You are here:
- Home
- News/Issues
- U.S. Military
- Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard
- Balancing College with the Marine Corps
Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Balancing College with the Marine Corps
Advertisement
Question
I am a high school senior, and I have plans of attending either Stanford or an Ivy League school. I have the grades, test scores, etc to get in, so thats not an issue. What is an issue is that I really want to serve a 4 year active/4 year inactive stint in the Marine Corps as an mos 0311. I am thinking about doing PLC in college, but then I'd have to join once I finish my undergrad degree correct? The problem I'm having is that I eventually want to go to Graduate school/Med School/Law School, whatever it may be, and Im worried that if I put a 4 year active duty stint between undergrad and grad school, I either won't get in to my preferred grad school or w/e, it just seems like such a long break. I'd love it if there was some way that I could join the marines now (dep perhaps), and get my undergrad degree (at least most of it) from a university while in the corps. Only thing is...is there any way to graduate from Stanford/Ivy League schools while in the Marines? It seems like all my options are lesser schools than those that I have worked so hard to be able to attend. What would be the best option for me in terms of balancing my education with the corps?
Nick:
Really going to depend on what YOU want to do, but if you have been accepted by Stanford, or the Ivy league, then I'd go there and do the PLC thing. If you haven't, then I'd wait and see what those colleges say. It will be difficult for you to get your degree as an enlisted guy on active duty. Not impossible, but difficult. You wont' be able to get a degree from Stanford or the Ivy league on active duty.
Jason
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Jason Grabill
Expertise
Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.
Experience
Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984.
Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years.
I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.
Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.
Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.
Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.
Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars.
Numerous other unit awards.
I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...
Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.