NROTC vs. Enlisting then Commissioning

[Lt_Wazowski]

I went to talk to a recruiter regarding NROTC and he said that if I want to go for the Marine route that he would recommend me enlisting around June so in case I don't get accepted I can still have a backup plan for commissioning. I think this might just be a recruiter ploy to get me to enlist but I'm wondering if it has any bulk behind it.

 

[NavyHoops]

It is a recruiter ploy. If you want to be a Marine Officer apply for a MO NROTC. You don’t get that then apply again when you enter college as a College Programmer. You don’t get that, you compete for Advanced Standing. You miss out on that you talk to the OSO to compete for PLC. You miss PLC then you apply for OCC after you graduate. All these paths lead to a commission.

Enlisting first then competing for a commission is much harder.

 

[marinemom114]

Agree 100% with the above. They gave my son the same song and dance, and said you need a good back up plan and this is it. Luckily his Dad was a Marine and knew that speech for exactly what it was. In fact he told my son what they would say verbatim before son spoke with them. DS applied for scholarship and got it. Even if he hadn't, as stated above, there are still viable opportunities once you start college.

 

[kinnem]

What NavyHoops said!
Recruiters need to hit their numbers so some go down this path. Also watch out for "Enlisting will make you a better officer". I personally disagree with that statement. It may make some people a better officer but it's not true across the board.