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Geek Culture / the army?

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PAGAN_old
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Posted: 6th May 2008 05:38
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i have been contacted by a recruiter from my school today. He wanted to meet up with me to discuss some options he offered to me on the phone. they claimed that they can find me a good parttime job after i graduate as well as get me into a university (vs a community collage) as well at to completely cover my tuition there. I go to a vocational school where i study IT stuff and computer tech stuff. The recruiter did say (not very enthusiastically compare to the rest of his speech) that there is a field for that kind of stuff in the army.
I thought about it all day, i did hear that there is a big field of job opportunities working for the army yet i do know they are trying to sugar things up because they need people (the recruiter was very persuasive and i actually found this an interesting area to explore).

So has anyone had experience working for the army or anything? is it a still a choice to consider?
Whats your opinion?

dont hate people who rip you off,cheat and get away with it, learn from them
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draknir_
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Posted: 6th May 2008 05:45
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what country are you in?

There are undoubtedly IT possibilities for work in the army, it depends what youre looking for, but keep in mind that recruiters will say almost anything to get you to sign up.

Personally I wont be joining the military, but I have an uncle in florida who is well connected in the area and knows some people in the 'serious games' business i.e. military simulations, which is something Im seriously considering doing for a living after I graduate.
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Gil Galvanti
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Posted: 6th May 2008 06:06
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Quote: "i have been contacted by a recruiter from my school today. He wanted to meet up with me to discuss some options he offered to me on the phone. they claimed that they can find me a good parttime job after i graduate as well as get me into a university (vs a community collage) as well at to completely cover my tuition there. I go to a vocational school where i study IT stuff and computer tech stuff. The recruiter did say (not very enthusiastically compare to the rest of his speech) that there is a field for that kind of stuff in the army.
I thought about it all day, i did hear that there is a big field of job opportunities working for the army yet i do know they are trying to sugar things up because they need people (the recruiter was very persuasive and i actually found this an interesting area to explore).

So has anyone had experience working for the army or anything? is it a still a choice to consider?
Whats your opinion?"

Well they definitely aren't lying to you . They may just tell you all the benefits and not tell you that you'll most likely be required to serve 4 years of active duty and 4 years in the reserves, but they really will pay for university and I think they can get you into one, and I'm sure there are many jobs that would hire out of the army. If you need money, don't mind serving 8 years (possibly being sent to war, and possibly being in danger of dying depending on your position, although as an IT guy it wouldn't be likely), and want to go to a college then I'd go for it .


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PAGAN_old
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Posted: 6th May 2008 06:16
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I think they would need a skinny weak nerd like me in the army

I have a dual citizenship usa and russia. So the russian army also has their eye on me. but if i go to colledge i won't have to go to the russian army (there is a draft there, everyon 18 yo is required to serve now 1 year).

people i live with think that even working for the army (not actually handling a gun but more like it stuff, behind the scenes stuff) is morally wrong. I do disagree with them to some point.

dont hate people who rip you off,cheat and get away with it, learn from them
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Agent Dink
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Posted: 6th May 2008 07:24 Edited at: 6th May 2008 07:25
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If it were me I'd be rolling my eyes at being forced to sit through the recruiter's presentation. I'd walk out of the presentation and have no second thoughts about my choice to stay out of the military regardless of what they use to bribe you into the army. Everyone I know who joined up for the benefits says it isn't worth it and/or are dying to get out.

Don't join unless you're actually a military sorta guy and you're willing to go through a ton of crap to get that education (that you can most likely still get on your own just fine with scholarships and financial help)

MISoft Studios - Silver-Dawn

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bitJericho
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Posted: 6th May 2008 08:12 Edited at: 6th May 2008 08:14
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Quote: "people i live with think that even working for the army (not actually handling a gun but more like it stuff, behind the scenes stuff) is morally wrong. I do disagree with them to some point.
"


People who say "protecting your country is evil" are living in their own world.


Hurray for teh logd!
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Jeku
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Posted: 6th May 2008 10:47
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Quote: "people i live with think that even working for the army (not actually handling a gun but more like it stuff, behind the scenes stuff) is morally wrong. I do disagree with them to some point."


The fact that you have the freedom to make this choice is because of people who fought and died in wars.


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KeithC
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Posted: 6th May 2008 15:22
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Being in the Military isn't for everyone. I've spent over 10 years in service in the US Army (including one tour in Iraq....so far).....I don't regret it at all. The military gives you something that you can't get anywhere else, the kind of respect for yourself and others that is only aquired through tests and trials where someone isn't there to catch you if you fall (though your brother's and sisters in arms will always be there when you need them...and you're expected to do likewise).

