Promotion Opportunities

[brandon_2008]

I was wondering if anyone knew the possibility of completing a career as a Marine Officer. I know it is hard to advance as an officer but how many Marine Officers complete their 20 before being shown the hatch?

[Trapper]

My CO from when I was on Guam started as a 2nd Lt. He was a first Lt when he was my CO. He is still active and is a full bird Colonel now. I was on Guam in 86-87.

[innersanctum]

I think it tends to be the luck of the draw. My first Bn CO was Major Neller. That was in 1992. Today, you would know him as Major General Neller. Sometimes a medal can guarantee you a career. A Navy Cross will do the trick. Worked for a man named Captain Ray when I was in the same bn as Major General Neller. He was awarded the Navy Cross during Desert Storm. He has his ticket punched. As for the reality of it all, you are more likely to do 20 as an enlisted member vs. an officer but that is a defeatist attitude.

Anyone can do 20 or more years as long as they are dedicated to the job they are presented.

[hankhoffman]

I think that it is a combo of luck and willingness to stay in for 20. I knew alot of SSgt's that wanted to stay in but the MOS was top heavy and they had to get out.

[Trapper]

Isn't there the chance of lat moves, too? That could extend you some. I have anopther buddy who is retiring this month from the Army. He went to boot camp a month before me in 1985.

[Trapper]

I forgot to mention he is enlisted, though.