I acted my entire high school career and thus it hurt my athletic participation. I received a 4 year national ISR NROTC scholarship with a 1270, a four year AFROTC scholarship with a 1270, and an appointment to the merchant marine academy with a 1280. I remember walking in to talk to the LT CDR, who wanted to bypass the boards and give me the NROTC contract. I told him that I acted and that it's not favorable for the military and then he told me the best advice I have received from a military officer so far. He said He didn't care about that. He said the military needs diversity to improve and that although I was the typical kid, I stood out for being an actor. He said I'll have an easier time with memorizing things since I have to memorize scripts. He said it'll be easier to speak in public since I perform on a stage for 800 people constantly. He said empathy is the most important trait to have as an officer and acting makes it easier obviously. If the marine recruiter is laughing at his passion, then that is a problem all by itself. He has the capability to be an officer and he should pursue it if he wants to. If he needs anything, I'd love to help a fellow actor.