Thinking about joining the military..

[Pampho85]

I've been thinking about joining the military (Either the army or the marines) mainly as a back up if I don't get into the college I want to go to. However, I just have a few questions about joining the military as a full time career (And I would like to apologize for my lack of knowledge beforehand, and I don't mean to offend anyone in any way). I've been interested in the army and marines on and off for the past four years and I would like to serve my country as a back up and just to show that it doesn't matter if I am a first generation born in the US, I can still fight for my country.

Would it be better to go and get a college degree then go to the military? I've heard that the job outlook isn't very good if you just go straight into the military. Except if you want to become a police officer, then it'll be easier to get the job.

What's the pay like? (I'm not going into for the pay, but, my parents are strongly against me going, and coming from a medical family, money does speak to them) I know it won't be hundreds and thousands of dollars after doing four-six years or so.

How hard is the training/boot camp for the army and marines? I'm all for getting in shape and everything, but, I've heard it's really hard and many people give up during this time.

What's the experience like? By that I mean, just the traveling and lifestyle, and basically the average day for someone.

I've also heard it's important to make friends, but also heard it's hard to make them while in the military, is this true?

Where are some of the places you can get stationed? I've heard that sometimes people get stationed in Japan, South Korea, etc.

If you're reading this and you did join/are still in the military, how long did you go far and how did you like your experience? What field/career are you currently in now?

And I've also heard if you join the marine corps, you don't really get sent overseas. You go to college normally while you are in boot camp, and I was wondering, how exactly does that work?

Thanks for taking the time to look over/answer my questions and I just want to re-emphasize I don't mean to offend anyone by posting this and I'm sorry if I have.