Many Marines enlist in order to use the Corps as a stepping stone and only intend on doing their four years and getting out, but it’s when you decide to take it to the next level and reenlist that you have to think which path is best for your career.
For some it’s drill instructor school or obtaining a “B” billet; others take the path less traveled and apply for an officer program.
Staff Sgt. Joshua M. Hines, strategic mobility staff noncommissioned-officer, MARCENT G-4, decided after spending seven years on the enlisted side of the Corps, that becoming an officer was the way for him.
“I originally joined because I grew up around the military,” he said. “My father is a retired Air Force master sergeant, and was pretty happy when he found out I wanted to enlist in the Marines.”
Hines added that his parents’ main concern was making sure becoming a Marine was what he wanted to do with his life.
After completing many deployments to places such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait and being meritoriously promoted to the ranks of lance corporal and sergeant, Hines decided it was time to further his career.
“In retrospect, I would’ve liked to do this a long time ago, but I just wasn’t ready for college then,” 24-year-old Hines added. “Right out of high school, I just didn’t have the self-discipline to go to college, but now I’m ready.”
After making the decision to take advantage of what the Marine Corps has to offer, Hines began to research the different officer programs and decided the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program suited him best.
“I basically did the research, put together my MECEP package and sent it in,” Hines said.
Hines did not get accepted directly into the MECEP program, but was accepted into the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training (BOOST) program, which helps prepare Marines for the MECEP program.
“The program is directed more toward helping the Marine focus on school in order to get a degree, then from there becoming a commissioned officer,” said Hines.
Currently, Hines is enrolled in college courses at Hillsborough Community College and plans on majoring in the business field.
“My major focus right now is getting my degree and becoming commissioned,” he said. “After it’s all done, I just want to have a positive influence on as many Marines as I can. Granted, it will be weird starting over at the bottom of the food chain, but in the long run it will present a lot of opportunities for me.”
Hines, a Colorado Springs, Colo. native, said he plans on retiring from the Marines and seeing where the road takes him from there.
“Hines’ innate leadership qualities and high level of intelligence combine to provide unlimited potential for him,” said Staff Sgt. David S. Vanderwest, strategic mobility chief, MARCENT. “In addition, his sense of self, determination, and commitment poise him for success in any endeavor.”
Vanderwest, who has worked with Hines for almost two years, added he is not surprised by Hines’ choice and is absolutely certain he will succeed.
“I’ve had a good time in the Marines so far and have faced many of the same challenges all Marines face,” Hines said. “But I’m pretty excited and will give 110 percent. That’s all you can do is the best you can and go for it. The worst that can happen is you’re told no. If you give it you’re all then you’re bound to be successful.”
Hines will continue his journey toward becoming an officer in November when he begins the BOOST course.