Expert: Jason Grabill - 4/4/2006

Question
I'm confused.

I want to be a Marine.

I looked at the Army first because i was pretty sure i wouldn't be able to join any other branch since i dropped out of high school.

i have yet to get my GED either this month or next month i will.

I took the ASVAB
and i scored an 82.

the Army offer is quite nice
i can start as an E-3
get up to $40,000 signing bonus {considering im interested in dangerous jobs}
i can enlist whenever
and i am  garunteed my job that i enlist for.


now all that is fine...but
i want to be a Marine

Now as for starting rank it would be regular
fine with me
No signing bonus..
fine with me

the two things that bother me
is that i'd have to wait until they have GED slots open before i ship off to basic

i basically wanna leave ASAP.
meaning as soon as i get my GED

the thing that bothers me most
is that i was told i am not garunteed my job
it is second prority

being a Marine is a priority to me
but getting a job that helps me in the future is also.

and i plan on getting my bachelors while in the 5 years im with whichever branch i choose.


is there anyway i could get to choose my job

and also it should be said
i am very interested in special forces
mainly recon


i NEED the garuntee that i will get the job i select before entering

is there anyway i can get that?

Answer
Mr Betts:
 
  If being a Marine is your top priority, then tell the recruiter that, and go from there.  FYI, the Corps is currently recruiting for Recon MOS's right in recruit training, so no matter what, you may be able to jump on that bandwagon.

  You'll leave when they need you in Recruit training;  it's almost impossible to leave "right away", esp since you didn't graduate HS and don't have your GED yet.  The Corps is extremely hesitant about taking people without graduating from HS, the slots are very limited for that.

 Starting rank in the Corps will be Pvt E-1.  

 If the army is really going to put all of that in writing...you may want to seriously consider that, if they are putting it in writing for you.  

Best of luck with your career...