Should I join the military? - Dallas Cowboys Forum

rash · 07-08-2012

There's no question that the soaring price of college tuition is holding a lot of youngsters back from pursuing a higher education. I'm sitting on the fence as to whether or not I should take out loans and continue going to college or just drop out and start at an entry level job. My friends are encouraging me to join the military, but that is something that has never crossed my mind.

I'm just fishing for some insight from the veterans. Can you share your experiences? Good or bad.

Thanks!

Hostile · 07-08-2012

The biggest mistake I ever made was turning down a scholarship to the Naval Academy.

If I could live my life all over again, I would enlist and go to college afterwards on the GI bill if I did not make the Military a career and get a full pension and then i still might go back and get my degree on the GI Bill.

You get better financing rates on homes too.

The only people who disrespect the military and it's veterans are total idiots. Most people will revere you wherever you go. My friend Kelly has money. If we go out to eat and he sees soldiers, airmen, or sailors, he quietly goes to their waiter or waitress and he pays for their meals.

casmith07 · 07-08-2012

Send me a PM.

03EBZ06 · 07-08-2012

Military isn't for everybody. They have to be able to adhere to rigid structured life, first few years being the most difficult because you are lowest in the totem pole and everybody tells you what to do. But if you are able to take orders from various people (some may be even younger than you) and be able to cope with structured lifestyle, then should be able to get through it.

I was able to attain B.S. in Aerospace Engineering degree while in active duty, it is a challenge but not impossible.

I served 21 years and don't regret one bit of it. I didn't have any reason to join, other than giving something back to this great country and I don't want to be thanked like I did something for someone, the fact is, I did for myself and this country.

Hoofbite · 07-08-2012

Well, dropping out and taking an entry level job is about the worst of your options.

ZBTHorton · 07-08-2012

I have a tough time believing that someone who has never even thought about joining the military should just drop everything and do it. It's a major major commitment, and while it is amazingly respected, definitely not for everyone.

Why can't you just work part time and go to school part time? Or work full time and go to night classes?

kristie · 07-08-2012

my father was in the air force for 24 years so i know what the life is like. it can be very hard, but if you feel that the military is right for you then i say go for it.

**big dog cowboy** · 07-09-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by casmith07

Send me a PM.

Listen to this mans advice. It's GOLD!

Kangaroo · 07-09-2012

I enlisted at 17. You could go reserves easier to go to school and still get money for college not as much and still a long commitment.

I went reserves and did basic training as my summer vacation between my Junior and senior year of Highschool (Did all the drills during the year). Then went back to my MOS school the next summer then 1 year of Junior College before transferring to Sam Houston State. I reclassified ny MOS after 5 years and missed 1 semester of school but hey was 4 months of pay I used to finish my college degree.Lots of options I can also say the Military experience + college degree has opened doors for me on my resume in the past. Mine has filtered to the top on my last two jobs against people with the same experience.

Spent 12 years in the Army reserves I get the VA loans which are nice.

Loved it and would do it all over again; I actually miss it sometimes

Bill Wooten · 07-09-2012

How much longer do you have to get your degree? Big difference if you're a semester away from graduating or you're in the middle of your first semester.

What are your career interests? There are a lot of career options where the military is a great way to pursue your interests. There are a also a lot of careers that don't necessarily require a college degree.

I agree with others in this thread that there is a lot of respect that comes with being in the military. I also agree with that it is not for everyone. Do some research and make sure you're ready for the commitment and that you can get what you want/need for that commitment.

You're smart to ask around for people's opinion. This is a big decision for you.

RastaRocket · 07-09-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by casmith07

Send me a PM.

If you don't mind me asking. Did you attend an academy?

RastaRocket · 07-09-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZBTHorton

I have a tough time believing that someone who has never even thought about joining the military should just drop everything and do it. It's a major major commitment, and while it is amazingly respected, definitely not for everyone.

Why can't you just work part time and go to school part time? Or work full time and go to night classes?

There is also ROTC. Everybody has to think about it for a first time at some point. I'm sure he will get good advice.

Definitely don't drop college though, if worst comes to worst you can just rack up those loans.

dexternjack · 07-09-2012

I went the route of college, but if I had a do-over, I would join the military, probably the Navy or Marines. My brother is a recently graduated helicopter pilot, and I am a bit jealous. Being that young, I would pay good money to see parts of the world he does, and all for free. Yes, it is a big commitment, but there are so many opportunities once you get out and into the reserves. Not to mention, pension if you stay in long enough and you can still get your degree when your done.

You can still do college then go in as an officer if you are unsure. My dream as a child was to be a Navy SEAL. Too bad I grew up tall and lanky rather than being moderate height and built or I would have went the military route. I consider myself athletic and tough, but not that tough

RastaRocket · 07-09-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by dexternjack

I went the route of college, but if I had a do-over, I would join the military, probably the Navy or Marines. My brother is a recently graduated helicopter pilot, and I am a bit jealous. Being that young, I would pay good money to see parts of the world he does, and all for free. Yes, it is a big commitment, but there are so many opportunities once you get out and into the reserves. Not to mention, pension if you stay in long enough and you can still get your degree when your done.

You can still do college then go in as an officer if you are unsure. My dream as a child was to be a Navy SEAL. Too bad I grew up tall and lanky rather than being moderate height and built or I would have went the military route. I consider myself athletic and tough, but not that tough

My uncle went to the Naval Academy and served as a SEAL for many, many years.

Zaxor · 07-09-2012

Army...I did it.. did 3 wars too.. have more dead friends than live friends... my hearing is poor (scud missle) and my knees are shot...still have an occasional nightmare or two or three...I am medically retired most likely because of it...but I tell ya I also had the best times of my life too and made many lasting friendships learned some things both good and bad that carry over to the real world...I like the me more now than I liked the me before I joined. I will not say you should or you shouldn't because both roads have been well traveled and both are both good and bad...but I will give you this advise be at peace with your decision either way and have no regrets as much as we all would like to travel both roads we may only choose one so be contented with your choice and don't look back but look forward and embrace your tomorrow.