Enlisted/Officer Programs

[SmokeyBandit]

Hi, I'm 17 and I'm seriously looking into the Corp. I certainly would like to be an enlisted man for at least a few years. Then I'd like to become an officer some time afterwards and ultimately get into politics. I was wondering if I joined after highschool as an Enlisted Marine if I could say 4 years down the road be trained to be an officer through the Naval Academy. I know there is special programs for this purpose, but I don't exactly want just a side program. I want the full Naval Academy Education as well. That being what would the best way for me to first join the Corp, then become an officer, and then get into politics as a congressmen or some sort.

[Wyoming]

Lofty goals. Lofty indeed.

How? 1st, hopefully, you had EXCELLENT grades in H.S., are an Eagle Scout, and have done more community projects than can be listed, before you even think about the USNA.

2nd, go on to University, get a degree, become an Officer.

3rd, I'm lost. Methinks that once you signup as Enlisted, there you be.


Others? Help!!

[yellowwing]

You've got 4 years as enlisted to be a stellar example of Marine leadership and outstanding ability and confidence.

Yes there are programs for enlisted transferring to the USNA. It still requires a recommendation from your Congressional representative.

The Corps is very picky and resolute on who we give a chance to step onto the yellow footprints. Expect 10x the selection process for a USNA slot. Zero article 32s, 300 PFTs, Meritorious Masts, outside volunteer work, recommendations from your Sgts and SNCOs and COs...

First and foremost, get your head straight on completing Boot Camp. 3 months of constant hard training separates the wheat from the chaff. We separate the mere enthusiasts from the Hard Corps Warriors.

Here at Leatherneck we will bust our ass to help anyone that reaches out thier hand to grasp our Beloved Eagle Globe and Anchor.

[SmokeyBandit]

Well my volunteer hours should be fine. I'm a member of my schools National Honors Society and it is a requirement to get 50-60 volunteer hours a year. My PFT is getting there. I'm around 240-50 I believe right now. Pullups are killing me.(I have tripled my pullup count in the last 3 months)I have no problem running, that's more of a hobby of mine than anything else.

So if I do go enlisted, I will be able after a few years to (if everything goes as planned) go to the USNA and get the same education as everyone else? I'm talking everything math, science, history, everything.

EDIT: By the way, thanks for the help!

[rb1651]

First, read yellowwings' post. Study it. It's full of great info.

Second, no one here can garrantee that you will be selected for the USNA. That is totally up to you, and the standards that you set for yourself, BUT only after you earn your Eagle, Globe and Anchor if you decide to go enlisted.

As yellowwing stated, we will provide you with the facts, but we cannot make promises. What your future holds is in your hands.

Ron

[yellowwing]

Yup, we Marines are a rare breed. We are a disciplined lethal force in action. It really takes super human efforts to be the Officers that can handle the job of leading us.

You may want to keep your options open to enroll in another fine University that offers NROTC. You can enroll in Ohio State or MIT and still get the education to be a Marine Officer.

Right now that world is totally open to you. If you decide to go enlisted first, I strongly recommend a harsh swimming PT program. That will help you in your pull-ups and cardio regimen.

When you stick like glue to your Recruiter, do every thing you can and then go above and beyond to prove your worthiness to join our Brotherhood.

[SmokeyBandit]

Well, when would it be easier to try to get into the USNA? Immediately after Highschool with no past service, or 4 or so years down the road with an enlisted background?

[DuckSauce]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I was under the impression you're not guarenteed a slot as a Marine officer, and that if you fell short, you would become a Navy ensign instead?

[DuckSauce]

where in OH are you from anyways?

[ASFAB93]

I thought there were more ways to become and enlisted than through the USNA... What about the PLC, ext? I thought if you got a bachelor's while in the Corps, you could qualify for an alternative program that didn't involve being accepted into the USNA. Am I wrong?

