The Officer Corps

Officers -- What it's like to be a military officer? What are the pros? What are the cons?

Howdy. I'm going to join the Marines and I would really like to talk to some female officers. I'm curious how officer training differs from basic bootcamp, what the physical requirements for passing are, what sort of psychological climate to expect (do women train separately from men, is the atmosphere supportive like bootcamp (i.e., if you give it your best, you'll probably find a way to pass) or are they really trying to break you, what sorts of jobs do you get offered, etc. etc. Any and all information welcome. Post here and/or email me directly: petite_angel@katworkz.com .

I have an AA that I want to upgrade to a BA. Right now I'm in pretty dire financial straights, however. I've applied for FAFSA and the university I'll probably be attending has merit scholarships to help cover tuition and books. If I'm going to complete my degree in time to accept the commission by the cutoff date (by the time I'm 30, which will be December of 2001, that is), I'm going to have to go back to school full time and take on a HUGE class load. I'm willing to do it, but as someone who's been out in the "real world" for a while now, I have financial obligations I can't really set aside. The financial assistance from the various officer programs won't really kick in until after PLC and I've got to start now. I might have to get an age waiver as it is, if it looks like the schooling is going to go in to 2002.

The question is: are there any organizations that provide scholarships and financial support to women who are: a) planning on entering the military, b) planning to enter a traditionally male-dominated field, c) just want to further their education, d) of Latin descent (I'm 1/4 Mexican), e) anything else anyone can think of? (Heck, scholarships for short people would do it, too... I'm 4'11"! ;^D )