Military or Not?

[74DDS]

So as the title say I need your advice, the question is weather to enlist in the Navy or not. I am at a crossroads in my life, I've spent the last four years of my life in college trying to find a major unsucessfully, nothing realy "grabs me". And I have always thought about joining up but not overly seriously. My parents support me in no matter what I do so there is no problem there. I guess I'm just looking for advice, your opinions, and that final "push" if you will. It seems to me that alot of the members on this site have either served or are still serving in the military so I'm realy looking for you experences, and recomendations. I've basicly gotten bored of college and feel bad spending some of my parents money and quite a few loans, and have nothing to show for it except a bunch of college credits, and a pretty bad A$$ ! I've talked to the recuiter and I'd go in as an E-3 and have my choice of jobs because of my practice ASVAB score 89, I guess thats high for the practice one from what I'm told. But anyway I'm lost and need some direction so please help!!  Feel free to say anything. To me the olny drawback of enlisting to me is not getting to wrench on my car, which has sadly become a big part of my life. I have no ties here other then family, no girlfriends, just the Dart.

[mopardude318]

I say look at what each branch of service has to offer you, and do research on each branch. Make sure its what you really want to do, cause once your in, your in. Be cautios to what your recruiter says, and make sure everything he ''promises'' is in writing and in your contract; Ex. Sign up bonus, duty station, special schools, and pay grade... Im currently in the Army as an M1A2 Abrams Tanker, stationed at Ft Hood Texas. Im 20 years old and been in for 2 years, and been to Iraq for 13 months. I now have 1 1/2 years left, and very possibly another deployment. I miss working on my dart more than anything though...

[ski]

74DDS,  My son graduated from college in 05 and he's been dickin the dog since then.  I recommended he join the Navy or Air Force since he really doesn't know what he wants to do.  I've been in the Navy for 29 years so I can tell you what it's really like if you want and maybe point you in the right direction as far as which rate (job) to choose.  It's not that the recruiters will lie to you it's just that they might not have first hand knowledge about what a certain specialty does.  I've had people of every aviation rate and most surface rates work for me over the years so I know what they actually do as opposed to what their job description says they do.  Drop me an email if you like.

ski

[abodyjoe]

thats more of a personal choice..  we can't really tell you what to do...  i know a few guys that were in the navy and it worked out great foer themm..  just make sure you learn something you can use once you get out....

[urchinhead]

If you need discipline or you need a some form of commitment, there are alternatives to selling yourself as, "government property," especially during wartime.

    You can always take a test to join the apprenticeship of a trade, where you'll make a lot more money than you will in the military. You'll have to wake up early, work hard and get yelled at, in addition to taking a couple of classes every week - except you're a free citizen and you can still choose where you live and work on your car. You should look into electrical, plumbing and sheet metal locals around the country, and figure out what interests you. There are more obscure ones that are just as good ( and pay just as well ), such as the Elevator Operators Union and the Wharf and Dock Builders Union. Once you get in the program, you'll work steady for a good 4-5 years, and then you graduate with a letter to travel anywhere in North America and work where needed. I've got a friend running a huge job in Las Vegas right now, and he's from the Bay Area.

   There are plenty of people in the trades that graduated college and/or enlisted in the military before joining their respective trade.

   The Peace Corps is another option that no one tells you much about. You sign up, and they send you to a city in a third world country, and you live in the city for a short while as a test. If you can handle it, you move on to living in a village for as long as you choose. You can leave at any time, they pay you for your time, and when you leave, they put about 8 thousand or more dollars into your bank account so you can get used to the real world when you come back. And service with the peace Corps is just as good as with the military when prospective employers look over your resume. I have a friend that went to Guetemala for four years after he graduated, and was hired as an electrical engineer right when he came back.

   It sounds like you just need to make a commitment at a time in life when you don't know where to go. As AbodyJoe said, it's a very personal decision and no one can make it for you. There are many other options, and I hope this helps.

   Also, bear in mind that you can always re-direct your career later in life towards whatever you find most satisfying. Working hard at one thing or making a commitment to one thing is just the first building block of success, and you can always be successful at different things over the course of your life.

[Jim_Lusk]

I suspect if you don't know what you want to do now you will have a hard time making choices when it comes to what area to pursue in the military. That doesn't make the military a bad choice, though.