Seeing the world and immersing yourself in other cultures (and opinions) is something that most people do not do....therefore they get their views from books and/or various news outlets. You can even knock out some core classes while serving (I did 19 credits through U of Maryland while I was serving in Germany), and they'll pay for it all (minus books, I believe)...which doesn't come out of your GI Bill.

Most of the people I've met who have negative opinions about the Military and what we're doing today haven't been around the world too much (most, not all); or realize what real sacrifice is. Many people here in the States cry about their rights and freedoms...but don't want to do anything to earn them.

Having said all that; be sure to check out the other branches of Service before deciding on the Army. The Navy and Air Force have a more technical lean to them, and may offer better opportunities when you leave service.

-Keith

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IanM
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Posted: 6th May 2008 15:27
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Quote: "The recruiter did say (not very enthusiastically compare to the rest of his speech) that there is a field for that kind of stuff in the army."

Yes, there very well may be, but you may not be needed there. You'll be placed precisely where THEY need you, and you will have almost NO CHOICE in the matter.

[b]Utility plug-ins collection (updated 01/05/08) and
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Mr Makealotofsmoke
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Posted: 6th May 2008 15:28 Edited at: 6th May 2008 15:29
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Quote: "The recruiter did say (not very enthusiastically compare to the rest of his speech) that there is a field for that kind of stuff in the army."


maybe in making the game Americas Army - or making simulators for the air force?

the army isnt for me i dont think. Always be in fear :S (and i dont want a haircut atm )


Free Webhosting = http://unlhosting.info --Send support ticket to get ad free
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KeithC
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Posted: 6th May 2008 15:48
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Quote: "You'll be placed precisely where THEY need you, and you will have almost NO CHOICE in the matter."

Sorry, that's a bit misleading. You sign up for a specific MOS (Military Occupational Specialty); everything should be written down in your contract as well...if it's not on your contract...walk away. If they tell you that the job you want isn't available...walk away (they will call back). Their job is to try to steer you towards the specialties that the Service needs the most; but ultimately, the Recruiting Command needs simple numbers of people who've enlisted period.

Being on a computer doesn't mean you won't get shipped out either (someone has to run the computers at the FOB), or come under fire (it isn't just the Army and Marines who are in country right now). But you'll have a better chance of getting a job doing what you want to do when you get out, if you don't settle for anything they give you (like ground-pounder or gun-bunny).

If they place you in a job (commonly known as "Cross-training") for more than a 6-month stretch, you have a case for breech of contract. However, there is always that catch-all phrase in your contract: "Needs of the Army...". So sign up for the least amount of time, with the most benefits....or look into the Air Force/Navy.

-Keith

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Jimmy
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Posted: 6th May 2008 15:55
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It really doesn't matter which job or branch you choose. Contractors do all the work.

"Oh hey, nice website Jimmy, it's really nice and fancy." -- That C++ Nerd
Visit. Website. NOW!
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KeithC
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Posted: 6th May 2008 15:56
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Quote: "Contractors do all the work."

LOL; I can't argue too much with that.

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puppyofkosh
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Posted: 6th May 2008 16:11
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Quote: "Contractors do all the work."

lol...I hear Blackwater is supposed to leave Iraq...

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PAGAN_old
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Posted: 6th May 2008 17:07
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they are pacifists, they dont look kindly on anything that can be used to kill

dont hate people who rip you off,cheat and get away with it, learn from them
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Evil Star
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Posted: 6th May 2008 17:41
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Quote: "they are pacifists, they dont look kindly on anything that can be used to kill
"


So they don't think of anything kindly? seriously you can kill (most organism) with practically anything...even the coffee mug I'm holding right now

"Don't make me come down there!" -God
"I'm not a rascist...I just hate everybody" -Christian "Flake" Lorenz of Rammstein
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FINN MAN
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Posted: 6th May 2008 18:52
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My brother is in the air force, and he loves his job. He just came home and we where talking about school; he told me he was disappointed that he was lied to. The air force promised him a collage education, but the don't give you enough money to pay for the whole thing. The GI bill was written a long time ago and collage was much cheaper so it did use to pay for the whole thing but now it's not even close. But he still like his job.

