Is joining the Military a good decision for me?

Question

I am currently a fulltime freshman student at a big University. I am an average student at best, and school has never really been my thing. Since my senior year of high school I have thought about joining the military. One of the main reasons is for the dicipline and mental toughness it would bring me. If I did this I would go back to school after, hopefully with a new appreciation for getting my degree and working hard.
I still don't have a major and have no idea what I want to do in life. I have an athletic backround and love the idea of being able to use that in the military. I know in the end its up to me, but I would really appreciate any advice. Thanks.

Answer 1

Not only does it sound like a good idea, but you would be a True Patriot. My father did the same thing 50+ years ago, he was attending Georgetown University and after 2 years was not doing so well, He went into the Marines for a stint, got out returned to Georgetown, graduated with honors and went on to be a Top executive with a Major Pharmacuetical Company. Good Luck and God Bless if you join and stay safe. This country needs more people like you. I too was in the same boat, and wanted to follow my Dad's example but in 1981 Asthma kept me out of the USMC... My biggest regret to this day

Answer 2

It can be a tough life. Moving and leaving behind your family is one of the toughest (well it was for my husband) You learn a whole new way of life and meet some great people along the way though. For my husband being the soldier, and me the spouse, i can't tell you exactly everything he does, or how hard it is at times...that part i can only imagine. There is field times, deployments, things like that....but for us, we have gotten to see Germany and France, and never would have without the military stationing us in Germany. It can be a good thing for the right person who is willing to commit 100% to the lifestyle, good and bad. It has its times where its the hardest lifestyle and times where we both enjoy it. Depending on job you chose, location you chose ect it can be good or bad. Also, you said you want to go back to school after, the military will offer you a GI bill, and you can have your schooling paid for after. Also you can take online courses at little to no cost while in. All things to consider. Good luck to you no matter what you decide.

Answer 3

I think joining the military is good thing.Military life is not for everyone thou. your basically told what to do and how to do it.Discipline and mental toughness is not a given in the military it is something ones achieve through experience. some people can do it some cannot. So if you want save money for college , gain experience in a chosen field, meet a diverse set of people, travel to exotic places( and maybe not so exotic) and transform all that experience toward getting a degree it cant hurt but the core of personality enable you too? If you decide to join the military, remember you get out of it what you put in - sometimes a Lil kick in the *** is good for everyone

Answer 4

I was the same as you and I joined the Army. Now, I'm retired with a Bachelor's degree that I earned while serving. Although I missed the experience of college/university life with all of its fun and intrigue, I do not regret the path I chose. If you choose to take the same path, you will become the focused individual that you hope to be, plus you will have the knowledge gained only by those who have served. That knowledge has been priceless for me. Good luck.

Answer 5

I have been with the Military (Army) for 35 years both Active Duty and as a civilian. Sounds like you have a good outlook on starting a military career and I would say go for it.
Go talk to the local recruiter for the specifics. Think a bit before you go though. Figure out which branch would be more suited for you (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines). Such as, you wouldn't want to go in the Navy, if you can't/hate to swim or wouldn't want to be on a ship for 6-8 months at a time.
Good Luck!!

Answer 6

i would join up and understand that if you hate it, well, it's just a few years and at least you won't be wondering. besides, it could be an awakening into something that "fits" for you in life.

also, understand that once basic is over you have a job. my husband does avionics on the F-18 jets. it's intresting, but it's not much different than being in the private sector, other than we live on base housing, move a lot and he has to travel more than someone who works for boeing.

what i'm getting at is that the military isn't basic training for life. once you are out of basic, then you have a job and you get up everyday and go to that job. it's not much different from private sector, really.

talk to a recruiter and find out what life will be like after basic.

take care.

Answer 7

yes by all means join the military it gives you good experience in life and opens your eyes to what is really going on in the world. what Mr Howie (above) has said is a load of shite! yes 1 or 2 of those things might happen to you but he is lookin at in in an extreame and norrow minded way! I feel the military is a good thing, it turns the boys into men! so if you have the chance to join it then take that chance. there are many opertunities!

Answer 8

If you join, don't go into the Army or Marines unless you have a serious death wish or you completely dislike being near your family, friends, or home. If you join either of them, good luck. If you join the Navy or Air Force you will be given all kinds of valuable training, but without so much risk of having your head blown off by "Akbar the Incompetent".

Answer 9

You're in a great position to take advantage of the opportunities the services offer.
I sometimes regret having not served when i was younger, (i'm 41) and not just to be serving my country, but for the discipline and toughness you mention. it likely isn't something you'll ever look back on without pride. but it takes commitment.

You will just have to consider all the possibilities and make the decision yourself.

Answer 10

I joined the army about one year ago, I don't regret my decision at all. It decent pay and a worthwhile job. I know that in the army you can go into BCT and them go back and complete your college education. I say go for it, you'll meet alot of interesting people, go interesting places, and best of all they pay you for it. If you do join the military, think carefully what branch you wish to join. Also think about becoming an officer. Best of Luck.