Second Thoughts about my decision?

Question

I'm signed up for boot February 7, I'm Army Infantry. I'm starting to have second thoughts about my decision, things like should I have just went Air Force or should I went Marines or should I not have went infantry. A lot of **** has been running through my head. I didn't join infantry to make myself look like a badass I did it because I love my country. I think most of this is running through my head because of my biased parents reaction. My Dad has never been more proud of me and my Mom is devastated. I realize this is my decision but it would help if I had other peoples opinions on it. It's just I don't see myself being in the Air Force if that was the case I would just go to college and be a civilian just put your input on it. Thanks.

Answer 1

It is your life live it as you see fit.  Do not second guess yourself too much.  Deal with it as it comes.

If it makes any difference I could have gone to the Naval Academy...  I was THE h**l with that I'm going to get a degree and noone will be giving me orders.  Hehhe, was I mistaken.  I still get orders from someone and visit military bases.  What is up with that?

Good Luck, and be safe.

Answer 2

Well you pretty much said it all. I mean you joined for your love of country and that is honorable. But given that your parents seem to be torn with your decision, makes it a little tough.

You just need to remember why it is you joined in the first place and be good with that. If you did it for other reasons then it'll turn out to be one of the biggest mistakes you've made.

In any event good luck to you.

Answer 3

For starters, I want to commend you for your decision on joining the military. No matter of which branch you join, you made a decision to serve this nation and protect it's people. If only we could have more individuals who thought the same as you. Your mother is always going to be concerned about you and what you do in life. I have been in for almost ten years, and my mother still worries for me. She is happy for what I do, and proud to tell people that her son's serve in the military. My brother in the Air Force, and me in the Army. About your decision on which job you have chosen, I first enlisted as a 13F forward observer then later was convinced by family and friends to choose something different. I am a 15U now and love my job, but still wish I would of taken the first MOS if only for the experience. Just remember you can reclass if you choose to stay in, or even if not it still looks good on a resume to say you served in the military and did your time honorably.  My best advice is to take advantage of the different things the Army can offer while you serve. Go to school, take a few classes here and there, and even if you do 4 years, you can still almost completed your bachelors degree. With just my military schooling and training I received over 40 college credits. If you do more than just the bare mimimum while you are in, you will get more than just the minimum when you get out. Best of luck to you.

Answer 4

To correct someone up here, the Air Force members are NOT Soldiers they are Airmen. Secondly if you enlist in any other branch it severely decreases your chances of enlisting in the Air Force. Even if it's in the Delayed Entry Program(DEP). It's not impossible but very difficult.

Plus with the Air Force you have to be pretty sharp.

I'd Reccomend maybe talk it all over with your recruiter. Maybe change your MOS to something else. Either way LONG Deployments. Dont bank on having a family life for a few years.

And 4-6 years IS a long time when you are miserable.

Answer 5

Well in the Army it's Basic or in your case OSUT, not boot.  Accidentally call it boot there and the drills will make you pay for it.  The first couple weeks of actual BCT, after your week or so long stay at in processing you'll probably regret it, sure, but after that you get in to the cool, fun stuff!  You get to shoot rifles, machine guns, throw hand grenades, etc.  I was scared too when I signed up last demeber, I was a quick ship so I left Jan 8th, but don't worry about it!  You have almost 6 months until your ship date!  

By the time you graduate you'll be in great shape and definately more confident about it.  I'm proud that I did it and I wouldn't change a thing.    I'm 23 so was kind of a late joiner, wish I had when I was 18.  My parents had the same reaction.  They'll probably come to accept it in time.

Good luck at Sand Hill brother!

Answer 6

Air Force members are "soldiers" too, we fight for this country and help to keep things running and to protect our country.

You are doing what you need to do, and I think a lot of people tend to have second thoughts. How long did you enlist for? It is only for a few years, in the big scheme of things, that isn't a long time at all (even 6 years isn't that long). You can be out and joining the Air Force in just a few years if you so desired.

Edit:

It sounds like you made the right choice. Don't second guess yourself too much, you are doing something wonderful, something you should be very very proud of.

Answer 7

My cousin is in the Army and has completed 2 tours to iraq in the past 3 years. He says it is not easy, but like you, he loves his country.  Your decision on what to do with your life is your choice alone. Mom is going to be upset with all the stories of losing guys over there. If I had to choose I would go Army, definitely. You can always enlist and do your term of 4 years and decide if you want out. But, it is lifetime job security, early retirement, plus making your country and your Dad, also, will be proud.

Good  Luck.  

Answer 8

Go down to the VA hospital. Sign up to be a volunteer. Talk to some of the Vets. You'll get your answers.

Answer 9

i don't know why anyone joins the infantry, even the army. The navy or airforce have some interesting opportunities and trust everyone when they say it's better. It's just better living, an actual bed, food and showers. After so many years the hype wears off and you just want a comfy place to sleep.

Why do you guys sign up for feb 7th, or december 3rd? If you're going to go just go. What are you waiting for? I know someone else with a schedualed deal. I just started looking at it but am under the impression I can leave in a month. I'm older too and joining for different reasons.

depending what you do in the airforce, it may or may not be more interesting or exciting than civilian life. The airforce has pilots also MP's and Rangers for the adventure oriented. I think if you were going to go to college you'd have gone by now. To call your bluff you know that people with a bachelors degree start as officers. If that is your goal from the begining you can study appropriately and be a part of some kind of rotc while in school. You will be paid more, you will be the leader and I assume you will advance further than otherwise possible. Army officers are no joke and they are on the battlefield. There'll be some resentment of the college boy but that will happen anywhere and depend on how you act and treat people.

edit- you don't want to hear different opinions don't ask. they got you good. better you than me. one day you'll realize you've been used, at least i know what i'm getting into. have fun.

Answer 10

I have the same feelings. My ship date for basic is Oct. 7 of this year, And I am already sworn in and have my contract signed. I'll be going to Ft. leanordwood for OSUT because I am 31B. At this point there really is no turning back. You have to accept your decision and have no regrets. The military can help anyone, So all you need to do is have a positive attitude and think all good thoughts toward your decision. You doing an awesome thing joining and you should realize that you are still your mothers baby. Of course she is going to be against it. Just keep your head down and you should be O.K.