Question:

Im in the Marines should I reenlist??? Bonus is $37,000 before tax but LAPD is offering more???
Im in a dilemma were the Marines are offering me 37,000 dollars before taxes but yet the LAPD said i can get 70,000 on my first year alone....the thing is i dont know anyone in LA i have no family there and I would really want someones input preferably someone that got out of the military to tell me how it is and tell me what would you do if you were in my shoes???

Answers:

A-Best: its up to u really, you have to weigh the pros and cons for reenlisting or joiining the LAPD. 70000 sounds like alot but remember that the military is paying for your food and housing so that would take a good percentage out of your income living in LA  

A: I have lived in LA and I would not advise joining the LAPD. Police Officers get very little respect and no back up in LA, they constantly have a controversy. You have a greater chance to be killed in LA then in the Marines. The Marines at least take care of their own, their motto not to leave a Marine behind, speaks for their commitment and loyalty. Always faithful - the Marines, your on your own- The LAPD.  

A: Go with the one that give you the best retirement/benifit program. You will spend all the money you make anyway so why work your entire life and have nothing at the end.  

A: LA sounds better than Iraq.  

A: Devil Dog turns Law Dog, hey if your in a good position in the Corps, then why leave it, but if not the PD is always hiring.The commercials out here say 56K to start, not bad, also if you buy a home in the area of your Station, you can get it with nothing down, or at a huge discount, this is a PD offer.so either way, your good to go, Semper Fi  

A: Don't go to iraq. we'll kick you out of there. so i would join the LAPD if I were you.  

A: I agree you do not want to come to LA, it is so expensive here the cost of living. I will tell that I make 60,000 and barley make ends meet I am married and have 2 kids. I am originally from California. For the past 6 six years I was stationed on the East Coast (VA & FL). I decided to become a home town recruiter and get stationed out here in Cali. I regret coming here I love Cali, but after I was stationed on the East coast I became so homesick. Trust me my friend 70,000 may not be much in LA, your rent is going to sky rocket as well as gas, even your car insurance is going to jump. I was making 45,000 back in VA and man I had money to spend, plus a bigger house, plus the traffic sucks. LAPD is a good organization, but they do not get respect at all. You have a higher chance of getting killed. Plus do not throw your 4 years away use them to retire. Most of the Latino community as well as the black community hate your guts and would piss on your grave. Remeber Macarthur Park Incident, and La is over 70% hispanic. Just be prepared to be hated. As a Marine at least every now and then some one will tell you good job and thank you for serving my country. As cop people will not even say hi or let alone talk to you. The Marines are the few the proud. Let me ask are you able to go to be stationed over-seas such as Japan, Spain, Germany, Guam, Korea, and embassy duty while you are a copper. 70,000 may not be sound too good to be true during your first year with LAPD because for half of the year you have to be in the Academy. Do what you want it is your life but I am telling you may regret it one day.  

A: Well, the military doesn't pay enough for what we have to do, that's why it's called a "service". Money isn't that important if all your basic family needs are being met, also I'm guessing you have 4 years in so that's only 16 years until retirement instead of 30. Life in the Corps is tighter, it's a family. Life in the Police can be like that except the people you are trying to help will hate you ( with songs like Cop Killer you do the math) and demand you respect their "rights". It's your call.  

A: I am a Marine For Life Mentor and I know that transition is hard; however if you want to get out - get out. I know money is important; however whether you remain in the Marines or join the LAPD - you have to want either position more than just for the money. Each position has its appeal; however I can tell you that 70K in LA isn't a whole lot. I have great respect for you, sir... but being a Marine is also an internal calling.. I know money matters; however it is not the determining factor. Talk to someone at the LAPD, ask them what it's like as far as pay vs. cost of living. Check out the real estate in LA and find out if you have to live where you work. Thank you for your dedicated service. Please feel free to check out various career sites geared toward transitioning military.. I am here for you, Marine and I do hope to help. I wish you well!  

A: the biggest regret that i ever had, was getting out of the corps. I say stay in