From your note, I suspect we are of the same vintage as my service was also pre-Viet Nam.
My Grandson, also age 19, and for all the wrong reasons, did enter the Corps. It did not work out for reasons I will not discuss here since we are a bit off topic and are probably under Jim's and Jamie's watchful gaxe.
In my experience, you are facing one of the most difficult predicaments life offers up.
Again, best wishes to you, Bob.