When I was your age I was also tired of school, only wanted to wrench on the car and chase girls (although, at the time, there weren't any I was interested in chasing). I also wound up with an injury that would have made military service difficult, but that's another story. Consequently I never finished college.

My advice would be to look at your units and figure out how close you are to a degree, ANY DEGREE. That way, even if you choose the military, you should have more options. Also, look at ways money is earned by people who are successful. Many of them make their income in ways you'd never think about. Decide what you want out of life.

Jeff and I have had this disccussion (not the military) many times over the last couple of years. The thing that has held him up is pursuing his baseball dream. I've had to let him know that graduating in four years is not an issue with me as you don't get to pursue that dream later on. He is majoring in Chemistry, but may change to Engineering (Chemical or Mechanical) when he's done with baseball. It's all about options, one of which is to teach and coach.

The military will teach you discipline and let you experience life and new places. It may also teach you a career or be your career.

[jet-taz]

talk to mililtary men and women now in service and one's who are out, to get the real deal i commend your choice of the military during war.. just remember the democarts are behind you

[urchinhead]

   Jim's right about the ANY DEGREE. Talk to a counselor, and find out what the easiest degree to get will be with the units you already have. The majority of people in the workplace are not employed in the field where they obtained a college degree.

   As I was saying, I've got a friend who went through the military and received a history degree from Florida State and is an electrician. Then I've got a friend who also has a history degree who manages a shoe sales company ( Zappos.com ). One friend of mine has a teaching degree and he's an estimator for a paving company. Another buddy of mine graudated with a journalism degree and works with children.

   A college degree, no matter what it is, will help you get your foot in the door.

[Jim_Lusk]

  Another buddy of mine graudated with a journalism degree and works with children.

Every journalism major works with children.........

[dartnite]

All good advice. Recruiters do stretch the truth. I concur that the military won't fix you up because there is nothing wrong with you. Almost everyone in college hits the wall you appear to be at. All that studying and nothing concrete nor any valuable guidance from the college itself. It is something you must break through. That said, the Navy is an established conduit to success. If you take the time to investigate biz leaders who were in the military you will find a high percentage were Navy pukes. Join now and you will go to war. To me that is a most admirable thing. Take some more time and don't be swayed by the admission test because they are overly easy to make you think you will be handed the world on a silver tray if you join. Do speak to more vets and delay your decision for a little while.

[DaBigNuttedMan]

I would go in a hot second, I'd already be in if I could even at 46 years old.

[NYrr496]

I'm sorry to say I missed out of any service because I thought I belonged in my family's business. Now, at 40, I tried to join the Coast Guard. I'm too old. My partner at work, Josh Joined when he was 18. He started working for me when he finished his tour. Now he's in the reserves. Since 9-11, the government has pumped a lot of money into the CG and he was chosen for anti terrorism training. He gets to fire AR15's and all other sorts of stuff. He originally was trained on diesels and generators when he joined, so that's how he wound up with me doing generators. Now we're Critical Systems Engineers for Time Warner and CNN.  I would never tell anyone what to do, I'm just throwing another option at you. Josh said the boot camp scenes in The Guardian are pretty accurate if you want a preview.

[mb68mopar]

74DDS, having just gotten out of the Navy myself, I wouldn't really suggest it.  Not to say that it isn't for anyone because some people really like it.  Myself however, if you do decide to go military, go Air Force.  They have more benefits, and even at times get paid more than any other branch.  I felt that the Navy tried to "babysit " me more than was necessary.  There was very much micro-manegement, and courses that were mandatory that had to do with your personal life.  I feel that work is work, and home is home, between the courses, room inspections, and duty, along with other things, they brought themselves into your personal life.  I spent 2 deployments in 4 years of service in either a tent, open room barracks, and one REALLY run down barracks to realize that no amount of money can replace the freedom that you already have at home.  I was an e-4 in the us Navy seabees and wouldn't go back for anything.  So what it comes down to is your own personal preference.  If you do go, again, Air Force.  They are treated well.  I got out honorably, so don't think that I have any hard feelings, or regrets, since I met my wife there, but choose carefully, and don't trust a recriuter.  Take Care.

[brg1966]

As most of you know.  I very rarely post unless I feel I have something of value to say.  I feel Jim Lusk hit the nail on the head.  I too went to college when I was younger on a scholarship.  Got injured returned home and started going to school in my home town at good old Ball State University.  Like and idiot I got side tracked with a girl and then a decent job.  Well both are gone and now I'm struggling to finish school.  I would tough it out and at least get a bachlors in general studies.  That would make the malitary a lot better.  Instead of E3 you could go in as an officer via officers candidate school.  Having to do school at night after working all day is really hard.  It's better to finish while your young!

