To Commission or NOT to Commission?

[HeatSignature]

Within a year's time, I will more then likely be heading for The Island if I am permitted to join the Marines.

My uncle and old man have both told me that before joining any branch, you must think about a few things. One thing that has been a heated discussion between us is weather I will be commissioned or noncommissioned.

I said I want to be commissioned so that I can earn ranks such as Lieutenant, Captain, Major, ect.
They keep telling me that I would be more honorable to achieve the highest rank of a Noncommissioned officer and leave the Marines as an E-9.

I am hoping to get opinions from former or active military men and women who can hellp out with this.



Should I enter the Marines as a Noncommissioned Officer or should I see how far I can go as a Commissioned Officer?

 

[Remington 1858]

Rent the film entitled " The Great Santini". The closer you are to the character portrayed by Robert Duvall the better off you will be in the Marines.

 

[brinktk]

You don't know if you're going to make it a career of not at this point. Even if you try to, they may not allow you to stay in. Is being a senior NCO more of an honor for them or for you? Why isn't being a Captain or Major or Colonel even...an honor?

Also, you won't be entering the Corps as anything other than a Private...You are a loooooong way from being an NCO OR Officer.

Do what you think you can do best...

Watch Generation Kill, it will give you a good cross section of what being a modern enlisted/NCO vs Officer is in the Corps...the good and the bad. The same can be said for the Army as well.