Opinions Wanted: USMC Reserve or CO Army NG?

[JoeAmerican0921]

I am trying to get my plan b straightened out and I am debating whether to enlist in the Marine Corps Reserve or CO Army National Guard. The Reserve starts tuition assistance at 40% which then increases with drill weekends and activation (if I get activated). The guard has 100% tuition assistance at most of the CO colleges, but that would require me to transfer branches after college is complete. I would appreciate other input.

 

[Spartan917]

Something to consider based on your post history as a USNA hopeful: If you were to join the USMC Reserves you would have access to an additional, fairly easy to attain nom source in the form of your CO's endorsement and (assuming the process is similar to USMA) significantly better chances overall given you're competing only with other enlisted applicants for a rather large number of slots (appears to be 170 in the case of USNA). https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Apply/Active-Duty-Service-Applicants.php

 

[JoeAmerican0921]

Something to consider based on your post history as a USNA hopeful: If you were to join the USMC Reserves you would have access to an additional, fairly easy to attain nom source in the form of your CO's endorsement and (assuming the process is similar to USMA) significantly better chances overall given you're competing only with other enlisted applicants for a rather large number of slots (appears to be 170 in the case of USNA). https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Apply/Active-Duty-Service-Applicants.php

Thank you. I have to make this decision here soon as I was turned down by USNA today.

 

[USMCGrunt]

@JoeAmerican0921 - what is your goal? From your post, it sounds like you are seeking tuition assistance. There are, of course, alternate means of securing tuition assistance including civilian scholarships, loans, etc.

If you want to be a Marine Officer, you could go to a school with NROTC and try to get a side load scholarship. You could also pursue PLC and OCS. You could reapply to USNA next year.

Enlisting in the Marines and going to college can be done but it is a tough balancing act. Here is a link to some commentary on the Pros and Cons of that path:
https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-joining-the-Marine-reserves-as-a-college-student

Good luck

 

[JoeAmerican0921]

@JoeAmerican0921 - what is your goal? From your post, it sounds like you are seeking tuition assistance. There are, of course, alternate means of securing tuition assistance including civilian scholarships, loans, etc.

If you want to be a Marine Officer, you could go to a school with NROTC and try to get a side load scholarship. You could also pursue PLC and OCS. You could reapply to USNA next year.

Enlisting in the Marines and going to college can be done but it is a tough balancing act. Here is a link to some commentary on the Pros and Cons of that path:
https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-joining-the-Marine-reserves-as-a-college-student

Good luck

My goal is to become a Marine Officer. I know the reserve would make that process easier if I was to go that route. But I am looking for tuition assistance, and because of my families income, and my life experience (I have not had any adversities to overcome) I have been denied that on multiple occasions. The reason I am considering CO NG is purely because they offer 100% tuition assistance for almost all colleges in my state.