Do u think that the army is a good idea?

Question

Im 17 and planning on going to college i mean i dont think my grades will get to straight A's and the army has good benifits but i see and hear really bad things about it.

Answer 1

Don't give too much weight to Andy's response, he sounds scared besides inaccurate. I went in right after High school. Basic wasn't the funnest thing,but in the end the Army experience was a good thing overall. Then the Army paid for all of my college during and when I got out. I just recently enlisted back in the Army National Guard and loving it. If any of my children opted for the military I would gladly support their choice. GO for it. Sounds like you've got what it takes! Hope to see ya out there.

Answer 2

It depends upon your reasons for joining. Don't listen to the nimrods whining about basic training. It's obvious that they have never been through it.

If your only reason for doing so is to get money for college, then it isn't a good idea. Bear in mind that our country is at war and you will end up in Iraq. If you feel some type of need to serve, then by all means do. However, realize the consequences fully before you sign on the dotted line.

Basic training isn't that bad. In fact, it's not nearly as bad as it was when I was going through it over 20 years ago. Hell, I even found many parts of it enjoyable and to this day my drill instructor and I keep in touch discussing our grandkids, old age and the laughs we had while he was kicking my *** into shape in boot camp.

So, the bottom line is that it is a decision that you an you alone must make. Just think about it real hard before you do.

I hope this helps.

Answer 3

If you are looking for a military career then the Army would be fine. If you are looking to get training in a job you could do as a civilian later and if you want focus a lot on your education, then you would probably want to look at the Air Force or the Navy.
Don't pay any attention to Andy S, he has either never worn the uniform or is a big liar. I spent 10 years on active duty and the most I ever had to run in 1 day was 5 miles and that only happened
about 3 times in the whole 10 years. Most runs are betweemn 2 to 3 miles and very few units run every day.

Answer 4

Please do not join any branch of the military for the benefits or the money. Join the military because you believe that it is the right thing to do. By the same token do not give any credence to the ignorant or the cowardly.

There are a lot of people who will tell you how tough it is. Funny how so few of them have actually been through it. You do not have to be in awesome physical condition to get through boot camp. Admittedly, it helps but the point of boot camp is to get you into the physical condition that you need. What you need to get through boot camp is really the same thing you need to get through life. You need the will to continue on when things are tough and to never give up.

There are a lot of people who will tell you how dangerous it is. Reality check, the vast majority of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines come home (even in times of war) safe and sound without a scratch. Considering that the US military still gets all squeamish about the idea of women in combat your odds are even better then the average.

If, and only if, you believe that serving in the military is the right thing do to for patriotic, moral and ethical reasons then I suggest getting your college degree first and then joining the military as an officer. Officer or enlisted I don't want you in my Marine Corps if you are not 100% committed to being there. If all you want is a paycheck and some benefits, please go do something else. It will be safer for my fellow Marines and more satisfying for you.

Answer 5

If you do join the Army, or Air Force, or any military organization, you will certainly learn discipline. I went to two years of college before I was drafted, and my grades were mostly C's with a few B's. I went back to college while in the Navy, and was a dean's list student (3.85 gpa) for my bachelor's degree. I remained in the military for 34 years, but also got a master's and a PhD through the military. Not everyone likes the military, though. It does demand quite a lot from you. You have to learn to act for the good fo the group rather than just as an individual, and you have to learn to fight. Whatever you decide, good luck

Answer 6

I assume you are talking about the reserves or national guard. Yes it is a good idea, but I would recommend talking to a recruiter from every branch. You have to be willing to leave school when you are needed and deploy for 12-18 months in the Army, or as low as 4 months in other branches. It is not a free ride, which is exactly why everyone is so proud of those people in the military. They are doing something a lot of people are not willing to do.

Answer 7

I think that service in the military would benifit every young man or woman right out of high school. My advice to you would be to really think about what you want out of the four or five years that you would be dedicating to the service of your peers and your country. If you joined right after you turned 18 and served one four year enlistment, that puts you at 22 when you get out. Where do you see yourself at 22? Earning your degree and finding a nice job? Getting out of the military and starting your degree? Going straight from the military to a job relating to your field of expertise? The military will be like any other job you ever have, and you should really consider it if the good outweighs the bad points. Any direction you choose will have good and bad parts that you have to deal with. Good luck!

Answer 8

It is the best thing I ever did.

I have seen and lived a lifetime in a few short years, both good and bad.

I have spent my time doing something meaningful, and been a part of history many times. When most people watch the news, I can relate because I have been there and made a difference.

The benefits are pretty good, too, just not your first few years.

Answer 9

You will get a nice sign up bonus and decent pay. Remember they house and feed you. Basic isn't all that bad, it will get you in the best shape of your life. The only thing you have to worry about is getting your killed or mangled up when you do your tour(s) in Iraq or Afgahnistan. Only 1 in 6 soldiers are assigned to combat roles. You can bet as a young recruit you will be a ground pounder. That means you will be at much greater risk.

Answer 10

If you only care about the benefits, then don't. The army needs strong and capable people who are willing to make a difference. It's not a regular job - once you're in, you're in.

But if you want to make a difference? Go for it and put in 110%!