• Please take a moment and update your account profile. If you have an updated account profile with basic information on why you are on Air Warriors it will help other people respond to your posts. How do you update your profile you ask?

    Go here:

    Edit Account Details and Profile

Going Broke

Status
Not open for further replies.

walraven

Registered User
Hey everyone, just a quick question. I've passed my flight physical, been to an OCS Weekend, and signed an Aviation Contract, but the process has been long and costly. All of the traveling I have done to meet with recruiters, doctors, ect. is out of pocket. I have no problem at all doing this, because I want to be a Marine. But it seems kind of expensibe to join the military nowadays. Am I the only one that feels this way? The reason I ask, is because I'm on a tight budget as it is. Is there a recompensation program or anything? I don't want to ask my recruiter about a signing bonus because I know serving in the Marines is bonus enough, but are they offering signing bonuses? Just thought it was worth asking.
 

mmx1

Woof!
pilot
Contributor
No signing bonus for officers. Part of the expectation is that you're financially responsible and can take care of matters on your own. I've had to spend several hundred bucks for orthotics and to get my teeth fixed (fill a cavity for $150?!? - this is what happens when you don't have insurance). That and heading down to the recruiter's office 2-4 times a week to work out.

You will get paid while you're down there, which should more than recompensate your expenses. I see it as no different than getting fitted for a suit prior to a job interview.
 

walraven

Registered User
Thanks mmx1! I figured as much, and I hope I didn't come across as petty but sometimes it just sucks! I live in Midland TX. and had to get my physical in Clovis NM, and I had to go back twice, and today I get a call that the AF flight doctors forgot to check my blood type, and give me a drug test. Both of which I will pass, but back to Clovis I go!
 

nocal80

Harriers
pilot
walraven said:
Is there a recompensation program or anything? I don't want to ask my recruiter about a signing bonus because I know serving in the Marines is bonus enough, but are they offering signing bonuses? Just thought it was worth asking.

Dude, don't feel bad about asking for money. Yes, being a Marine is its own reward, but everyone in college is short on cash and I'm sure your OSO would understand. You are eligible for some tuition assistance if you go PLC once you get back from OCS, I'm not sure about OCC. I think its up to like 4,000 a year, I can't remember the details. I got it for my last year of school, and it was pretty nice to have.
 

mmx1

Woof!
pilot
Contributor
nocal80 said:
Dude, don't feel bad about asking for money. Yes, being a Marine is its own reward, but everyone in college is short on cash and I'm sure your OSO would understand. You are eligible for some tuition assistance if you go PLC once you get back from OCS, I'm not sure about OCC. I think its up to like 4,000 a year, I can't remember the details. I got it for my last year of school, and it was pretty nice to have.

Ah, yes, I agree. There's nothing up front, but the money will come after you graduate OCS. There's two programs, CTAP and FAP. Consensus is that CTAP isn't worth it in the long run, FAP is basically free money (unless you decline your commission). Search the site for details.
 

michaels601

Simba Barracuda.
i live on the coast of florida, a straight shot east from orlando. i had to drive up to jacksonville three times to get my medical squared away. when i told my mom, she got pissed and was convinced i was being ripped off by the Marine Corps. oy, vey.
 

nocal80

Harriers
pilot
Super18Ordie said:
In that case my rent is due, could you spot me a few bucks?

hah! I should have specified, don't feel bad asking from uncle sam, you should feel absolutely terrible about asking money from a poor SNA tryin' to make a dollar outta 15 cents :icon_tong
 

Super18Ordie

F/A-18 Ordnanceman
Oh where are my manners sir? Us enlisted guys are never too good with money anyways, I would just spend it on booze and lap dances at Rosies (those of you from Pax know what Im talking about).
 

walraven

Registered User
Booze and lap dances, sounds like you handle your money perfectly. I lost all mine on fast women and slow horses, and trying to get into the Marines of course.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top