Advice needed - Daughter thinking about service

[bvilchez]

Originally Posted by Smokin Gator

She had a couple of hour meeting with a Marine recruiter last week and has some info on intelligence positions in the Marines. I told here she needs to talk to other branches as well.

I can only give you the Marine perspective on this issue. Being a prior recruiter in the Marine Corps myself, he can not promise her anything unless it's in writing!!!! She wants to speak to the OSO (Officer Selection Office). If you have a degree, see the OSO, and decide to join then you'll be accepting what we know to be a commissioning. Officers get commissioned in the military. Downfall with the Marines is that you can have a degree in Biochemist Engineering and end up being commissioned in Supply.

If she wants to go enlisted (99% are usually high school grads) then she can get more of an AREA of what she qualifies for....not an exact job. For example, I enlisted in '96 under Communications. I could have been a Radioman, or a satellite operator but I ended up becoming a switchboard operator. Not my choice but I chose Communications, not the exact job.

I would advise her from my position to look into federal positions where she is more prone to use her degree and do what she really wants to do.

The federal government has a program called STEP (Student Temporary Employment Program). It is for individuals in school who can apply for part/full time jobs while currently in school. Upon graduation she can directly get hired by that federal agency if she likes and has more opportunity and has a foot in the door.

Feel free to PM me for any more info on questions you may have.

[Smokin Gator]

Originally Posted by bvilchez

I can only give you the Marine perspective on this issue. Being a prior recruiter in the Marine Corps myself, he can not promise her anything unless it's in writing!!!! She wants to speak to the OSO (Officer Selection Office). If you have a degree, see the OSO, and decide to join then you'll be accepting what we know to be a commissioning. Officers get commissioned in the military. Downfall with the Marines is that you can have a degree in Biochemist Engineering and end up being commissioned in Supply.

If she wants to go enlisted (99% are usually high school grads) then she can get more of an AREA of what she qualifies for....not an exact job. For example, I enlisted in '96 under Communications. I could have been a Radioman, or a satellite operator but I ended up becoming a switchboard operator. Not my choice but I chose Communications, not the exact job.

I would advise her from my position to look into federal positions where she is more prone to use her degree and do what she really wants to do.

The federal government has a program called STEP (Student Temporary Employment Program). It is for individuals in school who can apply for part/full time jobs while currently in school. Upon graduation she can directly get hired by that federal agency if she likes and has more opportunity and has a foot in the door.

Feel free to PM me for any more info on questions you may have.

She is definitely not going in until after she has her degree. She is going to a University in France this summer. When she gets back she will only have about 20 hours left to finish her bachelors.

I will have her look into the STEP program. Thanks for the help offer. I am sure I will PM you as I have more questions.

[Smoking Dragon]

I am in the Army National Guard. I think that it's the best way to go. If it's something that she doesn't like, then it's only 1 weekend a month and summer camp. If it's something that she likes then she can join the AGR program. Which is like active duty with all pay and benefits while staying at home and not being transfered all over the world at a whim. If more detailed information is needed please PM me.

Sarge

[taltos]

With that language background she should look at the Diplomatic Service as well as some of the letter agencies such as CIA and NSA in addition to the military and see where the best fit would be. Diplomatic Service and CIA would be her best bet at working within an embassy as far as I can see.

[Mugen910]

Originally Posted by bvilchez

I can only give you the Marine perspective on this issue. Being a prior recruiter in the Marine Corps myself, he can not promise her anything unless it's in writing!!!! She wants to speak to the OSO (Officer Selection Office). If you have a degree, see the OSO, and decide to join then you'll be accepting what we know to be a commissioning. Officers get commissioned in the military. Downfall with the Marines is that you can have a degree in Biochemist Engineering and end up being commissioned in Supply.

If she wants to go enlisted (99% are usually high school grads) then she can get more of an AREA of what she qualifies for....not an exact job. For example, I enlisted in '96 under Communications. I could have been a Radioman, or a satellite operator but I ended up becoming a switchboard operator. Not my choice but I chose Communications, not the exact job.

I would advise her from my position to look into federal positions where she is more prone to use her degree and do what she really wants to do.

The federal government has a program called STEP (Student Temporary Employment Program). It is for individuals in school who can apply for part/full time jobs while currently in school. Upon graduation she can directly get hired by that federal agency if she likes and has more opportunity and has a foot in the door.

Feel free to PM me for any more info on questions you may have.

Originally Posted by taltos

With that language background she should look at the Diplomatic Service as well as some of the letter agencies such as CIA and NSA in addition to the military and see where the best fit would be. Diplomatic Service and CIA would be her best bet at working within an embassy as far as I can see.

Go Marine Corps Officer or do what Paul suggested...Don't allow her to forgo her talents and education as an enlisted personnel.

I thought we WERE talking about Officer Career Management Fields??

[bvilchez]

Originally Posted by Smokin Gator

She is definitely not going in until after she has her degree. She is going to a University in France this summer. When she gets back she will only have about 20 hours left to finish her bachelors.

I will have her look into the STEP program. Thanks for the help offer. I am sure I will PM you as I have more questions.

Well if she's going to France then have her look into the State Dept website for possible opportunities in France. It's just a stepping stone and it will open your eyes if it's something she wants to do or not.

Again not trying to steer her away from the military but showing her different options that are out there.