really appreciate any feedback that I receive on this post, and wish you all a happy thanksgiving.

Sincerely,
Bradley

[Bradg613]

Also, before I forget, if there are any Marines out there that decide to respond to this, please do. Why did you personally choose to become a Marine/continue to stay, and is it easy to make a life long career out of the core? ( Corps ) !!!

[Lisa 23]

Thread closed until you have complete profile besides a first and last name.......site rules, which can be found in the poolee and Ask A Marine forums. When profile is complete, PM any Squad Leader from the Squad Leaders sticky in the Ask A Marine forum and thread will be re-opened.

Also, as your posts have been edited by Rocky C, on this site, Marines is always capitalized.....and it's Corps, not core.

[Lisa 23]

Profile complete, thread re-opened.

[Bradg613]

Thank you for your response USMC1963, the sticky was helpful

[Tennessee Top]

It is common for a junior Marine (LCpl and below) with a wife and small child/children to be on foodstamps. One reason (besides low pay) is our major installations tend to be located in high cost-of-living areas such as on the east or west coast, northern Virginia, Hawaii, Japan, etc..

Any of the aviation MOS's require higher ASVAB scores because of their technical aspects.

I stayed in for 22.6 years because I loved wearing the uniform and preferred being around Marines more than anyone else (and still do today).

[Bradg613]

If I have no children and were married do you think it'd pose a big issue?

[Tennessee Top]

If I have no children and were married do you think it'd pose a big issue?

Not as long as both of you can agree on a budget and stick to it (no movie theaters except the one on base, eating out only on special occasions, cheap car with good gas mileage, no credit cards, etc.). Having a high-maintenance spouse will not work; they must be willing to sacrafice and live within your budget. Picking up rank will ease the burden somewhat where you can at least feel comfortable.

[Bradg613]

What if she's working as well?

[fl1946]

Well two income is better than one...BUT don't expect your wifey to get a $40 - $50K job. Truthfully, it's going to be part-time (up to 30 hrs.) @ $10/hr. I took the liberty of calculating you and your wife-to-be's take home pay to give you an idea just how difficult it is for a junior enlisted to survive with a wife. Here are the criteria: L/Cpl (up to 2 years in Corps) = $1729 GROSS. Your wife if she worked @ WalMart, 30 hrs/wk @ $10/hr = $14K GROSS (rounded up by $2K). Assumption does not include dependent's allowance which may up to $450/mo (but let's not include this). Now here's your reality check:

Gross Income
L/Cpl 20,748
Wife (WalMart) 14,000
Total Gross Income 34,748 or $35,000 (rounded up)
Tax Rate @ 25% (3,000)
Net Income $32,000 or $2668 per month

Your net income is your take home pay. Now, which three star restaurant are you going to Friday night? BTW, we haven't even considered your EXPENSES to be deducted from your take home (food, car, insurance, etc)

Good luck!

[Bradg613]

I really appreciate the time you took to respond to my post Fl1946. This is kind of scaring me though. It wouldn't always be like that right?

[fl1946]

Brad, the numbers were meant as a reality check. While it is a privilege to be a Marine, you still have to look at the big picture. In your case your prospective wife. Aside from the "numbers," what kind of quality of life can you give her while you are spending days and evenings playing in the mountains or going on a 9 month non-accompanied (dependent) deployment? You gotta think about her. This forum has a number of threads about the challenges of marriage early in your military career. It is no honeymoon after the blossom withers later. Thorns will definitely appear.

If you are dead set to marry, at least do it AFTER boot camp and six months into your first permanent duty station. By then at least there will be some sort of stability; you will also be starting in your career track.

Best,
Frank Lee

[Bradg613]

I appreciate you giving me the reality check too Frank. But my passion to become a Marine makes it hard for me to want to say no simply due to financial stress at the beginning. I believe you have to sacrifice sometimes for the things you want, my girlfriend and I both understand how tough it will be, but the rewards are so plentiful. I truly appreciate everyone's insight.

[Tennessee Top]

We're not saying you can't do it; many have (and many have failed too). It will just take a lot of work, sacrafice, and compromise from both of you.

[fl1946]

I am reinterating what Tenn Top just said. We're not telling you not to. At least think about waiting til you settle down at your permanent duty station. "Passion" is like racing down a mountain...thrilling til you miss a hairpin. Listen to wisdom Grasshopper.

:evilgrin:

[Bradg613]

I don't want to get too far ahead of myself here. I have decided that it would be best if I just focused my energy now on preparing for and getting through boot camp. Any relationship issues can be decided between my girlfriend and I once I'm an actual Marine. I truly appreciate all of your insight and feedback, you Marines are great.

[Tennessee Top]

Smart!