Did i make the right choice? Instead of joining the marines i chose colledge.?

Question

I kind of regret not joining up with my buddies, there gone traveling the world and having fun while im stuck with the books. I feel bad that im not there with them. Should i just drop everything and go?
Everyone is saying im crazy if i go but it's my choice and that there is a chance i could go to war. I dont know what I should do?

Answer 1

I am reminded of an article in the magazine "Leathernecks" in which the author was once a young officer who was pondering whether to leave the Corps for a higher education or stay in the Corps (this event happened more than 3 decades ago).

Tortured, he called the home of the famous Marine General Alexander A. Vandegrift. Mrs. Vandegrift picked up the call and appeared to not be surprised by the author's request. She kind-heartedly got General Vandegrift on the horn and the author explained his dilemma to the General. The wise General answered (either through phone or letter, I forgot), to paraphrase: "Whether you decide to leave or join, keep on learning. A Marine, active or retired, has the duty to continue their education and contribute what they have learned to the country. By continuing your education will you be better able to serve your country."

I too am in your situation; in high school I was such a Marine-wannabe. I almost enlisted in the Corps if my parents had not refused to sign the papers. A person I knew from high school had joined up with the Army right after graduation. He called me a poser, and that is probably true... for now. And thus sometimes I feel guilty that I had not joined right after high school. But in college, I learned many things about the world around me. The veil of ignorance was lifted; I truly believe now that I can use my newly gained knowledge to bear against the enemies of America both domestic and foriegn. Though sometimes I feel bad for not joining right after high school, I am also proud that I had the opportunity to see the big picture that was offered to me through higher education.

Personally, I would say, stick in school until you graduate. Then you can join the Marines (which is my plan). When you do, you will be typically older than the average Marine, and hopefully more mature. Your knowledge and maturity can be brought to bear to a position of leadership or specialty. Critical thinking skills, time-management, and other learned skills while in school or work can also be applied to enhance your efficiency and effectiveness in decision making or simply carrying out tasks assigned to you.

The battles of today are won by the "Strategic Corporal;" meaning that the grunt on the ground must be not only be skilled in the science and art of war, but also diplomacy, cultural knowledge, and much more. Whatever the grunt on the ground does can mean victory or defeat in the tactical, operational, strategic, physical, psychological, and moral levels of war. Someone is always watching; so whatever decision and action is made, it will count. A higher education can help to develop the qualities, values, and ability to do what is right and required in any situation. So think of it this way: you are learning and what you learn can be applied to the service of our country; the trick is to finding and executing the application.

Answer 2

The Marine Corps will even tell you they'd rather you get all the education you can. If you are interested in the Marine Corps seriously consider going to a university with an NROTC program. You can get your college paid for and when you graduate you are sent to OCS and begin a 4 year obligation to either the navy or the Marine Corps.

Answer 3

well its your choice buddy. Yes you might even be deployed at times like this.. soo take it as a reconsideration. You don't have to be in the marine to travel the world. Work your way up on the books and it will be the same but less restrictions.

Answer 4

Finish college THEN join the marines as an officer!

Answer 5

If you really feel the military is where you need to be join. I would recommend that you finish college and go in as an officer instead of an enlistee.

Answer 6

Don't join just because your friends did. Don't do anything just because you friends do. What ever you chose, do because *you* want to. There is not just a chance, more like a very good probability of going to war. If that bothers you, don't go. Don't wait until you have enlisted and have a change of hart. That does neither you or our country any good.

Answer 7

Don't drop out to join the Marines. When your friends get out of the Marines they are still going to be at square one while looking for a job. You will have an education. If you want a military career, get a degree first and you will already outrank your buddies. They will have to get a 4-year degree if they ever want to get to your rank.

Answer 8

I think you are smart, there is always time for the military after college. With a degree you can become an officer and plus, if you get injured to the extent that it ruins your military career, you have another option to fall back on, your degree.

Answer 9

Go to a military academy where you will join the army and you will be an officer out of it in few years and you could totally enjoy your time in the army with your friend, and you dont need to go to war now.

Answer 10

There is a reason only 15% re-up after thier first four years in the USMC, it sucks, don't do it, I wish I stayed in school. Now I'm out 4 years later and I still have to go to school and work a low paying job, just like I was four years ago.