I am a former Marine fighter pilot, a regular (as opposed to a reserve). I spent 8 years in the crotch,flew fighters,did my time at El Toro, a tour on the boat and a year in Viet Nam, resigned and worked for Delta for 28 years and am now retired.I tell you all of this so that you might understand that I`ve "been there, done that". Having said all of that, my best advice to you is to avoid the Marine Corps. Yes it is an elite branch, not many can join, blah, blah, etc. However, your chances of getting to fly jets is chancey at best. If you do get jets, they will be fighters or attack machines. You won`t build enough time to be competive. The Navy (or Squids, we called them)....Chance of jets...better. I suggest you consider the USAF. Flying is their profession, not a sideline. Try for a big old transport type plane, fly your ass off and get out at the first opportunity. I`m gonna assume that you are more interested in flying than to be a leader of men, be a career officer,etc.,etc.. If this doesn`t work for you, buy your tickets and start at the bottom like a thousand other guys. If you can do anything else, I suggest that you consider that.This profession is going through some real tough times and I don`t think they will get better soon. Shake any tree in any town and a bunch of pilots will fall out. Just one old guy`s opinion.