Could use some validation on a move into the U.S. Military.

Question

I graduated high school with a high GPA and high ACT score and landed a full scholarship to college, with plans on going into Law, but I kind of lost my focus and ended up slacking off and losing the scholarship. My parents have made it clear that they will not help me, or co-sign on a loan, and as a result have spent the last year working a miserable part time job on the night shift.

I don't have much money to speak of, and I did not get involved at school, so I don't have any social life to speak of, and most of my day revolves around getting to the next one, with no sense of purpose, or the pride I once felt. Back in high school I talked with some recruiters, but I never saw myself going into the armed forces when I was so sure I would end up a lawyer. But now I have no way to keep going to school and a dead-end job, so I started asking around about the military.

For someone that has suffered a loss of self-esteem and feels like there is nothing in life for me, would this be a good move? I can imagine the pride of serving my country, and being able to utilize my intellect and be a part of something greater than myself. But then I wonder if I can even get in, since I checked myself into a hospital and spent a month on antidepressants this summer...

I hear that the USAF is a good choice since a lot of its work is more intellectual than physical (I am 6'2 160), and I want to be able to get back in school and graduate with a law degree. But I am not afraid to be deployed to the Middle East. It seems like the branch for me, but I'd like to get some validation.

How far will the military go in helping with school, and does anyone know if any jobs I may qualify for have applications for civilian life (pertaining to law, I know that my role depends on how well I test on the asvat)?

I know there are a lot of questions here, but I want to make sure I make the best choice for my future.

Thank you for your time.

Answer 1

I was the same way, quit school cause I found the work unchallenging.  Went into the military and finished high school there, then took college classes.  They got my course in life back on track.  I stayed for over 20 years and wish I could go back today.  Of course there are people that will not adjust to military either, but give it a try.

Good luck also.

Answer 2

My husband was in the similar boat. He is very very smart but we got married young and have little money to our name. So the thought of us both going to college to get our lives back on track was out of the question. He decided to join the Navy. It has turned out to be the best decision we have made. You gain a new family in the process. Not only that but the reward of it all, you cant even describe. He now gets his college paid for and go for what he has always wanted to go for. Plus the great benefits. It works well for us. However it is stilla personal choice you have to make on your own. Everyone is different. I am not saying it was easy by any means, however if you work hard you will defenitely reap the rewards! Good luck to you on your journey

Answer 3

If law is your interest try looking into 27D Paralegal in the Army. The Army is the only branch of service that can guarantee your job. Go and speak with an Army recruiter tell them you want to take the EST it's a pre-ASVAB test to determine what you may get on the actual test. If you score high have the recruiter show you FSR2S (Future Soldier Remote Reservation System). This way you can reserve the 27D postition in the recruiters office and have an easier process at the MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station).

Also, if you decide to join the Army you could get up to a $40,000 bonus and up to $72,900 for college. Have the recruiter explain the Army College Fund and the MGIB. If you want any more information and are located in the state of GA I would be more than happy to explain the process to you and help set up an interview with any of the other branches of service. I feel very confident in the Army's ability to provide you with what you need and want.

There is also a program that some paralegals qualify for that will have the Army send them to law school and give them a commission as an officer. The military really is the best option in your case, no one should have to go into debt just to get an education. As a college graduate myself I will tell you that the degree alone will not get the job for you. You have to be diverse and well rounded. Experience is the name of the game these days. Without it you'll just be a degree holder with a dead end job. Hope this helps!

Answer 4

If you want to finish school the military is a great choice. I am currently in the armed forces, I was scared at first but I love every minute of it, For you to say your NOT scared of going to the middle east you are full of **** or your dumb. You should be scared as h**l, being complacient with something like can get you or your buddy killed, I do not recommend the Air Force, But if you like being called a fly boy its your choice, I considered joining the Air Force at first, But now I am glad I went Army! As far as school goes, have your recruiter make your contract for your first duty station south korea. you will have plenty of time to do school. as far as you worring about the physical part of the army basic training will take care of that for you, when I first joined I was running two miles in 28 minutes. now I am running a 13 flat.

Answer 5

You'll need to consult a recruiter about the hospitalization issue.  In the Army you could become a Legal Clerk which would give you experience in your chosen field.  You can also go to college while in the Army and they'll pay for the tuition if it's an approved school.  Further, after three years of service you qualify for the full GI bill.  The GI bill pays for tuition at the state rate, $1200 a year for books.  If you're out of the military when you begin to use it they will also give you a small stipend to live off of as well.  The stipend is about $800.

Answer 6

the military will give you a sign on bonus so dont let the recruter lie and say they dont thats first thing dont sign nothing till they offer you this ! they will ,second they will let you attend school while your serving my son is doing it now while he is deployed in iraq best thing to do is go talk to a recruter and see what they offer you and check on your options it dont cost nothing to find out info from them just dont sign untill your ready info is free do your homework to see which branch is rite for you  good luck my son is in the army he loves it but it is not for everyone

Answer 7

Youhave a couple of options, you can go reserves (if your unit doe snot get activated) and they will pay for your college while you do your drills every weekend, or you can go active duty and after working hours (if your unit gets off at a decent hour (most units do, but sometimes a one or two don't, but if this happens, you just don;t take college courses) at 1700 (5PM) you get TA (Tution Assisstance) (if your unit does not get activated)and take collge at night, there was a program at one time where an Army soldier got a free laptop and took courses online, you can also get the GI bill stay in for a certian amount of time, get out liek I did (do your contract) and then do college full time.