I am currently a freshman in college studying Arabic and International Relations. Unfortunately, the school is good at marketing, but the programs are pretty terrible. Also, I have always wanted to join the army for a while for the experience and to hopefully make a difference. Thus, I have two options the way I see it.
I can transfer to another school that is pretty good, but that I'm not crazy about, get my degree, then hopefully use the Army's college loan repayment program to pay for school since I won't be getting any scholarships as a transfer student.
Or, I can join the army now, and come back to school once my time is up. In this way, I'd be able to apply as a freshman (and be eligible for more scholarships) and use the GI Bill to help pay for school. Also, this way I'd have a good chance of attending my dream school, Columbia, which has a special program for those who've been away from education for a while.
2006-11-21 08:26:47 · 3 answers · asked by nowayman72 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Although I could possibly transfer to Columbia now, it would be a big financial burden on my parents, and I don't want that.
On the one side, some people say it is very difficult to transition back into school after time away. Yet, I also feel like time in the army would help solidify my path in life, and help me gain a better understanding of exactly what I want to do.
Maybe it's just this college, but I feel very disinterested with the major, and I also have no clear idea what I want to do with it from a career standpoint. I'm on a path with no destination at this time.
I know many people would suggest ROTC, but unfortunately the officer life has no appeal to me at this time. I'm looking to do something MI related, and the last thing I want is to sit behind a desk for my time in the military. Also, I know of a lot of ROTC cadets who don't even get the branch they want.
2006-11-21 08:27:03 · update #1
In the end I feel like this is something only I can answer. Yet, I still thank you for the advice and wisdom, and for sharing your experiences.
2006-11-21 08:27:13 · update #2
I would go into the army AFTER, not before. The army is not like college and you can not change your mind or branch of service as easily as you can change colleges. If you get your degree you will go into the army and THEN decide about officer training. If you are serious about your major you would be a great asset to the army after you have been educated. You are wrong about not qualifying for scholarships as a transfer student, talk to the college you want to attend. If you want Columbia, try for it. The worst they can say is no, but you might be surprised. Do not plan your future without absolute facts.
2006-11-21 08:40:33 · answer #1 · answered by fancyname 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can do what I did!! Join the reserve... You go through the same boot camp, you get the GI BIll and you get to participate just as much TRUST ME they will still let you go places... It is very voluntary but if you go active you will have to go where they want you to and there is no choice in that. And who knows like me you might want to make it a career and still have your civilian job :) I do reserve for 4 years now and want to retire in another 21 years haha. I also love traveling I had never been out of Florida before I joined now I have been to California, New Jersey, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina ( Charleston is Beautiful), Texas, Colorado and Kuwait City...
2006-11-21 16:37:36 · answer #2 · answered by Kay 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Join under delayed enlistment and get at leat an associate degree. That way you can go in as an officer.
2006-11-21 16:31:05 · answer #3 · answered by nursesr4evr 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