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Don't waste your time trying to find the recruiter near you. Let us do the work.
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18-Year-Old College Grad Trades Books for Rifle
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Story and photo by U.S.
Marine Lance Cpl. Jess Levens
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MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.— Television shows about child
geniuses have captivated American people for decades: "Doogie Howser,
M.D.," "Malcolm in the Middle" and even Cartoon Network's "Dexter's Laboratory"
have captured hearts of nearly everyone that watches. One show, however,
may never exist: "Pfc. Billy McCulloch, U.S. Marine."
McCulloch, 18, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry before
he was old enough to vote.
While growing up in Seguin, Texas, McCulloch learned at a rapid pace at
his private school. He was so far ahead of his classmates, he was allowed
to skip seventh and eighth grades.
"I just seemed to understand," said McCulloch.
"Science came pretty easy."
U.S. Marine Pfc. Billy McCulloch was appointed
platoon scribe for his knowledge and organizational skills.
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At the age of 12, McCulloch began his freshman
year of high school. Later that same year, he took a placement test from
Duke University and placed in the top one percentile.
"I did so well on the test, I was allowed to go straight to college,"
said McCulloch.
So the boy genius enrolled at St. Phillip's College, which is near his
home.
"I had a chance to go to Duke, but we couldn't afford it, and it was too
far from home," said McCulloch.
The Marine said he fit in with other students despite the age gap.
"At first it was weird having my mom drop me off at college every day,"
said McCulloch. "But I realized I wasn't even old enough to drive, so
there was no shame in that. I actually got along with everyone. I guess
age doesn't really matter. We were all science geeks and we had a good
time together."
After his third semester at St. Phillip's, McCulloch transferred to Texas
Lutheran University to finish his degree.
He graduated when he was 17, and despite his educational victory, McCulloch
had another dream: the Marine Corps.
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"I've thought about the military for a long time,"
said McCulloch. "I knew it had to be the Marines
because they're the best. It's common knowledge. Every Marine is a rifleman
first, but every airman or sailor isn't. I know I can count on my fellow
Marines every time."
McCulloch looked into becoming an officer but was unable to because he
didn't meet the minimum age requirement of 20 years old. He decided to
enlist.
"I wanted to join right away," said McCulloch. "There was no way I was
going to wait around until I was old enough to be an officer."
McCulloch joined as an infantryman for several reasons.
"I want to go out and see all that I can," said McCulloch. "If some combat
is involved, great. I just want to be out there in the thick of it."
While preparing for life in the Corps at recruit training, McCulloch's
knowledge and organizational skills helped him become the platoon scribe.
The scribe helps the drill instructors with administrative duties.
"McCulloch is a smart kid," said Sgt. Kent Sabido, one of McCulloch's
drill instructors. "We give him a task, and we don't even have to explain
it to him. He just figures it out."
Although Marine Corps recruit training doesn't call for much chemistry,
McCulloch still found ways to put his skill to use.
"One time, there were some spots on the floor and nobody could get them
up," said McCulloch. "I went into the gear locker and mixed some chemicals
and it took the spots off."
McCulloch graduated April 2, 2004 in front of his family and peers. "While
"Pfc. Billy McCulloch, U.S. Marine" will never grace TV land, the sight
of him walking across Shepard Field as a Marine will remain in the minds
of those close to him
© 2004 Defend America. All opinions
expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily reflect
those of Military.com.
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