Posted on Dec 11, 2018
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Good day all,

I am considering applying to either USMC or USAF Officer school, and am looking for some insight on both/either (23 yr. old civilian, bachelors degree, currently in a management position, soon to be married, no kids). I have always wanted to join the military, and would like to become an officer supporting combat operations in some kind of direct capacity. I like the ALO job description from what I have read, but lately have been considering USMC as an option simply due to the amount of ground combat-geared jobs which this branch holds. A couple of questions:

-Does the Air Force do guaranteed contracts on specific jobs before OTS (I like the idea of ground combat-related positions in a leadership role, but realize that most AFSC Officer positions other than ALO are not ground-combat related)?
-I have read that the USMC does not do any kind of contract guarantee, and that your MOS is assigned to you right out of OCS; is there anything specific that helps improve chances at your preferred MOS?
-Going with this: what are some interesting/rewarding MOS in the USMC for officer
-Living/environmental/family considerations for both branches as an officer? I have read that ALO's work and live on Army bases, so I suppose I am looking for a comparison of Army garrison life vs Marine Corps garrison life.
-Deployment differences (length, frequency, etc.)
-General opinion on either also accepted. I realize this is ultimately my decision, but I would love to hear your all's input/dialogue.

Thank you in advance!
Edited 6 y ago
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Lt Col Jim Coe
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Reading you question narrative, it sounds to me like you want an opportunity to lead service members in the ground warfare environment. If that's the case, then my advice is to look seriously at the Army and Marine Corps. The Air Force and Navy have very few officer billets in which ground warfare is a primary mission.

Air Liaison Officers are most often rated officers (pilots, navigators, systems operators) who can bring air combat or air mobility expertise to their assigned ground forces units. To get there you would have to be commissioned, complete training as a pilot or other officer aircrew position, gain experience in an aircraft that either supports ground forces or provides air mobility. Then complete an air-ground operations course to familiarize you with the way the ground forces and air forces work together. This is a 5 to 8 year path.

The Army and Marines offer opportunities to lead troops in ground operations after a few months of OTS and officer advanced individual training. Time from commissioning to leadership opportunity, usually as a platoon leader, is less than a year.

It's also important to understand the Services assign different levels of importance to missions and positions in various MOS or AFSCs. (Major over-simplification follows.) The missions of the Army and Marine Corps are to fight and win the nation's wars on the ground. The Marines get there from the sea and air. The Army gets there from the ground, sea, and air. Consequently, officers in the combat arms of the Army and Marines (infantry, armor, artillery, etc.) often have higher promotion rates. The Navy is all about sea power. They operate surface and subsurface ships to control the ocean environment and launch strikes against sea and land targets. They have their own air force (Naval aviation) and their own army (the Marines). The Air Force mission is to fly, fight, and win. The key leadership positions normally go to pilots and other aircrew members who command and operate manned and unmanned air and space platforms. Non-flying officers can do well in the Air Force and often handle great responsibilities, but never serve in command of operational units taking the fight to the enemy.

I strongly recommend you talk with an officer recruiter from all 5 armed services. Spend some time researching the missions and functions of each service. Select the Service that is the closest match to what you think you want to do with your life. Also, understand which Service will give you the best deal in terms of accession date, potential credit for advanced education, and guarantees post-commissioning training or school.

As far as family life goes. The further from the front line your job, the more likely you are to be "home for dinner" every night. The front line officers in all services are subject to short-notice and extended deployments away from their families. This is often difficult for the spouse and more so when children are involved. The Air Force usually has the best on-base living quarters, recreational facilities, and shopping.
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6 y
Thank you for your detailed response. Very helpful and much appreciated!
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SMSgt Ops Superintendant
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6 y
False. 13L is full time TACP officer. Rated ALOs are being phased out. Ask a SW recruiter in your area. You’ll go to school with, train with and lead enlisted TACP.
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Lt Col Jim Coe
Lt Col Jim Coe
6 y
SMSgt (Join to see) thank you for providing more current information. I still believe the career potential for ground force oriented officers in the Air Force is lower than in the USA and USMC. How many 13L make Col compared to the number of pilots who make it? Likely very few!
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SMSgt Ops Superintendant
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6 y
We just had our first one make 05 and take a squadron command. They are trending well and are currently sitting in Joint Staff (JSOC as well as others) billets as well as MAJCOM staff. They are competitive on the larger Air Force. They gain the JTAC qualification, just had one of mine complete Ranger School. They’re leading, and promoting as expected.
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Sgt Field Radio Operator
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(Join to see) You are soon to be married, and children are always a possibility. What does your fiancée think about your joining the military? Have you had discussions with her about the amount of time that you would not be with her while in training, deployments, etc.?
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Potential Recruit
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We have had many conversations regarding my intentions. My fiancee has been aware of these intentions since we first got together. Whereas she is not thrilled with the idea of time away, she is well aware that this is part of the gig, and we have made plans for roughly the beginning portion of 2020 to be the time of departing for training. We have been discussing the idea of the guard for the past 1-1.5 years, however recently deciding on active duty has left her with plenty of questions regarding deployment length & frequency, and lifestyle considerations.
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Sgt Field Radio Operator
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(Join to see) - Thank you for wanting to serve. Best wishes on your decision.
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Lt Col Charlie Brown
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What is your degree in?
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Degree is in Exercise Physiology
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Lt Col Charlie Brown
Lt Col Charlie Brown
6 y
(Join to see) yes the Air Force does do guaranteed jobs prior to OTS. You might want to speak with an officer accessions recruiter before deciding
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