Join the army before or after college?
927958
I would go into the army AFTER, not before.  The army is not like college and you can not change your mind or branch of service as easily as you can change colleges.  If you get your degree you will go into the army and THEN decide about officer training.  If you are serious about your major you would be a great asset to the army after you have been educated.     You are wrong about not qualifying for scholarships as a transfer student,  talk to the college you want to attend.  If you want Columbia, try for it.  The worst they can say is no, but you might be surprised.  Do not plan your future without absolute facts.
735313
I want to be in the military. And that stuff that one person said about not being educated is so not true. I have the 3rd highest GPA in my school and my parents are more than happy to pay for college, its the fact that our country needs our help right now that i want to join. and that person who said that is just on of the countless Americans who take our freedom and our way of life for granted. I AM WITH YOU ALL THE WAY!! I think its great that you want to join
396387
yes, join the navy. i spent five years there. most importantly, get everything in writing, and make sure you ask for the navy college fund in addition to the gi bill. also, get a guaranteed "a" school in writing. DO NOT go into the navy UNDESIGNATED. Make that recruiter do his damm job, and give you the school you desire.
552461
I would say Navy, also check out the Air Force. You have to get your High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) to join the armed forces. So either catch up you credits or you can get your GED.
706263
Start your GED now so you can be finished with it before you separate from the military.  While a professor, I am also a military wife and know that if you are stationed at a good sized military installation, there is probably an education office which can help you learn about the options that are available right there for you.  Go talk to them and they can help you get started on your high school equivalency while you are busy considering what to do afterwards.  You will probably want to consider community college (or a technical school) as a first step but there is no reason to rule out college as a step after that.
644508
you should seriously reconsider your decision, look around at whats happenning in this world, you are very young give yourself a chance, you seem to be very smart so think long and hard about any decision you make to join the armed forces, our soldiers are the bravest and best in the world but i womder how many would tell you to pick another career, whatever your decision may be God Bless You and all of our brave men and women who protect and fight for our country, also don't forget to include your parents in this decision.
653809
it depends on what you would like to do. If you join the Army in a combat arms unit it will be like never leaving basic training; always in the field, pt every morning, marched to chow, etc etc...If you do not go into a combat arms unit life will be simular to a regular job in either branch. The Army and the Air Force both have many vocations to choose from(noncombat arms army)but the Air Force may have a greater degree of high tech training available but this is just an opinion as I have never been in the AF. I can tell you with first hand knowledge however that if you are not looking for combat or a regimented life where you are not in control of much at all do not go into a combat arms unit I.E. Infantry, Artillery, etc. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marinesm combat or no what ever you choose you will be able to hold your head high as they are all noble and something to be proud of.
262148
The Army is a chosen profession, you probably signed with different expectations of what army life would be.\nYou should stay in the army if you think that is the job for you.  There is no shame in changing careers.
1074994
a lot of these answers are great just to stress on a few get some college first and you will have a higher rank when joining. If you can't. just be prepared to be broken and rebuilt they will break you down and rebuild you into a soldier.  Your life will revolve around the USMC you can't come and go as you please it is up to your ranking officer. I think the Army is a little slacker and not as tuff as the USMC both are standing for your country which is a great honor make sure you pick the job you want when you sign up because it is hard as hell to change once you sign those papers.  Basic training and  the schooling after sucks you do stupid jobs like kitchen duty and detail work.  Defiantly start running/  it is up and at um every morning for PT during your first 6 months to a year.  Lots of push ups and sit ups.  But you build great bonds and great friendships and you make it into what you want it can be the best experience or the worst it is all up to you!\n\nProud to be an American
819844
My recommendation would be this.  Go to each of the armed services recruiters and talk with them.  Before you go, write down exactly what it is you want from the military, i.e. job, benefits, etc.  Second, take someone with you, preferably someone older than you like a parent, grandparent or aunt/uncle.  Tell that person you do not want to make a decision right now, you want to find out as much as you can, before you make a decision.  Ask that person to intercede if the recruiter starts pushing you towards making a decision.\n\nRecruiters are taught methods and questions to use that will get you thinking along their lines.  I know I worked with them before and saw/used many of them.  Once you have all of your questions answered, leave.  Thank the person for their time and leave.  Do not make a decision until you have talked to each of the four branches.
