sec9
06-20-07, 06:34 PM
Alrgiht well Im 18 and about to leave for college this September. The plan is/was to start college then as soon as possilbe take care of my orthodontic work and surgery. While doing that I would be in DEP and go to boot as soon as I am fully recovered then if possilbe do the 92 day program and go back to school and drill as a Marine Reservist with a unit near my school.
Now comes the part that I could use advice on. Im starting to think that I would much rather be an Active duty Marine rather than go to this college, wait 1-2 more years and become a Reservist. What I was thinking I could do is enroll in a community college and take courses just until I can complete this orthodonic process where I have to get surgery to widen the upper pallet in my mouth. The surgery itself is not that big of a deal, it's kind of like getting your wisdom teeth out but on a larger scale and recovery is anywhere from weeks to months. I talked to my recruiter about it he mentioned nothing about a waiver for this kind of surgery, but if I do need one Im sure it wont be hard to get. Problem is the school I am to be attending is great school and my parents (mostly dad) are really happy that I got in there. I plan on talking to him and laying out the education options the Marine Corps offers for Active Duty Marines as well as officer programs like MECEP. A lot of people tell me to do ROTC or just try to head straight for an officer position, but I feel that it would be better to have some enlisted time under my belt before I take on the responsibility of an officer.
My dad is understands that I want to join the Marines and supports my decision. He just wants to make sure that Im making the right decision. I want to know what some of you would do in my position, and any advice on how I can do this.
Now comes the part that I could use advice on. Im starting to think that I would much rather be an Active duty Marine rather than go to this college, wait 1-2 more years and become a Reservist. What I was thinking I could do is enroll in a community college and take courses just until I can complete this orthodonic process where I have to get surgery to widen the upper pallet in my mouth. The surgery itself is not that big of a deal, it's kind of like getting your wisdom teeth out but on a larger scale and recovery is anywhere from weeks to months. I talked to my recruiter about it he mentioned nothing about a waiver for this kind of surgery, but if I do need one Im sure it wont be hard to get. Problem is the school I am to be attending is great school and my parents (mostly dad) are really happy that I got in there. I plan on talking to him and laying out the education options the Marine Corps offers for Active Duty Marines as well as officer programs like MECEP. A lot of people tell me to do ROTC or just try to head straight for an officer position, but I feel that it would be better to have some enlisted time under my belt before I take on the responsibility of an officer.
My dad is understands that I want to join the Marines and supports my decision. He just wants to make sure that Im making the right decision. I want to know what some of you would do in my position, and any advice on how I can do this.