JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As students head back to school, high school seniors are also getting closer to one of their first big decisions... what comes after graduation?

Major Matthew Weber and Sergeant Cody Purcell with the U.S. Marine Corps joined In Depth with Kristine Bellino to talk about what military service can offer young people, what recruiters are looking for and some of the questions they hear from students and parents.

Weber has joined In Depth before to talk about the Marine Corps’ NROTC scholarship program. In April, he explained how the program can help students pay for college and prepare for a career as a Marine Corps officer. This time, he and Purcell focused more on life after high school and what students can expect if they’re considering the Marines.

READ: How the Marine Corps could help pay for college

Looking at life after high school

Weber said recruiters spend a lot of time helping students understand the different paths available after graduation, whether that means college, entering the workforce or joining the military.

For students worried about committing several years of their life, Weber said most Marine Corps contracts are four, five or six years.

He encourages students to think about how quickly their four years of high school went by and then consider where they could be four years from now.

Weber said military service can also help young Marines work toward goals like owning a car or home, supporting a family and traveling.

More than just military training

Purcell joined the Marines in January 2021 after growing up with a father who was also a Marine.

Now nearing the end of his first contract, he is planning to reenlist and continue his college education.

Purcell said one of the biggest things the Marine Corps gave him was hands-on experience. His job as a combat cameraman includes photography, video, journalism and graphic illustrations.

That experience, he said, helped put him ahead of some of his peers while still giving him the opportunity to pursue a college degree without having to pay for it himself.

Travel is another reason Purcell wants to stay. During his first contract, he spent three years in Hawaii, trained in Maryland and is now in Jacksonville.

What recruiters are looking for

Weber said there is not one specific type of person who makes a good Marine.

Some recruits grow up wanting to serve, while others may have never seriously considered the military until they meet a recruiter.

But there are qualifications.

Weber said recruits have to meet mental, moral and physical standards, while also being able to live up to the Marine Corps’ core values of honor, courage and commitment.

He also made it clear recruiting is not simply about hitting a number.

“I will never ask one of our Marines to put somebody into the Marine Corps that they do not believe should earn the title of United States Marine,” Weber said.

Nearly 100 local students already committed

Weber said nearly 100 young men and women from the Class of 2027 have already committed to joining the Marine Corps.

Those future Marines represent 31 high schools across northern Florida and southern Georgia.

As for students deciding which military branch may be right for them, Weber actually encourages them to talk to all of the services before making a decision.

For those who choose the Marines, he said many are looking for the challenge, the camaraderie and the chance to become part of the Marine Corps family.

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