choosing Army or USMC

This is not a conflict I was trying to create in any way, I was just looking for some of the differences between a career in the army and the USMC for an officer in a combat MOS (infantry/armor/artillery) and some things to consider in choosing a branch of service. I have always dreamed of an Army career, but have had people encourage me to look at the MC, and maybe NROTC/USNA. Also, I have been told that naval academy MC spots are extremely competitive and I had decided that if I am not interested in a Navy career that USNA would not be a good idea, any thoughts or considerations?

i suggest

joining a SMC (senior military college) that way u can try a branch out and witness all the other branches for four years, while still receiving military training and earning a commission in the branch you choose. you really cant go wrong with an SMC.

USMC and ARMY have very different missions. Like my buddy TPG, I'm biased, but that's because I chose the better of the two

Seriously though, research them both. They are both similar in many ways, but very, very different.

The Marines have their own air wing, the Army does not. The infantry is structured different and operate different, with very different missions. I have a number of family members that are Army infantry, and me being Marine Infantry, we had some very interesting conversations, and it was surprising to us how different our services were.

There is a new forum here for Marine Officer Programs. It's a sub forum under the ROTC section. I would suggest you post all of your questions there and you'll get some great advice. There are several Marine OSO's who are joining the forums to provide information there.

If you have specific questions about Marines, TPG and myself are able to help, and the OSO's too.

JB

BeatNavy said:

Also, I have been told that naval academy MC spots are extremely competitive

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Not entirely. If you can walk and chew bubble gum at the same time, you're more qualified than some people I've seen selected for USMC. C/o 2010 got an increase in the number of billets available. Around 330-350 will go to the Marines. While there's always more interest than available slots, if you're more than slightly qualified, you can make it.

They also did away with the interview process for USMC. Now each company has a liason officer, usually a Major, who you get to know as a mid. Firstie year, around service selection time, that officer then represents you to a selection board. In addition to the usual, scores from a PFT, O-Course time, and Leatherneck/MAGTF evals also factor in.