<p>Hi… So i am thinking about joining air force rotc at UW madison if thats where i go in the fall. i think the air force would be a great experience for me and i know that i will only benefit from it… the only thing is i don’t know if i want to commision and actually be in the air foce. i am like 60% sure that is what i want but my only thing is like… 22 to 26 are really important years in a young person’s life… i want to be in the air force but i don’t know if i want to give up those years… can someone help me or just give me a different point of view because i am so torn… i know i obviously don’t have to decide now but… oh and i’m majoring in finance and information systems if that is relevant to anyone.</p>
<p>Not sure why you think that if you are in the Air Force when you are 22 to 26 years old that you will be “giving up those years”? What do you think you’d be doing as a civilian that would be less of a waste/loss? As you said…you don’t have to decide yet…you have a year in AFROTC without obligation. </p>
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Very true. So, just give it a try. No need to solve this in the abstract.</p>
<p>Personally, I think the military is a great first job out of college. They train you, and introduce you to true performance standards; both of which are rare in civilian careers.</p>
<p>I agree with both posts above. I’m going in AFROTC next fall as well. Testing it out is an important part, and you definitely should do it.</p>
<p>Especially for the AF, most commissions are active duty (AROTC allows NG or Reserves). That means 24/7/365, you are living and breathing the Air Force and military. If there is some doubt, you won’t be happy and you’re stuck there for four years. You pick some AFSCs (jobs) that you want, and then the AF will place you where it needs you. Some choice, but the needs of the military come first. All of this I have learned from some very experienced parents and cadets over at the Service Academy Forums, and from reading the AFROTC site. I don’t want to dissuade you from participating (i think I made this sound pretty intimidating) because it will be a fantastic experience I’m sure, but there are realities. Take this with a grain of salt, as I have yet to experience it for myself, and these are my opinions.</p>
<p>As for the 22-26 years, think of it this way: you could be working a low paying job at an entry level position filing papers and barely making rent OR you could be working in one of the most advanced career fields in the world, getting unparalleled leadership experience as a 2LT, paid healthcare and housing with a solid paycheck, and getting to see some exotic places around the world (depending on where you’re stationed 
). </p>