Is it a good idea for me to join the army?

Question

I AM 17 YEARS OLD FINISHED WITH SCHOOL I WAS LOOKING INTO JOINING THE ARMY I NEED HELP FINDING THE PROS AND CONS TO THIS AND IF IT IS AN OVER ALL GOOD OR BAD IDEA..I AM ALSO ONLY 5'2 SO I WAS ALSO WONDERING IF MY HEIGHT WOULD HOLD ME BACK...

Answer 1

First, to debunk the myths posted above. No one 16 yrs old can even enlist so I doubt any have died in combat. Your odds of getting killed in combat is actually pretty slim. Take the exact same population of soldiers in Iraq right now and compare their mortality rates to the same size population of civilians in the states. Not that different, it's just that you hear about every single one of them.

As for joining, you must understand, this is a lifestyle change not just a job. You will live it 24/7, 365 days, not just 9 to 5. It will probably be the most rewarding, exciting, and memorable experience you will ever have in your life. Those who put it down are the ones who have never tried it so they don't understand and therefore fear it. Even if you don't like it and realize it's not for you, no biggie. Get out and move on, but at least now you know and you'll still be young enough to go in any direction you want.

Answer 2

Your choice of joining the army is a complicated one. Are you going to graduate high school? If you don't graduate it may limit some of your job choices. How do you feel about deploying to Iraq or Afghanistan? If you have strong objections to the war then I would caution you against it. I was in the army for a decade and for me it was time well spent. Some people are in for two years and it is the worst twenty-four months of their lives. Have someone you trust go to the recruiter with you so that you aren't talked into anything too quickly or aren't pressured into doing something you don't want to do; like drive a tank when you really want to be a communications technician.

It's important that you are aware that all recruiters have quotas to meet each quarter, so they're under immense pressure to get you to sign on the dotted line.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Answer 3

There is a minimum height and weight requirement but if you pass that it's up to you if you want to go, no one else can tell you if it's a good idea or not. The pros are descent salaries and free schooling and the cons are potential warfare (obviously). But if it's something you want to do it would probably be best to get in touch with an army recruiter near you to explain everything.

Answer 4

So here is the down low on joining the Army. I have been in for a little over 2 years, and I am currently deployed to Iraq. I joined when I was 18, about 6 months after I was done with school. I had few to no college options and no plan. The Army has given me a self pride that no one in the civilian world can ever strip from me, ever. But it is a hard road to follow and not one that I recommend for the faint of heart
There are several misconceptions about about the Army and deployment to Iraq. Your height will not keep you from joining the army, you specifically are well within the standards. Because you are female you will not be able to go into certain Military Occupation Specialty (MOS). Specifically combat MOS's, like mine Cavalry Scout, or Infantry, and, Mortars. I am not sure about certain area's like Field Artillery. If I had to go back and start again, I would probably try to go to college. Or join the Airforce for starters ( they have a higher standard of living and are not typically deployed to forward area's as I have been). As far as a different MOS I would probably look into Intelligence or Psychological Warfare. Recruiters are not the devil as the stereotype goes, the Career Counselors at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) are. The recruiters do have quotas and are under alot of pressure to get people to enlist, but they are not the ones that screw you over. Career counselors are the people who fill out the final in processing paperwork and finalize your contract. They are the ones who will screw you. Get everything you want on your contract in writing, a verbal agreement is no good in the Army. I also recommend, if decide to enlist, to go with the shortest contract possible that will give you a cash bonus. This way if you do not like the Army you can bide your time and and you still got yours in the process. Also sign up for the GI bill so that when you get out you will have money to go to college. The recruiters and and career counselors will try and make you feel rushed, don't be. If they wont give you something you want tell them you want to leave, get up and walk out. You'll be surprised at how they respond and what they can and will do to get you to sign.
As far as the pay goes, it is enough to live on if you live in the barracks and eat at the dining facility. You will not be able to afford an apartment and in most cases when first enlist, at your first duty station, you will not be allowed to live off post any way.
There is a lot of B.S. that goes on in the Military in general, you wouldn't understand unless you have served. If you are the type of person that likes to do your own thing stay away, your time in the Military will be painful especially if you are naturally insubordinate and rebellious.
On deployment to Iraq; I have actually lost more friends in the states, both military and civilian in the last year than here. The liberal media loves to tally up the body count and display it for the world to see. The number of U.S. casualties for this war are extremely low considering we have been her for almost five years now. My recruiter gave me some bogus statistic about the number of college males that died of alcohol poisoning in the last year and the numbers were higher than the number of U.S. casualties for the entire war at that time.
Overall, I personally would recommend going to college first. Take ROTC and pursue a career that way. The quality of life for officers is leaps and bounds above that of your typical enlisted Soldier. I say that because I have seen it first hand and plan to get out and pursue a Commission of my own. Also, while you are in college if you decide that the military is not for you it is not to late to walk away. Once you sign that contract and raise your hand, that's it your theirs. If you have any other questions feel free to ask, Ill be more than happy to answer

SCOUTS OUT!!

Answer 5

If you are slow join the Marines. look what it did for Gomer Pyle. Seriously stay in school and let this pass. join a police department if you are looking for adventure and stay home and make more money.from a VN vet 101st ABN Infantry 68 11b10. Mom would rather you stay home.

Answer 6

well, there will be a very good chance of you being killed if you are to fight in battle. you must understand that before joining. if you think that you have something to offer the army and you believe that your life is worth sacrificing for that, then you should have a pretty good idea of whether you should join or not. you are very young though and have a long life ahead of you.

Answer 7

join the marines

Answer 8

Your to young, i no people who have joined up at 16 and have been killed. If ur unsure your local college will do a course called Uniformed Services. Check that owt

Answer 9

speak to you're local recruiter.

Answer 10

The Army needs you for deployment in Iran soon.