Want to be a Marine (Need some help)

[Valentine]

I went in for my officer interviews for the NROTC 4yr scholarship last Saturday (Dec 15th). One of my interviewers gave me another option that would allow me to become a Marine. Enlist and go Reserves and do a 92-day program that would have me out of boot in enough time for me to start college next year. I was wondering if any of you have done something like this or would be able to educate me more on this option so I can talk to my parents about this.

[jloliver]

Valentine

I spent quite a few years in the reserves at the end of my time in the marines. They are called 92 day reservists. It basically allows you to go to boot camp and then come back to go to school. You know this. Here is the catch. You are not deployable until you have gone to combat school and then your school training. Usually three years later. (1st summer-boot) (2nd summer-combat school) (3rd summer-MOS school) It is hard to pick up rank without these trainings. The good thing is you will be the smartest person in your mos school and will most likely graduate 1st because you are doing ojt while at your unit for a couple of years. You will also be a little "saltier" than the boots at your school. If you aren't in a huge hurry, do it all at once. If you need to get college rolling, then go the 92 day way. I guess the difference would be an nco in about 3 years and a possible deployment or a lcpl and desk work in a couple of years experience and a little more college finished. Either way, finish college! You need it. I quit college and the civilian world doesn't pay much without it. I went back and got two degrees and I now have my principals license. Those are the pros and cons of the 92 day reservist program that I know of. Happy Shopping!

[hvtino87]

the program you are talking about is called the "IIADT" program. i am going in the same one. i leave for boot on jan.7th. so if you need any info on the program ask me and i might be able to help.

[Trapper]

Valentine

I spent quite a few years in the reserves at the end of my time in the marines. They are called 92 day reservists. It basically allows you to go to boot camp and then come back to go to school. You know this. Here is the catch. You are not deployable until you have gone to combat school and then your school training. Usually three years later. (1st summer-boot) (2nd summer-combat school) (3rd summer-MOS school) It is hard to pick up rank without these trainings. The good thing is you will be the smartest person in your mos school and will most likely graduate 1st because you are doing ojt while at your unit for a couple of years. You will also be a little "saltier" than the boots at your school. If you aren't in a huge hurry, do it all at once. If you need to get college rolling, then go the 92 day way. I guess the difference would be an nco in about 3 years and a possible deployment or a lcpl and desk work in a couple of years experience and a little more college finished. Either way, finish college! You need it. I quit college and the civilian world doesn't pay much without it. I went back and got two degrees and I now have my principals license. Those are the pros and cons of the 92 day reservist program that I know of. Happy Shopping!
One thing to remember is that boot camp is no different for reservists than full timers. I would however not let on too much that you are reservists. The drill instructors may select you a little more for ummm...work parties.

[Valentine]

Thank you for all your help guys.

[Trapper]

Thank you for all your help guys.
Valentine,
If you decide to go in as a reservist, do not let anyone tell you that you are not a Marine. You graduate Marine boot camp, you ARE a Marine, regardless of if it is part time or full time. Hold your head up high and good luck with your decision. Remember that this board has a lot of experience on it, and will help with any other questions you have. There is also a lot of good intel on the Corps itself here on this site.

[jloliver]

You are all very right. The drill instructors may want to mess with you a little more, but that doesn't mean anything. And the big one, you are the same Marine as anyone else out there. Reservist or not. While in Iraq I was combat meritoriously promoted on an active duty board because they felt my knowledge in my MOS was unsurpassed. I learned most of that knowledge in the reserves. The reserves spend so much focused time on their mos that they often times get invaluable information and training just the same as an active duty marine may get. The training is focused and intense in the reserves. My unit was also deployed three times before many of my active duty friends were once. Be proud now matter which way you go, you are still part of the best fighting force in the world.

[Valentine]

I understand guys. Thanks for the support. Semper Fi