I am thinking about joining OCs for the USMC. I've been doing some research and stuff and have been thinking really hard about this. It is a strong possibility that I will join. I just don't know if I have what it takes to become a Marine Officer. The thoughts that pop into my mind are questions like, will my GF be ok, will I make it through Training, Where will I be stationed and so forth?
I seeking the knowledge of the people that know how to answer this question best, former or Current Marine Officers, or anyone who is in a close relationship with a Marine officer. I also want to know how people that in close relationships with Marine Officers feel about that person when they are over seas, or in Iraq. I don't know that much about the USMC personally, only what I have read and from hearsay. Please help me with my decsion. I don't want to look back 20-30 years from now and say, why did I not join?
2006-12-04 09:23:22 · 8 answers · asked by broncos27 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
As a former Marine, if you are asking those questions you are not ready to be a Marine Corps Officer. Sorry. You just know.
2006-12-04 13:22:26 · answer #1 · answered by mikey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not completely clear about your question, and perhaps you aren't either. Break it down into component parts, and it may help with your decision.
1. Do you want to serve?
2. Which service?
3. Officer corps or enlisted?
It sounds like you hear a call to duty. If you feel you have the leadership qualities that would make you officer material, then I see no reason you shouldn't try OCS. If you choose the USMC, you should plan on a combat role if for no other reason than to "hope for the best, but prepare for the worst." And feel assured that nobody in history has ever been sure how he'd react in combat until he actually got there. The Marines have a great tradition of training for both combat and leadership, being the one service with a long and large traditional role in unconventional warfare. You should have a level of trust that they'll train you to be the best leader of men that you could be.
Good luck in your decision, and God bless.
In the interest of full disclosure, being unenamored of the idea of being shot at, I went Air Force.
2006-12-04 10:20:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
Why should I go to OCS for the Marines (USMC)?
I am thinking about joining OCs for the USMC. I've been doing some research and stuff and have been thinking really hard about this. It is a strong possibility that I will join. I just don't know if I have what it takes to become a Marine Officer. The thoughts that pop into my mind are...
2015-08-18 16:02:14 · answer #3 · answered by Ester 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Marine Ocs Graduation Rate
2016-10-30 07:46:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First...at least your honest about your concerns which are valid. But if you remain uncertain don't waste your time and the time of the Corp by going to OCS. Where you might be station should not be a concern in my opinion...but your ability to complete the training is mainly a matter of mental commitment.
I was was an Army officer and attended their OCS program right out of college...didn't even have time to attend my own graduation! I will not try to compare the difficulty between the two in physical training but Army OCS back in 1976 was a tremendous excercise in mental stress...it no longer is according to recent OCS grads I met in Iraq. We had 220 men start the OCS program and we had less than 140 finish.
I served with 2 Marine 2LT's at Ft.Sill during our field artillery training and went to graduate school with a third while serving. All went throught the OCS program at Quantio, VA. All of them expressed the same view of their expirence. Focus on the goal, work with the other officer candidates and "cooperate to graduate"...work together. The military works on team work not on individual accomplishment. All of the above is how the nearly 140 out of 220 that graduated my Army OCS class graduated.
Make the commitment, make the effort and complete the training. Commanding men in the field and working with Marines, NCOs and other officers will enhance your life for a life time...regardless if you stay in 3 or 30 years. That's how the officers I served with felt and feel. I certainly do.
Good luck........
2006-12-04 09:45:11 · answer #5 · answered by iraq51 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I can only really answer this question from the "left behind" aspect. My fiancee is overseas for the Marine Corps right now and I have to say that yes, it is very tough, but ultimately if the love is strong enough, it will definately stand the tests of time and distance. Furthermore, becoming a Marine Corp officer is an excellent way to gain very valuble knowledge and have a career that is one of the most respected in the world. Joining or not joining will not make you a bad person, but I say you'll never know until you try. Good luck on your decision.
2006-12-04 09:30:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was in the same shoes as you a few months ago. I just signed my paperwork a few weeks ago and my application is now going in front of the board of selection. If accepted, I will be in Quantico, VA this summer for OCS.
I can't answer you questions about relationships, but I do know what you mean about not wanting to regret it in 20 years. I decided to go for it because even if I don't like it, its only a few years' commitment.
As for not making it through training, start working out now. You have to score a 225 on the PFT in order to be considered- start doing those situps pullups and 3 mile run.
Where you will be stationed depends on what you want to do in the Corps. I want to be a JAG, and there are certain places where I can be stationed.
Contact a recruiter if you havent done so already and ask a lot of questions.
2006-12-04 09:37:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Women will come and go, do what you want to do. If she is not willing to follow you and work with your dreams than she is not the one for you is she?
If you have an inkling that you will fail OCS you will fail OCS, trust me OCS has the highest dropout rate of any commissioning source. Especially the Marines, they make it hard because you are expected to be a leader of combat ready marines/warriors, if you are tough as they are or willing to make life and death decision they wont want you.
Army officer myself I have worked and gone to school with a number of Marine officers and people who dropped out of OCS. I had one guy whom I worked and went to college with, extremely smart guy, incredibly in shape, this guy was a total PT stud, he maxed everything. He use to do a Physical Readiness Test (PRT) max it, than turn around and do another one right afterwards without any rest and max that too. He did the two part/2 summer OCS option and he just quit because he was not willing to make hardcore decisions under stress.
Where you will be stationed should be the least of your worries, you get to move around every 2-3 years anyways and if you do good at OCS and TBS (the basic school) than you get choose what you do and where you go.
My advice if you are a Richard Gere type person from An officer and a gentlemen and want to be an officer because you dont know what to do with your life than you are not going to make it because you wouldnt have the mental mindset for success.
2006-12-04 19:52:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
After reading the other comments, just be aware that you have to pass a test to get aviation. Also, the Marine Corps fitness standards are very strict for officers. Look up the PFT and be prepared to score a 280 or better to be accepted as a Marine officer..
2016-03-16 00:45:13 · answer #9 · answered by Sheryl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/av0YQ
the Navy won't take a CJ Major unless you are looking at Aviation AND the rest of your packet is awesome.. strong leadership roles, heavy on the community involvement, team sport, etc.
2016-04-11 07:58:51 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