http://www.militaryfreezone.org/
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PAGAN_old
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Posted: 6th May 2008 19:14 Edited at: 6th May 2008 19:18
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Quote: "So they don't think of anything kindly? seriously you can kill (most organism) with practically anything...even the coffee mug I'm holding right now"


not to that extreme, its more like weapons that were created for the purpose of killing/ harming

@ FINN MAN
I did hear that the air force is the best place of armed forces to work at. My programming teacher used to be in the air force, He says compared to the army, its a piece of cake.

dont hate people who rip you off,cheat and get away with it, learn from them
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IanM
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Posted: 6th May 2008 20:50
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Quote: "Sorry, that's a bit misleading"

My bad. I guess that as long as you can get it in writing, then you are fairly safe.

[b]Utility plug-ins collection (updated 01/05/08) and
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Jeff Miller
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Posted: 6th May 2008 21:40
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The army delivers on its post-discharge promises, from my experience with one of my sones. He signed up and after his discharge they put him through a four-year bachelor's degree, as promised. (Army College Fund and Montgomery Aid Bill). Here was the catch: you got that benefit from a four-year enlistment in general, but you only got it from a 2 year enlistment IF you specifically signed up for (1) the infantry or (2) the field artillery. He chose field artilery because he only wanted to commit two years. The U.S. Air Force likewise delivered on the post-discharge educational subsidy for my own brother. They put him through a bachelors degree while on duty, and through a masters degree later.

Regarding the contract - it's a two-way street. In the case of my son, everything went fine. In the case of my brother - he had done well on pre-enlistment written tests that flagged him as having potential to be a translator. After enlistment, it turned out that he lacked certain auditory abilities and couldn't progress or perform in that field in the military sphere. They switched him to videography, in which he excelled. They provided him with a platform to launch a very good post-discharge career.
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Veron
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Posted: 7th May 2008 14:52
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Quote: "He says compared to the army, its a piece of cake."


I dunno if I could agree there, i'm joining the RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) towards the end of this year (possibly), and i'm not sure how it'd be any easier than being on-the-ground.

In a plane there's so many systems to control, so many things to constantly be checking - in the army all you need to check is your back, and if you have a jammed gun.


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Seppuku Arts
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Posted: 7th May 2008 15:59
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It's definitely a benefit, though make sure it's the right choice for you and that you don't mind doing service, if you go to war then you do have a risk of dying and that's something worth bearing in mind.

My Dad was in the airforce and got a bachelors degree in German whilst he was training, it kept in a wage too, supported the family and meant he could get a job (he went into banking) when leaving and now that he's redundant he is applying for the police force for a desk job. Though he did get caught up for the Falklands and had to fly out there. But he made some friends and was capable having a good laugh, playing tricks on people and it's true you can be like Spike Milligan in the Armed forces. But remember the risks, know what you're getting into...

Plus, if there is a war going on or potential for war, ask yourself before signing up "Is this a war I'd want to fight in?" Research hard too, it's a big decision.

"Experience never provides its judgments with true or strict universality; but only (through induction) with assumed and comparative universality." - Immanuel Kant
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KeithC
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Posted: 7th May 2008 18:25
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Quote: "in the army all you need to check is your back, and if you have a jammed gun."

....or if your Patriot Missle system is jammed, or if your Predator drone controls are jammed, or if your satellite communications system is clogged up with sand....

That's a bit of a stereotypical attitude of one of the forces that does the bulk of the fighting. The Army is just as capable of having intricate systems, as the Air Force/Navy. As far as the average ground pounder (infantry); he's got to worry about multiple opponents in various types of terrains (and urban areas), coupled with concentrations of civilians in a War zone. All that with the world media looking over his shoulder (literally). Pilots don't have to see a little girl getting cut down in the crossfire, or have a member of the media "embedded" in their backseat...judging every move they make. Most pilots (Air Force and Navy) don't return to a base that is constantly under mortar/rocket fire...they get a nice cushy bed in Diego Garcia, or the States, or their Aircraft Carrier.

If you'd been in the Military (preferably the Army) already, you'd know this. Although; there will always be a friendly rivalry between Services.

-Keith

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Evil Star
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Posted: 7th May 2008 21:04
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Sorry PAGAN, it's just too tempting to make a pacifist joke...We've used violence to solve problems since we were wearing clothes made from mammoths and brandishing spears and clubs...It's worked well so far

"Don't make me come down there!" -God
"I'm not a rascist...I just hate everybody" -Christian "Flake" Lorenz of Rammstein
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Jimmy
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Posted: 8th May 2008 02:34 Edited at: 8th May 2008 02:35
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I know I'm guilty of murdering hot pockets. Viciously.

