Should I join the military?

Question

I'm 23, single, no kids, have a job, HS diploma and my school situation is questionable too. I have college loans that I have to repay and around 50 or 60 college credits, I am in the process of transferring to another college for the fourth time. I've spoken to a recruiter for almost an hour and my decision is still kind of up in the air. I have been disciplined very strictly as a kid and it is still in my blood. My family did not tolerate being lazy or having bad manners, I was beaten to the ground to respect my elders, so boot camp is no issue at all for me. I have been active my whole life as well. Sports is like my stress relief, it makes me feel good, I like to move around. The only issue that I have with the military is the feeling of being shot at and risking my life, I've never shot at anyone either. Is it really worth it for me? Should I go to the military or just go back to school?

Answer 1

You will know this answer the best and anyway you know what is like being a civilian, so why not see what life is like as a military member. You seem to have most of your S**t together. You have less to lose and having regrets is the worse thing in life. Do some research into all the branches and find a job you like and go for it. I have been in 20 years and don't regret it no matter all the bad I have seen or had happen. I remember all the good I have done and have accomplished.

Wearing the mantle of veteran goes a long way...look at the current election.

Answer 2

The only person who can make that decision is you.

I joined the Navy over twenty years ago and I proud that I did.  I did six years of active duty and have been in the reserves ever since.  It was the best thing that I have done with my life.  

BTW. "Erudite"- Most of the people who are "One and done", one term of enlistment then discharged, are proud of their military service.  

Answer 3

Well, nobody can answer that for you.  Keep in mind you aren't getting any younger and are right now at the very prime of your health.  I would want to know more about what you are doing in college, are you taking it lightly and wasting time, and what are you studying to be.  If you do decide to join, get into something that has a transferrable skill in the civilian world, like MP, or computers, or communications.  Most, the vast majority of soldiers, don't 'shoot at anyone, that's for the infantry and artillery and other combat arms types, although of course anything could happen with the way wars will be/are right now.  If you are just treading water in college, studying English as a major or something silly like that, liberal arts stuff, you might consider making this move.  If you are majoring in a hard science, biology or chemistry, or something that will lead you to a specific job, I would stay in college.  But you gotta get serious about life NOW.  The decisions you make in your early twenties effect the rest of your life.

Answer 4

you need to write down the pro's and cons of each thne decide what is the better choice for YOU.  Dont believe the hype or the promises until its in writing though.  Do your research on it without recruiter intervention cause recuriters are good at what they do.  Good luck

Answer 5

This truly is a personal decision that only you can answer.  Don't let anyone else answer this question for you.  Not your parents, not the recruiter, not someone on Yahoo answers.  Having said that, it is very wise to ask the question.  This way you can get advice from everyone including those I mentioned earlier.  But the decision is up to you.

I started out this answer that way because for the right person the military is the perfect choice.  I have been recruiting now for over 5 years and for me and those I have helped to join it is the right choice.  If you let someone choose for you then you will never be happy.  

I have read the other answers.  Yes, it is true that you have a better chance of dieing in a car crash than in combat at this point.  The numbers prove it.  (Remember in math class....the number never lie)

Some branches give you a better opportunity to be in combat than others.  I will not bash any branch of the military as I personally feel each branch of the military is extremely important to our freedom.  I will tell you that you need to research all the branches to see if one might be right for you.  One of the best web pages I have seen is www.usmilitary.about.com .  That is a no nonsense web page providing you with facts about the military.

One question I ask all my applicants is this, "Where do you want to be in 6 to 8 years and can the military help you get there.  If yes, which branch can get you there the best way possible?"

Think about that and good luck to you.  I admire your willingness to serve our great country.

Answer 6

I served for 6 years and it was a waste of time. College is better. Remember this. Every four years there is a 90% turnover in the military. That says it all.

Answer 7

To be honest, the Army would compliment your personality - as you've just shared. Look into the Air Force, and Coast Guard. They are not combat, and short deployments.

However, you are afriad of combat. Obviously, it involves weapons. When you decide to protect civilians, by promising to possibly die for your country - is when you have made your mind up. You cannot join until you come to that term with yourself - or you'll always be thinking "Is this right for me?". Do yourself a favor, go to your ROTC officer at your college. You participate in Army activities for the first 2 years without signing a contract, and then if its something you'd like to do in the future - you'd sign the REAL contract for the last two years of your college experience. When you graduate - youll be a 2nd Lt. (officer), in charge of people, and giving those young and old soldiers encouraging words to live by. You'll think back on this time, and say "I lived without any regrets". They give scholarships, and help pay your way through school. Why not? You're already in there, so take advantage of that. Or else, go enlisted with half your degree wishing your were a 2nd LT.......patience, and courage is the answer to this question of yours.

Answer 8

You could just as easily get hit by a car tommorow then you could getting shot in Iraq.

They keep having stories in the news of soldiers that have come back and then they die in their civilian job, like its some shocker. The last one was a prison guard.

Answer 9

I think you should join.. Found this.. Might be useful

"In the 3rd fiscal quarter of 2008 more Marines and sailors were killed in automobile accidents than combat deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan combined."

Good Luck

Answer 10

I have mixed feelings about this. Honestly, everyone should do time in the military because it will make you a better person. More effective and organized.

That being said, should you be risking your life and being shot at in a war that is unjust? Do you want to loose your arm in a roadside bomb in a war that is a complete waste and shouldn't have been started in the first place?

David

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