My son...Officer Candidates School?? (1 Viewer)

[Nigel]

My son just started his senior in college and is mulling what's next for him post-graduation in May. He came home for a night this past weekend and told myself and his mother that after much thought and consideration, he is leaning towards Marine Corps OCS as his first move out of college. We had no absolutely no inkling this was on the table. He'd never spoken of having an interest in the military, nobody in the last couple of generations on either side of the family are/were in the service, totally out of left field. My wife is terrified, and while it sure as hell makes me anxious it also made me extremely proud to hear him talk through the why of it all.

About him: Ivy League school, All-Academic/All-American varsity athlete, two-time captain, tons of friends, an all around happy/confident kid. He spent the summer in NYC working an internship split between two hedge funds, has opportunities in that arena straight out of school if he wants them. He wants no part of it. He came back at the end of the summer knowing for sure that life as a finance-bro is not for him. In his words, "it was all bull****", he wants to "do something that matters." Fair enough - I respect that. One of his teammates was also in NYC for the summer, worked same type of internship, and has similar feelings. Unlike my son this kid comes from a long line of military men, dad and two brothers went to Naval Academy, two cousins at West Point. Apparently the two of them had many "meaning of life" conversations over beers this summer. His buddy has since applied and been accepted to Marines OCS, my guy is ready to start the process, meeting with a recruiter this week.

I know in my heart he is built for this - a natural born leader, makes everyone around him better. The world sure as heck needs people like him to do hard things like this. I will do nothing to dissuade him. And after several days of talking her off the ledge my wife's at a point where, while hating the idea, she accepts and respects that the decision is entirely up to him.

I know there are folks here with kids in the military, maybe some have gone OCS/OTS route, maybe some of you have done it yourselves...talk to me. I can't shake the pit in my stomach - please make me feel better.

 

[Zow]

He’s far more qualified than I ever was for anything (military rejected me when I applied to be a JAG) so no substantive input other than to say just be incredibly proud of him and trust that he’s been raised well enough and intelligent enough that he will make the best decision for him.

 

[Desert_Power]

Nothing really to add. Seems like a good kid and the type we need in service.

 

[kupcho1]

he wants to "do something that matters."

That's very admirable. Good luck.

 

[Beef Ravioli Part 2]

You and your wife should be very proud!

I live about 15 minutes from Quantico where they do OCS. Not sure if they have other bases that do OCS but we get multiple candidates each year that attend our church while they are in training (when they have time).

Some of the most impressive men I have ever met have been here at OCS! The Marines know how to pick great leaders!

Congrats on raising a great son!

 

[Dezbelief]

Congrats and good luck!

 

[ChiefD]

Congrats on raising a great kid. It takes a ton of stones to make that decision and then come to you guys and lay it all out there.

Sounds like the kind of guy that really has his act together.

Be proud of that. That is a reflection of how he was raised.

 

[Nigel]

You and your wife should be very proud!

I live about 15 minutes from Quantico where they do OCS. Not sure if they have other bases that do OCS but we get multiple candidates each year that attend our church while they are in training (when they have time).

Some of the most impressive men I have ever met have been here at OCS! The Marines know how to pick great leaders!

Congrats on raising a great son!

Yep it would be Quantico

 

[mr. furley]

have just read a long thread on a parent discussing military service with his son. kid wants to join the Marines for, sounds like, some of the same reasons as your son. a pretty solid majority of respondents said "go into the Air Force". even the ex and current Marines.

better pay, better lifestyle, better long-term job prospects, better post-military career opportunities.

just throwing it out there. never really considered the differences in services but it seems that Air Force of Navy are what people are suggesting as the best option for promising young people looking to military service.

 

[Mookie]

After graduating from college in 2021, my son decided he wanted to be a wildlands firefighter. His mom and I were not thrilled, but like you say, it was his call. 4 years later and he's on a rappelling crew, jumping out of helicopters to fight wilderness fires. It's really hard work that requires constant training, but he loves the camaraderie, the outdoors, and the pride he feels in doing something important. He fully understands the danger and physical toll of the job and likely only has one more year. Aside from being in the best shape of his life, he is grounded, respectful, polite, and empathetic, which is a far cry from the teenager we dropped off at college!

