The physical differences of Enlisted versus Officer

[KS-USMC]

Hello ladies! I have been parusing this site for a few days now reading every post I can to get more information. As we all know...it's tough when so many people say so many different things.

I am 24 and have a degree in computer programming, however I'm interested in enlisting instead of starting as an Officer. I have a number of reasons for my decision but one big reason has to do with the physical aspects of it.

I have competed in many triathlons and I race mtn bikes in the summer for fun so I'm a very physical person. My issue is that I am not naturally a fast runner so I'm pretty intimidated about OCS, not to mention that I feel like I am much better with reactiveness than with proactiveness so I feel like Enlisted is the best route for me to start. I am told that I can go Officer at a later time if I decide it's something I am interested in.

In reading the post regarding "bills while in boot camp", it appeared that you DO get paid your monthly salary while in boot camp, however you don't get those three months pay until the end? Is that correct or am I mistaken?

Hmm...not sure what other questions I could lump with this post so I'll save those questions for later :D Thanks!!

[usa/usar13]

Just wanted to say that I wish you all the very best in health and happiness in the New Year and in your future endeavors! You go girl! :)

[LTC William E. Bailey]

As someone who started out enlisted and then became an officer I feel qualified to discuss this topic. If you compete in marathons then you have more then enough speed and stamina to make it through Marine OCS. The runs at Officer Candidate School, are just like the ones in Basic training (except for the Physical Fitness Test), and will be all conducted in formation. They will never run faster than 9-10 min miles and never longer than 5 miles. I have only run in one marathon in my life (Honolulu Marathon 1984) and I managed to complete it in 4 hours, hardly a competitive time at 9 mins per mile. They will never ask you to do more physically in OCS then is required of trainees in Basic. It is not simply a matter of you wanting to go to OCS, and then it happens. Marine OCS is extremely competitive, and many get turned away each year. The difference between being an enlisted Marine and being an officer is not physical, as all Marines (officers and enlisted) are required to be able to do the same things. DFAS will pay you every month, or twice a month, that you are in the service and entitled to pay and allowances. All pay goes automatically direct deposit to your bank accountant. If you don't have a bank account you will be given the opportunity to start one.

[KS-USMC]

Thank you so much for the information.

I should have clarified with regard to getting accepted to OCS...I definitely realize that it's not an easy thing to get into and it's very competitive. I had already begun the process since so many people said that I would be happiest with that decision.

However, each person has to do what is right for them so I'm going in as Enlisted because I feel that is the best choice for me.

I've been having a lot of fun physically and mentally preparing myself for boot camp so I'll look forward to the day that the challenge is upon me.

I'm shipping out March 28th...if anyone else out there is going at the same time, let me know! :)

[Admin_USMC]

You do get paid each 1st and 15th. it will be deposited in a bank account that is set up with Fort Sill National Bank that is on PI. They will provide you with a debit card to purchase supplies when you make your visits to the post exhange (PX). This will also be how you purchase your pictures, videos, etc. while in boot camp. You will not be able to write checks or pay bills becuase you will not get this until the end of boot camp. So it is best if you prepare and prepay your bills or request a deference for military training. You will have full access to you money at the end of bootcamp. I highly suggest that on Family Day or Recruit Liberty day that you switch your direct deposit over to Navy Federal Credit Union. There will be a Navy Fed wherever you go in the Corps and you will have less problems with ATM Fees etc. However if you do not enroll while at PI you can not enroll again until you receive orders overseas so be sure to do this before leaving PI. best of luck and PM me with any other questions that I can answer for you.

Semper Fi,

[ECHO5SNICKERS]

Good on you for your decision to join. I have been enlisted for 9yrs 9months, and on Feb 2, will become a Warrant Officer, so I know both sides as well.

I would never change the fact that I was enlisted first. Having been a Private, I can say that, at least in my occfield, we look upon our mustang officers, (Warrant Officers and LDOs) with the utmost respect. They have been where the troops are before. They have been through boot camp, vice OCS, and have had to endure endless field days, FASMO inspections, and other mundane aspects of enlisted life that regular officer haven't had to endure.

There is nothing to stop you from being enlisted, then becoming an officer later on. The Corps has many outstanding enlisted commissioning programs that you will qualify for as you put time in.

I am presently a SSgt, and along with that, older than quite a few of the unrestricted Lts and Capts. It is sometimes difficult to listen to a 22 year old (only life experience being college) tell me what needs to be done in my section, or how I need to run my shop. You may find it difficult as a PFC or LCPL to take orders from a person that you have more experience, and possibly more education than. Just something to think about.

Semper Fi.