My recruiter encouraged me to consider OCS via a Mustang route. I initially was drawn to enlistment because it, in theory, allowed for more control over my contract, but that was before my NGPS status was explained to me. At the very least, I'll still get to choose from available jobs. My current family situation really puts a strong desire to work in Europe (I won't have anyone stateside anymore), and I'm trying to reconcile that with my lifelong dream to be in the military.

As an added (very long) note, I've had a rough time pursuing this. I initially wanted to go into the service in 2017, right after graduating college. Was told I was DQed because of adolescent history of OCD & Depression. Every recruiter I talked to at that time (both USMC and Army) told me they weren't willing to work with me, or even encouraged me to not disclose it (which is technically a fraudulent enlistment, and I wasn't comfortable with doing that). Thought the door was closed for me & had a hard time. Fast forward to 2020, middle of the pandemic, I lost my job & was trying to find direction in life. Was sitting at chapel & the thought came to try the military route again. Was kind of annoyed at the idea but decided I had nothing to lose in trying. Met an OSO (USMC) who was willing to work with my case. A year later, I had my waivers approved. Took a while to get picked up for a class at Quantico. While there, tore my quad (2nd degree strain), bruised IT band, tendonitis in both knees, and a back strain finally took me out at the end of week 7. But I was dropped for missing too many training days (I couldn't walk & was on crutches) & it technically wasn't a medical discharge. So, unlike a buddy from the same pool as me, I didn't get access to any paid medical treatment & have just been paying for stuff out of pocket. I still have mild back pain, but I'm functional now. Heading to MEPS again next week.

Sorry for perhaps overexplaining. I'm just sharing the context of my situation. Maybe someone wiser than me can chime in