Joining UP

Ok, so I have been thinking about this for a while… I am a 20 year old college student and am contemplating joining the military…. I work 40+ hours a week….and go to school full time because im trying not to end up 130k + in debt by the time I have finished school… plan on going into optometry. Anyways being in the armed forced in Illinois will pay for most of your schooling… If I join I would most likely end up in the army in a non-combat position mainly because I am a nationally licensed optician so I would sit on my ass and deal with glasses… Do you think it is worth joining I notice we have a lot of current and past military people here… any advice for somebody who is considering?

[Caiylania]

I'm not military, but my husband, mother, father, and both grandfather's were.

The benefits can be very rewarding if your willing to put up with a lot of shit. But be carefull, just because you join for one reason or to fill a specific MOS doesn't mean you will get it, or that if you do, you won't go overseas.

It is really great if you love travel, horrible if you don't.

well they are already hurting for the work that I do and with my certification there is no doubt that is what i will be doing

[Caiylania]

I know, just a warning, it does happen. If you do join, best wishes. The military always wants more. Some units over here are even under Stop Loss and Stop Movement.

For those that don't know, that means you aren't allowed to get out of the Military or PCS for a determined amount of time.

I wouldn't be so sure in the Army. Chief of staff Schoomaker (sp). The guy who replaced shinseki is trying to make everyone an infantry man first similar to the marines. The Army is great, and its fucked up at the same time. it all depends on the type of person you are and if you really want to do it.

The only advice i can really offer is don't join if you have no desire to do the "Army" thing and just want the benefeits that come with it.

no no thats not only the reason... If i had not gone to school I would have joined right out of highscool... But family pressured me not to...

Well edine, Its entirely up to you. If you want to join the Army for the "army experience" I think you'd be sorely dissapointed in a job like optician. Chances are you'll work along side civilians or do a similar job and you'll get paid less, pull more hours and get shit upon alot more. I see that alot in the pogue jobs.

Joining the Army i s a big step and if you think your up to it, best of luck. Join avoid Ft lewis if you pick combat arms.

On a side note, The Illinois government waives tuition for veterans in any state sponsered school. So with that and the Gi bill (900+ a month tax free) you can easily be getting paid to go to college after you finish your term. I'm thinking about going to UICU if i don't get into or can't afford my first schools of choice, but the bastards require 60 cr hrs of transferable credit and that won't be easy while i'm in the military.

[theotherjohn]

I would look into Officer canidate school or a ROTC scholarship before any other option.

If you have any specific questions ask. I have been in the military since 1987

[theotherjohn]

you can go here to get more info

http://healthcare.goarmy.com/contact/recrloca.htm


http://www.armyrotc.com

http://armyocs.com/portal/index.php

[Artha]

If you have any specific questions ask. I have been in the military since 1987

:o I was born in 1987.

[EmpressBtch]

<Chief of staff Schoomaker (sp). The guy who replaced shinseki is trying to make everyone an infantry man first similar to the marines.>


Schoo is an ex SF guy....of course he wants to change them into Marines. He also wants two range tests per year since in his eyes...our troops are shooting worth a poop.

And yeah...I said poop.

[theotherjohn]

Originally posted by EmpressBtch


Schoo is an ex SF guy....of course he wants to change them into Marines. He also wants two range tests per year since in his eyes...our troops are shooting worth a poop.



not marines make them into riflemen

not ranges but two live fire

I worked with him when I was at JFKSWTG. I have no problems with any of his published ideas so far

[StrayRogue]

I think everyone on these boards know how I feel about a barbaric, mindless, drone-like existence, do-as-you-are-told-witout-exceptions life that is the army. Here's my advice: Don't join.

[Hulkein]

Lol, sissy.

[StrayRogue]

As I live with a member of the military and an ex-army officer, the general consensus they give me of the US army is that they cannot shoot for shit no. Shall we list how many Allied casualties in Iraq were caused by US idiocy, trigger-happiness or this "fog of war" BS?

[Skirmisher]

Just adding in my advice to not count on being placed anywhere you are hoping for.

The armed forces moves in strange and mysterious ways.

They do have some kick ass benefits as long as you can hack the whole ordering about shtuff.

Not for me, but great for many others.

[Bestatte]

If you want to join the armed forces because you want to serve your country and feel you can serve best in this way, then go for it, and (insert deity here) bless you for it as well.

If you want to join the armed forces because you want free tuition and the GI Bill funds and whatever else comes with it, don't do me any favors, thanks.

