College grad chose enlisted route to start military career

[Vulture6]

A lot of you guys have expressed an interest in doing this. Here is one perspective:


College grad chose enlisted route to start military career
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification #: 200412101126
Story by Cpl. Jess Levens


MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Dec. 10, 2004) -- Michael S. Murphree could have been a second lieutenant, but he opted to march across Shepherd Field as a plain-sleeved private.

"I really feel like I need a taste of enlisted life," said Murphree. "I just think as an officer, you get more respect if you were enlisted first."

The decision came after Murphree talked to both U.S. Army and Marine Corps recruiters about enlisted and officer programs.

"I qualified for the officer programs, but it just didn't feel right," the 23-year-old said.

Murphree said he plans on earning a commission and assuming a more lucrative and distinguished military role as an officer, but not until his enlistment is over.

"Murphree is an above-average recruit," said Staff Sgt. Ross Arnett, senior drill instructor, Platoon 2027, Company F. "He understands that respect is earned, not given, and he definitely wants to earn that respect. If he becomes an officer later, he can still relate to his enlisted Marines. He has the same experiences."

"I felt like it was my duty to serve," he said. "I especially thought it was important once we got involved in this war."

Murphree wanted to serve for a long time, but he wanted his education first. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from The Ohio State University, and he said his family life played into that choice of major.

"My dad is a huge history buff," said Murphree. "We would go on family trips, and dad would just give me and my brothers history lessons."

The San Antonio native started his scholarly journey at the University of Texas at Austin as a general liberal arts major, but something was missing.

"I missed sports," said Murphree. "Texas isn't really a lacrosse state."

Murphree was a defenseman at Saint Mary's Hall, a private school in San Antonio, and one of the high schools in Texas with a lacrosse team.

"I had some friends playing lacrosse at Ohio State," said Murphree. "They told me about the school and team, and they said I should come out."

So Murphree transferred and became a Buckeye athlete. He walked onto the lacrosse team and played three years as a defenseman.

"I had a great time," said Murphree. "I felt a lot better once I started playing lacrosse again. It took up almost all my free time, but it kept me in shape too."

Murphree said he's glad he stayed in shape because Marine Corps recruit training is pretty tough.

"I didn't know what to expect when I got here," admitted Murphree. "Being a college athlete, you stay in pretty good shape, but mentally, this has been the biggest challenge of my life."

Marines take on many attributes from recruit training, and Murphree said he has gained a lot more self-confidence.

"I've always been a pretty confident guy," said Murphree. "But I used to second-guess myself when personal challenges came up. I got a first-class swim (qualification). Before I came here, I would've given up on something that hard, but now I feel like I can do anything."

Murphree's platoon mates think highly of him and his confidence.

"He's one of the best recruits in our platoon," said Pvt. Christopher D. Jolly. "He isn't afraid to do anything, and he always stays out of trouble."

Murphree's lack of fear extends beyond the squad bay. He signed up as an infantryman, and the probability of him fighting in Iraq doesn't hinder his decision.

"I want to go to Iraq," said Murphree. "That's why I went infantry. I want to be as close to the fight as I can. It's my duty. Of course, I don't want to die, but if I do, it was for a good cause."

According to Arnett, Murphree's hunger for leadership will get him far in the Corps. He has a good education, and combined with the Corps' fighting spirit, he should make a good officer some day.


Pvt. Michael S. Murphree enslisted in the Marine Corps even though he qualified to be an officer because he said he wants to earn respect. Photo by: Cpl. Jess Levens

[Field_Sailor]

Lamm, there ya go, man.

[LCpl Lamm]

Well, some veterans may say he's an not too smart for doing what he did. (Who wants to go to Iraq-BS war, why enlisted, you're wasting time, etc.) And, others, may say he's not, he's more motivated to being a good leader, like the article said.
I don't know how to take your posts Vulture and Field, if you're telling me that what he did is a good idea, or wrong decision.
Ofcourse you both know I now am thinking of doing this, maybe a little different, like Reserves/college, or no reserves, just do exactly what Murphree did. So, from my point of view, I think what he did is a good decision, but I have a few more reasons for wanting to do what I want to do.
A few months ago, I was thinking that, if I waited to go to officer or enlisted 'til after college, I wouldn't be as strong as I would be as if I enlisted fresh out of High School. Wrong, I was not too smart to think that. What are some negative aspects to going Marine reserves while in college, then off to OCS, or straight to college and then enlisted, then a year or two later OCS. Also, what are some other positve aspects?
Thanks,
Lamm

[USMC Chuter]

That recruit has his head on straight. It's nice to see somebody who doesn't want it all right now, but is willing to work for it and do things the right way.

[Field_Sailor]

I think what he did, exemplifies the Core Values.

[LCpl Lamm]

Well, if I decide not to go into the Marine Reserve while in college ( because of the chance of getting activated which will mess up my schooling), I'll do what Murphree did, then to OCS after a few years as an enlisted man.
And, I've been thinking (oh boy here we go) if I don't go into the Marine Reserves, I might go into the USCGR, then after college, go IRR and then enlist. Why, more military experience, have some fun while having a job, and more money to support myself. I still know that I can get hurt though. What do you all think of that idea?
Thanks,
Lamm

[Field_Sailor]

IMHO, I think that is not a good idea. Then again, I am not you. Do what you think it best.

Personally, I would go to school or go into the Miitary. Don't intermix the two, unless you're doing ROTC. If you don't want to be called up because of school, Don't join the reserves. I may be wrong, but I believe the IRR is only for prior Active Duty, I may be wrong though.

[LCpl Lamm]

Thanks for your input.
Lamm

[LCpl Lamm]

What does IMHO mean anyhow?
Lamm

[Field_Sailor]

In My Humble/Honest Opinion

[LCpl Lamm]

Ahh, okay I get it now. Thanks again.
Lamm