So I’m a freshman in college planning to join the military after graduation, hopefully as an officer. But I don’t want to have to wait that long to be involved with the military. Initially, I was planning on enlisting in the Marines but never did. Well last year, my senior year, was a total waste, and I didn’t really consider this until recently, didn’t look up ROTC programs or anything, but why not join the Marine Reserves, then become an officer after college.
This might not be possible. For all I know you have to stay in the reserves for x years to the exclusion of all else. I’d talk to a recruiter, but I’m not sure I’d get the full story.
It was possible 10 years ago, I don’t know why it would not be possible today.
You can be a member of the Reserves or National Guard while taking 100 or 200 level ROTC courses (you do not need to make a commitment while taking those classes). Before you enter your junior year you sign a ROTC contract, which supersedes your enlistment contract. Some programs will allow you to still serve with your Reserve unit as an cadet, although you will not do annual training with them (your two weeks in the summer will be spent with your fellow cadets).
Like I said, this info is 10 years old and things may have changed since then. And instead of talking to a recruiter, talk to the ROTC department at your college. They would be able to help you more than a recruiter.