Pros and Cons of enlisting in Marines in high school

Question

if i enlisted when i turn 17 in 2 months that is what are the pros and cons of it? will i get a bonus of any kind? when i graduate boot will i be a private first class?

Answer 1

Go to college, do NROTC marine option, and graduate as a 2nd lieutenant instead of a private.

Answer 2

You won't get a bonus of any kind unless you ship to boot camp after you graduate but before you actually walk across the stage (aka - no graduation ceremony) or you do a quick ship. But... both of those have to be offered by the recruiting center CO and are not guranteed.

You'll only graduate as a PFC if you were an eagle scout, have 2 referrels, graduate as an honor grad, or were a squad leader (I think I may be missing something... but those are the biggies).

Biggest benefit of enlisting when you're 17 - you get more time in the DEP to get in shape for boot camp.

Answer 3

i signed up 17 buddy...and thats about the extent of it.  That should answer your question.  You will get nothing more than what a 24 year old would get, or a 28 year old...you all start out as boots, you all finish as marines (boots though ;)

Answer 4

I joined when i was seventeen and like the guy above said the dep is always a plus, the only way you will get promoted out of boot camp is to get somebody else to sign up before you go or get promoted meritoriously. But there are some coll advantages like you will probably end being the youngest Marine at your first ball and if you dont like it after four years your still young when you get out. And if you really like then you can retire at 37...

Answer 5

No you dont get promoted or any other bonus for enlisting while in HS..Why would you?

The time you spend in the DEP counts toward you entire 8 year contract..Also you can learn the USMC way and you can be somewhat fit and you get to do the activities that your recruiter does with his poolees..

Also while in the DEP you will learn if you truly want to be a Marine or not. Many like you think its cool and fun but once in the DEP they back out..So this is also a plus of enlisting early..

Just be sure the USMC is for you because its not like the other branches.If your looking for handouts such as rank and money then seek your fun elsewhere.

Answer 6

My daughter enlisted in October 07 of her senior year. I would say everything was pro for her joining early.  She and the other Poolees worked out every week together and she knew exactly what she was doing after graduation.

  She has been in Boot Camp nearly 3 weeks now and I have to say, the letters I have recieved so far are nothing less than AMAZING.  She said she has never worked so hard for anything in her life. She also said she loves DRILL.

Also as a side note, if you join now,  you will increase your chances of leaving when they say you will. I volunteer for the USO at MEPS  and Marines are getting bumped back all the time from their original ship date because of so many men leaving in the summer after graduation, who would have thought?  

My daughter will get a bonus if she completes her Linguist schooling.  You need to check what USMC jobs offer bonuses with your recruiter or on the USMC website.

Best of luck to you.