Joining the Military

[mercedesrules]

If I was your father, I would suggest that you not join the military. I would be afraid that a U.S. president would send you to your death with neither a declaration of war by congress nor a just reason for invading.

But, I'm not your father.

MR

 

[Destructo6]

What are you talking about? Bill Clinton's not president anymore!

 

[Pilgrim]

Understand that if you choose to join the officer corps, you will have to at times stand and take the heat for the screwups your men and women create.

Understand that if you choose to join the officer corps, you won't have the luxury of walking away from a stinky situation and passing the buck.

And understand that if you choose to join the officer corps, you will be expected to make decisions.

 

[Mr. James]

From one who couldn't serve, you all have my undying gratitude. I hope my son will choose the USMC, for the very reasons Powderman and my own friends suggest. "It's not just a job, its a VOCATION."

'Course, my son will make his own choice.

God bless you all.

 

[forcefed]

Wow. Thank you all for your very informative posts. I appreciate the positive responses from everyone as well as the helpful links. A lot of info was brought up that gives me even more to think about during my decision process. I am currently signed up to talk to recruiters from both the Air Force and USMC, but have mix feelings for both as well as OCS or enlisting. I understand the points brought up on becoming an officer, but can also see why enlisting makes sense. While I do want to be an officer and understand they receive a better pay rate, I feel the need for the enlisting experience to better understand my role. From the military.com forums, a lot of OCS seeking grads are getting flak from the already enlisted for their interest in joining. This is understandable, considering they know less about military life then those already living it. I for one want to go in for the same reasons everyone else in this country did the day of September 11th. At the time I was struggling between my sophomore and junior year of college and needed to prove to myself that I can finish what I started and was not trying to use my interest in the military as a way out. Well after graduation, I want in. I received my degree in business marketing, so that probably will not help me in my military career, but it helped pay off the loans(thanks ebay). I would love to fly A-10s, pilot Cobras and Apaches, and jump out of perfectly good planes. I would also love to be a mechanic, technician, or MP. Which roles are feasible for a 23yr old with a business degree…well I’ll gather all the information possible, talk to the recruiters, and see what would be the best way for me to serve this great country of ours.

Again, Thank you all very much.
-Michael

 

[Leaky Waders]

Hi,

I have 20 years of active duty naval service...15 years enlisted up to the paygrade of Chief, and am now a LT. Therefore my paygrade is O3e my base pay is like 5k per month. I'm currently stationed in meridian starting a 3 year tour...I'll probably extend a year then see where I get to go next. Who knows...I might make this a career

To clear up one notion...officer housing is basically the same as enlisted housing - just in another neighborhood. Senior Officer housing (O-5 and above) is a little better (bigger floorplan) that's about it.

If you're going to enlist first... make sure that you are enlisted (or a warrant) for at least 4 years and one day. That will place you one the 'e' payscale when and if you are commissioned.

No one will chide you for coming in as an O. The lifestyle is much better. The enlisted lifestyle is very harsh (work hours and blue collar work). When I was enlisted the first thing I did to approaching officers is look for their good conduct ribbon (officers do not earn these - therefore it denotes a mustang). If they lacked the good conduct ribbon I searched for the sea-servcie ribbon. If they had one of these then they were either a good officer or the biggest jerk I ever met - they never seemed to be the middle of the road.

Most of the O's I've worked for are not mustangs. They are great leaders and fantastic decision makers. I've trusted them and apparently they have trusted me. One of my favorite Captains is actually retiring this month w/ only 20 years of service - family issues are kind of forcing him to leave early. If he were to stay he would be wearing a star soon.

Anyways, the military is full of bright energetic people who serve w/ a sense of honor, courage and commitment. It's a very cool community. Yes, I'm a little bias.

You'll never be rich in the military - ok I've met a few rich enlisted and officers who did very well in the stock market - but for the most part you and your family will be well cared for.

What's neat is when your talents are recognized by the civilian community - I've personally had 3 job offers in the past 2 years of 110, 120, and 150 k...and I haven't even placed a resume - it's kind of flattering. People who knew me dropped my name to 3 different places and they called me. It was neat...I'm like...do you know who you're talking too and they were yes..and said my name. It was neat...But, I'm in the navy and like it, so a few extra bucks doesnt really matter to me. I mean where else could I go shoot an mp-5 or 50 cal just for fun? Or play frisbee football on pt days, or softball, or soccer...or ride in a helo or jet just for fun?

The military has a lot to offer. It's not for everyone, but for some it's very rewarding.

Oh well, my two cents,

L.W.