What should be my first step if I am interested in the Army after college?

Question

I just want to know ahead of time so I can start thinking of my options before making any decisions since I would be letting go of some great opportunities that have been offered to me.
(I don't want to talk to a recruiter since I don't want to feel pressure to take a certain path). Thanks in advance to those who answer my question.

I have also yet to speak with my family about it...though I did mention it to my partner and let's just say he is not supportive in the least. I still want to at least research my options so I can see what path I want to take.

Answer 1

I am assuming that you will be trying to become an officer. Talk to some of the ROTC people at your college. It might even make your college a bit easier to finance if you are seriously considering it. They will know some officers to talk to. I wouldn't worry about the pressure from recruiters if you are planning on becoming an officer. I sure never got undue pressure from them but I went into flight school in the Navy.

Answer 2

I'm in the National Guard now and going to school full-time. I got 2 years non-deployment in my contract to go to school. I'm enlisted I'm not an officer I didn't sign my contract through ROTC. However as a National Guard soldier I receive the GI Bill and the GI Bill Kicker which gives me an additional $650 a month as a full time student and the National Guard has a Federal Tuition Assistance Program that helps pay for about 90% of school and some states even offer a State Tuition Assistance up to 100%. Upon enlistment you can receive up to $20K in Student Loan Repayments if you want to wait until after college to join or even existing loans while you are still in college. National Guard is the way to go if you want to join the Army while attending college. I have those 2 years non-deployment (College First Program) of uninterrupted time to continue getting my degree before even thinking about a possible deployment anywhere.
I'm not a recruiter, I'm just a regular PFC in the Army. And I'd be willing to discuss any questions you have if you want to email me. Really feel free to ask me anything. I have nothing to gain except that it just aggrivates me when people think that joining the Army means giving up your life and your goals, when really joining the Army has helped me achieve my goals and I've met some of the best friends I'll ever make. Really people you can (and have) to entrust your life with. I've never been more proud of anything in my life than to say that I am an American soldier. Regardless of whatever conflicts whatever President we have gets involved in. Whether I agree or disagree, the Army is honestly just another job. It's a job you can really be proud of, no matter what MOS you actually choose within the Army.

Answer 3

Unfortunately for you, you need to talk to a recruiter before anything can happen. Recruiters are kept informed about the latest job qualifications and benefits that the army has to offer. Depending on how much longer you have left in college, you may even be able to join the army up to one year before you graduate. Of course you wouldnt leave until you finish school. Think about all the benefits that army soldiers have. Also remember that the army has great college benefits (you can get your school loan paid too). When you first talk to a recruiter, he will talk to you for a little while, and then give you a practice ASVAB test. If you plan on joining the army within 2 years, you should get yourself fully qualified on the ASVAB and the physical--that will save time later on. Once qualified, whenever you feel that you are ready to go, you sign up and go. Definately talk to your friends and family, and anyone else who may have served in the army before. I'm sure you will find the Army a rewarding and challenging way of life. Good luck in your future!!

Answer 4

Well first off I wouldn't go Army. I'd go Air Force, then Navy, then Coast Guard, then Army. But that's just my preference. If you have your degree, I'd go in as an officer. You'll still serve your country and on top of that you'll make a crap load more money. Sadly you'll probably need to go see a recruiter to have a lot of questions asked. Some of them aren't too pressuring and just don't let them talk you into anything and you'll be fine.

Answer 5

Sadly, your first source would be a recruiter. But, I suggest speaking with someone either in now, or who has just gotten out. Also, your college testing center should have a way for you to take the ASVAB. And know this about recruiters --- you can always say no unless you sign their paperwork. I've dealt with some really ugly ones before, but after standing my ground, they went away. Good Luck!

Answer 6

That depends on what you are looking to do. If you get a degree then you are qualified to be an officer. Go talk to your local ROTC detatchment and see what they can tell you. Recruiters are focused on building the enlisted ranks. I was in the Air Force for 7 years, my sister joined the Army out of college and is now a paratrooper. She is a medical services platoon commander and loves her troops. She wants to go to physical therapy school, and the Army just might pay for it. If you join the Air Force, though, you might be able to fly.

Answer 7

Well, gee if you are interested in the Army AFTER college you have to speak with a recruiter-going to the ROTC det. won't do any good, your too old for that, your only choice *if you want to use that degree you have would be to go for OTS-Officer Training School-it won't be easy; but if you see the end in sight you can do it. You could always enlist; but being an officer would mean you would rank be a different status and you would make more money going in.

Answer 8

If you are going to college now see if there is an R.O.T.C. unit . If so talk to them, you could come out of school with a reserve officer's commission.. If you are just planning on college find one with an ROTC class, Check out the benefit's if any. I agree with you ,Stay away from recruiter's till you are a senior. While in college take any course they have in military History.

Answer 9

I would say go ahead and talk to the recruiter at their office, just don't give them any information about yourself at first. If they ask why tell them flat out that you don't want any pressure. Its a big decision to make.

Oh and ask about the drawbacks too, you can really gauge a persons honesty that way, because everything has a drawback.

Answer 10

why dont you join the national guard? its got good benefits and you will only have to show up 1 weekend a month and 2 weeks a year, after your initial training..
you can keep your everyday job and you can do it during college and if you do rotc you can be an officer .
check out the national guard web page.