First off, I'm in Canada, if that makes any difference.

This may seem like a stupid question (hell, it is, anyone WANTING to go enlisted must be an idiot) but I'm finishing up school soon and that pretty much means I've got all the requirements to be an officer. I'm not sure how ROTP works but is it significantly better to enter as an officer through ROTP or a normal commission?

Anyway, I'm not sure what I want to do with life, if I want to make a career in the military or just do my part for the next 4 years, so keep that in mind. I know if you're career military an officer is far better. Even if you're not, the pay incentive is pretty nice.

I'd like to join either the RCR or PPCLI 3rd batallion C company, pretty much our only airborne companies since the bullshit that was the CAR was disbanded. I'd like to go airborne...

Anyway...

I believe I have what it takes to lead men into battle. I have no question in my ability to command decisively and effectively. Part of the reason I'm interested in being a platoon leader (and wherever it takes me) is that I feel I could do a lot of good, keep men from harm, and neutralize the enemy.

On the other hand, I've always been interested in enlisting as a combat medic, mostly for the same reasons. I'd do my best to keep men alive, and it might even look good on my resume for heaven, that I was saving lives instead of taking them. The only problem I have...if I get shot, who the fuck saves me?

It seems kind of stupid, I know. On the one hand I'll be getting paid a lot more, have more control, and more room for promotion. The only upside I can see to being a medic, besides feeling good about yourself is that if I ever decide to do something in medicine (doctor, etc) I'll have some experience. I'm not sure how it transfers over to the professional worlds, but at least in the real world I'll feel confident in my first aid skills.

I know this is a decision I must make, but I'm hoping those with more military experience can help guide me.

Thanks.

Uh, both?

The only reason I am going enlisted here in the USMC is I want to see combat(don't want to wait 4 years for college, the war might be over) and I couldn't pay for college if it weren't for the military without racking up ridiculous student loans.

Given you are joining the Canadian military, I reckon you aren't joining to just see combat. So, I would highly recommend you do whatever it takes to become an officer. Your life will only be better if you go in as an officer, especially if you plan on going career.

Well Byss hopefuly if you get the title you get a combined combat arms MOS and go to Afghanistan because you are not going to see combat otherwise. And even then you mgiht not