Do I have the wrong motivations for wanting to enlist in the military?

Question

I'm 24 years old. I dropped out of college a few years ago and my poor GPA won't allow me to re-enter. I've been looking into enlisting in the Navy as an option since I know my job prospects in the civilian world aren't that hot. Is it a bad idea to join the military just because I need a job? I know it would be a 6 to 8 year deal, and I know it won't be easy, but I'm willing to commit myself. It want the challenge and I think it's something I could be proud of doing.

Answer 1

NO, your motivations are not wrong.

However, in your situation choose a job you can use in the civilian world. Aircraft mechanic, radar operator, electronics repair, civil engineering, etc.

I don't know where you live, but here in Phoenix the job market is booming...beyond booming.

Keep in mind, it IS the military. You go where they say when they way. You could spend the next 4 years out of the country or on a boat...but then again, I have know people in the Navy who never saw the ocean except in basic training.

Most people leave the military proud of their service and grateful for the experience and travels...I did.

Answer 2

First of all the Navy is awesome. Don't sell yourself short. You can enlist for 4 to 6 years and believe me it is a great choice. Your life will change forever, but for the better. You will do things most people only dream of doing. There is nothing boring about the Navy except maybe shore duty. Enlist! Go see the world or at least the United States. Break out of your ordinary and not so happening life and do something for yourself. You are not alone, there are tons of people that join a lot older than you are for the same reason. You will get a real job with the Navy as long as you study for the ASVAB and get the highest score you can. By doing so you can pick any job open to you instead of just picking what is left. Study for real. You could be a nuclear engineer or an electrician. Either of those jobs easy to get in your college world?? Nope, but you can do it in the Navy. If that doesn't sound cool there are tons of other jobs that will fit you just right. I loved Navy life and wish I could do 20 more years. It's fun and it's hard work, but it is all worth everything you put into it. If you give it 110% you will have the time of your life. Go for it and you will be very proud for all your hard work and you can still finish your college degree on active duty 2 for 1!

Answer 3

Those aren't the wrong motivations--they are the same reasons most people join---need a job; be proud of themselves...the military also has college options that may allow you to get into school, again.

Incidentally, have you tried getting into a community college? They have much lower standards and are a much better option for people who aren't strongly acedemically inclined. A community college degree can lead to some rewarding careers (get a job & feel proud of yourself)---the military can certainly pay you a lot of money for college, too. Tuition reimbursement and GI Bill (for living expenses).

The military experience also open ups opportunity for other federal jobswhen you get out---the experience also helps for regular civilian jobs, too--especially in law enforcement.

It will also 'buy you some time' for you to figure out what you'll do when you re-enter the civilian world. That is, of course, if you don't decide to stay in for the big re-enlistment bonuses and the great retirement benifits.

Answer 4

Joining the military because you need a job isn't the best reason, but it is a good one. If you are joining because you want to do something that is good for your country, go for it. If you are only doing it because you are out of options, but really want to go back to collage, go to collage. Tell whoever is not letting you go that it is what you really want to do and that you want them to be proud of you in what you are doing. When you enlist in the military they will send you to collage an way. Just so you know, isn't a 8 year deal, it is a 21-24 year deal. If you leave before you complete the time then you can be recalled at any time. Another thing you should know that I know from experience (my Dad is in the Army) is you WILL move A LOT. The military will tell you to go somewhere and you have to go. Once we got a 2 week notice that we were leaving Japan and going to Kansas, and had to be in Kansas in 2 weeks. Good Luck with whatever you choose.

Answer 5

If you think you're going to do it for a career, that's fine, as long as that's something you would enjoy. Otherwise, only do it if you know for sure that you can get the Navy to pay for your college (and that you can get in through them). If not, then you should try to start building a career now. Don't put it off 6 or 8 years; the military does not leave you with a lot of applicable job skills in the civilian world. It probably will be good for your character (self-discipline and such), but unless you get training in a useful area, not a lot of job skills.

Answer 6

I would say to just get a job and work your way up the chain.
5 years as a technician qualifies as a 4 year Bachelors degree.
Bachelors and 5 years qualifies as a Masters Degree.
You just have to be somewhere for a long time and work your way up the chain.

That is how the military works as well.

If your still hell bent on joining, I heard they have 2 year committments. It is something I wish I would have done.
The job probably sucks, but then again, they all do.
They have all kinds of benifits and it's only 2 years.

The military doesn't train you for a job in the outside world. They train you on their equipment. The civilian world does not use that equipment. The most you can get is leadership skills and discipline.

Answer 7

Paul, I think it is a good idea and I think those motivations are legitimate. A tour in the Navy will give you job skills and a history. It is an opportunity to build up a record of dependability.
There are numerous education opportunities in the military from correspondence to college courses in person.
It takes guys a while longer than the girls to mature and it sounds like it took you an extra bit. I think this is a wonderful chance to get your life together. Good luck.

Answer 8

No. People serve in the military for a variety of reasons. Some want to travel, and you will, some want the money for college, some want to learn discipline and some want training in some high technology field. Joining because you do not have a good prospect for another job is not bad.

Answer 9

Hey, thats what I joined for. In fact, I'd wager that a lot of people join for that reason. Not only is it a job, but its a job that you can't be fired from (unless, of course, you do something so terrible you end up in prison), laid off from, and if you go active, you get awesome benefits. Medical, Dental, and Vision (don't quote me on that vision one, but I think its right).
Plus, you might find that it turns into something more for you. If nothing else, a tour might help you get back into college. Let a few years go by, then just apply at a new college as a freshman. Thats exactly what I did, nobody ever questioned it.
Good luck!

Answer 10

Why would that be a bad idea? Do you really think most people join the military just to fight for our country? I bet at least 90% enlist for the same reason. That's what the military offers you to put your life on the line...a future (although they don't always deliver).
Dude, there's so much money out there and an infinity of ways to make it. You don't have to join the military to have a future, but to each his own. Peace.