According to what I've read it was because he couldn't make the grade
himself. That does, indeed, sound enourmously immature and irrational for
someone who is President of the country - but I suppose one does not lose
one's weaknesses just because one becomes President. But did he try to get
into the Marines? Probably not, it was probably WHO was supporting and
starting the Marines, most likely a graduate of something or other that he
could not graduate.
Gernilee
All of this in my humble opinion and taken from my inadequate study and
reading.