[70dart408]

              That decision is one that you will really have to think about long and hard. Military is not
              for everyone. Some people can handle it and others can not. I personally went in the
              Navy right after high school and did my 20 years and retirered in Nov 04. It was definitley
              a life learning experience. What ever job title you decide on if you do go in the Military
              find out everything you can about it.

                                                                                     Ken 

[GT_convert.]

I know I am the 'Old Fart'.. but

Fly Navy!!!  (me 1964-70)
There is nothing ...including the AF,  like Naval Avaition!!!!!!   

Finish your degree and go as an officer!

[ski]

Fly Navy!!!  (me 1964-70)
There is nothing ...including the AF,  like Naval Avaition!!!!!!   

You got that right Ron. 

[urchinhead]

As most of you know.  I very rarely post unless I feel I have something of value to say.  I feel Jim Lusk hit the nail on the head.  I too went to college when I was younger on a scholarship.  Got injured returned home and started going to school in my home town at good old Ball State University.  Like and idiot I got side tracked with a girl and then a decent job.  Well both are gone and now I'm struggling to finish school.  I would tough it out and at least get a bachlors in general studies.  That would make the malitary a lot better.  Instead of E3 you could go in as an officer via officers candidate school.  Having to do school at night after working all day is really hard.  It's better to finish while your young!

Night school sucks! But plenty of people join the military, get out and end up there anyway. Finish college, get a b.s. ( that's bullsh*t degree, by the way ) and figure out how you want to earn your dough. You'll be working the rest of your life anyway.

[ski]

As most of you know.  I very rarely post unless I feel I have something of value to say.  I feel Jim Lusk hit the nail on the head.  I too went to college when I was younger on a scholarship.  Got injured returned home and started going to school in my home town at good old Ball State University.  Like and idiot I got side tracked with a girl and then a decent job.  Well both are gone and now I'm struggling to finish school.  I would tough it out and at least get a bachlors in general studies.  That would make the malitary a lot better.  Instead of E3 you could go in as an officer via officers candidate school.  Having to do school at night after working all day is really hard.  It's better to finish while your young!

Night school sucks! But plenty of people join the military, get out and end up there anyway. Finish college, get a b.s. ( that's bullsh*t degree, by the way ) and figure out how you want to earn your dough. You'll be working the rest of your life anyway.

Actually many military folks get their Baccalaureate while they're in during a four year tour.  If you already have some undergradulate hours it's that much easier.  I'm not pushing the military and I'd never advise anyone to stay in for more than one hitch unless you had a job that just hits your button and it's not offered on the outside. I misread your original post and thought you already had a degree.  If you're close to getting it then by all means finish it up. 

[Bakaruda]

I guess I will put my 2 cents into this. I have served for 11 years and got out on a medical. I do not regret 1 day I was in. My only sugestion is to go Air force or Navy. Stay away from the Army and the Marines. Yes I was Army. The schools you will get in the first 2 are so much better than the rest. Remember if it sounds to good to be true it is.

[74DDS]

Yea I know about taking eveything the recuiter says with a big grain of salt, so no worries there. The thing about school is, is that what do I get my degree in, if I had an idea of what I wanted we wouldn't be having this conversation, basicly I have a bunch of generals and thats about it, nothing big in any direction. So if I have no direction what am I doing just wasting time and money here. My personal opinion is that I'm one of those people that just may not be a college type person, maybe I need the order of the military to stay on track, I don't know. Oh and if I went in it'd be Navy. 

[Jim_Lusk]

I know I am the 'Old Fart'.. but

Fly Navy!!! (me 1964-70)
There is nothing ...including the AF, like Naval Avaition!!!!!!

Finish your degree and go as an officer!

Like my dad (ex-AF and National Guard pilot) said, "You can prove AF pilots are smarter than Navy pilots with three little words - Night Carrier Landings".

[Glow Worm]

My only comment - Based on what I know - is you need to make sure you select the Military job that suits YOU.