It may not be the path you'd choose for him, but your son has obviously thought this through and wants a different challenge. You're obviously coming around to it being his life and his decision and I applaud you for that. I wish you and him the best.

 

[Nigel]

have just read a long thread on a parent discussing military service with his son. kid wants to join the Marines for, sounds like, some of the same reasons as your son. a pretty solid majority of respondents said "go into the Air Force". even the ex and current Marines.

better pay, better lifestyle, better long-term job prospects, better post-military career opportunities.

just throwing it out there. never really considered the differences in services but it seems that Air Force of Navy are what people are suggesting as the best option for promising young people looking to military service.

I've been reading a **** ton about all of this and I saw that sentiment as well Furls. There are some reasons why he's inspired for Marines to be the path for him and the story is awesome but I can't share without sharing too much, if that makes sense.

One other thing that was part of the convo. I asked him if he thought it would be four-and-done stint or if he saw it as possible long-term career. He said he won't know until he lives it but his ultimate "dream job" would be Head of School at the prep school he went to, and this would be great experience if/when he transitioned to civilian life to make that happen someday. Kid knows the sacrifice we made to send him there. Damn near made cry to hear how much he loved and appreciated it.

 

[Max Power]

He sounds like an ideal Marine Corps officer. The military could always use more natural leaders.

I've been attached to the military for over 25 years now and it's not for everyone. I'd probably do it all over again if given the option, but it wouldn't be an easy choice.

I don't want to dissuade him either but the military is loaded with "it's all ********" as well. The higher he goes in officer rankings, the more politics he'll be involved in. Officers can be removed from the doing things that matter aspect of the job early in their careers.

He'll lose some control over his life and his decisions. We aren't deploying like we used to, but who knows what comes next. It becomes harder to find a partner who can be a military spouse. Potential to miss kids births, birthdays, holidays... it takes a certain person to sustain that. Potential for physical and mental injuries can be severe.

There will be good with it as well. Its a challange very few accept and fewer accelerate at. VA does a better job taking care of vets these days. Long term benefits, professional contacts in defense contracting has big money potential.

All in all, I hope he signs up, but maybe a grass isnt always greener conversation can be had.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

OCS is a solid option. Lots of military in my family. Your son is overqualified and it may bother him at first cause there is a wide mix of (for lack of a better word) intelligence in the officer service. And as mentioned before plenty of bull$H!+. The benefits are nice, but he's giving up control of his life for a long time. The obvious worry is having to go overseas can be dangerous, especially in the Marines. It is what it is. It can be tough to come to grips with. I actually worked in the "State Dept" right out of school. One overseas incident that I have put out of my mind made me quit very quickly.

My son is in PE in NYC. He makes a lot. But 3 days in NYC makes me wonder why anyone lives there more than a couple of years. There's no rest or relaxation. It's a grind. 16 hour days, 6 days a week. Expensive as can be. The only hope there is you stick it out long enough to make bank bro.

My only question to him would be, has he considered IB/PE jobs away from the NYC rat race? Some have moved to FL. And of course Austin, San Fran, Charlotte, and other more peaceful cities. A young person has a more meaningful role in those smaller companies. Versus like Goldman in NYC where you are no more than a grunt for 3 years.

 

[Nigel]

He sounds like an ideal Marine Corps officer. The military could always use more natural leaders.

I've been attached to the military for over 25 years now and it's not for everyone. I'd probably do it all over again if given the option, but it wouldn't be an easy choice.

I don't want to dissuade him either but the military is loaded with "it's all ********" as well. The higher he goes in officer rankings, the more politics he'll be involved in. Officers can be removed from the doing things that matter aspect of the job early in their careers.

He'll lose some control over his life and his decisions. We aren't deploying like we used to, but who knows what comes next. It becomes harder to find a partner who can be a military spouse. Potential to miss kids births, birthdays, holidays... it takes a certain person to sustain that. Potential for physical and mental injuries can be severe.

There will be good with it as well. Its a challange very few accept and fewer accelerate at. VA does a better job taking care of vets these days. Long term benefits, professional contacts in defense contracting has big money potential.

All in all, I hope he signs up, but maybe a grass isnt always greener conversation can be had.

Great perspective, thanks for this.