I'm not eligible to serve, never was. I wouldn't have even if I was eligible because I don't have the stomach for it. But if I did have the stomach for it, I'd be damned if I joined up just for the perks. Ain't nobody gonna make me risk my life overseas just for college tuition and a lousy 900 bucks a month. I can make more than that at McDonalds, and they have a tuition reimbursement program.

[theotherjohn]

Originally posted by Bestatte

Ain't nobody gonna make me risk my life overseas just for college tuition and a lousy 900 bucks a month. I can make more than that at McDonalds, and they have a tuition reimbursement program.

I guess it is a very good thing for you that other Americans are not cowards

[Skirmisher]

Originally posted by theotherjohn
I guess it is a very good thing for you that other Americans are not cowards

Oy vey,
please lets not go into this again?:rolleyes:

Originally posted by theotherjohn

Originally posted by Bestatte

Ain't nobody gonna make me risk my life overseas just for college tuition and a lousy 900 bucks a month. I can make more than that at McDonalds, and they have a tuition reimbursement program.

I guess it is a very good thing for you that other Americans are not cowards


That and i make significantly more than 900 bucks a month ;)

[Bestatte]

Originally posted by theotherjohn

Originally posted by Bestatte

Ain't nobody gonna make me risk my life overseas just for college tuition and a lousy 900 bucks a month. I can make more than that at McDonalds, and they have a tuition reimbursement program.

I guess it is a very good thing for you that other Americans are not cowards

What part of this:


But if I did have the stomach for it, I'd be damned if I joined up just for the perks.

Did you not understand?

If I had the stomach for it, and if I was eligible (which I'm not and never was as I also pointed out in that post), I would not be joining up just to get perks. I'd join up to serve my country.

I tried serving in my own way, because I'm not eligible to join the armed forces. Unfortunately they don't want my blood, because I have viral bronchitis, and that means my blood isn't good for donating.

I considered joining the Peace Corp when I was younger, but I'm not physically capable of handling the work involved. I considered the National Guard, but again, my disability prevented me from being eligible.

If being disabled makes me a coward, then whatever, fine, I'm a coward. If you aren't willing to serve in the armed forces to save my miserable cowardly lifestyle, then don't. But if you are, then STFU and grab that rifle, boy.

[Caiylania]

Originally posted by RangerD1

Originally posted by theotherjohn

Originally posted by Bestatte

Ain't nobody gonna make me risk my life overseas just for college tuition and a lousy 900 bucks a month. I can make more than that at McDonalds, and they have a tuition reimbursement program.

I guess it is a very good thing for you that other Americans are not cowards


That and i make significantly more than 900 bucks a month ;)


I was going to say, I know soldiers get paid better than that! We do quite well, and officers do even better. It is also based on how long you stay in, bonuses, family size, where you live, and what you do.

[Bestatte]

It just sickens me to think that people would join the military just because they can get free stuff and guaranteed pay. Anyone who is capable of serving their country, should do so however they feel they're best suited, out of a sense of responsibility to uphold the lifestyle that has been provided to us on the blood and backs of those who came before us.

Not because you can get free tuition, or pay, or a nifty uniform. Sick. Totally sick. And when you die in combat your mom can say, "well, he died, but we got this awesome tee-shirt so it's all worth it!"

Sick.

[Meos]

UPS has a nice college program too, if ya don't wanna get shot at and blown up with rocket propelled grenades

[Hulkein]

If you don't mind me asking, what is your disability? Lung problems?

[Caiylania]

Originally posted by Bestatte
It just sickens me to think that people would join the military just because they can get free stuff and guaranteed pay. Anyone who is capable of serving their country, should do so however they feel they're best suited, out of a sense of responsibility to uphold the lifestyle that has been provided to us on the blood and backs of those who came before us.

Not because you can get free tuition, or pay, or a nifty uniform. Sick. Totally sick. And when you die in combat your mom can say, "well, he died, but we got this awesome tee-shirt so it's all worth it!"

Sick.


It is only if they don't care about the job while doing it. Many do join for the benefits, but love the job and do it well and with honor while serving. Many who join for the benefits end up staying in the whole 20+ and just as many who join to serve get out after 3-6 years and move on to different things.

Why you join is not as important as what you do while in the service of the military that protects your country.

[Bestatte]

I have a few disabilities, Hulkein. First of all, I'm legally deaf. I also have degenerative disk disease, but that didn't show up til I was 30. I was born with progressive nerve damage in my ears. Then there's the viral bronchitis, which I contracted when I was around 13 years old.

