I am thinking about joining the ARMY...should I?

Question

I am a 27 female that is sick of struggling through school to get my degree. I am in a place I hate to live (Las Vegas) and keep getting jobs I can't stand...only because they pay well (food server). I am interested in the army because of the challenge, discipline and the financial security it has to offer. They also have a position in Public Affairs I'm really interested in (although they can't tell me if the position is actually available or not). I am in debt with school about $60,000 and they said part of the deal would be that they would pay off my school loans(although that's not guaranteed either). They'd also pay for me to finish my education. I am having a hard time deciding what to do. My family is not supportive and I feel like I should do it, but don't want to make any more mistakes! Can anyone tell me what it is REALLY like? The recruiters may just be saying what I want to hear. Any help would be greatly appreciated! (Especially from those currently in the service) ;)

Answer 1

if you are in doubt, i would tell you to look at the national guard for las vegas. many of the guys i went to basic with all said later that they wished they would have done the weekend thing first before putting all in. i have been in the NE guard for 9 years. i love what i do, and don't listen to that crap about not thinking for yourself. they teach you how to listen and yes follow orders. you follow orders at civilian jobs as well. i know in the NE Guard they pay for 100% tuition, up to i believe $20,000 in student loans and if you test high enough you get a signing bonus. when it comes down to it, it has to be something you want. basic isn't that hard as long as you go there with the attitude that you can do it and nothing is going to stop you. no matter what branch you go to, make sure everything is in writing and be tough about it. if they say they are going to take your student loans from you, get it in writing. in the military, if it isn't in writing, it didn't happen. if you love public affairs, then give it a shot in Active. make sure that is in writing too. good luck. in the end, it isn't me or any other person in here that can make that decision for you. it has to be what you want. just don't really listen to the people that only talk about deployments and all that. the ones that bash what is going on, are most likely people that have never been in and don't understand. when you get back from basic or report to your duty spot, you will know what i mean. good luck.

Answer 2

If you have college, you may be eligible to become an officer through a direct commissioning program. Even if you are not eligible for that program, you could start out as an E-4 instead of an E-1, which equates to a bonus of better pay.

If you do need to get your school loans paid off, ensure it is written into your contract.

I think the military is very rewarding. The Army has the most highly educated managerial force in the world (100% have degrees), and you will develop critical thinking skills on par with fortune 500 companies. We use the same methods they do. This is important because some people do not wish to serve for 20 years in the Army, but they want to leave with higher prospects for employment.

You might be underwhelmed by the challenge, because the real challenges mostly only happen in combat, and there are actually very few that are actively engaged in combat at any one time. However, because you know that the skills you develop could mean life or death for those that are engaged in combat, the discipline you will develop from within will pay big dividends for you should you decide to get out later.

As far as financial security, I make six figures after just 10 years of service, and I still have 10 more to go before I retire. For those of us that stay in, the compensation has been much more equitable than the Army of the cold war era.

The last point I offer to you in on recruiters. They need to get you in the service, so milk them for every benefit possible, and ensure those benefits are captured in writing on your contract.

Answer 3

This was posted by my husband:

I got into the military two years ago. I had a similar situation in which was tired of the same old routine and hated the jobs I had. I joined the military mainly to simply DO something with my life and get started. Here are a few things to consider.

1. The Army is a commitment, one of the problems is that if you hate your job, you can't just quit.

2. From what I understand, you will either obtain the Montgomery GI Bill OR Student Loan Repayment. You may want to research that a little more.

3. The hardest part is going to be the time you spend away from your family.

But there are alot of advantages, you can retire with 20 years military experience and it is a reliable paycheck. Joining the military is a HUGE commitment, dont base your decision off of what you get here. You may want to search for more opinions of the military, specifically from those who are in Public Affairs.

Answer 4

The military is not a job you can walk away from. Once you step across that line, you belong to uncle sam. I was like you a long time ago. At the age of 17 I got my mom to sign for me and I signed for three years. It's not like you have to sign your whole life away. Think of it as a job that you have to stick with. So be sure of what you want to do before you sign because there's no take backs or do overs'. Don't let anyone make up your mind for you either. There's people that say; "go for it" when they don't know what they're talking about.
I doubt very much if the army will pay off your loans. But they will send you to school and pay you to finish. It's imperative that you gain your familys' support before you sign anything. Good Luck no matter what you choose.

Answer 5

I've been in the Air force for 10 years. Go Air Force! Unless you like being in the Middle East for 1-2 years at a time in Kevlar, sweating your *** off. The Air Force has a better quality of life. Ask not an Airman, but any Sailor, Marine, or Grunt...they will all admit that. Benefits are the same. Your ASVAB scores need to be a little higher than any other branch req. It all boils down to the amount of respect you get from your supioriors. If you want some one punking you all day or talking to you like your subhuman; all for that "hard core reverse pychology" nonsense, have at the Army!!! Don't say you weren't warned....Contant your local AF recruiter. They don't really have to sell the Air Force, it sells it's self.

Answer 6

i would say go for it. they will pay for your school and teach you another job or you could use what you know now and see if you could use that in the army. you could also get the gi bill for when you get out to countiue with school if you want to. it is a great way to travel and see some of the world. if i wouldnt have joined i would have some of the friends that i have today. i also would have missed out on some great life experinces. yes most recruiters just tell you what you want to hear cause that is there job. the key is to get what you want into your contract then the govt is bound to do what they have promised you. good luck

Answer 7

So, why Army and not Air Force?

You seem to be very unhappy or discontent with life in general. There is a good chance you won't be any happier in the military. One should never go into the military to get away from something, but to go to something. (The one exception is male murderers, and The French Foreign Legion.)

Warning: when the military recruiters tell you something (especially expensive such as paying off college loans) is not guaranteed, you can bet it is NOT going to happen.

The only difference between being unhappy as a highly paid food server and being unhappy as a soldier is you aren't going to be highly paid.

Get counseling.

Answer 8

It's always an honor to support our army. Whether as a lone supporter or a member of the army. My friend is in the military right now, and although he goes through so much crap, he knows he's doing the right thing.

Answer 9

I was Air Force, I can't help you. My niece is currently in the Air Force and loves it. Talk to the other branches. Ask about quality of life. The Air Force has the best, and no one can tell you any different. That is a fact. Keep yourself open. You are educated and there may be something you never would have thought of get offered to you.

Answer 10

I would look into other branches of service, Navy, Air Force, and be prepared to walk away if you can't get what you want. They tend to fill least desirable slots first. They can tell you what is available, they are just positioning to offer you something they want filled.