 

[Nigel]

OCS is a solid option. Lots of military in my family. Your son is overqualified and it may bother him at first cause there is a wide mix of (for lack of a better word) intelligence in the officer service. And as mentioned before plenty of bull$H!+. The benefits are nice, but he's giving up control of his life for a long time. The obvious worry is having to go overseas can be dangerous, especially in the Marines. It is what it is. It can be tough to come to grips with. I actually worked in the "State Dept" right out of school. One overseas incident that I have put out of my mind made me quit very quickly.

My son is in PE in NYC. He makes a lot. But 3 days in NYC makes me wonder why anyone lives there more than a couple of years. There's no rest or relaxation. It's a grind. 16 hour days, 6 days a week. Expensive as can be. The only hope there is you stick it out long enough to make bank bro.

My only question to him would be, has he considered IB/PE jobs away from the NYC rat race? Some have moved to FL. And of course Austin, San Fran, Charlotte, and other more peaceful cities. A young person has a more meaningful role in those smaller companies. Versus like Goldman in NYC where you are no more than a grunt for 3 years.

Funny - for years I heard “can’t wait to make bank”…gonna buy this and that with it. Not sure what flipped a switch. He’s a grinder but the NYC flavor of grind is apparently not for him, glad he figured that out over the summer. Maybe a different location would matter, worth asking. My sense though is the type of work in general is not for him. Thanks for the thoughtful input.

 

[eoMMan]

I have a brother who did ROTC and his life has gone well. He had to do 4 active and 4 reserve years after college but his college was paid for. After serving, he went on to get graduate degrees and he’s living a good life now.

 

[fruity pebbles]

I’d be pretty proud of my son for choosing this path. I’d be curious why he chose the Marines. I agree with him the finance bros garbage is mostly bull****

 

[fruity pebbles]

I think I’d encourage him to talk with recruiters from all six branches. Marine Corps seems cool to a kid his age ( it was for me) but I think he owes it to himself to see what each is offering. Especially a kid with his background.

 

[bigbottom]

Wow, it sounds like your son is an amazing person and born leader. If he decides to go the OCS route, we will all benefit from his service.

 

[Chadstroma]

My military connections were all WWII (grandfather and stepfather.... my Mom married older second time around) so I don't have much to offer in terms of the family.

I spend way too much time for a civilian on things military as it has always been an interest of mine. From my original dream job as a kid (Aeronautical Engineer for military aircraft) with basically all adult male family members in the defense/aerospace industry. Very much a wanna be military historian and have spent a lot of time talking to veterans when I have the chance. As well as the one podcast I listen to is very heavy with military themes (Shawn Ryan Show). Essentially all to say that I have an unqualified opinion based on being a wanna be and my thoughts should not be weighted much at all but since it is an area that I have interest in, I can't stop myself.

That said... it seems to be that everyone says to join the AF due to quality of life but outside of pilots, it seems a lot of AF are not really 'driven' like it sounds like your son is. AF seems to attract the more 'techie' types. Marines seem to attract the people that want to be challenged in life and as you said in the OP, do something that matters. In general, the lines from A Few Good Men seems to resonate beyond the Marines: Galloway: Tell your friend not to get cute down there, the Marines at Gitmo are fanatical. Lt. Weinberg: Fanatical about what? Galloway: About being Marines. I think his background that you shared with the accomplishments shows he is a self driven person and he is seeking deep meaning. I can see the Marines fulfilling that for him. He seems the type and has the background to thrive in the Marines.

My suggestion would be to have him seek out people in the Marines that are doing the MOS he wants to do beyond being an officer. Maybe consider talking to people in active duty in other branches as well. Based on the profile of him, I am sure he has done some research but encouraging him to extend the research and talking can not hurt in the least. It is a big decision and no reason to not leave any stones left unturned. I can remember several guests on Shawn Ryan Show that were planning on going into one branch or do one thing in the military and then someone or something happened to change their trajectory. A lot of the times the reasoning of what they were going to do was 'it sounded cool'. Again, it sounds like your son is a thinker at a higher level but at the same time, he is still a kid.

I can certainly understand the fear as a parent on it though.

Best wishes to him! This FBG Uncle is very proud of him.

 

[Phil Elliott]

i was planning to go to the Air Force Academy to be a pilot. but at the time due to eye sight limitations I could "only" be a navigator so I didn't pursue it. Sounds like your son is a natural leader!

