Expert: Jason Grabill - 6/10/2007

Question
i wish to join the marine corps. i am 17, and don't have a diploma yet. but i want to join as soon as humanly possible- and by that i mean the shortest distance from my home to the middle east.

i dont want a fancy job that will translate to civilian life, or benefits, or any of that jazz. i want a rifle, and i want to be put into combat. i want to serve until i am no longer able to.

now my question is this... because of the war, would the marines give me a waiver, if i did good physically, and on the asvab? if not that, would they accept a GED, if i did good physically, and on the asvab, and simply presented my self as i am- a aggressive young male who wants nothing more then to fight.

and finally, do the marines VERIFY high school diplomas? i mean, do they actually look into it, or do i simply show them my diploma, and they check off a box? if i got one of the high school diplomas offline that are not FAKE, per say, but may not be accredited in most places, and are easy to get, would that simply be glanced at and accepted?

i have no aspirations, other then to be a warrior. i don't care if i never make it past e-4. i only want to fight.

please help me. this is a crucial point in my life. thank you very much.

Answer
David:

 First and foremost, STAY IN SCHOOL.  The Marines take almost nobody without a HS diploma.  Even if they DO take you without one, they will MAKE you get one once you are in.  

 Second.  There is more to being an infantryman than just pulling a trigger.  You have to have enough smarts to read a map, work radios, understand complicated mission orders, and follow detailed instructions.  All of that requires a modicum of learning and maturity.  

 Third.  Faking a HS diploma is not only stupid, but criminal. Yes, they do check.  Don't assume *they* are stupid, either.  That is a quick way to go to jail and be denied an enlistment EVER.  

 Fourth.  At 17, you will be prohibited from being deployed to a combat zone.  Dept of Defense rules.

 Fifth.  You cannot enlist at 17 without a parental signature.  

  Sixth.  There are no more options when it comes to promotion.  It's "up or out".  In other words, you have to get promoted to stay in the miltary.  

 The Marines have not lowered standards, therefore, I don't think your chances of getting a waiver are very good.  Stay in school.  If you dropped out, GO BACK, or get your GED ASAP.   The 'crucial point' in your life should be getting your diploma, then going and talking to a recruiter if that is what you want to do.  

Jason