I'm a recent college grad with a strong desire to serve as an officer in the US military. I hope to apply for an NFO slot with the Navy or Marine Corps. Above all else, I want to serve my country alongside other dedicated people -- flying is important to me, but it's secondary. For this reason, I'm attracted to the Marine Corps. The fact that everyone in the Corps sees him/herself as a Marine and rifleman first really underscores what I think is great about the military.
Unfortunately, the buzz I keep getting from people about the USMC is that the quality of life is somehow worse than that of the other services. Right now, it's almost not a concern to me -- if I get to do something I enjoy & respect, all I need is a roof over my head and some chow. But, when I decide to have a family down the road, I want to make sure that they'll be taken care of.
I'm sure it varies from base to base, but what is life on a Marine base like, and how does it compare to the other services or to civilian housing? How valid are peoples' complaints that the Marine Corps is the worst of the services in terms of quality of life? Also, is living off-base an option for married couples?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Unfortunately, the buzz I keep getting from people about the USMC is that the quality of life is somehow worse than that of the other services. Right now, it's almost not a concern to me -- if I get to do something I enjoy & respect, all I need is a roof over my head and some chow. But, when I decide to have a family down the road, I want to make sure that they'll be taken care of.
I'm sure it varies from base to base, but what is life on a Marine base like, and how does it compare to the other services or to civilian housing? How valid are peoples' complaints that the Marine Corps is the worst of the services in terms of quality of life? Also, is living off-base an option for married couples?
Thanks in advance for your help.