Posted on 06/16/2010 11:34:05 AM PDT by keats5
My 20 year old son has informed us that he intends to enlist in either the Army or Marines, after his first year of college. He did alright in college, but he is not set on any particular civilian job. What he really wants to do is something in the military, and he wants to do that full time without waiting to complete another three years of college.
He was majoring in exercise science with a mild interest in physical therapy down the line, but he's not enthralled with those majors. He would seriously consider being a lifer in the military. He has also expressed interest in Police, FBI, CIA type work.
He is in amazing shape, as he is a gym rat who gets up at 5 AM every morning to work out 2-3 hours before work/ school. (By the way, he did not get this drive from his parents.) He is above average intelligence, fine at math, science and well written. He has talked to an Army recruiter and was told he would have to decide on a job before he began training. So far, he is interested in the pathway to an Army Ranger. He still needs to talk to a Marine recruiter.
Do any of your FReepers have some wisdom to share? He would like to eventually get his degree, ideally while in the military. If he serves his four years, could he gain some college credit in the military? If he switched into the reserves while he got his degree, would that affect his pension? Which civilian jobs could he aim for from a Ranger background?
Anything you could share would be most appreciated. Thanks.
“Can he squeeze his head in a jar? If so, Marines...”
He has a large head, but he’s determined.
Whatever his choice of branch, I would recommend he do ROTC and finish school.
See this slide presentation from of all places, the NYT. It shows Army Medevac team coming to the aid of Marines. After the battle for Iwo Jima, Adm. Nimitz said of the bravery on that island, “Uncommon valor was a common virtue.” These young men carry on that tradition.
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/06/13/world/asia/MEDEVAC-slide.html?ref=asia
My daughter joined the Army right after her 18th birthday. She complains about the Army from time to time but keeps reenlisting. She has been in for 6 years now.
My son enlisted in the Marines, but won’t leave for basic until January. No practical experience yet.
Navy! But if it has to be one of the two choices you gave than the Marine Corps. Definitely!!!!!
Coast guard an option?
“In a perfect world he could finish a 4 year degree during his enlistment, get out, “
That is extremely difficult for even the most dedicated kids. Deployment schedules make it nearly impossible. Throw in the other priorities he’ll have and its even harder.
Being an officer in the United States Marine Corps and leading Marines in combat is the thing about my life of which I am most proud. Being a Marine is a life-changing and lifelong experience. It isn’t for everybody, nor should it be. Tell your son to make sure before he makes the commitment...either way.
Become an officer in either service.
The food is better.
Ug, I know, but I’m trusting that the American people will significantly weaken Obama’s power this November, and completely eradicate it in 2012.
After the Marines send him home, he can apply to Army.
:-)
I second this recommendation. It sounds like he wants to take a break from college. But, if he were to finish college before entering the service, he would be an officer, rather than enlisted.
His opportunities would be much better, both short-term and long-term.
Stop trying discourage a person from joining the armed forces. That is completely ridiculous and uncalled for. Seriously that is really bad form. I am in the military and the Commander in Chief has not changed much of my life at this point. People did that when President Bush was president and we did not like it and now you are doing the same thing those liberal wackos did.
My advice for your son is to study hard for the ASVAB before taking it. The higher his scores, the more positions he will be eligible for.
As for which branch of the service, if he’s partial to land over sea or air, I would recommend Army. (In the spirit of full disclosure, I was Army.)
Good luck to your son, and God bless.
I’m a cop in NYC. I just joined the Army National Guard OCS program. I leave for Benning in a month. I’m glad I did. Tons of career paths in the Army even though I already have a career. BTW, I’m 34 years old. Army was the only thing I’m not aged out of! Good luck to him wherever he goes!
Regular Army Airborne
squid
My youngest is in the Marines. He signed up out of High School. I do know they offer college level classes from time to time, such as when on deployment and sitting on a ship in the middle of the Pacific.
The US Marines is tough, especially boot camp. Then when you get out of boot camp you figure you are a real Marine, only to find out you “aren’t a real Marine” till you get through combat training, like School of Infantry. Then you find out you still aren’t a real Marine” until you get deployed, and then of course those that have actually been shot at move the goal post on you again. I found Marines move in very small circles of friends.
Has it been good for my son? Yes and no, but more plus than minus.
My biggest beef? Too many troubled young men are getting accepted and causing trouble in the Marines, but to a lesser extent than the Army.
If he’s a smart, hard-headed fitness nut, the Special Forces might be good for him. You can get into that off the street.
He’s up for the physical challenge. I’d post a photo of his body up here, but I told him that posting muscle man photos on the internet is no longer acceptable, and I guess I have to live under my own rules.
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