Marine Corps questions. Need help!?

Question

Hello, I am seriously considering enlisting into the marine corps. I am currently a sophomore in a community college, on my way to get an AA degree. If I joined MC after getting my AA, would there be some benefit, if so what?
Also, What kind of jobs allow me to continue my education. I hope to achieve a Masters. I know MP's don't give you much time to continue education, but it is possible.
One of the main reasons I am going to enlist, other than to help my country, is my financial situation. I am 20 years old, and paying college out of pocket. Its a little tough now, but forget it when I move out and go to the university. Staying on base will cover that. What bases do you guys recommend? California sounds interesting.
Another big question is regarding the combat training. I am currently taking mixed martial arts classes and I take it seriously. I hear the MMA training in the USMC is unrivaled. I understand that every marine gets combat training, but to get the intense MMA training do I have to strictly have an infantry job? I would like to avoid that.
For jobs, I would like to stay in the states. I am not dumb, and I don't mind labor. What are some prestigious, high paying jobs?
ONE MORE QUESTION. I have a friend of mine who is my age, shares the same dreams and ambition I do and is like my brother. Is there a way to ensure that we get the same job, located in the same place, and stick together the whole time? We plan on owning businesses and things like that after everything is said and done. We're only planning on going in for four years or so.
THANKS FOR READING, AND ANY ADVICE.

Answer 1

1 - AA will get you E-2, but you only need like 12 or 15 credits to get that so you could probably join now and get E-2.

2 - Base pay is the same for all jobs.

3 - MCMAP is available to all MOS's but some might have more time/focus on it.

4 - You can do the buddy program which will take you through at least boot together, doubtful that it would give you much more than that.

Answer 2

I'm in a similar situation right now, being at a CC, on my way to an associate, and then finishing my degree at a four year school. I decided to join the Army Reserve (Marine Corps is not the right fit for me). Your credits will get you early promotion in either the Army or Marines to E-2 (Marine Private First Class/ Army Private 2). In the Army, if you refer your friend, you will get another promotion to E-3 (Private First Class). The Marine Corps does not allow early promotion above E-2, however, you and your friend can be set to go through boot camp together, and possibly advanced training. Talk to a recruiter, take the ASVAB, and find out what jobs are available to you, then do your own research to make sure that you are in the right job. Unless you are a reservist, you get little to no say regarding where your base is. If you are in the Reserves, you are guaranteed a base within 50 miles of your home (at least in the Army).



As for your MMA training, the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) is not the same as sport MMA. MCMAP is a self defense system, designed to give you the most advantage, and is not bound by any rules. Anyone can get higher training in it (there is even a job code for "Martial Arts Instructor", but that is for NCOs).

Answer 3

There are education benfits.They have improved greatly over this past year. When I was in we got full educational benefits that covered tuition, books, and some living expenses. The benefits were good for 10 years after your discharge. At one point you had to contribute for educational benefits. I think you are no longer required to contribute. Ask a recruiter or look it up. There are other educational benefits. You can attend night classes while in the Marine Corps. You can take courses by mail or on the internet. In some cases the Marines will relieve you of extra duty while attending classes. In my case, they allowed us to take the SAT test on base and helped us apply. They want you to go to college and become a better marine. The Marine Corps will pay you enough to get by. It won't be luxurious but you can make it on your pay. Some people do regret their decision and try to get out. Most of those are weeded out in recruit training. Once you become a marine you will be expected to act maturely as a marine. Your pay does not depend on any test. All marines make the same pay depending on your rank and time in the Corps. You can receive extra pay for combat, air crew, living off base and for food if you live off base. You can only live off base once you reach a certain rank. For us, it was Corporal if you weren't married. You get thirty days leave a year to do whatever you want, including visiting your family. You will get holidays so there will be some weekends where you will have 4 days off. You need approval to leave the base. You can also request extended weekends which we called 72 and 96 hour passes. Those do not count agaist your leave. You have to apply for them. You could spend years in the Marine Corps without ever seeing hostile action. Or you could be assigned where the duty is very dangerous. The job of marines can be dangerous so don't go in thinking you are just going on a boyscout camping trip. You have to have a commitment to become a marine. And you have to be prepared for whatever that commitment brings.

Answer 4

Marine Corps pays dirt compared to what the Army pays.



Army pays for a LOT more school than the Marines do.



PLUS the Army is the ONLY branch where you are guaranteed the job you sign for in your contract. Marines you are guaranteed a job "field" but that doesn't mean crap.



Army also has a great buddy system and if you get a friend to join before you leave for basic you get $2000 PLUS rank up!



And you can keep getting $2000 for each new person you enlist. its awesome. I got $2000 for a friend.





Look into other branches as well and see which one has the BEST benefits.

thanks for wanting to serve, god bless