[Osotogary]

SmokeyBandit-
Just an observation. The building where I work often hosts the selection process interviews for entrance into the various Military Academies. There is an air of importance, education, influence, bearing, and extreme tension that permeates the selection area and lobby. I always, and I could be wrong, came away from this area, as I happened to be walking by, figuring that a candidate better know some who can pass on a good word or two on the candidates behalf. Bearing certainly seemed to be a definite plus. Of coarse it is easier said than done but it just seemed that the candidates that didn't bring any pretenses with them and who looked relaxed, confident, and honestly determined fared better during the entire procedure. Follow (you pick them) any of the sterling advice that has been handed you. They know what they are talking about, I just gave you an observation. Good luck , no matter which road you choose to take.

[outlaw3179]

Hey Smokey,

Its cool that your setting your sights high in the Marine Corps. Obviously during theese times its a hard decision to be making , but I can assure you , and all of the Marines on this forum can attest...YOU ARE JOINING THE BEST GUN CLUB IN ALL OF THE WORLD!
Go enlisted , get a tasted of the Corps. and experience boot camp. It will make you a better Marine. You are right. There are programs to jump from enlisted to officer. I can tell you this just like alot of the other Marines in here have told you . They only take the best and theres a reason for that. In the Marine Corps., officers are held to even higher standards then the enlisted Marines.
If you think you have the balls to be a Marine , earn your eagle globe and anchor at either of the recruit depots.

[Phantom Blooper]

" YOU ARE JOINING THE BEST GUN CLUB IN ALL OF THE WORLD! "

That's right Smokey you are joining the finest military organization on the face of earth! Set your sights high and go for the gusto!

When you become a Marine either enlisted or officer you will have earned the title to belong to the finest gun club in the world, "Drink to one and pis-tol two!" :banana:

Wishing you the best of luck!

Semper-Fi! "Never Forget" Chuck Hall :evilgrin:

[SmokeyBandit]

where in OH are you from anyways?

I'm from about 40 east of Columbus. Thanks for all the helpful advice everyone. I'm appalled at the many responses I got. Thanks alot!

I figure if I can't ever get in the USNA then I'd just go to plan B. Which would be getting a degree and going through ROTC.

I think the best thing I can do right now, is keep researching and see what I think would best suit me and what my abilities are best at.

Thanks again!

[Wyoming]

I figure if I can't ever get in the USNA then I'd just go to plan B. Which would be getting a degree and going through ROTC.

Excellent Plan!!!

[gwladgarwr]

You've got 4 years as enlisted to be a stellar example of Marine leadership and outstanding ability and confidence.

Yes there are programs for enlisted transferring to the USNA. It still requires a recommendation from your Congressional representative.

The Corps is very picky and resolute on who we give a chance to step onto the yellow footprints. Expect 10x the selection process for a USNA slot. Zero article 32s, 300 PFTs, Meritorious Masts, outside volunteer work, recommendations from your Sgts and SNCOs and COs...

First and foremost, get your head straight on completing Boot Camp. 3 months of constant hard training separates the wheat from the chaff. We separate the mere enthusiasts from the Hard Corps Warriors.

Here at Leatherneck we will bust our ass to help anyone that reaches out thier hand to grasp our Beloved Eagle Globe and Anchor.

Ooooo, well spoken! Extremely motivating - where do I sign up?

Oh, wait...they got me already. Dang. Had to go burst my bubble now, didn't ya? :marine:

[micah24]

You don't want to go to the Naval Academy after you've made it as an enlisted Marine. When they gave us our education class at boot camp, the Marine Officer said that if you do, then you pretty much lose the title Marine and are classified as a midshipman--the same as all the other people there.

[yellowwing]

Here's the straight scoop from USMC.mil on the several Enlisted to Officer Programs (http://www.lejeune.usmc.mil/2dmardiv/aabn/CarPlan/Career%20Planner%20Web%20Sight/officer_programs.htm).

