Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 10/8/2008

Question
QUESTION: Ma'am
I am a honorably discharged former Marine with 4 years active duty (E-4). My EAS was 9 Jan 93. I am about to turn 39 in December and I have since obtained a 4 year degree in English with Secondary teaching certification. Are there any options for me in the Marines? I understand age is a major consideration and the Army may have less restrictions. Any help is appreciated. Many thanks and Semper Fi

ANSWER: Dear Dylan --

You could re-enlist in the Marines, if you still meet their fitness criteria.

However, in the Army, it is possible for you to enlist with the option to attend officer candidate school, if you would prefer to be a commissioned officer.

All services are accepting enlistees up to age 42.  You could actually re-enlist up to age 46 since you have 4 years prior service.  You must still meet the physical, moral and intellectual requirements for enlistment.

Please write back, if you have additional questions.  Thank you for your service.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: At this point, I am only interested in a commission. Does the 42 age point include the Marines as well? If not, what is the best route to receive a direct commission in the Army, Navy, Air? Many thanks--Semper Fi

Answer
Dear Dylan --

Based on your education, and prior service, you are eligible for a commission in any of the services, but might require an age waiver.  

Your degree does not appear to warrant a direct commission in any of the services.  Direct commissions are usually reserved for candidates with professional degrees (i.e.: law, medicine) or specialty advanced degrees (i.e.: PhDs in special fields) or personnel who are experienced, professional experts in fields for which the service is actively recruiting (i.e.: public affairs, Arab experts).  English and teaching degrees are not skills specially sought by the services.

You would have to attend some variation of officer training to earn your commission in whichever service you chose.  The Army and Marines are actively recruiting and are most likely to offer you the age waivers, if they are necessary.  However, I would talk to a recruiter from each of the services to determine who has the best offer in a field you wish to work in.

Good luck to you.