None of these things are curable or treatable, short of surgery which I'm not willing to go through, because the risk of worse damage is higher than the possibility of success. Viral bronchitis has no treatment or cure, it just shows up once or twice a year, lasts a month, and goes dormant again.

Any of these three things would make me ineligible, but all three combined makes me ineligible to serve even in non-military ways. The only thing I can do, which I've done and continue to do, is put together care packages as a volunteer and send them overseas to the people who -do- serve our country in the military.

You don't have to join up to serve your country. There are thousands of ways to do your part.

As for joining up primarily for the benefits, I think it's a piss poor reason to join. You do it because you are willing to die for your country, not because you're willing to die for free tuition. That's just stupid.

Because now adays every kid is more than willing to die for his country.

[Scott]

Originally posted by Bestatte
It just sickens me to think that people would join the military just because they can get free stuff and guaranteed pay. Anyone who is capable of serving their country, should do so however they feel they're best suited, out of a sense of responsibility to uphold the lifestyle that has been provided to us on the blood and backs of those who came before us.

Not because you can get free tuition, or pay, or a nifty uniform. Sick. Totally sick. And when you die in combat your mom can say, "well, he died, but we got this awesome tee-shirt so it's all worth it!"

Sick.

God forbid someone try to make a better life for themselves and go through college. Some people can't afford it, so what should they do? Not go? Why not work a job and serve our country to pay for college? The only thing sick here is you......

[Skirmisher]

Yah Bestatte, you surely are entitled to your opinion, but to post in such a haughty manner does leave more than some here with a bad taste in our mouths.

You may have had many reasons that made you inelligible for service, but fair or not unless you have been in the armed forces I am not sure what authority grants you the right to insult people who weigh the risks with the rewards and decide to join.

[Meos]

Originally posted by RangerD1
Because now adays every kid is more than willing to die for his country.


Be an army of one, it's the cool thing to do

[EmpressBtch]

If they need people with his certification how is he being sick? He'll be doing what he's going to school for (if he gets that MOS), paying his tuition and still serving his country, drawing a paycheck and getting work experience. There's hospitals with tuition reimbursements where every year they pay 10% of your loan...does that mean the nurses shouldn't work at that hospital?

OK first of all I have wanted to join for a long time not becuase of perks but because i have always felt that is what i should do... my family at the time i graduated talked me out of joining... Father was a MP in Vietnam and talked me out of joining. I still want to join and not just to get school paid for...But i want to make sure i do it the right way and I dont get screwed because of it.

[Bestatte]

Originally posted by The Edine
OK first of all I have wanted to join for a long time not becuase of perks but because i have always felt that is what i should do... my family at the time i graduated talked me out of joining... Father was a MP in Vietnam and talked me out of joining. I still want to join and not just to get school paid for...But i want to make sure i do it the right way and I dont get screwed because of it.

Then in that case, you should do what you feel is best for you. Doing it for the right reasons, and in the right way.

Offering to serve in the armed forces should never be "about" the money. Money is always a good incentive, and the perks such as college tuition are great, but if that's -why- you're doing it, you can get the same without having to risk dying. Taking the benefits because you want to serve your country though, that's a whole nuther matter, and it's great that you take both into consideration.

My biggest fear with any young person considering joining up, is that they're listening to all the mass advertising about how you get a car and a job and training and college and this and that..

And then young folks join up thinking it's gonna be some glorified hollywood movie scene, and if they're LUCKY they come back malnourished and dehydrated. If they're not lucky, they come home in a bodybag, or not at all. And all because they got sucked into the advertising without researching the reality.

-She who has lost two friends because they wanted to serve for the money.

[Hulkein]

Originally posted by Meos
Be an army of one, it's the cool thing to do

Yeah, what is up with that? Be an army of one? I hate that... The army is about comrodarie and teamwork (at least how I think of it.)

[Black Jesus]

Originally posted by StrayRogue
I think everyone on these boards know how I feel about a barbaric, mindless, drone-like existence, do-as-you-are-told-witout-exceptions life that is the army. Here's my advice: Don't join.

because you know so much about it being some fat [ass] living in canada right?

[Edited on 11-9-2003 by Edaarin]

[Black Jesus]

Originally posted by RangerD1
Because now adays every kid is more than willing to die for his country.

come on now, you should know that its not about dying for your country, its for making some other asshole die for his.

