<p>coolege,</p>
<p>I had the same dilemma as you before I enlisted in the Marines. As a soon to be veteran that’s about to get out and go to school I can say that I wouldn’t do it any other way. But keep in mind that is very easy to say now that is over. Here are some pro’s and con’s I’ve encountered that might be able to help you.</p>
<p>Pros:
-Steady paycheck and all the benefits
-A great feeling of accomplishment (depending on what job you choose of course)
-You get to experience Marine Corps boot camp - this will be the #1 con by a mile while you’re going through it of course
-You can see some cool places, even though you will be working your ass off while you’re there probably
-An unbelievably good new GI Bill for when you get out and go to school
-You’ll make some good friends from all over the country, trust me that will come in handy later in life.</p>
<p>Cons:
-Leaving your family and friends behind, this was very hard for me during the first year or two
-Working hard for long hours is my situation but it can vary
-You will be getting a fraction of the amount of girls your college friends get. You will soon learn that girls in military towns tend to avoid military guys. But when you go back home it’s a totally different story,
-If you hate it TOO BAD! You’re stuck for 4 years-The #1 thing people who enlist are most naive about in my opinion. They own you.</p>
<p>Now, if your set on becoming an officer, definitely DO NOT enlist. There are officer programs for enlisted personnel but you have to first qualify and then have it approved by your command. Go to college, get ANY degree and then go to officer school, you can become a pilot that way also if you didnt know.</p>