 | I am debating between enlisting into the Marines or enlisting to become an Airman. I am 59 credits into acquiring a B.S. in Computer Science, but feel I need discipline and a work ethic I currently lack to truly accomplish my educational goals.
I am of the understand that the USAF would give me better educational opportunities. That is wonderful, truly, but it will not instill in me the same discipline and possibly work ethic as the USMC. If I never receive the discipline to accomplish the school work, and with the additional responsibilities of being an enlisted Airman, I will simply fall short of my goals all over again, wasting more time. I believe that the USMC would definitely help me find the work ethic and discipline I yearn for, though at the cost of quality of living, educational opportunities and possibly, ease of transition to civilian life.
Because of a misdemeanor I received at the age of 18, if I enlist into the Air Force, my job options are substantially narrowed. I believe my best bet is to be an electrician. So I question how cross-training works? If I did not have this misdemeanor, I believe I would qualify for Aerospace jobs in the USAF. If I cross-trained into this field, would I still finish out my initial contract, or sign a new one and move to a post regarding the newly acquired education?
If I join the USMC, I should be able to go in a 63XX MOS. I feel that I would enjoy work in this designation greatly, but doubt I would have the same opportunity to finish my degree. The title of "Marine" is a truly alluring one, but being recognized as an officially educated man takes president. If I can achieve both, I feel that regardless how the rest of my life plays out, I will have a true since of accomplishment. Plus, with both achievements, I can't see ones life playing out too poorly lol ;-).
Though it truly is assumptions on qualifying for any of these positions within our nation's Armed Forces, I did score an 86/99 on a practice ASVAB in the Marine Recruiters' office, and as stated previously, have finished 59 credits towards a Computer Science B.S. I also attempted some classes that, though I did not complete the course, did gain knowledge of the subject matter. I am confident in my ability to test well and have study/practice material to help.
Now, in regards to life outside/after the service. How did/are you enjoy your time in service? Did you enjoy your job(s) or still doing so? Do you wish you had joined another branch or have any regrets about the decision you made? Did your occupation play a role in acquisitioning a job as a civilian?
Does anyone have any experience with joining the Air Force after a prior enlistment with a different branch? If I take the Marine route and work as an aircraft technician with the MOS 63XX designation, will it help me in trying to convert later to be an Airman and work with aerospace technologies, or should I simply join the USAF initially if I would like to see about making a career in the aerospace field?
Lastly, I have my eyes on someone. We are in good standings and I could see myself marrying this girl. I hear that marriage and Junior Marines don't mix too well. I know that I could always find someone else (to be honest, it is not all that hard for me to find interested females and the social status of Marine should prove to make it easier) and time tends to heal all, but I would hate to have her as a regret in my life. She is special. Any input on marriage as a newly enlisted servicemember in either of these branches? And no, I would never join a branch because of their "social status." Don't be silly. Lol.
As I read over my post, I realize that this may come across as me not truly wanting to be a Marine. "Live and die for the Corps," right? I would love to be a Marine. To own their discipline, work ethic, mind set, image, its drool-worthy. Heck, if it comes down to front-line fighting because WWIII kicks off, no other men in the world would I rather be next to. But I have plans that span much further than an eight year contract with any branch. I am aware that planning your life is not a reality, too many variables in this game we play and disappointment waiting with every new day, but an outline helps and can do so tremendously.
My two biggest fears concerning this life-changing, and possibly making, decision, is regretting the branch I choose or regretting how it impacted my relationship with this girl. At twenty-one years of age, I have no true regrets. Some things I may have done differently, or not done at all (misdemeanor, I'm looking at you), but no regrets. I look forward to the knowledge and wisdom that you fellow Yahooers have to offer and appreciate the time you take to read and answer my questions. Thank you!
It should be noted that I am not considering the Army nor Navy for various reasons. Though I have posted an extensive "Question," I have done a great deal of research already. I asked a substantial amount, lets stick to those questions, shall we? :-P
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