[Geoff]

Originally posted by The Edine
OK first of all I have wanted to join for a long time not becuase of perks but because i have always felt that is what i should do... my family at the time i graduated talked me out of joining... Father was a MP in Vietnam and talked me out of joining. I still want to join and not just to get school paid for...But i want to make sure i do it the right way and I dont get screwed because of it.

You're probably doing it for the right reason then, just don't expect to look back on it and think it was a good idea financially. It won't be in the long run, even with the benefits. If you look at the difference in pay for the amount of time you'll be in, You'd be probably be better off going civilian. (Think 401K, Stock plans, civillian college reimbursement, etc. on top of the difference in salary. I started off 8 years behind my coworkers in retirement planning which was a real bitch, and you're in a better field...)
Going in for reasons based on how you feel about national service is the only thing that should be your major reason for joining. You might also want to consider that the person you know with the most military experience (Your father) has another point of view and pursue why that is if you haven't enough already.

It's something you're going to spend at least 4 years of your life doing and you won't be able to change your mind later.

That said, I loved it and would be proud of my son if he decided to follow in my footsteps, even if I thought he could be more successful financially in the long run if he didn't.

[Geoff]

Originally posted by Lady Daina
I think that a person's decision to join or not join is theirs alone, it's a very personal thing. I don't try to guess why people do or do not join, it's none of my beeswax. I am thankful to those who do, whatever their reasons. And I do not hold it against any who choose not to. :)

Amen.
It's not for everyone and it's immediately obvious who made the mistake when it came to joining up. (And hard to watch...)

I'll always respect anyone who did so, correctly or otherwise, especially when they stuck it out regardless.

[Adhara]

My only advice Edine is that you ask yourself "what's the worst that can happen if I join?" like what if you don't get your favored field and everything else you like less about joining the military. Put everything you would dislike together and then ask yourself if you'd be ready to do that.

If you think it's still worth it, do it!

Oh bah. I do have another advice. Don't let family, friends, and PC members influence your decision. Take the advice, take the information but don't take the insults! ("You're a **** if you do/don't join!" ) That kind of thing cannot be of help.

Analyze with your heard first, then listen to your heart.

Edited out unwanted smilie.

[Edited on 11-10-2003 by Adhara]

[AnticorRifling]

Originally posted by Bestatte
It just sickens me to think that people would join the military just because they can get free stuff and guaranteed pay. Anyone who is capable of serving their country, should do so however they feel they're best suited, out of a sense of responsibility to uphold the lifestyle that has been provided to us on the blood and backs of those who came before us.

Not because you can get free tuition, or pay, or a nifty uniform. Sick. Totally sick. And when you die in combat your mom can say, "well, he died, but we got this awesome tee-shirt so it's all worth it!"

Sick.

How long did you serve?

after what ranger said... what do you suggest that I try for when I join instead of the field of work I am already in?

[Caiylania]

Research it. Go to the army promo page and see what they have to offer that you like.

[Jenisi]

Join the Best Buy team.. they pay for college after being full time a year!

[Wezas]

Originally posted by Bestatte
I have a few disabilities, Hulkein. First of all, I'm legally deaf. I also have degenerative disk disease, but that didn't show up til I was 30. I was born with progressive nerve damage in my ears. Then there's the viral bronchitis, which I contracted when I was around 13 years old.


Oh yeah, well I had chicken pox. Beat that.

Anyways, Edine - good luck in whatever road you choose to travel. I'm sure if you join the military Elanthia will be heartbroken to see you go. As for me - I'm going to be a big pussy and stay my ass as far from the military as possible. I hate guns, I hate waking up early, and I hate taking orders. Not to mention, I doubt the military can pay me what I'm making now, at 25 with degree. So I'll just keep my ass behind this desk, programming until they ship my job to India. At which time I'll look for a job a Chucky Cheese. That pool of plastic balls is just too tempting to jump into.

no wezas admit it you are truned on by the rat

[Weedmage Princess]

Originally posted by Wezas
At which time I'll look for a job a Chucky Cheese. That pool of plastic balls is just too tempting to jump into.

I heard those ballpits are nasty as hell. People pee/crap in there, etc.

Originally posted by Weedmage Princess

Originally posted by Wezas
At which time I'll look for a job a Chucky Cheese. That pool of plastic balls is just too tempting to jump into.

I heard those ballpits are nasty as hell. People pee/crap in there, etc.

fitting for the likes of him no?

[Wezas]

On second thought, maybe I'll be a GM. I hear they make pretty much nothing and they get to be pricks all day long.