 

[FarFromHome]

First and foremost I wish him all the best.

As someone who served in the Army, did joint exercises with all other branch of services, was a civilian attached to the Air Force, and was a civilian attached to Space Force I've come to the following conclusions:

I absolutely love to bad mouth and trash the Air Force. Insert countless reasons and jokes. Having said, if I had an 18 year child interested in the military, I would push them to join the Air Force.

I love the Marines. I respect the Marines. You will never hear one bad word come out of my mouth about the Marines. Hard core soldiers. Having said that, if I had an 18 year old child interested in the military, I would absolutely push for the Marines to be the LAST choice they choose.

 

[AAABatteries]

Nothing to add - sounds like you raised a great kid Nigel

 

[Nigel]

I appreciate all the kind words and thoughtful insight/advice. I will definitely urge him to consider other branches. There's one guy we know who went to same HS, college, played same college sport as my son, went the Navy route after college, did some very cool things during his 4 years of service and is presently finishing up his MBA/MPP (public policy) at Harvard. Impressive kid of similar ilk. We'll see him at alumni weekend next week, will definitely pick his brain.

 

[glvsav37]

@Nigel

My good friend's son is in the program right now. My friend is also former military. I copy and pasted your OP and sent it to him. ere is his reply

For him, he has the hallmark traits and achievements to be a good officer candidate.

Being a former Marine Major and now my son, a Marine 2ndLt, there are several ways to becoming a Marine Corps Officer. I would always recommend speaking with a Marine Corps Officer Selection Officer (OSO). Marine Corps Recruiters are not generally familiar with this process as the path to becoming an officer is different than the path to be enlisted. One is not better than the other but do have different outcomes.

First, don’t sip the cool-aid. Go into this with a love for God, family, and country. That is what will have you get out of bed each morning. Infantry, pilot, logistics, cyber are some of the paths you can pick from and they all come with great opportunities and challenges all while being an Officer of Marines. The greatest title I have held other than Dad and Husband.

These are the current paths:
Marine Platoon Leader Class (PLC)
This one of the best ways, in my opinion, to experience the Marine Corps but still remain non-committal. After being vetted,, you attend 2 Six Week summer training courses in Quantico, VA. The first is PLC Juniors. Some would equate it to boot camp but it is physically more challenging. It is six weeks in the greatest summer fitness camp that can earn you college credit for physical education and you get paid. You can also opt into a paid stipend you receive while in college. At the end of the siz weeks you will decide to return AGAIN the next summer. Many do not. When you complete the second six weeks (PLC Seniors) you return to college and complete your degree, get commissioned and then report to The Basic School (TBS)where for seven months (now) you learn every officer is a rifleman first. While there you compete (academics, leadership, physical) for rankings to select your specialty field (MOS). Aviators (pilots) are typically contracted as Air Candidates and go to Pensacola, Fl for flight screening/training but stil go thru TBS. Everyone else goes to the MOS school located all around the country

Marine OCC (Officer Combined Course)
This is a combined 10 weeks course usually completed after graduation from college. This does seems to be limited to once or maybe twice a year. The upside, you get it doene all at once.

Navy ROTC – Marine Option
ROTC is a great way to stay connected to the military while in college. It can demand your time alongside your studies. Scholarships do exist. The outcome, in my opinion, is the same. You get commissioned at graduation after attending OCS.

NAVAL ACADEMY – Marine Option
This is an excellent education and places many on a path to a life long career if they choose. They will attend only one 6 week OCS session (I believe) but have other academy requirements during the year and summers.

MECEP
This is a program whereby an enlisted rank Marine can apply to become an officer. The process for selection can be challenging. I have seen many join the Marine Reserves while in college, perform exceptionally well while serving in the reserves enough to get the necessary recommendations to attend OCS. They then move over from enlisted to officer.


This is a lot to digest. One, I would do it all over again but I would also speak with an OSO as I noted above and have a good talk with them.

 

[Kanil]

I'm just coming in to chime in on the, "check out the USAF", bandwagon. I was in the Air Force and I whole heartedly believe that the AF and Navy are, by far, the best long term. This is both for someone who is going to make a career out of it, and someone who is going to be four and out.

I also won't disparage the other branches, but from my experience the USAF experience applies much better to helping a post-military career than the other branches.