UPDATED 20041104: My dilemma...

Evolution · Post by **Evolution** » September 28th, 2004, 5:01 pm

Hello Rangers! I've introduced myself in the proper forum and here is the continuation of my story/dilemma:

It has really been a dream of mine to serve the United States of America since I was a child. My father has been in the ARNG since before I was born and is still active duty at Camp Attabury (sp?) in Edinburg, IN today. I've always wanted to follow in his footsteps in some form or another, and I believe this is the way I will do that.

Many others in my family, from my mother's side, have served in the military, mainly the NAVY. My cousin is currently a Petty Officer (not sure of exact grade). Totally irrelevant to my situation, but just as reference to my background.

The dilemma I find myself in at the moment, Rangers, is that I was strong armed into joining the United States Marine Corps, just over a month ago. I'm currently in their DEP program and have been trying to figure out if I should stick with it, honor my commitment, and be miserable for the next four years of my life... Or should I do everything in my power to do what it is that I have dreamt of since childhood...

How was I strong armed? I wanted to re-enroll in high school to get my remaining two credits after some personal circumstances forced my withdrawl four weeks prior to graduation in 2003. The administration of the high school I am attending was being difficult and unwilling to give me the time of day. In comes the SSgt. from the USMC. He pulls some strings and gets me in. Now, I feel obligated to him and the USMC for their help and 'kindness.' Don't ask... I've been brought up in a conservative traditional family where honor and personal debt are high priority.

To continue with my story, I'm stuck... I have a GED, which I know I can enlist in the ARMY with, but I would not be able to have an Option 40 enlistment. Not a problem... As God as my witness, I will be a Ranger regardless of the path I must take.

I'm speaking to my local recruiter tomorrow afternoon about getting me switched from the Marines to the ARMY, but I have a feeling that they will not let me go easily. Hence the dilemma...

I would love to take an Option 40 enlistment immediately, but it requires a H.S. Diploma or a GED with 15 college credit hours in my understanding. If I can make an easy switch, I will take the Option 40. If they won't let me go, I'm going to simply drop out of school and take a long hard road to my goal. It's the easy way out of my situation, but I want to avoid it at all costs and finish my education.

I guess I will get to a question and stop wasting all of your time with my pissing and moaning about a situation I caused myself...

1.) Is it possible to pull an Option 40 enlistment with a GED and high ASVAB scores?

2.) How easy will the branch switch be? I'm not slated to ship until 20050110.

Thank you, Rangers!

hit_it · Post by **hit_it** » September 29th, 2004, 12:41 am

since it appears that you are a sincere person, i'll give you some advice.

BE A MAN! don't let anyone strongarm you. I'm not going to tell you to DEP loss myself, because i can't do that as a recruiter for another service.

but to answer your other questions.

1) NO

2) you have to be released from the USMC before you can process for another service. There is no "branch change".

September 29th, 2004, 2:28 am

Even if it's not possible, don't worry about the feelings of the Marines. They're hardened individuals and I'm sure they can handle someone not wanting to be a part of them. You do what you need to do to be sucessful. If you feel the Marines won't do that for you, then try everything within your power to resolve the problem.

I went into the Army with a GED and didn't get a fucking thing except for a "Thanks for your commitment, fuck ya later." I was called a quitter at MEPs and that no one could trust me. With that, all they would guarantee is my MOS and ship date. Fortunately for me, they asked for volunteers to go to the 75th 2nd week of my OSUT training. I jumped on the idea, since I had no idea where I was going anyways. A DS helped me out there and squared all my paperwork away and was sure that I was getting to Airborne and to RIP.

That was about 18 months ago. I would strongly recommend not to expect the same thing to happen. What you need to do is to get that Opt40 in your contract. You need to complete High School, and then wait it out. Or get those 15 credit hours. This, of course, all pending your release from the Marines. Make a fuss. Fuck them. Be a hard ass. Punch him in the face. It's your life.

Evolution · Post by **Evolution** » September 29th, 2004, 4:30 am

SFC hit_it, thanks for the info. I'm hoping to get this all straightened out today. I'm making a call to the local ARMY recruiter in a few moments.

Ranger Disinfertention, thanks for sharing your experience.

I'll make sure to keep all of you updated.

Evolution · Post by **Evolution** » September 29th, 2004, 11:55 am

Rangers,

I have great news! I found out all the information I need and will begin my path to an Option 40 enlistment soon.

Thanks for the support!

Matt

SRR2R · Post by **SRR2R** » September 29th, 2004, 5:14 pm

Evolution wrote: Hooah. Thanks for the support!

Matt

Congrats, Matt. Go here, http://www.armyranger.com/bb/viewtopic. ... ooah#50249

Good luck.

Evolution · Post by **Evolution** » September 29th, 2004, 7:04 pm

I offer my apologies for that. I have edited my posts for correction.

Thank you for pointing that out to me.

Evolution · Post by **Evolution** » October 2nd, 2004, 8:54 am

Rangers,

I have had to speak with the Gunnery Sgt. and my recruiters superior SSgt. and I ended up being scheduled to go in front of a 'discharge board' on Tuesday to pleade my case.

Now, however, I am being threatened with DQ from all branches for being a 'consciensous objector' by my recruiters superior SSgt. and my recruiter. My recruiter has been calling my friends for intel on what I'm doing and what is going on and informing them that if I don't ship, he's going to 'fuck me over.'

My father found all of this out and if making contacts and gathering information on my behalf. When he spoke to my recruiter, my recruiter stated that he 'owns me for a full year' then proceeded to hang up and not answer any further calls. I don't recall having seen his name anywhere on these papers in front of me, so if anyone owns me for a year, it's the Corps and not him.

Further, I'm having to go through an outside and independant POC to carry on plans and conversations and relay information with the ARMY recruiter. Apparently, there is no way in hell I can get an Option 40 contract because the slots are 'filled.' We'll see about that when it comes time to go to MEPS.

hit_it · Post by **hit_it** » October 6th, 2004, 2:06 am

Now, however, I am being threatened with DQ from all branches for being a 'consciensous objector'

untrue.

Parabellum · Post by **Parabellum** » October 6th, 2004, 6:53 am

Hit_it I am glad you are here.

hit_it · Post by **hit_it** » October 6th, 2004, 10:24 am

why's that? you know i don't go that way.

Parabellum · Post by **Parabellum** » October 6th, 2004, 11:10 am

hit_it wrote:why's that? you know i don't go that way.

Not with guys over 18 anyway. You sick fuck.

hit_it · Post by **hit_it** » October 6th, 2004, 3:33 pm

damn, i got to stop picking them up in broad daylight.

Legi0n · Post by **Legi0n** » October 22nd, 2004, 6:54 am

Evolution, if you are a dep, and even sworn in, you do not have to ship... and you can end your contract anytime before shipping. THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO YOU.. However after you ship out, it is a different story..

I know this for fact, i have done it... My recruiter was upset, but he got over it.. He calls me from time to time, and lets me know there is a ranger slot open, if I want it.. If things change with my wife, I just may take him up on it.

The GED is no issue, I have a GED, I only scored 79% on ASAVB.

hit_it · Post by **hit_it** » October 22nd, 2004, 8:20 am

The GED is no issue, I have a GED, I only scored 79% on ASAVB

then your recruiter is bullshitting you to get you back in the fold.

now get out of my forum. i don't want Army DEP losses here. go play in the den of diatribes.