I was mistaken on an enlisted requiring Congressional sponsorship, "The Secretary of the Navy may annually appoint to the Naval Academy 85 enlisted members each on the regular and reserve Marine Corps as well as 85 enlisted members each of the regular and reserve Navy. Reserves include those on inactive duty."

If you still want your ultimate goal of politics, the Corps does allow Officers to attend law school. But I'll let you look that up.

[SmokeyBandit]

You don't want to go to the Naval Academy after you've made it as an enlisted Marine. When they gave us our education class at boot camp, the Marine Officer said that if you do, then you pretty much lose the title Marine and are classified as a midshipman--the same as all the other people there.
Then how did he become an officer? Through ROTC?

[SmokeyBandit]

Well if I go in enlisted for 4 years I'd be older than 22 to go to the Academy so I guess I'd have to go somewhere else.

[yellowwing]

Well if I go in enlisted for 4 years I'd be older than 22 to go to the Academy so I guess I'd have to go somewhere else.
Read it again! SecNav can appoint 85 Enlisted. One parameter is they must be under 22.

Thus the SecNav can appoint a 19 yr old L/CPL. How much time left on his contract is irrelevant.

[SmokeyBandit]

Thank You very much for the generous help everyone who has offered it. I have another question on pull-ups, what is the correct grip that I need to prepare for boot? Should palms be facing the body or out. I was browsing some photos of future Officer's doing pull ups and they were doing both grips.

Thanks Again!

[Old Marine]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I was under the impression you're not guarenteed a slot as a Marine officer, and that if you fell short, you would become a Navy ensign instead?

Last time I checked a Navy Ensign was equal to a Marine PFC or a smidgeon below a Marine PFC.

[Old Marine]

Thank You very much for the generous help everyone who has offered it. I have another question on pull-ups, what is the correct grip that I need to prepare for boot? Should palms be facing the body or out. I was browsing some photos of future Officer's doing pull ups and they were doing both grips.

Thanks Again!

A Pull Up is accomplished with the the palms facing away from the body.

A Chin Up is accomplished with the palms facing the body.:evilgrin:

[SmokeyBandit]

Read it again! SecNav can appoint 85 Enlisted. One parameter is they must be under 22.

Thus the SecNav can appoint a 19 yr old L/CPL. How much time left on his contract is irrelevant.
Sorry to bring this age old topic back up, but I still don't see where it says that.

At least 17 but less than 22 by 1 July of the year entering the Naval Academy. Waivers will not be considered.
See the problem is, I still want to go Enlisted at least once. I figure if I do go enlisted and enter boot around November of 2007 by then I'll be 19. Four years later when my enlistment is up I'll be 23 and the year I would try to enter the Academy I would be 24.

Perhaps my best bet is to just go reserves and then go to college with ROTC or taking OCS.

[quillhill]

Well, let me just toss this out there and you can think about it:
I know three Naval officers whom I went to high school with and will see on Aug. 12 at my 10-year reunion.
Tom and Mike both attended the Naval Academy. They were both straight A students and football stars and played at the Academy.
Jason went to Renssaeller Polytechnic (sorry if I botched the spelling) and went through NROTC to earn his commission.
I know one Marine Corps officer, Jay Rodne. He went to a regular four-year university and joined the Marines after he finished college. He's now a Lt.Col., with 16 years in, with four years active duty and a couple trips to the sandbox. He also has a law degree, has served politically at both the city and state levels. Here's a bio on him.
http://hrc.leg.wa.gov/members/rodne/biography.htm

[AmyG]

Smokey, if you apply to the Academy and get an appointment and what not, all prior committment is basically scratched out, while graduating from college and commissioning is your new "committment." In other words, you won't have to complete your prior committment.

[SmokeyBandit]

Are you sure cause I was talking to a Gunny a few weeks back and he basically said if you have a commitment you can't change it. But then again, I don't think he would specialize in this area.