Expert: Jason Grabill - 6/15/2007

Question
I'm currently entering my sophomore year in college, studying to become an aerospace engineer. It's a career I truly look forward to, but for the last two or three years I've had a strong desire to join the Marine Corps as an officer, if for no other reason than for the character and experience I'd get out of it. I've got high scores in school, well-maintained physical fitness, and I'm an Eagle Scout to boot, so I feel that being an officer would add to my leadership ability. There are two things holding me back at the moment - one is the fierce opposition my parents have towards my interest in the military, which I feel I'm old enough to decide on for myself, but it's hard to imagine going to war when your own family doesn't support you, if you see what I mean. The second thing in my way is time - I'm not looking to abandon my hopes of being an aerospace engineer for ten years; if I join, I'd want to serve my time, be discharged honorably and continue on as a stronger person in the civilian world.
The point I'm getting to is this: is it possible for me to become a reserve officer? How long would I serve for? Is there such a thing, even? Every mention I can find of the reserves talks about the enlisted ranks, and I can't find anything saying whether or not officers can be in the reserve too. If it's possible, I could hypothetically get lined up with a job in aerospace for a bit until I'm inevitably deployed for awhile, and I'd have a place open for me when my tour ended. I hate to make it sound like the Marines is some unavoidable hurdle I have to get around before the part of my life I want to have can begin - I really do want to be a Marine, but I may have to reconsider depending on how many years I'll have to put everything else aside for. Sorry for the lengthy message, and thanks for any help you can offer!

Answer
Joe:

  First, it's your life.  While your parents may not be supportive at this stage, if you go through with this, and succeed, you will be surprised, perhaps, in how much support they will give you, unless they are rabidly anti-military.  Still, either way, it's your choice to make.

 Second, you will have to talk to a Marine officer recruiter (your local recruiting station can put you in touch with one) because quite honestly, I am under the impression that all officers in the Marine Corps start out on active duty (as reserve officers...it's complicated) and eventually, sooner or later, go into the reserves or stay on active duty.  However, a Marine Officer recruiter will be able to give you more information on the reserve officer program.  I'm sure one exists, but I just don't have any good information to give you.  (How do I know there is one?...Well, reserve platoons have to be commanded by somebody, and I don't see the Corps sending Capt's or Majors to do that, and I've seen 2nd Lt's in the reserves).

 So, contact your local active duty Marine recruiter, who will put you into contact with an officer recruiter, who will set you on the right path for you!  Best of luck!

Jason