Expert: Jason Grabill - 1/9/2004

Question
Hi Jason,

I think about joining the military everyday. But one reason why I haven't yet, is that I am in school, and will be graduating from UCSD in 2005. If I was going to enlist, I wouldn't do so until I graduated. With a BA in political science, I would be eligible for Officer Training School, right? I don't have many specific questions, I am just trying to figure out the best way to go about it and collect information. If you could fill me in on what exactly officers do, what they learn, and what you must do to become one. Lastly, what sort of compensation is offered? The Coast Gaurd has a program that puts cadets through school and then gets 3-years active duty from them, but if I am going to join a service, I want to go all the way. Do the Marines offer anything like that? UCSD does not have an ROTC (army?)program. Any and all info will be appreciated, thanks a million.
Thank You.
Neal Larkins  

Answer
Neal:

 First, see if your college has an NROTC, which is the Navy version of ROTC.  If not, check with colleges nearby;  most ROTC programs will let you transfer to them while still staying in your original school.

 The Marines offer plenty of very good commissioning programs.   Try a google on line search for "USMC Commissioning program".   Also, look up (generally in the blue pages of the local phone book) your local recruiter and tell him/her what you are interested in.  They can hook you up with an officer recruiter and take it from there.   The Marines continue to look for a 'few good men'...but sometimes, they have to come to them instead!

 You will be eligible for Officer training with a BA degree, and I encourage you to go that route.

  Officers lead troops, basically.   They are the platoon leaders, company commanders, battalion commanders, etc.  Enlisted men outnumber officers in the Marines 7-1.  Officers also fly jets and helicopters, etc.   It really depends on what you want to do as an officer.  Infantry, Artillery, Intelligence, Military Police, Aviation, etc.  

 Officers have to go thru boot camp, just like any recruit does;  Officer boot camp is at Quantico, Va, and is called "The Basic School", or TBS.  

 Pay for officers is not bad at all, with starting salaries for 2nd Lt's in the low 30's (when you add in pay for meals and housing).   All servicemembers get free medical, dental, insurance, and can retire at 20 years time in service, with 50 percent of salary.

 A recruiter can answer your questions much better than I can, but this should get you started, anyway.  Good luck!

Semper Fidelis,

Sgt G

  Best of luck