Reserves while in college?

[SMUPhil]

Hi all, this is my first post, so bear with me. I have 3 semesters of college left and have really been thinking about applying for OCS. I went to talk to the Army recruiters just to get some info and when I got there, they were outside smoking. I explained my situation and they acted uninterested and just asked me questions like "What was your SAT?" and "Why didn't you just join out of high school." I left with no new info except what I read in some brochures I grabbed on the way out.

Always preferring the disciplined attitude of the Marines, I went there next. They were much more professional and I chatted with them for about 45 minutes. The guy I was talking to then referred me to his head recruiting guy (sorry, don't know the official title) and I went into his office to talk. He basically laid out that I was too late in the game for the PLC stuff, but recommended that I sign up now for a reserve spot next summer. He explained that in the reserves (which wouldn't take time from school in that last semester) I would get to be in peak physical condition and learn the ways of the Marine Corps. He said that being in Marine-quality shape and already being a Marine in the Reserves would increase my chances of being accepted to OCS.

Is this a valid route to OCS or does this recruiter just have spots he needs filled? Could I be in the reserves for just a few months and then apply to OCS? If I don't get into OCS, can I switch from reserves to active? After thinking it over awhile, I realize the benefits of this plan, but I am worried that somehow I will get locked into a 6 year reserves plan with no other options. Part of me wants to just graduate college before signing anything.

 

[O-man]

I was a reservist while in collage and got into OCS- the Only thing sketchy about what he said is that while you are too late for PLC, you can go to OCS next summer just the same. Being a reservist will help and all of that- but you dont have to if you dont feel like being liable to the six years. You dont get locked into it though- signing an officer contract will nullify the reserve one. and you can always go active. Dont worry too muchy about getting into OCS- thats the easy part. making the grade down there is not. I'm not getting into this too much more as I forsee about three more people talking about this one in the hour. LCPL O-man

 

[DBLang]

Your recruiter won't flat out lie too you, but he might stretch the truth a tad. You can still apply for OCS. Maybe PLC Combined, and Officer Candidates Class when you graduate. Contact an Officer Selection Officer and check out www.MarineOfficer.com.

 

[SMUPhil]

DBLang, I took your advice and decided to look into the PLC combined thing. I went to that website and asked to be sent some info. It should be here any day now, but in the meantime I decided to call 1-800-MARINES to see if I could get any more info. They just "um"ed their way through the conversation and basically suggested I go BACK to the recruiting office in my area. I walked in today and asked for info on the PLC program. The guy's response was "Oh, the reserves thing? Yeah, we'll send you to Parris Island and then after you graduate you can apply for the PLC thing." They won't give up on trying to get me to join the reserves. I don't think he really knew what he was talking about, and I should have just asked how to contact the OSO. Anyone know the contact info of an OSO in the South Florida/Palm Beach area?

Is it possible to do PLC combined after my fourth year but before my last semester? If so when should I get on the ball as far as applying goes?

Here is my timeline for graduating (4 1/2 years due to switching majors too late in the game):

3 semesters left-
Fall 03
Spring 04
summer(the PLC I am applying for)
Fall 04 and then graduate in December.

Thanks for all replies!

 

[starter5]

FYI, the Marines have enlisted recruiters and OSO's, so if you're talking to an enlisted recruiter he's going to push reserves.....fill out your email address for more info on the Marines.com website under the officer programs section and you should get an email telling you who your local OSO is...and it's not too late, I just graduated college and am looking into applying for the OCC version of OCS (though it is very selective to get in right now)

 

[jdfairman]

I really enjoyed my time in the Reserves as it was extremely valuable; however it is by no means a requirement. Most recruiters that I have met don't have much knowledge of the Officer Programs. (just the ones I have met... not saying all recruiters are like this). You really need to get in touch with the Officer Selection Office that covers your area. The OSO there will be able to give you valuable information concerning your querie.

When you've got 'em by the balls, their hearts and minds will follow.

 

[Banjo33]

If you run a search on this topic you'll probably come up with over an hours worth of reading from myself alone! Definitely a great idea (especially for that person just graduating from highschool), maybe the most difficult way to go for that person getting close to graduating college.

 

[DBLang]

Go to http://www.marinesdirect.com/recruiting.php
select your state
click go
Now scroll down and look for OSO's (Office Selection Office).
Different recruit stations will be listed ie. RSS Fayetteville or PCS Hot Springs or OSO Little Rock. If you're in a big state you might have to go through a few pages of the list.
Find the OSO nearest to your location and give them a call. If there isn't one in your state, find one in a neighboring state and give them a call. The phone number and address should be listed. Good luck.