Choosing A Major....?

Question

(Now Im not asking someone to plan my life out for me, I just want some other ideas besides the couple I have now; to see all my options)

Fiance is going to school to be an orthodontist, and Im joining the Marines. I wanted to enlist but Ive been persuaded otherwise by a lot of people; so Im going to go through NROTC (Not Navy, Marines). Ive always known I wanted to go into the military, but if I want to make a career out of it; I might as well put in the extra 4 years and get an education to start out at a decent rank.

But back on topic. I want to go through NROTC (Marines) and come out a 2nd Lt. in the USMC Infantry. My question is, what major would you reccomend for someone that has a decent head on their soldiers but not a genious, that would hate a deskjob.

Im just looking for some ideas here, Ive been looking into Criminal Justive for the past year but I want to see what other people's opinions are.

(Probably going to Purdue)(Indiana)

--Thanks alot

Answer 1

I broke in a couple of infantry Lts when I was a Sgt in the Corps. The corps is the least particular about your choice of majors because we're all grunts anyway. Since your are going to Purdue I might consider engineering. The only problem with that would be that if you really got great grades they might try to make you an arty officer. They make you do all the artillery math in the school in OK. You don't need to know much to be a grunt. I had an Lt who had a Bach. of Fine Arts in Painting. I had another in History. They could all read maps, adjust indirect fires, write 5 paragraph orders, drink massive quantities of alcohol. That's all a grunt really needs to be able to do. You have a Sgt to help. Remember that if you decide to stay in you will need atleast one advanced degree. Most officers I knew got theirs in something like 'strategic studies'. I don't know if a tech degree is good prep for that or not. I would start in engineering and ask the instructors how you can lock up an assignment as an 0301 infantry officer. They need some brainy mugs in the force service support groups. They have communications units, bridge units, etc. If you don't want to drive a desk in the rear with the gear and beer then you need to avoid all that. Don't overlook somethin like light armor recon. Its kind of like a grunt but without all the forced marching with a pack. I haven't helped you much. Good Luck & Semper Fi Leatherneck.

Answer 2

Sorry to say this but most officers have desk jobs!!! The non desk jobs are what most enlisted members are for.

It doesn't matter if your an engineer, a chemist or whatever. I'm a chemist and have yet to use my degree in the 2 years I've been an officer.

I would major in a science degree, those are usually the areas that any branches of the military are looking at. I know an AirForce recruiter once told me that 70% of their applicants that they choose have a science degree and if someone came into his office with anything less he wouldn't even bother with them.

The NROTC is a good choice, they'll help pay for your education and you won't end up owing a ton of money. I think they even pay you a certain amount every month.

Way to go. Hope you end up persuing this idea.

Answer 3

Right now there are a lot of business majors who are probably rethinking their career goals. It is possible that things will improve in the next few years and business will once again be a good choice. Accounting is always a good choice. People always need accountants, including those businesses that are on the verge of closing. Since none of us, particuarly me, have a crystal ball, it is hard to predict what will be hot and what will not be in demand in the future. Just talk to all those people who went into computers in the 90's.

Answer 4

I am in a similar situation right now, except I am going through the Marine's PLC program ( or will be soon enough).

I am majoring in Computer Engineering; it teaches logic and math which are two important traits that an officer should possess.

Also, you should chose a career that will allow you to be employed after you leave the service if you decide to do so.

Good luck.