Marines Help?

Question

I am 17 and a highschool senior , Im thinking of going to Norwich university Corps of Cadets,in NROTC, So I can then join the Marines as an officer, but my question is , is it better for me to join as an officer or enlisted , becouse. My cousin wants to go enlisted becouse he says he wants to be what the USMC calls the "Mustangs", or enlisted men who later become officers. Im thinking that that would be great too, becouse I wanna join the USMC not so much for the economic advantages but for the training. What is it like for a officer in the Marines?, for an enlisted? Can someone please tell me more about the Marines term "mustangs"

Answer 1

It all depends on what you want to do. Whenever I joined, I decided to go in as enlisted. I wanted to get a good feel for the military and know what it's like at the bottom of the ranks before moving on to bigger and better things. I find that prior-enlisted officers are more understanding and are less likely to screw you around or look down on you for being enlisted. I considered getting a degree and going officer, but I have no desire to stay in the military.

If you really want to go in as an officer, that's good if that's what you want to do. Just remember this... Officers have to depend on their enlisted counterparts, mainly NCO's, for proper guidance. After all, the enlisted personnel are the ones who are out doing the grunt work. They have hands-on experience and vast knowledge. In order for officers to fully understand and efficiently lead their troops, they must learn some of their troops' jobs. I've had good officers and bad officers over me. With each one, I took something from that experience of being under them. If you want to be a better officer, learn to be a leader, not a manager. Invite conflict. Stand up for your people. Give them a reason to keep their heads up. Keep their morale high while making sure that objectives are met. After all, should you become an officer, that will be your primary duty. I hope this information will help you.

Answer 2

Looks like you've researched this quite a bit. So here's my two cents. If you join straight as an officer you will be an officer sooner rather than later and you won't go through 2 boot camps. If you join as Enlisted you will have to complete enlisted boot camp and Marine Combat Training. Then you can apply through MECEP (Marine Enlisted Commissioning Program.) And become an officer. Once you are accepted you have to go to Officer Candidate School and the Basic school which is boot camp and Marine combat training all over again. You will receive training more attuned to what officers need to know at this point. Overall Mustangs in the marine corps don't receive too much more than non mustangs. You get Officer Pay E meaning you make slightly more than an officer who wasn't enlisted. But I believe this pay only counts until you make Major 0-4. As for an enlisted mans perspective towards officers. I respected Mustangs a lot more than non mustangs due to the fact I know they've been on my side of the fence. In general mustang officers were a lot more level headed, and knowledgeable than non mustangs.

Answer 3

If you plan to do 20 years or more, I also would recommend enlisted first. I think all those who have recommended enlisted first were enlisted like me. However if your not sure about about a career as a Marine you should find some officers to talk to first. You will get the best training from both options, Officer training emphasis is on leadership and tactics, Enlisted emphasis is following orders and combat skills. Otherwise the physical and mental training is very similar.

Answer 4

Frenchghost has pretty much hit the nail on the head. I always prefered to work for an Officer that had been on my side of the fence and knows what it's like being an enlisted man. Either way though you're wanting to join the Marines and that's saying a lot. Good luck with you decision.

Answer 5

Go enlisted over going straight in as a officer. I personally have much more respect for mustangs, I think every officer should be enlisted for at least 3 years prior.

Answer 6

I say it's better to remain a civilian. Support and defend your country in other ways. Maybe try joining the police force or other law enforcement or corrections department.