I am having a hard time deciding on what to do. I am a college graduate, with 2 bachelors degrees. Married, no kids. Ex collegiate athlete. Currently working in the criminal justice field for past few years. I am now in my mid 20’s. I have narrowed everything down to Coast Guard enlisted, Coast Guard OCS, Air Force enlisted, Air Force OTS, and Marine Corps OCS. Either way I know I am going to be serving my country. I took the ASVAB and qualify for all enlisted jobs across the board in all branches. Having a tough time deciding but I need to put the chips on the table soon. Want to get my MBA/MPA degree during my time in the service.
Coast Guard enlisted: start as a lowly E-3 with 19 year olds and do a 3 year enlistment. Work hard, put up with **** and wait for the new ME rate to get on (18 month wait now) so I can be a fulltime LEO or go MSST. That would be a great route. Then hopefully become E-5 within 2 years so I can go to OCS. I have until age 34. Become an officer assigned to DOG or MSST would be cool, spend my 20. Otherwise get out in 3 if ME is not available. Recruiter is hounding me to get in now while they have spots and put in a OCS package too.
Coast Guard officer: stay in my civilian job which I despise, wait and apply to OCS. (Board is in May) Slim pickins right now so I hear, but I do have good credentials, contacts, and maturity. If accepted, stay 20. Start another career.
Air Force enlisted: Start as a E-4. Go 1 of 2 routes… Combat Control… or Intel Analyst. Totally different I know but it could give me credentials to pursue fed law enforcement or fed intelligence after I get out. Combat Control would be my life I know. I don’t need to be lectured how hard it is. I know all about it and am in contact with active CCTs. It would be a life dream to do this, some of the best training in the world. Currently training for the the PAST. Intel Analyst would be cool too, tough school academically. Get out in 4-8 or become officer and stay 20.
Air Force officer: Stay in civilian job and apply to OTS. (Board is 4 months out) I realize how stringent the board selection is right now with the economy. I only qualify for Air Battle Manager and Special Tactics Officer. Would love to be a STO but from what I hear most come from the Academy. I have yet to take the AFOQT.
Marine Corps officer: Selection Board is in April for OCS. Put in package. High likelyhood I get accepted as long as I make the physical requirements. Life and marriage is totally dedicated to the Corps. HUGE sacrifice. But if I survive OCS, TBS and a couple tours, I will have accomlished a lot in a short time. Marine Intelligence Officer or Infantry Officer. No guaranteed MOS until after TBS which is crummy. Almost enlisted in the USMC out of high school but went to college and played ball instead.
Give me your feedback please. Remember I am keeping my options open and making an informed decision before I jump in. Obviously a college grad should go OCS/OTS but I have a working man/grunt mentality. However I have buddies that are both enlisted and officers. Officer route is a lot better pay. Providing the best life for my wife and future family is very important to me. Military replies only..
Coast Guard enlisted: start as a lowly E-3 with 19 year olds and do a 3 year enlistment. Work hard, put up with **** and wait for the new ME rate to get on (18 month wait now) so I can be a fulltime LEO or go MSST. That would be a great route. Then hopefully become E-5 within 2 years so I can go to OCS. I have until age 34. Become an officer assigned to DOG or MSST would be cool, spend my 20. Otherwise get out in 3 if ME is not available. Recruiter is hounding me to get in now while they have spots and put in a OCS package too.
Coast Guard officer: stay in my civilian job which I despise, wait and apply to OCS. (Board is in May) Slim pickins right now so I hear, but I do have good credentials, contacts, and maturity. If accepted, stay 20. Start another career.
Air Force enlisted: Start as a E-4. Go 1 of 2 routes… Combat Control… or Intel Analyst. Totally different I know but it could give me credentials to pursue fed law enforcement or fed intelligence after I get out. Combat Control would be my life I know. I don’t need to be lectured how hard it is. I know all about it and am in contact with active CCTs. It would be a life dream to do this, some of the best training in the world. Currently training for the the PAST. Intel Analyst would be cool too, tough school academically. Get out in 4-8 or become officer and stay 20.
Air Force officer: Stay in civilian job and apply to OTS. (Board is 4 months out) I realize how stringent the board selection is right now with the economy. I only qualify for Air Battle Manager and Special Tactics Officer. Would love to be a STO but from what I hear most come from the Academy. I have yet to take the AFOQT.
Marine Corps officer: Selection Board is in April for OCS. Put in package. High likelyhood I get accepted as long as I make the physical requirements. Life and marriage is totally dedicated to the Corps. HUGE sacrifice. But if I survive OCS, TBS and a couple tours, I will have accomlished a lot in a short time. Marine Intelligence Officer or Infantry Officer. No guaranteed MOS until after TBS which is crummy. Almost enlisted in the USMC out of high school but went to college and played ball instead.
Give me your feedback please. Remember I am keeping my options open and making an informed decision before I jump in. Obviously a college grad should go OCS/OTS but I have a working man/grunt mentality. However I have buddies that are both enlisted and officers. Officer route is a lot better pay. Providing the best life for my wife and future family is very important to me. Military replies only..