"Oh hey, nice website Jimmy, it's really nice and fancy." -- That C++ Nerd
Visit. Website. NOW!
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Veron
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Posted: 8th May 2008 10:46
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Quote: "Pilots don't have to see a little girl getting cut down in the crossfire, or have a member of the media "embedded" in their backseat"


'tis a very good point.

Quote: "Although; there will always be a friendly rivalry between Services."


Heh, yeah that's pretty true, less so over here than in the USA, since our armed forces is relatively small.


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PAGAN_old
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Posted: 8th May 2008 15:08
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TAlked to the recruiter. Certainly he made it seem like an opportunity of a lifetime. I dont have to specialize in a combat job they say because only 20% of the organization are combat jobs. I have not taken the entry test yet to see possible areas i can go to, but they told me already that i would likeley be good for an IT job, a linguist (i speak russian) possibly work for counterintelligence or something.

dont hate people who rip you off,cheat and get away with it, learn from them
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KeithC
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Posted: 8th May 2008 17:37
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Quote: "only 20% of the organization are combat jobs"

Just know that whether you're a combat specialty or not; nearly every MOS is open for deployment to Iraq/Afghanistan. If he tells you otherwise, he is lying. There are no frontlines in this War; you can get hit in your re-enforced sleeping area, just as well as anybody out on patrol. As far as the Russian Linguist goes; ask him if there is a test you can take before hand, to find out if your Russian is sufficient to go to a linguist/translator school. I know plenty of people who speak English, but I wouldn't want them conveying any messege of importance for me.

-Keith

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draknir_
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Posted: 8th May 2008 21:00
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR0lWICH3rY
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Leadwerks
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Posted: 8th May 2008 21:31 Edited at: 8th May 2008 21:43
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Why would you need to go to the army to get money for school? Just take out some student loans. Why would you need to go into the army to get into a University? That's the stupidest, most roundabout way of accomplishing anything I can think of. You give two years of your life for some college money...you could just work for two years after college and make more than that.

You're a moron if you sign up. You're just going to get blown up by a landmine in Iraq. Every job is a combat job. Some of those people that got their heads sawed off were cooks.

Plus, who knows what biological and chemical materials they are going to test on you. The military has a long and well-established history of experimenting on their personnel.

If it was the opportunity of a lifetime, they wouldn't need to pay a guy to convince you of that. They would just sit back and read over people's applications, because people would be so enthusiastic about this amazing opportunity.
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Nemesis_0_
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Posted: 8th May 2008 21:46
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I wanted to join, but my medical didn't clear.. its too bad too, all of my friends in the army love it... There is nothing like risking your life to protect your country.
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Seppuku Arts
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Posted: 8th May 2008 22:01
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Actually, I'd probably argue that most wars in recent years haven't been to 'defend your country' and I've avoided that argument. The army is good for gaining finance, but there are plenty of risks involved as said.

If you only considering it to get an education, well, then Leadwerks is right, you can get a student loan, I'm on one right now. But the casualties at the moment isn't high, but it's horrid if you were to become one. The risk I hope is a given.

Probably now a good time to think 'would I be prepare to die for that future?' and 'Is this a war I'd be willing to die for?'

Yet there are people out there who think they're prepared and it is a great opportunity in terms of securing a future if they can't get one anywhere else.

"Experience never provides its judgments with true or strict universality; but only (through induction) with assumed and comparative universality." - Immanuel Kant
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Luciferia
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Posted: 8th May 2008 23:15
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You would get fit but thats after about 6 months of burly men shouting abuse and showering your face in spit. I think that watching the first half of Full metal Jacket will put anyone off the army for life.
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jasonhtml
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Posted: 9th May 2008 06:59 Edited at: 9th May 2008 07:01
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Quote: "You're a moron if you sign up."


tell that to every person who has ever signed up for the army. you'll be changing your mind pretty quick.

Quote: "Every job is a combat job."


hardly... we have tons of people who work in the army that never see combat. SOMEONE has to run all of our systems back at home. SOMEONE has to train new recruits. ect, ect...

Quote: "Plus, who knows what biological and chemical materials they are going to test on you. The military has a long and well-established history of experimenting on their personnel."


wow, i bet your one of those kids thats really well off and has no idea how the military works. where did you hear that the military "experiments on their personnel"???

