Future Marine Corps Officer-Career or 4 years?

[Carson W]

I am a Chinese American with good grades, and want to join the NROTC Marine Corps Option at Upenn (Wharton). What I am trying to decide right now is whether to go career, or do my time and leave. What are the benefits of each? Part of me wants to reach Colonel and higher, but I am still worried about discrimination against Asian Americans in the Corps, although I am confident about my own personal ability to reach that level. And how did Colin Powell get promoted as fast as he did?

[a_wood80]

You can't be an officer in the US military for only 4 years. The minimum commitment is 6. No matter what, unless you get medically discharged, you would have to apply to separate from the Corps.

[Aug]

Sign up for four years. If you like it stay in. If you don't go to the civilian sector. It's as simple as that.

Edit - Duh thats right you wanna be an officer. Then six years it is.

[Jeff]

It's 6 years or 20(minimum)to retire. Until you check it out it would be hard to make a 20+ year commitment. Unless of course, you have nothing important to do with your free time. After 6 years you can continue as a Reserve(weekend warrior)and enter the civilian sector. You could be a Colonel or better and have a civilian life as well if you desire too. Otherwise, it's probably best to evaluate with your own experience what would be best. Good Luck.