Should I join the military?

Question

I am really not sure as to whether I should join the military. I know you dont have to have good grades to join (my gpa is 2.8), and I know you get to travel alot. I was also wondering if you could obtain certain jobs based on an intelligence test. I had my iq tested on several intelligecne test and averaged around 150. I am also currently enrolled in Mensa. I kind of have a fear of being shot and sent on some boondoggle that I do not agree with. But on the other hand, once I train I may loose my state of trepidness. Please help.

Answer 1

Ultimately, only you can answer this question.
Each service has their own methods of assigning jobs, but as far as I know, the Army is the only one that will guarantee you a job in your contract. The rest will only guarantee you a job field.
Yes, intelligence is an important thing to have. But, being in Mensa will not help you get the job you want. Believe it or not, your score on the ASVAB (a very easy test for most) will determine what you can or cannot do in the military.
Research, research and research some more. There are several jobs in the military that can get you college credits, and the GI Bill can help you pay for college. If your GPA is too low to get accepted to college, you may consider the military as a "back door" in, but beware, you will have to go to war if called.

As for your fears, you would be a fool not to fear being shot. However, I'll leave you with this quote:
"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear—not absence of fear. Except a creature be part coward it is not a compliment to say it is brave; it is merely a loose application of the word. Consider the flea!—incomparably the bravest of all the creatures of God, if ignorance of fear were courage."
-Mark Twain, Pudd’nhead Wilson, ch. 12 (1894)

Answer 2

You sound like a HS school student. Since you are a member of Mensa it means you are smart. If you are interested in joining the US military my advice to you would be to wait, GET STUDYING, goto college, and become an officer candidate. Officers get paid a hell of a lot more than an enlistedman. Plus, officers have a whole lot more prestige and since you're smart the military could use your talents. If you get dropped, then enlist.

2nd option: Still make plans to goto college, do a year, enlist and come back. I advise the USMC (United States Marine Corps)--its the most intellectual of all the armed services. Most people are afraid of getting shot at. But the Corps would break you down and make you an entirely different person--an elite warrior. I am not just saying this. The USMC doesn't pay as well as the Army but its troops are better prepared for the challenges of battle and life.

3rd option: Enlist. Find an military occupation that would give you some college credit during training. After your years of service--finish getting your degree. I still advise the USMC.

NOTICE: Degree = $


Talk (JUST TALK) to military recruiters from all branches. BUT remember: shoot to become an officer if the military is a serious route you are considering. Take a look at the link below to see what it takes.

Plus, Shakespeare R is wrong--the Coast Guard is the best to join if you want a cushy "quality of life".

Answer 3

When your I.Q. go to college first. Then go into the Coast Guard (Shallow water Navy) as an Officer. Home a lot more. Not gone all the time like in the Navy. And better food since cooks cook for smaller numbers.
Or go to through College in the Air ROTC plan where they pay your tution, You finish College then go in the Air Force as an officer.
Now if you are the type that likes sleeping in mud holes. Being soaking wet all the time when it is freezing. crawling through mud. Eating that crap they have now that passes for "C" rations, Not bathing for a week at a time, Likes fighting especially with the Navy, Likes taking casual 30 miles jogs with 50-50 pounds strapped on your back. Likes jumping out of helicoptors, Like wadding through the surf with 50-60 pounds strapped on you back. Likes getting up at 4:00 o'clock in the morning, Likes sneaking through the woods at night. then the Marine Corps is for you. If none of the above fit forget it with the Corps.

Oops forgot one: If you are the type that likes building things and heavy construction equipment then seriously think about the Navy Sea Bees. If they'd built the twin towers, the twin towers would not have collapsed. If you want to learn construction the right way the Sea Bees are for you.

Answer 4

dont do it.

Go to college.

If you MUST join, join the USAF.

But still avoid even that, just go to college.


IGNORE all that crap about being a elite warrior, thats STRAIGHT BS. In the military what matters most? The quality of life. And every person thats ever served knows the USAF has the best quality of life for its people. Let the wide eyed kid with dreams of being rambo go to the marines, if your half as smart as you think you are, you will not even go. But as i said, if you must, only go the USAF. And no you do not have to fly a plane if you dont want to lol.

Answer 5

You should join for a reason weather it be to serve your country or for a career. I can understand where your coming from because i dnt have good grades, but to answer your question yes you should. The military has 100's of op's. Plus the war in the middle east will be over in April.

Answer 6

Only you can make this decision but first get a complete physical and find out if your case of trepidation is serious or minor. As the mother of a retired serviceman I wish you well.

Answer 7

Follow your Heart...... Brains are an asset in the Military, but as a Leader in the US Army, I needed Heart. I needed my soldiers to want to be there. I needed commitment.
Do you stand up to these values?????
If the answer from your heart is Yes, than go see a Recruiter and sign up.
If you still have hesitation, than go to college and find a different path to success.

Answer 8

No. Too many people in there already being wasted in Iraq. Don't support actions like Bush has taken. Make lots of money in the private sector.

Answer 9

that will be one of the best things you will ever experiance. it is a grate responsabilaty. - so what if you don't like getting shot, no one does - after basic training head towards supporting branches something like logistics but avoid combat loggi. just check in with your local recruiting officer and talk to him and be honnest, he will be happy to explain career opertunaties.

Answer 10

As long as you have passing grades, you can join the military if you are physically fit.