Want to be a Marine officer, seeing a recruiter, help?

Question

Ok so i asked for more info on the marine officers website, and the next day, the local marine recruiter showed up at my doorstep. He of course pushed for enlisted but said he would like to sit down with me and my father in a couple days so he can give info on my options, and at the end of that, if i still want to be an officer, the Officer Selection Officer from Albany would come down and speak to me.

What can I say to him to let me see the OSO from Albany? Like whats a good way to handle the situation. I want to be an officer because i want to be one of the few and the proud that leads the few and the proud, but he says that marines don't like Lt.s, that just came out, telling them what to do even though they've been in longer. I know for a fact that if you are a good leader, you will be respected, but how can i convey that without insulting him?

Answer 1

You don't mention whether or not you have a 4 year college degree.  That is a requirement!

Answer 2

Ughh some people...

Tell the enlisted recruiter to go away and talk directly to your local OSS(officer selection office) asap.  When I gave my information through marineofficer.com I was actually contacted by the OSS, doesn't matter you can find their number.   Im sure you've read all your options(PLC, OCS, NROTC, and others) so I wont bore you with all that information.

Talk directly to the OSS and check out marineocs.com  

Answer 3

If you haven't started, and are near completion, College, then the OSO can't help... the Enlisted Recruiter can help with scholarships, and certain Programs for folks coming out of HS that envision a Marine Officer Career... however, I see in past questions that you have considered ROTC, that may be your best bet, at this point.

The Recruiter has many options, and the OSO's hands are tied until you have the Degree, or are real close to obtaining it... you have alot of good options.

ROTC is a good one, and Declaring the Marine Option is ok, but it is best to wait until 2nd, or 3rd year.

Answer 4

It is REALLY difficult to insult a United States Marine.  They're a tough bunch; pretty much anything you say to him would not hurt him.  Just come right out and say it: "I want to be a Marine, but based off of the information I have collected, I would prefer to go the Officer route as opposed to enlisting."  Leave no room for misunderstandings.

It seems as if he is trying to get you to enlist. It's not true in any branch of the US Military that enlisted service members (as a whole) disrespect their superiors, no matter where those superiors came from or how they earned their rank.  As long as you respect your men and women, and aren't egotistical, they will be glad to salute you.

Enlisted Marines are among the most respectful men and women you can find in the US Military.  The drill sgts really do a great job with them at boot camp; they obey orders on instinct no matter who issues them.

I personally am in the US Air Force and I don't care where an officer has served or how long they have been serving as long as they treat me with respect.  Anyone who is a commissioned officer in the US Military has earned that rank in my eyes, and I am proud to salute them.

EDIT - I'd imagine that a USMC recruiter would have told you if you are not eligible for joining up as an Officer, but if he did not, I'm going to echo the other answers here: you need to have a 4-year degree from an accredited college or university in order to be an Officer.  Your other options are:

1) ROTC - go to college, take 1 extra class per semester (as well as physical training at least 3 days per week); the USMC will cover most of, if not ALL of, your tuition, and you can be commissioned as an Officer once you graduate;

2) Go to Annapolis (USMC Military Academy) - but it is extremely challenging to get in.  You need to have a stellar GPA and resume, as well as participation in sports throughout High School;

3) Enlist and apply for Officer Candidate School after a couple of years.