Some will continue their education at another academic institution, some will find jobs and enter the work force, and some students find that the military is an attractive option.
While every student has their own path to follow, the more information they have, the better decision they can make.
Recently Marine recruiters had a table set up in front of Ochoco Hall to distribute information and give guidance to students who are looking into the military option.
Joining the military at a time when the United States is involved in a number of international conflicts may seem like a drastic choice. But there are options available for recent graduates and those about to graduate, which might make a military career more appealing.
According to Marine recruiter and Second Lieutenant, Nick Bouton, 23, “We are out here to give out some information on the officers candidate program.
“It is a program through which college students, if they receive a four year degree, can become marine officers.”
However the Marines are not the only option if a student is attracted to military service.
The Air Force, Army, Navy and National Guard all have programs specially suited to students attending college.
According to Central Oregon Community College Student and Army veteran Brad Sergeant, enlisting after graduation into an officer candidate program, in any branch of the military, has distinct advantages over enlisting normally.
“If you already have a degree the best path would be to get commissioned as an officer, not only do you get better pay, you also get better benefits and stuff like that. And you have a lot more respect being an officer,” said Sergeant.
At Oregon State University-Cascades Campus there is another route to becoming a military officer called The Cascade Gold Program, which is an officer training program for the National Guard.
There are varying degrees of commitment required for the different branches of the military and there are many programs in each branch. Students should look into the options available to them.
While the Montgomery GI Bill can help pay for college and officer training programs like the Gold Program at OSU or other officer candidate programs can help someone land a better job in the military, it is still military service.
According to Steve Oxford, 35, a 10 year veteran of the National Guard, “You have to join for the right reasons (like) service to the country, service to the community. If you are just doing it for the school money, if you find yourself in Iraq getting shot at, what good is that school money going to do for you? If you join, do it for the right reasons.”
He also said, “Ask questions, do not just talk to the recruiters …talk to active members see what they have to say.”
For more information on the Cascade Gold Program contact Major Kirk Mickelsen at (541)-322-3143, or kmickelsen@cocc.edu. For more information on the Marines Officer candidate program, visit, officer.marines.com
Contact this reporter at Jdm6235@yahoo.com