<<<Gee, I guess the Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering and the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and the patent I hold as a result make me pretty unmarketable. I hope I have a future seeing as how I've had my education paid for by the U.S. Marines and am currently active duty.>>>
I got bad news for you, bucko. Any patent developed while in the service enures to the benefit of the U.S. government, not you. Another real benefit the military service provides.
But you sound like a smart guy. You'll do well enough, I'm sure. Probably as well as you would have done if you have atteneded a public or private university. Sure, the Marines paid for education. But then you work for sub-standard wages for the next 3-4 years (or is it 5?) The difference in your salary would have paid back all the student loans you would have incurred if you didn't get a scholarship to the college. And you could kept your patent rights, too.
By the way, private sector nuclear engineering jobs are in big demand now, huh? No knew nuke plants in about twenty years. Even the military is about to convert the Trident subs from nuclear to convenetional ballistic missiles.