I desperately need some help

Colleges & Universities A-Z Military Academy - West Point
1

<p>I've always wanted to join the military. I can't explain it, but there's something drawing me in that I can't stay away from. It's a shame I chose not to go to an academy.</p>

<p>Basically I'm 18 years old and started my freshman year of college at MSOE roughly 6 weeks ago. I've tried talking to numerous people about what to do with possible ROTC or academy education paths, and being completely discouraged, I chose not to take any action and just go to college and figure it all out later (my high school counselors were horrible, gave me no help, lied through their teeth on numerous things, and basically screwed up my life).</p>

<p>So now I have a dilemma. MSOE is an excellent school, but it's not as involved as I'd like. I'm paying so much money per year, and I feel as though I'm not being challenged enough. It's not the concepts of the school, just how it's presented. If I went to, say West Point, I'd have a 100% full immersion to the military, rather than my 2 hour a week ROTC deal I will be starting next quarter.</p>

<p>Plus, the academy would give me a full scholarship, and since I didn't attend there in the first place, or the ROTC out of high school, I won't recieve a full scholarship. The AFROTC offers me $15,000 a year, which for a 4 year commitment seems like a waste.</p>

<p>I've always been interested in computers and weaponry. My goal was to design and test weapons for the united states military. I was told the Air Force was the way to go, but now I'm confused on what action to take.</p>

<p>Do I finish up my year here, waste it, and then attend the required 4 years at the Air Force Academy? Do I take up the AFROTC, accept their capped scholarship, and then try to pursue my weapon field? Do I not do it at all and go for a job?</p>

<p>I'm also into martial arts, and if this AFROTC thing will interfere with my training (because I have to attend the required training sessions), I will also be angry.</p>

<p>Can someone please help me; I'm completely encapsulated in my frustration and can't get out.</p>

<p>Thanks,</p>

<p>Jason</p>

2

<p>And I'm thinking... is any academy what I'm experiencing in college? Is it basically the same thing (free time wise), but has you do mandatory physical fitness, just as I could do on my own at college here?</p>

<p>What I mean is, I feel as though college right now isn't as time consuming as it should be. I hate waiting and not being able to better myself because classes aren't going as fast as I'd like. </p>

<p>Basically if I could graduate in 2 years and totally load myself with courses, I"d do it. I hate knowing I"m spending over 800 dollars a week here to go through routine things that don't make me any smarter.</p>

3

<p>Hey man, before you go asking lots of basic questions about the academy, I strongly suggest to go to <a href="http://www.usma.edu%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.usma.edu&lt;/a> and just immerse yourself in what West Point is about (or usna.edu or usafa.edu). Also, peruse the archives of this forum for the more basic stuff.</p>

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<p>I have checked the website and browsed the forums. I just need some insight on what I have said from people who have been there.</p>

5

<p>I think what you are describing is a civilian job, not a military one, namely contracting. Of course being in the military would help you in that career, but it'll take more than that to be working a military contracting company. Attending a rigorous mechanical engineering college is really key here. Just thought I'd point you in the direction you are subcontiously thinking of.</p>

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<p>Well, going to an academy would guarantee interrupting your martial arts training schedule.</p>

<p>(Not having gone to a civilian college) I would think that there is less free time here. We have academic, military, and physical requirements. It is not just academics with workouts on the side. Each upperclassman has some sort of job within their squadron or higher. Freshman have quite a few tasks to perform also.</p>

<p>You might want to become a contractor, as ironjohn1989 suggested. They have a better chance of doing what you want to do. If you do AFROTC, remember, the resulting occupation is the same as a graduate from the academy.</p>

<p>As for boring classes, just live with it, it is freshman year. Some core classes are just that way.</p>

7

<p>
[quote]
As for boring classes, just live with it, it is freshman year. Some core classes are just that way.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>In other words: "Suck it up." :D</p>

8

<p>I know lots of people in "regular colleges." Freetime is not the same. If you want full immersion, you will get it here, but I wouldn't wish it on anyone who didn't REALLY want that commission. Plebe life isn't fun for most of us. You may have no tuition, but you might as well have a full time job. You will NOT be bored...</p>

<p>Let me give you an example. I am taking pretty easy classes, but I am not doing well in them because there is always so much going on. The other day I slept through a WPR on a subject that I could have anwered in high school off the top of my head with no difficulty. Its not going to be easy, and you will feel bored...but not bored...its complicated.</p>