I am 28 masters in IT,Permanent Resident . Do I have to start at E-2? USMC?

Question

I am an Asian, 28 years old. Couldn't decide if USMC is good for me or not. USMC Recruiter told I can only join as E-2 though I hold a masters in IT and professional work experience as IT-Programmer. Army and Navy offered me E-4/E-3 with bonuses. I certainly want to serve the nation , get citizenship and see myself as an officer in whatever the branch I do. I am skinny but never did Jim/workout/running... always work on Computers mostly.
My Questions:
1. Will I be able to finish the boot camp in USMC at 28?
2. Should I look more into Army/navy?
3. Do I have to start at E-2? in USMC?
Please help me to decide a right path . I am not married nor have any children. Would love to soon.

Answer 1

28 is no problem for completing boot camp, we had a guy when I was in boot that was 34, looked 44, and he made it just fine. If you're going to choose the Corps, you need to try to get yourself into at least reasonably good shape before you go, it will make things a lot easier on you. Start jogging as much and as far as you can, LOTS of sit ups, pull ups, push ups, squat thrusts (bends'n motherf_ckers) The better shape you're in when you report, the better off you'll be! Also get a copy of the "General Orders" you will need to memorize this also. A copy of the "Marine Corps Handbook" will also give you a leg up, as most everything you will need to know about the Corps, will be in there. Having a Masters Degree you should be entering any service as Officer, there are many requirements to be eligible for O.C.S. (Officer Candidate School) Just having a degree isn't enough, when I was in, you had to have min. test scores (G.C.T.) etc. While I love the Corps. I would recommend you seriously consider the Navy, as there are many more opportunities in your field of expertise. They have already offered you more; right?? I would also be asking the recruiters about the Officer Programs available. As an Officer your obligation will be significantly longer.

Answer 2

I hate to sound like a jerk, but are you sure that you were offered E-2 and not O-2? As for the Navy you HAVE to talk to an officer recruiter as long as you hold a BS or higher before you can join as enlisted. I spent 18 months as a Navy recruiter, we had a few people in your situation come in and all we could do is refer them to the Officer Recruiters and let them see what they could do before we could do anything. Your lack of US citizenship may be whats hurting you with getting officer though. Hmmmn, talk to the recruiter again and find out the Officer Recruiters number and ask them about your chances of success. That goes for every branch, talk to ALL of them before making up your mind. We are talking about more than a few years of you life after all.

Answer 3

With a Masters degree, you should be applying for Officers Cantidate School. The recruiter didn't give you the right scoop.

Suggest you talk to the nearest Marine Reserve Center and ask for the Executive Officer of the Unit, or the First Sergeant. They will be able to get your path on track.

Answer 4

With all that schooling behind you, I really suggest Officer Candidate school. That's how I look at it. I'm going through college, I might as well go Officer. Your age is fine, there are some people that go to OCS at ages like that so you should be fine. If you want to go enlisted find the nearest recruiting station near you. If you want to go officer, find the nearest OSO (Officer Selection Office) and speak with them. Good luck with whatever you do.

Answer 5

as a permanent Resident, you are unable to become an Officer. the highest anyone can go into the Marines is E2, regardless of education level.

Answer 6

If you want to be an officer, then you shouldn't join enlisted side.

You have a degree so you can join officer side and start is an O1, Lieutenant .

Answer 7

Talk to a recruiter, only they can give you the latest rules and deals. The rules change almost daily!