Leave college for the army?

Question

I’m a college freshman in an ROTC program and I’m not so sure what I should be doing with my life. I’ve been giving a lot of thought to enlisting at the end of the year, in order to give myself time to figure out what I really want, really challenge myself, give myself more appreciation for the education I’m receiving, and a variety of other reasons.
I’ve come to realize that my major interests me very little. I’m getting good grades, but I’m just coasting. I’m just not truly interested in what I’m studying. Also, when it comes to ROTC, it’s quite unlikely that I’ll get the job I want, EOD, because there aren’t many officer slots at all. So, what worries me is I’ll come out of my 4 years of college with a degree that has nothing to do with what I want out of life, and 4 years of service in a job I don’t really want.

On the other hand, enlisting would give me a chance to hopefully figure out what I want out of life, and I’m guaranteed the job in the army that I want. I plan on going to college afterward. Some say it’s a difficult transition, but I feel that I’m up to it, and some colleges have special programs for people who’ve been away from education for a while. Plus, I’ll probably be able to get into a better school considering that many admissions officers look favorably on productive time away from school.
A lot of people say I should just be an officer, but I feel like I want to try being enlisted because they’re the ones who actually kick down the doors, instead of making the plans to kick down the doors. Also, there is the job thing, and I feel it would be more challenging going enlisted than officer. Plus, if I go enlisted and decide I’m dying to be an officer, I still have that opportunity, while I can’t do it the other way around.

As you can probably tell from this, I’m leaning towards enlisting. Yet, I want to get as much information as I can in this situation, so I can make the right choice. I know in the end only I can make this decision, but I’ll admit there is a lot about this world I don’t know, so I was hoping you could share some of your experiences and wisdom. Especially, if there is anyone who has gone through the same situation.
Do you regret it? Was it difficult to transition into school? Did it help you decide what you wanted out of life?

Answer 1

Hi. I really liked your question. It reminded me of when I was a freshmen in college. I enlisted in the Army National Guard when I was 17 and in need of money for college. Half way through my junior year I was deployed to Iraq for 18 months. I ended up pulling convoy security helping ensure my fellow soldiers didn't get blown up over there. It was a tough job to do for that long, but I think EOD is even more dangerous. I don't regret enlisting in the military, and I came back to school right after coming back home. I've averaged a 3.85 GPA in Kinesiology over the last year and will graduate this May. I've realized how important it is to focus on life one day at a time and to make the best decisions you can on a day-to-day basis. My suggestion is just an opinion, but I think you should finish school and by then you will have a better idea of what you will be doing. Also, if you don't like your major, change it to something you really like doing. If you're passionate about what you do, your life will be more fulfilling. You can always decide to go through the military after college. You seem like an insightful person and only you will know what you really want to do. Don't pressure yourself right now in making a decision. In my experience, most people go through college just to get a better paying job. At least try to enjoy what you do and the journey that ensues. Good luck with everything.

Answer 2

Why don't you meet with your advisor and set up an appointment to take an aptitude test. This will tell you what your natural talents and tendencies are and that will help guide you to do something that you like to do for a career. If you don't like your major you can change it ... you're a freshman. You're supposed to be learning and finding out about what interests you.

The Armed Forces will also give you this test for free. Of course, they're going to make you a lot of promises to get you to enlist. They have quotas to meet and will do whatever it takes to meet them.

You need a good counselor...not people on here telling you to enlist or not to enlist. Only you know what you really want to do. The military will be there after you graduate from college. Think it over and give it careful consideration.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

relies upon on your concern, while you're desiring a greater efficient thank you to pay for college then super the army can furnish help to with the GI bill. 2d, you could bypass to college once you interior the energetic protection stress for loose. you ought to come out a junior with all your fundamentals carried out and graduate from college in 2 years. And the final 4 years of that 8 year dedication is in contrast to you're interior the army, you're a civilian like i'm now. bypass military in case you opt to serve college will constantly be there.

Answer 4

May as well stay in college and get that degree, it is the only way you could ever become an officer if and when the draft is re-activated. If you seriously want to help kill people for oil or profit, theres allways time and a place for that. Join now and you have joined the war, you have joined the killing, you have joiined the dying and the dead. I repect the Soldier, but I have no respect for the soldier that chooses to fight becuse it is a good career move.

Answer 5

Whether you continue and do ROTC or not, you should still get your college education. If you enlist and find yourself wanting advance in your military career most cases it requires you to have a degree. SO get college checked off your list right now so you don't have to do it later.

Answer 6

You sound like you're giving this a great deal of thought, as you should. But talk to the people who know you most; your close friends and relatives. It's not that they know what's best for you, but they know you, they care about you, and hopefully they can help you make the decision that fits.

Good luck and God bless.

Answer 7

My supervisor went from college to the Marines. Got a job in administration under HR. 23 years later, he retired from the marines. Did him a world of good!

Answer 8

Stay In school the army is not the place to figure out what you want to do with your life life

Answer 9

if i were you finish your college thenn go the military u might just be able to become an officer

Answer 10

Go for it. You need direction in your life. Good luck.