368406
i joined the military a year after high school.  In my mind it has bettered my future.  I have learned leadership and management skills that most Citizens would pay to have.  Its easier to get a job saying that you retired from the military.  It shows that you come from a background of lots of hardwork, dependability, and that you will get the job done.  Its a great way of life, but not for everyone.  You have to learn to sacrifice your time to take care of others, and that its not all about you anymore.  The benefits are great.  The pay isnt that great unless you are an officer.  But, you can learn to manage your money and put it to use and have a great retirement.  When i get done with the military i wont have to work again unless i choose to.  Id say give it a shot...just dont be a douchebag, do what your told, be where you are supposed to be, in the correct uniform, and dont cock an attitude at your seniors and you will do great.  You dont have to be smart to make it far (on the enlisted side that is).  If you do then good luck, and remember it is only what you make of it...if it sucks then your attitude sucks.\n\n\nAlso served in iraq, now in korea...and education is possible.  Dont listen to what the others say on that issue.  If you are willing to give up some of your "free-time" then you can do it.
876179
Depends on if it is in your own country.......to fight in the US Army 17 with parents permission to join the military other than that 18.
1176179
This question can probably go either way. It depends on many factors such as the branch of service they were trying to get back or go into. You would have less of a chance going into the Marines or the Air Force, but have a greater chance of getting into the Army. Then, it would also depend on the recruiter.
983238
This worked beautifully for me:  I joined the AF after 1 1/2 years of college - it was during Vietnam and I did consider the fact that I could be drafted and chose AF as best of service for me - because college felt like a continuation of HS and I was not challenged.  Joining AF was best thing I could do.  Loved the four years.  Trained as analyst and that helped my analytical thinking and assessments I would do in my career: Investigator.   When I discharged from AF I returned to college with renewed vigor.  Also, got GI bill that helped a lot.  Also, I was able to grow up during my AF years with so much responsibility and I saw most of the Far East, Washington DC and one year in Texas which I also loved.   Your situation seems a lot like mine was with the exception that you are not looking at the draft - at this time.   Good Luck.  Email me if you have other questions.
1186048
With your soul.\nJust kidding.  Are you thinking of the ROTC program?\nWith the ROTC the military will pay for your school which you attend before military service.  After completing your eduction you are then obligated to serve in the military for the number of years of you eduction.\nWith the GI Bill the Federal government will pay towards your college eduction after you have served in the military.\nThere are also programs to further your eduction while in active service.
552505
well brother, joining the army is a big deal. i myself joined the military but decided to go the navy route because they focus mostly on school, a career, and family. i met several army and marine hopefuls at MEPS. these kids (that's right KIDS) thought they were invincible. they couldn't wait to serve their country and blow sh*t up! has the thought of going to iraq crossed my mind, totally. but i have faith i will see the other end and take what i have learned from my future experience. if you have researched enough about that branch and you're confident that is your path, go for it.
827472
Joining the military is a very personal decision and nobody can make it for you.  When I joined everyone thought I was throwing my life away!!  Those ex-friends are now either college dropout or college graduates.  The funny thing is not a single one of them has a job.  Decide what you want to get out of the experience and go for it.  Many people, especially nowadays look very positively upon military experience.  \n\nYou are going to go to basic training and from what I can understand it is much easier now than it has ever been.  If you get Ft. Jackson don't forget to bring a teddy bear....j/k but that is the easiest of the basic training stations.  After basic you are going to go to AIT/school for whatever you decided you wanted to do in the military.  Then after that they ship you home and you drill once a month.  Not that big of a deal.\n\nFeel free to e-mail me if you need more specifics.  Stay strong and don't listen to anyone who has not served!!!  They are just giving you biased opinions based on experiences they have never had.  It is like a lawyer trying to do brain surgery, they are just not qualified and know nothing about it.