Seeking Opinion and or Advice

Well im a junior in high school and im in my third year of Air Force JROTC and I plan to go onto college and take AF ROTC and be an Air Force officer. I was talking to a Army National Guard recruiter (who was my friend before I even wanted to be in the military so i trust him) and he said if I get my parents permission I can join now and go to basic this summer (9 weeks) and get 15 grand when i graduate high school and start at 1,500 a month. I would also start at rank E-3 rather then E-1 because of JROTC which I already knew. The army would pay full college tuition if I go to school in state and as long as im a full time student they can't deploy me. Also, they cannot control which classes i would take in college so they think I can take AF ROTC (I find out tomorrow). So basically I would sign up for 5 years in the Army National Guard so when my 5 years is up thats right when I finish college and could take a commission in the Air Force. I would be 17 and making 1,500 a month with a 15,000 bonus for graduating high school but I would have to completely give up this summer and go to training after school my senior year of high school. I mean it sounds great and everything just not sure I really want to go into the military that way. What would you do if you were me? and please leave your advice and opinions.

 

if you were my 17yr old, the answer would be NO BL**DY WAY!!!
(sincere apologies to all that this will offend)

the current mismanagement of our forces is nothing short of criminal. do not put yourself at the mercy of this hap-hazard, ill-advised, under-equipped, ill-conceived power struggle. JMHO

 

Lol my mom actually seems to be going for it and I do agree with you somewhat laurrie and everyone has their different drives for life, but at least they wouldn't be able to deploy me anywhere.

 

Hey Pleeb, the Military has alot to offer, but remember there is never a "Free Lunch" so you get what you pay for (Not in the monetary sense). Also the Military every where has a mind set all its own, not going to say it's right or wrong. Just that some people, and especially the young can and do have a problem with it. The nine(9) week summer course with the National Guard sound like a winner for me, as you would be getting your "Feet Wet" so to speak, and you would not be locked in, if I read you right.

Hey some may criticize the Military, and I myself am not to fond of them, but until Humankind comes to its sense's we do require them. It can be a most honourable profession, and the camaraderie is second to none. With the thoughtfulness you have put into your question, you will do well no matter what you choose. Good Luck

 

If it wasn't for the mismanagement of our armed forces, I'd be in the national guard right now. I'd be more than willing to help out in communities and assist in natural disasters etc, but the risk of being called up to go overseas and fight in a war I don't believe in has kept me out. But of course, that's just my opinion on the matter. Everyone's going to feel differently.

 

If you sign up for National Guard! Once your 18 and if the Guard is called to Duty, school & the weekend warrior stuff is History, Your a## is going to the Front
IMO with a Moron like Bush Jr. in office your taking a dangerous risk.
$1500 ain't :crap
When Bush senior was in office, Many other's made the Mistake thinking the Guard was just way to get free college only to find them selfs in the dessert fighting

Ya know what they say!
If it Sounds too Good to be True

 

Hmm Pleeb, I know ye well. Honestly I say you shouldn't do it. You never know what kind of crap they are gonna pull on you and nothing ever comes free, especially in our government. I was you ex CO and DT leader, and I was adament about doing ROTC and going into the service while at college. I left because I realised it wasn't the best of ideas, especially right now during these times of extreme tension. If your up for a military life and being deployed (trust me I gurantee you will be) in areas where you could get lit up, then maybe it is for you. Personally I enjoy being a civilian who fixes computers...either way best of luck man.

 

You are so right. When the Idaho National Guard was called up college students had to drop everything and go. Weekend training just doesn't prepare you for the real thing. It's not worth it.

 

Lol Chunky man its been a while and of all places to hear from you, but yeah thats definitely the main reason why im doubting it. I'll keep everyone updated on my thoughts on everything.

 

Well, like was said. If you're not prepared for likelihood of active duty, then it's probably not a good idea. If, however you are prepared that you might have to actually do what armed forces are there for – well, then the choice is yours. Not to be taken lightly, i.m.o. And yep, I've 'walked the walk', being a vet. from a lot of years back.