Im currently a Marine and can't believe I didn't see this post until now. I guess that is because I was at Comm Tech School to increase my knowledge on more gear. Been in for nearly 6 years now.
Anyways. I think it is about time that Hypertokyo5 graduates bootcamp and becomes a Marine. If she went in, in mid June, she should be done by the end of this month or early Sept.
As for Arc-light's reply, you do not need to be an expert to be on the competition. Ive seen plenty of Marskmen and Sharpshooters apply for the job and get it.