I'm a Sr. and I'm 17 yrs old I've been in JROTC for all my three yrs in high school. I have the opportunity to go to college and not have to pay for anything. The catch is i would have to join the army I would not be at the front line i would be working as a nurse or a doctor and i only have to serve two to four years. My parents don't think it's a good idea but they are already paying for my other two sisters for college. I plan to become a doctor which is a lot of college and a lot of money. should i join the military even if my parents don't want me to or should i listen and not joinl?
2006-09-21 09:06:11 · 10 answers · asked by shortcake 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
Honey, speaking as a mother of a young man who demanded we sign the papers at age 17, and nagged until we did so, for him to join the Air Force because his job was gonna "disappear" if he didn't sign up right then, you might outta sit back and think this through. My son was a competition power lifter as well as star defensive line man for his high school football team. When they checked his BMI in high school it was 19%. He had a 33" waist and weighed 199 pounds at 5'10" which was virtually pure, solid muscle. He was advised that by any means necessary he MUST get his weight down to 191 pounds and between 15% & 17% body fat. This endeavor took him a year, because there just wasn't anything left to lose EXCEPT muscle or his mind, which didn't weigh that much to begin with. To the point, that his recruiter advised him before weigh in December, 2005, that he needed to rub Preparation H around his mid-section and wrap in plastic wrap and sleep that way as it would tighted and draw water from around his waist and would then fool the BMI.
Here are some of the things his recruiter told him:
"you'll be making $2,800 a month,"
"you'll do basic, then you will begin AIT in physical therapy,"
"you'll have your choice of duty stations,"
"we will put you through college,"
"The Air Force is the highest paid branch of the military"
"Of course your wife can live you during AIT"
Here is the reality:
His beginning salary was $800 per month after taxes, (my where did the other $2,000 go, maybe the recruiter got it as commission?). Interestingly, this is the same amount paid by all branches of the military for enlisted personnel.
"Physical Therapy? What Physical Therapy? Who ever told you you were going into Physical Therapy. Here take a test and we will tell you what you are suited for. Make sure to color all circles completely." "Here is your AIT assignment, you will be in Intelligence." Which from what I have already told you, it should be patently obvious intelligence is not my son's forte'. Failed one test, was reassigned to a new AIT. Broke foot on duty during second AIT, he could not march on foot broken in line of duty and they would not allow to drive to his classes, MUST MARCH ACROSS TO AIT CLASSES AND BACK. So, now, he is being discharged for failure to complete AIT in the first year as well as failure to complete his 2nd AIT assignment. Luckily it will be an honorable discharge so shouldn't haunt him too much for the rest of his life.
If you sign up for 8 YEARS initially, after the first year, you MIGHT get to go the Academy.
Not so very much, when he was in Intelligence AIT, there were only three choices, EVERYONE wants Hawaii as a duty station.
Please see first reality check, above.
Of course, you have to be married first, minor detail, then she can live OFF base, while you are living ON base and going thru AIT classes.
So, basically, what I am trying to tell you, is please listen to your parents, NOT the recruiter or JROTC because their job has only one duty and that is to get impressionable, young, high school students to sign on the dotted line and give yourself, body, mind and soul to the American Military.
All that being said, our military, thankfully, is still comprised of volunteers. There is no substitute for the young men and women who voluntarily enlist every day to serve and protect their country. If THIS is your desire, by all means, wait until you are 18 and join the military. At that point, you will be a legal adult, able to make your own decisions, and therefore not intentionally disrespect your parents wishes.
I feel you should be commended for trying to find different options for paying for your education. You are very considerate for one so young to be worried about your parents finances and having them pay for your education.
If your main objective is education then you can do all kinds of seaches for grants and scholarships. My sister worked for a very large university and knew of one young lady who put herself through school on grants and scholarships, including dorm and living expenses. Some were grants, some were scholarships awarded for best essays, most local libraries have books on this, just ask the librarian. You just need to get started now as it is labor intensive to accumulate enough money for even one year of college.
2006-09-21 09:55:05 · answer #1 · answered by Plain_Common_Sense 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The decision to join the military is a big one. I am currently in the military and have been for 19 years. I would listen to everyone's input. I was a recruiter for 3 years and very successful. There are some people who belong in the military because they have no other means to accomplish what they desire. If being a doctor is what you really desire and can find ways to do it other than the military I would highly recommend it. As a parent I would not encourage my children to join, but I have the means to pay for their college. I joined because I had neither the means or ability to get where I wanted. They Army has given me much and I cannot say it has done me wrong, but I have served my time for my family. I encourage you to explore all options and if you really decide the military is the best option tell your parents what you believe is right for you. If they are good parents they will listen to you and encourage your decisions. I am sure they love you and want what is best for you. Also remember at 17 you need parental consent. If you have other questions you are welcome to ask and I will try to help.
2006-09-21 09:46:45 · answer #2 · answered by sappergary 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Joining the military is more work than most think it is... And I'm not talking about basic training... You may only sign up for 2 or 4 years but they can re enlist even after your done with your contract... The military is a great way to get the medical knowledge that you need... I would join the Air force over Army though... And just because you're a doctor or a nurse does not mean you'll be safe in the USA, they can send you overseas anytime they want to... You could be stationed in Iraq or anywhere, It doesn't matter what job you have.... Just think about things before you do it... The military does offer great medical benefits and you can go to college... My husband is Air Force and he loves his job but He does say that the military life isn't for everyone and that people need to study up on the military before joining... they might promise you a job you want but then assign you something else... PLEASE be careful...Good Luck
2006-09-21 09:14:57 · answer #3 · answered by secret agent lady 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a military spouse-and the mother of a Navy man-I say go for it. Yes the world is in turmoil right now but when has it not been. You could become a Dr. and get stabbed in an emergency room. If you think this is what you want to do-and it's your choice when you turn 18 then go for it. My son has been in the Navy for 5 years and has earned his bachelors in Business and is going for his MBA now before he gets out. You will learn more about respect and selflessness in the military than just about anyplace else. Good luck and stay safe
2006-09-21 09:12:10 · answer #4 · answered by SONDRA 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't be a big dummie people get killed everyday in the military fool! If college is that important get a job you bum! Listen to your parents if you know whats good for you. But if your dead set on going into the military don't go in the army those guys die like flies on a bug zapper. Your obvious to young to know whats good for you especially if your considering going to the military during war time. Ask ya self this would you rather get shot at every day for the next 4 years or would you rather enjoy all that civilian life has to offer. its a no brainer!! And P.S. Jrotc is a joke you just not laughing yet!
2006-09-21 09:21:41 · answer #5 · answered by blazinblackmale 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It sounds like you are thinking with a clear head on your shoulders, if you feel it is the right thing to do and you have thought about it and did the pros's and con's. All I can say is do what you think is right, I understand what your parents are thinking, but if one of my children would come up to me and say they wanted to go into the military, I would be proud of them. I would be worried too, but proud. God bless.
2006-09-21 16:33:40 · answer #6 · answered by morris 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Listen to your parents. God will make a way.
2006-09-21 10:51:47 · answer #7 · answered by crystalonyx3 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are old enough to follow your conscience on this issue. Figure out what is right for you and do it.
2006-09-21 09:12:17 · answer #8 · answered by Otis F 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Dont let the smooth taste fool you, there is a WAR going on!!!
2006-09-21 09:10:14 · answer #9 · answered by voluptoustaureanfemale 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DOES THE MILITARY STILL HIRE NURSES FOR OVERSEAS WORK?
2015-06-05 08:31:49 · answer #10 · answered by Nora 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