My two oldest sons joind the Army in 2000........That's right........almost exactly 1 year before 9/11.   They are both Airborne Qualified.  They are both still on active duty.  The oldest has been to Afghanistan once, and Iraq once.  He just got back in September 2006, and is at Fort Bragg.  His younger brother has been to Afghanistan twice (one trip was for 2 months) and he has been to Iraq, and was stationed in Fallujah....The hell-hole of Iraq. He is now a recruiter, and I'm sure he would tell you straight out what your options are.  He is stationed in Menasha, Wisconsin.

Both plan top make a career out of the Military.  The money is good.....better than good if you get the tax free re-enlistment bonuses while in a "combat zone." 

You have to decide what you want to do.  It's just like any other job except your boss, his boss, and the boss's boss als wear their position/rank on their uniform, and they usually demand respect.

Good luck.

P.S. after having only been in the Army since 2000, my oldest son (not married) has a bank account of over $60K, and just bought a brand new RAM 1500 4x4 HEMI with 20's.........  He didn't even trade in his 01 NEON.........

ALSO:  IF your ASVAB test score turns out to be a low score, you can study and re-test to improve it after you have enlisted.

[JD]

Having served in peacetime (94-98), and as rear echelon (2nd FSSG),  my experience is limited.  I served in the Marine Corps, and I am proud of it.  But, like I tell everyone who asks JOIN THE AIR FORCE!  Especially in your situation.  There is a higher officer to enlisted ratio than any other branch, and you already have four years of college, so advancement would be easy for you.  Now for the other perks; bases in almost every state, and a lot of countries.  Boot camp is 7 weeks (13 weeks USMC and USCG, 12(?)ARMY (?)NAVY).  The have the cutting edge tech.  They have a LARGER budget (they do control our nukes).  If special forces is your thing, the USAF has their own, top notch I hear, I just cant remember what their called.
As far as technology goes the NAVY is ahead of the world, good tech jobs in the belly of a nuclear powered boat.  In my opinion, unless you want the military for a career, you should choose a Military Occupation Specialty (job) that has an application in the really real world.  Not much work for trained killers in the classifieds.  One Navy job that will land you in Iraq is that of the Sea Bee, the naval Construction Batallion.  A very tough unit, founded by John Wayne (in the movie:  The Fighting Seabees (1944) ), but one of the few land based Navy units.  Another is that of the Navy Corpsman.  Think combat medic for Marines.  A very honorable job, but it will probably land you in the sand. 

If you listen to anything I say, it should be this.  From personal experience.  YOUR RECRUITER "MAY" LIE TO YOU, DO NOT TRUST WHAT IS NOT IN WRITING.  Cant blame them, they have a tough job.

[Glow Worm]

The Air Force is currently looking for a way to cut people.  I heard they are offering a "Blue to Green" program to try to get some of their people to move over to the Army......

DID YOU KNOW......The U. S. Army is bigger than the Marines, Navy, and Air Force . . . COMBINED?

I tried to talk my sons into joining the Coast Guard............

You might want to think about that profession......

[ski]

I tried to join the Coast Guard but was turned down because I wasn't 6 feet tall.

[Glow Worm]

I guess I didn't know about the height requirement.  My sons are all 6' 3 "  to  6' 5"

They have a buddy (a body builder) that is about 5' 11" and ALL HARD, ASS KICKIN MUSCLE, and couldn't get into the Air Force because THEIR weight rating scale said he was OBESE!!!

It's ALWAYS something......

Back in WWII they rejected people for FLAT FEET!!!...................Go figure........

[ski]

I guess I didn't know about the height requirement.  My sons are all 6' 3 "  to  6' 5"

Yup, the recruiter told me it was so if your ship sunk you could walk to shore...........

[guzzimike]

Finish college. Get a degree in business. With that degree, you can go into a huge variety of jobs, from Sales/Marketing to business administration and management to Information Technology. A degree usually translaytes into a better paying job.

If you do decide to do into the military, with a degree, you have a shot at OCS (Officer Candidate School), which is better than enlisted ranks. Well, at least the pay is usually better.

Stay in school. Finish it. The time & money invested is only a waste if you don't graduate.

[DaBigNuttedMan]

I have to agree stay in school and finish it or time and money is wasted. From your asking opinion on this topic, I seem to gather you are probably considering a sense of Duty to country, I am all for a man or woman bettering themselves, however keep in mind our millitary is not and would not be very effective if every one was an officer, I commend every Grunt in the service more than I do officers that are not true asskickers or brainiacs.
   I must say I dig on this thread!!!