[Trinitis]

Originally posted by Lady Daina
I think that a person's decision to join or not join is theirs alone, it's a very personal thing. I don't try to guess why people do or do not join, it's none of my beeswax. I am thankful to those who do, whatever their reasons. And I do not hold it against any who choose not to. :)

Tell that to the recruters who call me endlessly...still!

I can't serve if I wanted too, none would take me because I have two bad knees. I can't be drafted, as I'm the only son born into this family (only child, actually), and I don't want to serve. I grew up with a father who was a Drill Sergent..that was enough for me..thanks.

-Adredrin

[imported_Kranar]

<< Not because you can get free tuition, or pay, or a nifty uniform. Sick. Totally sick. And when you die in combat your mom can say, "well, he died, but we got this awesome tee-shirt so it's all worth it!" >>

I honestly hate that attitude. People can join the army for whatever God honest reason they want to. As long as they're doing their job what the heck kind of sick attitude can a person have to tell them that their reasons for serving are illegitimate?

What's really sick is that anyone can claim that those serving in uniform, risking their life and working their ass off somehow don't belong in the army because they joined for "wrong reasons".

Respect those in uniform.

[Edited on 11-10-2003 by Kranar]

Originally posted by The Edine
after what ranger said... what do you suggest that I try for when I join instead of the field of work I am already in?

What do you wanna do? Do you really just want to be an optician? You can always look into getting a government contract job. I'm sure they are out there. Where to look. i dunno

[AnticorRifling]

Join the Navy and be an eye doc. They have a good med program and while they aren't the Marines they are a close second.

Everyone joins for a different reason and none of them are bad. Service to your country is great, if you do it to help yourself fine. If you do it purely to serve fine. I'm not going to preach at you either way.

Me I joined because I wanted to serve, I didn't know I was going to get paid until bootcamp and they made us set up an account. I always thought I would get room, board, uniforms and that was it.

One of my best friends in the corps was there just for college money.

We both had a blast and I never felt he was there for the wrong reason and he never felt that way about me.

Self sacrifice is good but so is planning for your future.

[Warriorbird]

Honestly, I think it's a solid choice if one's not involved in a serious relationship. While some of the conservatives in here may rag on my views occassionally and I may do things like question certain wars, service to the country is a noble cause.

nothing you can do in the civilian sector is better then calling for CAS.

[GuildRat]

after what ranger said... what do you suggest that I try for when I join instead of the field of work I am already in?


Well, there's 91B, combat medic...if you want to stay somewhat in the medical field AND experience the true Army. Make sure you go Airborne tho, or you'll get stuck in some TMC somewhere and die of diarrhea boredome. Or, you can go the route I went my first tour...grunt( 11 bangs as we were called).

There's also aviation...which is what I'm in now...any 67 series or 68 series MOS.

Just stay away from supply (92's) and admin (71's I think) and you should have a fairly interesting experience. Oh yea, 12 series too, engineers...those guys get it worse than grunts.

Also, look into the National Guard in Illinois, I think they have some high speed units there.:smilegrin:

[Ben]

Join the Marines, you pussies.

Originally posted by GuildRat


after what ranger said... what do you suggest that I try for when I join instead of the field of work I am already in?


Well, there's 91B, combat medic...if you want to stay somewhat in the medical field AND experience the true Army. Make sure you go Airborne tho, or you'll get stuck in some TMC somewhere and die of diarrhea boredome. Or, you can go the route I went my first tour...grunt( 11 bangs as we were called).

There's also aviation...which is what I'm in now...any 67 series or 68 series MOS.

Just stay away from supply (92's) and admin (71's I think) and you should have a fairly interesting experience. Oh yea, 12 series too, engineers...those guys get it worse than grunts.

Also, look into the National Guard in Illinois, I think they have some high speed units there.:smilegrin:

Only cool NG unit in illinois is 19th SF group. I'm thinking about going for that when it comes time to re-enlist.

[GuildRat]

Join the Marines, you pussies.


So I can dance with sailors? No thanks.

De Opresso Libre

[Bestatte]

Originally posted by Kranar
<< Not because you can get free tuition, or pay, or a nifty uniform. Sick. Totally sick. And when you die in combat your mom can say, "well, he died, but we got this awesome tee-shirt so it's all worth it!" >>

I honestly hate that attitude. People can join the army for whatever God honest reason they want to. As long as they're doing their job what the heck kind of sick attitude can a person have to tell them that their reasons for serving are illegitimate?

What's really sick is that anyone can claim that those serving in uniform, risking their life and working their ass off somehow don't belong in the army because they joined for "wrong reasons".

Respect those in uniform.