Quote: "If it was the opportunity of a lifetime, they wouldn't need to pay a guy to convince you of that."


of course they have to make it sound as good as they can!!! what do you think a recruiter's job is!? if someone wants you to do something, they are going to tell you about everything good about it.

the military is only one way of getting college money, sure, but the military doen't JUST offer that. they put you in the best shape in your life, you can learn some very valuable life skills, and you can see new parts of the world that many people could never afford in their lives.

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Agent Dink
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Posted: 9th May 2008 07:14
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Quote: "and you can see new parts of the world that many people could never afford in their lives."


Yes... whilst looking down a sniper scope or out the peephole of a tank ^_^

MISoft Studios - Silver-Dawn

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Jeku
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Posted: 9th May 2008 08:54 Edited at: 9th May 2008 08:55
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My sis and her husband are both in the Canadian army, both with office jobs (i.e. non-combat). Her husband was sent overseas, and luckily escaped going to Afghanistan. My sis is ensuring she stays in Canada by having kids. Don't let anyone fool you into believing there are positions in the army where you can escape being sent somewhere like Iraq or Afghanistan.


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KeithC
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Posted: 9th May 2008 14:48
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Quote: "Yes... whilst looking down a sniper scope or out the peephole of a tank "

It's funny; when I was stationed in Europe, I don't remember carrying a weapon or a tank with me while walking down the streets of Trier...or along the Boardwalk in Venice Beach (Italy).

Quote: "Don't let anyone fool you into believing there are positions in the army where you can escape being sent somewhere like Iraq or Afghanistan."

Actually there are still thousands of soldiers who've never seen a tour of duty in either theatre; and they've been in for many years.

Quote: "tell that to every person who has ever signed up for the army. you'll be changing your mind pretty quick."

It's alright Jason; some people like to make statements that aren't based in reality.

I see lots of second-hand accounts and people that have obvious biases against the military and the people who serve in it. I try not to make assumptions about other people's line of work.

@PAGAN: If you want to join the military because you want money for College, that's fine; many people enlist for that reason alone (the GI Bill has gone up, and a new Bill has been introduced providing full tuition and a living allowance...spearheaded by Senator Webb). If you'd like to see the world (including Europe, Asia, Central Asia, Africa, etc.); then the military is a great way to do it, while having a free roof over your head. Of course being in the military entails responsabilities as well; expect to miss Holidays, B-Days, Anniversaries, etc. Being in the Military is also about sacrifice...something many people (including some here) don't understand. It's all up to you in the end; just make sure you do all your homework before signing anything.

-Keith

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GatorHex
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Posted: 9th May 2008 19:35 Edited at: 9th May 2008 19:38
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we don't have conscription in the UK.

my friend is interested after those damn recruiters visited his school.

my advice to him was join the airforce, those planes cost like £25m so you're less likely to die because if they lost one it costs a fortune, a new soldier I guess would be cheap to replace (in economic terms).

if you want to get into the airforce your cheapest route to pilots licence is join the air cadets.

and you always have a well paid job later cause you can fly commercial aircraft.

DinoHunter (still no nVidia compo voucher!), CPU/GPU Benchmark, DarkFish Encryption DLL, War MMOG (WIP), 3D Model Viewer
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bitJericho
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Posted: 10th May 2008 02:24 Edited at: 10th May 2008 02:26
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Quote: "Actually, I'd probably argue that most wars in recent years haven't been to 'defend your country' and I've avoided that argument. The army is good for gaining finance, but there are plenty of risks involved as said."


Everything we do is with the ideal that it's for our benefit. Sometimes in reality it wasn't, but I wouldn't be fooled into thinking that we went to war for our enemy's benefit alone


Hurray for teh logd!
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GatorHex
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Posted: 10th May 2008 04:48 Edited at: 10th May 2008 13:50
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It amazes me how many people (41% of Americans in recent poles) think USA et.al. invaded Iraq because of 911. Saddam wasn't the nicest man but he didn't have anything to do with 911. Doh!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saddam_Hussein_and_al-Qaeda

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Jeku
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Posted: 10th May 2008 11:15
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^^ Wow, thanks for that amazingly in-depth and well sourced information.

Please keep this AUP-friendly.


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Grandma
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Posted: 10th May 2008 13:48
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@ GatorHex

I've never met or heard about anyone who believes that.

Saddam fought terrorism hard because he didn't want any fundamentalists to kick him out of power.

