Expert: Jason Grabill - 3/28/2008

Question
Jason,
  I was curious to know your thoughts and opinion on going to OCS at 30
years of age. Although, I always thought i would serve my country and
constantly admire those who do, after graduating college I was enticed by a
boring, unsatisfying job that pays a six figure salary. I have a good life but
honestly i have been searching for something more and the Marine Corps
kept coming up. I have meet with an OSO and have begun applying. I did well
on the PFT but i have had no support from friends or family who don’t see
the benefit the Marine Corps will provide. Moreover, there arguments are that
the military is for young guy with disposable years and thus more time to
build a career when the get out.
  Do you know what advantages an Officer in the Marine Corps has in the
civilian world? What are the Career benefits for becoming a Marine Corps
Officers? The reason i ask is at 30 this decision is a lot more critical and I
want to be able to tell those who believe i am giving up to much to pursue a
dream they feel i overly glorify that being an Officer will provide significantly
more options than staying 3.5 more years in an advertising position that has
no upside and no lateral movement.
  I have sincerely enjoyed your question and answers. They have been very
helpful and motivating. Honestly with few people to talk to your site has
provided tons of information.... thank you   
 Jeremy

Answer
Jeremy:

 First, thanks for the compliments.  Second, I think wanting to serve your country, either as an officer or an enlisted Marine, is the highest calling a person can do in life.  Everything else, to me anyway, is secondary.  Like the kid said in the movie, "Fifty years from now, looking back, you'll be sorry you didn't get in the car".  Even if you don't make the Corps a career, you'll have the comfort that comes with knowing you were a part of something bigger than yourself.   

 Those who don't understand likely have never 'been there', and will NEVER understand.  But, you have to do what YOU have to do.  I can give you all sorts of other 'motivational' catch phrases, but in the end, you are the guy staring back at yourself in the mirror each morning.  This is not to say disregard your family entirely, of course, but I think you've explained your reasons quite well.  

 I was under the impression, though, that Marine OCS didn't take candidates over age 28.  Has that policy changed?  You stated you talked to the OSO already, so I'd be curious about that.  Drop me a line or a followup and let me know if you would.  While yes, the military 'is for young guys' 30 years old nowadays isn't exactly broken down and falling apart.  If you were to stay in the Marines for a full 20 years, you'd be all of 50 years old at retirement, which these days still isn't 'that' old.  You are only as old as you feel, in my opinion.  

 Good luck, and drop me a line when you can.

             Jason