[Edited on 11-10-2003 by Kranar]

Illegitimate? Don't belong in the army because they joined for the wrong reasons? I never said that in any of my posts, so you're quoting the wrong person Kranar.

My -opinion- is no more or less valid than your -opinion.- I don't think people who join for the money are illegitimate. I don't think that people who already are in the army and stay there for the money shouldn't be in the army.

I just think that the mindset of going into the armed services for the express purpose of earning money that you can get without risking your life somewhere else is ill-informed and sick.

Not to mention that my opinion is a completely moot point, since Edine already said that he'd be joining to serve AND for the perks.. I mean if they didn't offer any perks at all, I'd think it was a lousy choice too. It's the advertising I'm opposed to. How the armed services suck people in with promises of things that ANYONE CAN GET OUTSIDE the armed services..

These ads are geared toward lower-class kids who aren't doing very well in school and have no prospects for a future career. Basically they're saying "you're a loser and you won't get anywhere in life unless you join the Army because we'll give you more than McDonalds will give you."

And people who join because they've allowed themselves to be sucked up by that, in my opinion, need a good swift kick in the ass. On the other hand, maybe the army is the kick in the ass they need. Assuming they live through it.

[Trinitis]

Originally posted by Bestatte

It's the advertising I'm opposed to. How the armed services suck people in with promises of things that ANYONE CAN GET OUTSIDE the armed services..

These ads are geared toward lower-class kids who aren't doing very well in school and have no prospects for a future career. Basically they're saying "you're a loser and you won't get anywhere in life unless you join the Army because we'll give you more than McDonalds will give you."

And people who join because they've allowed themselves to be sucked up by that, in my opinion, need a good swift kick in the ass. On the other hand, maybe the army is the kick in the ass they need. Assuming they live through it.


Thats just it, the Army (Navy, AF, Marines, etc etc etc..) DO give you more then McD's. By a long shot. Yes, your life is put on the line..but 99% of the time, when you get out of the armed forces, your a completely different person. Your well educated, you know how to take care of yourself, you learn to deal with others respectfully, and your a part of the largest "family" in the US.

Sure, so people can say this is glorified "hollywod" views of the armed forces, but I grew up around the Army..like I mentioned before, my father was a Drill Sergent. You would not believe the respect, and love I saw between army "brothers" and their familes on the bases. I've seen some guys stuck on a guard post for 14 or 16 hours, (on our way onto the base, they checked our ID's, and then 14 or 15 hours later, it was the same guy checking our ID's as we left) in the driving snow. My father, out of his own pocket, bought a big steaming cup of coffee, and a bowl of soup, and drove 10 miles back to give it too this guy. Sure, that could have just been my father, but that type of stuff is tottally great.

I, personally, have no wish or want to be in the armed forces. I do not, how ever, feel the need to down play what they do.

Tomorrow is a special day for all of those in the forces, and I'd like to take a moment to thank all of you for what you have done. Every member of this BBS, serving now, or in the past, you have my thanks, and if your ever in need, a nice bowl of hot soup. :P

-Adredrin

[Edited on 11-11-2003 by LordAdredrin]

[Kadumi]

Wouldn't it be better if it were easier for us to get scholarships? I might have to join up as well. Nothing against minorities, but I'm sick of losing money to less deserving individuals (ex: my grades are better).

Check thru the department that your minor is in. They might have some less competitive scholarships that you'd qualify for if you don't want to go into the service.

[Latrinsorm]

Originally posted by Bestatte
It's the advertising I'm opposed to.

Case in point. :D


Originally posted by Ben
Join the Marines, you pussies.

[Ben]

I don't base my opinions on advertisements.

OK i talked to a recruter today
I have one questions for everyone who is currently in the service...
How easy is it to continue schooling while you are a active member?
What are the real chances of me going into OTC (officer training if i got the letters wrong) after i join up as an enlisted man

[Brat8525]

Joining the military, no matter what branch takes alot of commitment. My husband graduated from the Naval Academy and presently is a Commander in the Navy.

He loves what the Navy taught him, education wise and about responsibilty etc. He is and has been in Iraq for the last 7 months, while he misses his kids and myself, he says this is what the Navy trained me to do.

I have a friend in the Navy who is active, she moves every 3 years, she is trained to be an electricians mate. Life is not easy, living that way makes relationships hard, almost impossible. You have to have a mind set for this life. If you do the whole experience can be wonderful, just sit and think really hard and weigh your options.

Me, I am just in the Navy reserves...call me the weekend warrioress!!!