Break in the Track for Military Service
I am currently a first year analyst in a group that a lot of people on this website seem to like (GS/MS/LAZ/BX) mand am considering enlisting in the Marine Corps for two years of active duty. This would not be for another 3.5 years (I want to do two years in banking and two years in private equity), and I would be 26 at this time.
I know this is not a decision to be made lightly and that is part of the reason I am thinking about doing it in three and a half years - so I am absolutely sure it is what I want to do when I sign on the dotted line. It is very far in the future, so right now I am only considering it (and I emphasize considering).
If anyone has experience with enlisting, what it is like, and the implications it could have on my future then I am all ears. It will obviously be a reduction in pay, but I am more concerned with the experiences I will get out of it and serving my country.
I am still very much interested in finance and would probably go to business school after my active duty as ended. Again, right now it is very tenative and I am just throwing out ideas I have for my future.
Isn't it typically either a three, four, or five year commitment? Haven't ever heard of two years.
It's very selective, but is possible for two year commitments. http://usmilitary.about.com/od/marinejoin/a/ncsprogram.-umH.htm
[quote=3boy]It's very selective, but is possible for two year commitments. http://usmilitary.about.com/od/marinejoin/a/ncsprogram.-umH.htm[/quote] Extremely interesting
[quote=3boy]It's very selective, but is possible for two year commitments. http://usmilitary.about.com/od/marinejoin/a/ncsprogram.-umH.htm[/quote] Very interesting... did not know about this.
nice
First, you're a nut, but it's awesome. I've got a lot of respect for you for even considering such a move. Service is important and the experience is invaluable. I also strongly believe that you need to follow your heart, even if it sometimes leads you to wacky places.
Having said that, you're a nut... again... for emphasis.
I have a buddy like you though. He was in a very similar position... doing well on Wall Street and enlisted in the Marines. He did the reserves though, which may be an option for you to consider. His logic was that he didn't want to give up 4 years to be an officer. He also didn't want to give up his job. It was 6 months of training and then a part-time commitment. He did get activated but his job was secure. He wanted to serve and have a career. He was able to do both. He did it for a while, got what he wanted out of it, and continued on with his Wall Street career.
I will tell you, however, that you really need to be sure that this is what you want to do. To get a good feel for what it's going to be like- the type of people you'll be working with, the culture, and the living conditions- just go through the enlistment process. Don't sign anything, but spend some time in the recruiters office, take the ASVAB, go through pre-screening at MEPS. You'll get a taste of what it's like. If you are still gung-ho, then sign away, devil dog.
Truth in lending... I almost enlisted between my sophomore and junior years at an Ivy. Looking back, I had more brains than balls. I ended up joining the military a couple years out of college, however, and have spent the last decade in the special operations community. Ultimately, it was the right move for me. I'm now at a top MBA program, and while I wouldn't trade my experiences for all the money in the world, I'm looking to move onto something new.
If you have specific questions, now or in the future, feel free to PM me.
I'm in the same boat as you. 2 years in banking and now working at an early stage VC-backed company. Trying to get my PT scores and submit a package.
From my discussions with recruiters it seems that enlisting right now may be a better choice due to how competitive OCS slots are in the current environment. Best of luck in your search.
[quote=happypantsmcgee]
If you actually just want to serve than enlist. You'll have more control in your role, more flexibility, and less bullshit to deal with.
I'm really curious what makes you think this. I'd love for a prior enlisted to jump in here and tell happypants how much freedom and control you have and how little BS you need to deal with as a junior e-man.
Did I miss anything?
Well, you certainly have a whole lot less to worry about on a day-to-day basis as an enlisted guy. The free-est I've ever felt in my entire life was running around Nasiriyah as a Lance Corporal (E-3 represent!) back in the day.
For someone who's just looking to do a quick few years in a combat role before starting their real life, enlisting is certainly something they could consider. I know a few guys who came out of college (we're talking real colleges here) and enlisted just because it gave them a much better shot at the sorts of jobs they wanted to do (USMC Infantry, Rangers, SEALS, etc.).
Anyway, I don't understand the "little BS you need to deal with as a junior e-man" part -- the bullshit you're sometimes forced to eat is absolutely fucking astounding, especially when you're a reasonably intelligent, overachieving enlisted guy.
EDIT: On a related note, I always felt that I was treated with more respect as a boot private a week out of Parris Island than I did during my senior year at one of the academies.
Officers do get to pick MOS. In the Navy you can do it before signing. In the Army and Marines you can as well provided you graduate in the top of your class. If you are a bottom feeder, you're right... You might get screwed. So fair enough there. It is easier to pick what you want to do as an enlisted guy.
As for training, it totally depends on what your branch of service and MOS are. If you want to fly, then I'd say it's a lot easier as an Officer to get that training. Oh yea, that's the only way to get the training. I also never heard of an enlisted guy getting 2 years off to get his master's degree or go to war college. As for specific tactical training, I can't speak to Army or infantry but I know in other communities officers and enlisted train side by side. Bottom line, some places training is better for enlisted. Some places its more limited.
My point was more about day to day life. You never got any shit duties? You never were ordered to perform meaningless tasks? You never had to jump through hoops that officers didn't? You always felt that you were treated like an equal? You were never jealous of the preferential treatment that officers are given? You never were told no just because?
There are guys here that are trying to make life decisions. I don't think your characterization painted an entirely accurate picture. We owe them that.
BTW, thanks for your service. Seriously.
When you go through OCS you are out on an order of merit list. This list determines your role/job/branch etc so yes you have some choice but it is governed by spots available and where you stack rank. War college and shit is irrelevant here. We're talking about ~3 years out of dudes life. It's much easier to ride a spot to AA or Airborne as an E than it is as a non combat MOS officer (which is a very real possibility given the COE).
I think you had some fair criticisms so I'll do a more through write up tomorrow when I'm not on a tablet.
I strong caution people thinking of joining the military after starting a solid career elsewhere anyway.
I think your insights on enlisted life would be very helpful to these guys. I obviously don't know what your background is, but to your point above, try to put yourself in their shoes. Enlisting at 24 or 26 after you've gone to college, started a career, and have lived independently is totally different than enlisting at 18 out of high school. Their day to day lifestyle is going to change drastically and it's deeper than switching from a suit to multi-cams.
For some, the sacrifices will be worth it. For others, not so much. Your experiences, as well as those from others, can help them make that determination.
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