Mos...the Marines, flying , etc...

[Anonymous]

Hi guys,

I have been debating joining the A.F., or Army & my options are a bit tight since I am already 27 as of this past April.

The reason I am posting here...is that I would really like to join the Marines, but from what I have heard, and becuase of my age, that It may not meet my needs...or I may not meet theirs.

Perhaps I am wrong, which would be nice, then I could one day call myself a 'Marine'...which would feel really good.

Anyway, I was wondering how difficult it is to pursue a degree in the Marines, i.e. a BA in Nursing. Has anyone here gone after their degree, particularly a B.A. degree while in the Marines? How long did it take and how much difficulty was involved regarding scheduling and time available to study and/or take classes?

Also, one of the main reasons I am interested in joining is to travel. How likely is it that I would be stationed overseas if I request it? Are educational opportunities as available overseas as one the home front?

Finally, I love to be busy and am looking to learn and be as active as possible inside. I would love to learn how to jump out of air planes and other things that are action oriented.

What MOS would you girls recommend? I was interested in being a helicopter medic or something similar...but am open to all suggestions as long as I will be busy in an active atmosphere, (not an office).

One last note: I have always been interested in flying helicopters. I have even looked into going to school in the civilian sector for this, but the costs are astronomical. How likely is it that one, once getting their degree and becoming an officer could earn a position flying a helicopter? Keep in mind my age, I know that it seems to have eliminated me from the Marines, at least where aviation is concerned.

If flying is out of the question, which I can handle...I just want to find the branch where I can earn a degree in nursing and have an busy and challenging job taking care of my fellow solders, and like I said before, being able to call myself a "Marine" would feel pretty good, but I am not going to join the Marines just for that reason alone...any suggestions are welcome.

Anyway, thanks for the time girls...I appreciate it.

[MCIWS Sgt]

Robyne,
Have you spoken with your local Marine Corps recruiter? I wouldn't say what your looking for isn't out of the question in the Marines...it all depends on the demand. What was your ASVAB score? I completed a BA while in and it is tough, but it all depends on how much your want it. It took me 4 years and that included taking summer classes. I would first talk to you Marine Corps recruiter and ask him all the questions you want. He/She should know if there is an opening for a female in that MOS. I know there are female officers that pilot CH-53E transport helicopters. See what your recruiter says.
Sgt D

[tperng]

Hi Robyne,

I just turned 26 and submitted my package to join the Marine Corp officer program a week ago. I'm not sure if the cut off age is 27, but if you really want to be a Marine, don't give up so easily! The Corp grants waivers for all kinds of things and this might be one of those things where they'll make an exception. You should speak to an Marine Corp officer selection officer ASAP to discuss your options before turning to the other services. :D

Good luck!

[Admin_USMC]

I received my Associate's while on AD with transfer courses from prior college work. I was interested in pursuing a BS in Nursing as well. The problem I ran into was that since I was not already an LPN or AD prepared RN there are NO programs out there for night study when you have no nursing liscensure already. Therefore it was impossible to take the last 2 years of the degree with the clinicals required during your normal working hours. So I worked on some of the prereqs while I was in the got out and began pursing my BS in Nursing using the MGI Bill. However I have found that even on this side it is difficult to get accepted into a nursing program, which is ironic considering the nursing shortage, so I changed my major and I am currently pursuing psychology and will graduate in a year. Also you need to know that there are no medical jobs in the Marine Corps, the navy provides all of this for us. You may look into the Navy as an option. They have the medical programs and they also have several enlisted to commissioning programs and one specifically for medical personal that you could apply for, and the Navy would send you to their school in california to get your BSN and it wouldn't cost you a dime. As far as your age, don't be discouraged, I went through boot camp with a 33 and 31 year old and they made it fine. Everything is waiverable in the Marine Corps and with the current shortage of qualified recruits you just may be in luck, plus highly qualified females are in high demand. Your best bet is to take the ASVAB and see which jobs that you qualify for and then discuss it with a recruiter. Just because you test for the ASVAB with one service does not lock you into joining that service. I hope that I have answered your questions and best of luck in your search.

[Nita]

Good luck to you... let us know what you decide to do.. i went in 1977 and got out in 1984 from active duty.... in 1985 went in reserves and got out in 1992. In the reserves i served with VMO-4 at NAS Atlanta.. where there are alot of Cobra helocpters.. they are a different breed of Marines those airwingers.. but are a great bunch... any questions that i might be able to answer for you i would be more than happy to help you. But my MOS are only cook and ground supply... though i am crossed trained in Amo.. best regards and Semper Fi . Nita