<p>My son just got offered an AF ROTC scholarship. He plans to major in chemsitry. He definately wants the military structure, but he isn’t interested in sitting behind a desk. He wasnt to be hands on in the chemistry field when he finishes school. Does anyone know what the odds are of him having a technical job vs. an admin one as an officer?</p>
<p>Thanks to all who responded; here are some random thoughts on the posts:</p>
<p>He has sworn into the Army, no changing that.</p>
<p>I am happy to hear that my son is able to take college courses while in the military. Desertice, you were very helpful as you are on “the other end” at age 23, while my son just turned 18! I told Zack about your mention of the back & knees as he headed off to charge down the beach loaded with sandbags yesterday.</p>
<p>I am curious what the first course choices soldiers can take while enlisted? </p>
<p>My son won’t sit behind a desk for life no matter what route he takes; he is too active.</p>
<p>As for the video games, he does play COD but not as often as NBA, NFL, FIFA soccer, tennis, NHL. <em>This is why I always thought he would major in sports management in college.</em></p>
<p>Could it be his avid interest in movies? Spartacus?!</p>
<p>Somehow, his athleticism (varsity LAX, basketball & soccer, interest in tennis, golf, Little League LF, tubing, boating, skiing, snowboarding, mixed martial arts) has resulted in military endeavors:( </p>
<p>Just wish he was going in as an O1 after college instead of an E1…ah well…I’m just the mom!</p>
<p>nicole1500, my Navy S’s friend went in as E1 and served as Navy diver for several years then applied and was granted a NROTC scholarship. He was in his mid-twenties by then. He graduated from Penn State. Also he was married and had a child (and a had a second child later) when he got the NROTC scholarship and still made it through. Then he passed on his GI Bill benefits to his wife who went to Penn State and graduated with a nursing degree while he was off in EOD school. </p>
<p>This man was my S’s friend/roommate throughout EOD school. They now both serve as Navy Spec. Ops Officers. S1 was really impressed with his friend’s drive and committment to his goal of becoming an officer.<br>
So it really does happen in real life…just different paths for different folks.
Best of luck to your S.</p>
<p>“I am curious what the first course choices soldiers can take while enlisted?”</p>
<p>nicole, you and he don’t have to figure this all out by yourselves. Many bases have education offices that will help him figure out what sort of classes and degrees to take. Many will offer on base degree programs, from reputable colleges. They are very acommodating to military personnel’s schedules, making classes available at night and knowing that people might miss plenty of classes.</p>
<p>I know some think it is an impossibility to get a degree in a reasonable amount of time when you are in the military, and that is true if one is constantly deployed. But for a motivated person, it can be done easily. Plus the on base degree programs may offer credit for military experience. I got a masters degree on base, plus had time to take classes from a major university off base. The education office is very helpful.</p>
<p>Tuition Assistance may be of interest to him, in pursuing classes.</p>
<p>Update: my S goes off to US Army boot camp 1 July at noon prompt…prayer chains welcome!!!</p>
<p>One percent of the U.S. population serves in the military. I hope the very best for him. My son’s roommate ( and I may have mentioned this earlier in the thread) in college for the first semester enlisted over Christmas break. He has finished his initial training and according to his mother, he is quite happy with his decision. Be strong, nicole1500.</p>
<p>I will be thinking of you Nicole1500/ Since the infantry spots were filled what became of Plan B, C or D?</p>
<p>Parental pressure and expectations are the way to destroy a young person’s life.</p>
<p>I hope he does not follow my path.</p>
<p>I’ll be praying for him. Keep us posted.</p>
<p>Please give my sincere thanks to your son for being willing to serve. My thanks as well to you and your family for serving as a military family.</p>
<p>Best of luck to your S nicole1500. Keep us posted on his progress.</p>
<p>I got the first letter from my son! He says its the hardest thing he’s ever done, but also the best decision he has ever made…He may go into artillery as all his other options are “sold out.”</p>
<p>Thanks for your thoughts and or prayers!</p>
<p>Good luck to you, nicole. I hope everything works out better than you could have ever imagined for your son.</p>
<p>These words, “He says its the hardest thing he’s ever done, but also the best decision he has ever made,” are really magic to one’s ears. How can you beat that? Those are the things that last in life.</p>
<p>Fun to update my post of angst! S1 graduated from Basic Training in Ft Jackson, SC in Sept & went off to training in Ft Sill, OK. He says its the hardest thing he’s ever done & the food is horrible, especially with no perishables being delivered due to govt. shut down. He did not find a brotherhood f friends at Jackson, but has at Sill…I think they all come rom such different walks of life and are kept up all night and work out so hard during the day. He just found out his station will be near Honolulu in HI & will be deployed at some point, God knows where. He is happy to be able to watch the football games at the rec center & use his phone now!!! Prayers please…</p>