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GatorHex
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Posted: 10th May 2008 13:58 Edited at: 10th May 2008 14:01
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Sorry Jeku wsan't trying to make a political statement just trying to point out how ignorant people can be about world events when joining the army or going to war.

Quote: "A new Newsweek poll out this weekend exposed "gaps" in America's knowledge of history and current events. Perhaps most alarmingly, 41% of Americans answered 'Yes' to the question "Do you think Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq was directly involved in planning, financing, or carrying out the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001?" "


http://atlanticreview.org/archives/726-More-Americans-Believe-that-Saddam-Was-Directly-Involved-in-911.html

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tha_rami
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Posted: 10th May 2008 14:19
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With the current political and military climate, I'd vouch against it. Don't just think about yourself, think about the ones that love you as well, and the risks involved as well. Like others said, student loans and 'normal' work are perfect alternatives.


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Grandma
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Posted: 10th May 2008 14:19
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Okey, nevermind.

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Seppuku Arts
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Posted: 10th May 2008 14:40
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And I suppose these are reasons why the Army is good, but really only as a last resort - or if you really want to go.

I'd never join the military, not unless I had financial trouble to support myself or a familiar - the same reason my Dad joined the airforce, he loved it, and he got to be a pilot and flew awesome planes, played with great guns, went to the falklands and came back in one piece,(bear in mind the falklands was hardly that threatening) continued in the air force with a job and left to become a banker. It was a good situation for him. The fact you still can get a job or a student loan (do they do those in USA?) should really put the question - Do I need to join? or Do I want to join? And ask, do I think my job be ethical? Bearing in mind what it can mean for you, what might be involved - there are apparently jobs available that mean you won't go into war. But give the whole thing a whole long hard think with all the reasons for and against in your mind.

"Experience never provides its judgments with true or strict universality; but only (through induction) with assumed and comparative universality." - Immanuel Kant
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Grandma
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Posted: 10th May 2008 16:09 Edited at: 10th May 2008 16:10
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I love how seppuku try to act impartial in this, but always leaves a touch of "don't do it!" in his posts.

I just stay out of it.

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KeithC
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Posted: 10th May 2008 16:34
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Quote: "Sorry Jeku wsan't trying to make a political statement just trying to point out how ignorant people can be about world events when joining the army or going to war."

I'd like to point out that when we sign up to the Armed Forces, there isn't a checkbox list of potential future conflicts that we can "opt out of". Many of us don't believe that invading Iraq was the right thing (even from day one), but we don't make policy that sends us...the elected officials do. All we can do is carry out the orders given to us; and if we disagree with what's going on, then we can get out when our enlistment's done (assuming we don't get stop-lossed/involuntarily extended).

It's nice to be able to pull information from a single source(instead of multiple sources from multiple views) to support your view...isn't it?

But everyone here is raising an important point. Do you want to join to serve your country (and get some benefits as well); or are you just signing up for the College money? If it's the latter choice, you may want to look at other options.

-Keith

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Seppuku Arts
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Posted: 10th May 2008 17:28 Edited at: 10th May 2008 17:30
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Quote: "I love how seppuku try to act impartial in this, but always leaves a touch of "don't do it!" in his posts.

I just stay out of it."


Haha, well it's his choice and there are good things about the army...yet I do think there are a lot of bad things, especially war and I've tried so hard not to go into my views on modern warfare.

Just say, there are good experiences and bad experiences, you could say nobody's experience is the same like the quote in my signature.

I'm even tempted to post a video of Bill Hicks for giggles, but I'd get told off.



I think I'll follow your lead, *mouth zipped*

"Experience never provides its judgments with true or strict universality; but only (through induction) with assumed and comparative universality." - Immanuel Kant
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xplosys
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Posted: 10th May 2008 18:52
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And now we see that this is hardly the place to ask for advice about a decision that will change your life, and make no mistake about it.... it will change your life. I don't think there were more than a small handful (a finger or two missing) of responses from people who have military experience. You may want to ask people who actually know something about the military.

It's not for everyone, but as one who served for twelve years, I can tell you I'm glad I did it. It taught me about myself and others, and supplied me with traits, knowledge and experience that I continue to use daily.

It is a commitment to yourself, your fellow soldiers, and your country. It is a huge sacrifice, and could be your ultimate one. Those who say "if it's just for college money, there are other ways" are really trying to help. If you're not up for the whole package.... don't go there.

Best.

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