Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Marine Corps reserve and NROTC

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Expert: - 11/20/2010


Question
Hello,

I'm hoping you'd be able to clarify some things for me. I am 21 and so far have a semester of college done. This January I will be starting an out of state 4 year university which offers NROTC. Initially I wanted to apply for a scholarship, enroll into the program and get a commission in the Marine Corps. However, for some reason it really bugs me getting a commission without having some enlisted time. I know that if I enlist active duty now I won't have much time for school which is also very important to me. So I was wondering if it would make any sense at all for me to start school now, since its only a month away, then enlist as a reservist, go to basic training in the summer and enroll in ROTC the following semester.
Also, IF that is possible, would I be able to enlist in the state of which I am NOT a resident and would I commission as a reservist or active? I really want to be active duty.

Thank You.  

Answer
Making sense or not is a personal choice you will have to decide, but a great many officers were never enlisted.  You being enlisted in the reserves will not make you a better officer.  I would focus on the school and going to NROTC at your college.

When you commission, it will most likley be active duty anyways.  But if you do not make the cut, it may be reserves.

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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John L

Expertise

I am a National Guard recruiter , been doing it for seven years and am a subject matter expert on qualifications for National Guard and I keep up to date on Regular Army regs and programs. I was in the Navy for 4 years and have 13 years in the Guard. I will not sugar coat my answers to you. They are usually short and to the point. If you need more in depth, ask me. Because each situation is different, alot of times you need to actually talk to a recruiter and let them evaluate your situation in person, by looking at your documents, issues etc. If I suggest this, it would be in your best interest to do so. Finally...thank you for your interest in serving this great nation of ours. Very few people can actually make the cut to serve let alone choose to do so. So thank you for wanting to and hopefully you will get a chance. Whatever branch you choose, thank you and good luck.

Experience

13 years Guard experince, combat missions and homeland missions. 7 years recruiting. I have been a platoon sergeant and squad leader. Mentor to new recruiters and recruits.

Education/Credentials
Recruiters course and advanced courses in recruiting

Awards and Honors
Top recruiter in district for FY 2008. Nominated for recruiter of the year for 2010.

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