Is this true about the Marine Corps?

Question

I heard that if you go into basic training in the Corps first and then attend college to become an officer after, you get much more respect than if you went to college before attending basic training and then OCS. Is this true?

Answer 1

Enlisted men who become officers have a definite advantage among enlisted people, but it works just the opposite with senior officers. It doesn't have anything to do with Marines. It is human nature.  

Answer 2

There is some truth to that...but what ever route you take you have to earn your respect.

I have seen prior enlisted officers who forget their roots and get a big head. Some are the ones who were lower ranks and decide to bash NCO/Petty Officers now that they can. (Those are rare, but it happens)

I have seen Officers who were never enlisted just be good leaders and caring people. They treat everyone with dignity and respect. They do well and are generally respected.

Usually people who work their way up through the ranks. The people who are highly motivated and are willing to take on new challenges. These are the "mustangs" that get the most respect. They don't forget where they started and have been around the block a few times. The ones who aren't afraid to make a clear decision and stick by it. The ones who communicate clearly and lead by example.

Really it doesn't matter what route you take to become an officer, if you are someone who will give the same amount of respect that you expect. You will have to know what you are talking about for people to follow you regardless of where you started.

Remeber a bad officer is a bad officer and it doesn't matter if he/she was enlisted first. A good officer is a good officer. Being enlisted first has a few advatages and gains some respect, but you still have to earn it.

I was enlisted but never got commissioned. I got my Associate Degree while in and finished my Bachelors when I got out. Going to school while enlisted is a tough thing to do.

If you can go to school before you join, that is what I would do.

Answer 3

maybe by the water fountain.

Answer 4

if your goal is to be commissioned, you should go either to the Naval Academy or to a school that has a strong Rotc program and as long as you are fair and credible you will get all the respect you deserve. being a Mustang is great, but the most efficient and effective path, if you know your goal is Officer, is the traditional path. a hard truth is the Mustangs do not get promoted as fast or as far as their colleages because they are not thought of as "full colleages" among their peers.

Answer 5

Actually, I have seen that people get more respect after enlisting, climbing the ranks, and then going to OCS. Most people who do that never forget where they came from and get more respect then those who went straight to OCS and then out into the ranks.

Answer 6

Yes, it is called a "Mustang", and it is true of all Branches, not just us.

Answer 7

It's not just basic training... the enlisted respect an officer more that has been one of them... because that officer has a much clearer picture of both sides.  Having that picture is what makes a leader effective with his troops.

Answer 8

Likely, that what Chesty Puller did!