Which military branch should I join if I want to go in as an officer?

Question

I'm a female student at the University of South Florida and majoring in Accounting. I have looked into joining the Marine Corp, Navy, and AirForce officer programs; however, the Marine Corp seems like a greater challenge which is why I was leaning towards doing the Platoon Leaders Course. I have talked to a few enlisted people from each branch, and anyone from the Navy or AirForce tells me to join the AirForce because it provides a better way of life, but all of the Marines I talk to tell me to join the Corps. I have had several sit down meetings with all of the Officer Selection Recruiters, and each sugar coats joining their branch, except the Marine recruiter. He told me don't do it unless I want a challenge. I would like to work in Finance or Intel when I go in, but i would like to know more information about each MOS from someone who did it, or knows enough about it to give me an educated answer. Any help or advice about the branches, or which MOS is better would be greatly appreciated!!!

Answer 1

U.S. Air Force.

Answer 2

The Marine Corps is a wise choice, if you want to be leaders of Marines.  The Marine Corps has a course that is called "The Basic Course" (TBS).  Only for Officers that completed OCS in the Marine Corps.  No other branch has such.  This is an intense 6-month course of a severe style of Infantry skills.  Why they have it because when Marines get their commission as a Lieutenant, they only have 8 months of knowledge of the Marine Corps.  A Lance Corporal will have more knowledge than them!  But this course ensures that they are trained leaders, to conduct themselves as a platoon commander.  To know how to act as a combative team.  This is what other branches lack, wish they developed the same concept as the Marines.  Marines are a special breed indeed!

Finance in the Marine Corps is being planned to phase out by 2021.  Most jobs that aren't combat related are being consolidated to civilian personnel....I know, I went in as admin and realized that I would have to change my MOS since they were beginning to phase that out...I got ignorant and joined recon!  I would greatly appreciate it if you became an 0202 (Intel Officer) or 2602 (Signal Intel Officer).  We need willing bodies like yourself to join the ranks as our Commanding Officers, and I highly salute any women who is willing to earn their title as a Marine.

The Marine Corps' training do not lower their standard to women, that means you will go through the equal amount of training just as the men!  This is what distinguishes us from the other Armed Forces.  So, if anyone wants to talk c**p about women being in the Marines, they obviously never been a Marine themselves.  Good luck and I hope you choose the Marines; I will be honored to salute a female officer of your class!

Answer 3

That's easy, The US Coast Guard

Answer 4

Well you can enter any as an officer as long as you complete the ROTC and anything else they require for you to be an officer.  And I agree witht he other guy about the marine corps.  If you want to be a Marine start out as an enlisted and work your way up only that way will you have the respect you deserve because that way you have experience everything from the bottom up and the more knowlegable you are the better officer you will make. Becoming a Marine is a very big challange.  

As for as the navy.  The only prob with them is can you handle being out at sea for months at a time with out seeing land?  

The airforce and army is kewl.  I have a friend that is retired from the Air Force and he loved it.  Not only was he serving his country but he got to see the world and got to bring his wife with him to alot of the places he was stationed

Answer 5

What do you want? is the real question.

If you do want a challenge and put the limits of yourself go with the Marine Corp.

If want an office job go with the Air Force

If you want to see the world go Navy.

I suggest you push yourself and see what you are made of is more important.

Answer 6

The Marines.

You see the most action and have the largest chance of being promoted.

Answer 7

Each military branch thinks theirs is the best and none of that is true.  They all have their pluses and minuses.  The Air Force does seem to put more value on family and taking good care of their people.  The wonderful thing about the Marines is that they are hard core but their officers are not.  If you plan on going in as an officer then go Air Force.  You will have no respect if you enter the Marines as an officer.