Advice For The Military?

[MaChu]

Ok, I'm 17 a junior in High School. First here's a little background:
My life decided to go to hell in a handbasket this summer, dad left, mom decided to kick me out because she couldn't handle the stress, friends nowhere to be found except the ones who decided to get me drunk, had to deal with alcohol problem after that.
Fast forward a few months, living back with my mom once again, dad came back just a while ago, nothing but silence in the house, don't drink, but for a strange reason depressed. I have no goals in my life. Nothing to work towards or for. Until someone mentioned the military and how it can change your life.
So far, miraculously, Ive kept a B average. I don't think I have a chance in college and I was just wondering what are the benefits of joining the military? What are the cons? Would it make a difference if I went to college first and then joined the military? Is it just worth it?

[davidb]

Have you taken the ASVAB? If not, take it and that will help you figure out what your options are. Have you taken the ASVAB and SAT, and, if so, what did you get? If not, could you do a little self-evaluation and tell us how you think you stack up intillectually? Don't base this on your grades. I personally did much worse than you in High School, and am going into the Navy's nuclear program after basic, unless they manage to convince me to do NROTC. The military is more interested in what you're capable of than in what you've done.

Whatever you do, don't go into it with the attitude of, "Well, here I am! Fix me!". Unless you are willing to give all you can, a recruiter probably won't be terribly interested.

Would you want to join and then have a career in the military, or to join and get training for a career in the civilian world?

[OfficerGoat]

Re: Advice For The Military?

Originally posted by MaChu
Would it make a difference if I went to college first and then joined the military? Is it just worth it?

Huge difference. I know alot of folks in the military.. Go ROTC and become an Officer, It pays more and you get to be the boss. Nuff said.. but the big thing is that if you can get the government to pay for college thats always a good thing.

I think if you take it as a learning experience and not as a huge party college can change you for the better and definantly give you some direction. The military will teach you about people and about kissing ***..... which unfortunanty is a necicary skill sometimes.

[Kevmaster]

you're B average willget you into college. A state college will likely gobble you up if you wnat it. YOu cna prolly get a good aid package put together too if you need one coming from your situation

[GA Devil]

Speaking from experience with both army and college. Go to college. Dont be suckered by the "Army college fund" After doing my time I wish I would have never went. For me it was just a waste of 4 1/2 years. Unless your going to be a lifer and make a career out of the military. Then it may be right for you. But if your just going in for 1 term or so it dont pay out for you. And like I said before the college fund is a joke. Helped me with less then 10% of mine. And its not money up front to pay for it. You have to pay and they pay you back. Granted you get to see new and exciting places but you can do that on a vacation after college and you have a good paying job. Just my thoughts after doing both.

[bunkermaster10]

I live on a military base and know a lot of people in the military that wish they could go back to college so they could become an officer. Which is a huge difference.

[cphilip]

I agree with the College first and military second. Your grades are good enough. Do it.

Did you know that a 4 year college degree can mean a Million dollars ADDITIONAL lifetime earnings? Even if you have to borrow every penny of it then its a good investment.

[oldsoldier]

Well, I am currently active duty military, have been in either the Army or NAtional Guard for 12 years. The benefits of it are, in my opinion, the friendships you make. Travelling with the military sucks...you dont go to the cool places, trust me (am in a not cool place now). But, the friendships you make and the trust you have with your brothers is something that you will NEVER find in the civilian world. But, to each hisown. Dont go in because you have no direction in life. Go in because you want to.
as far as going officer...well, officers dont really run the mmilitary. The NCOs ALLOW the officers to THINK they do. We are actually the ones who run it. Officers just get the credit

[GA Devil]

So true on the NCO's running the show. But I have to admit germany was a cool place. But on the other hand Fort Sill was a big drag.

[cphilip]

Originally posted by oldsoldier
We are actually the ones who run it. Officers just get the credit

Or better put... the ones who do all the grunt work and get less pay for that!

Um.....there is my point!!!!!

One thing to consider is that the Military is becoming more and more techical. It is looking for more technicaly trained people. And a degree is becoming more and more important to advance in the Military. And most of these guys will tell you the Recruiters are stretching the truth about having time to go to school while your serving. I still recomend getting your degree and then you are more in control writing your own ticket into the Military. Thats the best way to do it.

[Army]

Get college out of the way, enlist, reach at least E-4 and apply hard for BNCOC phase I & II, then apply hard for Warrant Officer school.

WO's make less than full officers, but way more than enlisted men. However, they do not have the butt-kissing responsibilities! They are technical advisors, and are the liaison between command and enlisted. You get all the perks of an officer, but not the headaches