Expert: Jason Grabill - 3/14/2010

Question
Hello, my name is Eric Flores.
I'm currently attending HS. I'm interested in joining the Marines right after High School. My grades aren't the greatest, but I'm not failing either. I like the Marines and I support fighting. I know that fighting isn't just grabbing a gun and killing people and that you also need to learn other tactics like reading maps/mission objectives and such.
My questions are simple, but I don't have access to a recruiter and I'm perfectly sure a recruiter would rather recruit me with the best of my ideas and not reality. Sorry if I ask to many questions...

First - I would like to know if it's possible to join at the age of 17, and if so what would be available jobs for me?

Second - If I go to collage with a loan (Pass or fail), when I join does it get paid off?

Third - How long do I have to be in the force for until I am free to go, or retire?

Fourth - Relating to question three, I heard that after I serve my years, I get a time period where it is possible that the military will call me back... Is this true?

Fifth - What are all the jobs related to being in/near the battle (Suppliers, Infantry, etc)?

Sixth - Whats the salary for an enlisted? (Infantry/Medic)

Seventh - Survival rate between Marines and Army?

Eighth - Once I'm in the Marines is it possible for me to transfer to Navy Seals? If so, is it a difficult prosses? Or should I just try out for Navy Seals first (Because the test is harder) and if I fail try out for the Marines.
If it is possible to transfer without to much of problem who can I ask questions about Navy Seals to?

Sorry for the many questions.
~ Eric Flores

Answer
Eric:

 Why don't you have access to a recruiter?   What grade are you in at the present?  

1:  You can enlist at 17 but only with parents signature.  AND you need a HS Diploma.

2:  College loans do not always get paid off just beause you join.

3:  20 years is the minimum you serve until retirement.  Enlistments are usually for 4 years active duty, 4 years reserves, for a total of 8 years.

4:  Yes.

5:  Too many to list here.  Search for "Marine Corps MOS's" or "Marine Corps Jobs" on google.

6:  Search "Military pay and benefits".  You'll see a pay chart.

7:  Not relevant.  If you are concerned about that, seek other employment.

8:  No.  Enlist for the SEAL option through the Navy recruiter.  If you fail you go right to the Fleet in whatever job they need filled.   You cannot 'transfer', from either branch.  You complete your enlistment, you can re-enlist.
Ask a Navy recruiter for more detailed info on the SEALS.  

Jason