Mom's questions

[sharon21]

I am pretty certain that my son will visit a recruiter and join the military in the next few weeks. He is 23 yrs. old, college grad, extremely tech savvy. He wants to work in a K9 unit. I don't think he wants to make a career in the military, but he definitely feels called to serve and has been drawn to the Marines for a long time. He doesn't see himself as an officer, but my husband (retired Air Force captain) and I are encouraging him to go the officer route. Are we steering him wrong? Thank you so much for any ideas/insights you might offer.

[Hornet]

No! The officer route is definetly the better route! I highly suggest making a career out of the military. After 20 years of service he can retire! Being an officer means he can continue advancing in the Corps and become a leader. I would definetly talk to your son about becoming a Marine Corps officer.

[sharon21]

Thank you very much for your input. Do you think that a recruiter will try to steer him toward the officer route? I hope so. What is your background? Could you describe what his experience might be officer vs. enlisted? Some of the differences are obvious, of course, but if he hears it from someone who understands the subtleties, that might change his perspective. Thank you!

[Hornet]

Recruiters usually point new marines to enlistment. Tell your son to look online for the options that officers have and what jobs they can have. Also tell him to look at officer pay grades vs. enlistment pay grades.