National Guard & Freshman Year

Parents Forum
1

<p>On a whim last week I filled out an application for the National Guard. I filled it out mostly because I was sick of hearing my mom complain about how much college is. I don't mean that in a negative way, I am SO greatful for her help. I just hate hearing about it daily. It makes me feel really bad. I am already taking out the max loan I was approved for and I have recieved close to 20,000 dollars in scholarship. So there really are no other options for me besides not going or changing schools; both of these options would upset my mom more then paying tuiton. </p>

<p>So I was feeling all "independent" and spent close to five hours filling out the form. Things have moved awfully fast since then and I am set to swear in late next week if all goes to plan (pass physical, get high enough test score for my MOS (aka job), etc). Now I am panicking. I've had a really rough summer. I've had to move hours away from my friends to help out family and it has been nothing short of a diaster. I am worried that in six months this could be a decision I'll really regret. Plus I am not the military "type", not that there really is a type, but... I am girly, bubbly/people orientated, love artistic things, shopping, goint out to eat, partying, working with children, plus I'm full of philosophies, principles, and dreams. I haven't worn tennis shoes in who knows how long (I am small though, barely am over their minimum weight requirement... aka weak). </p>

<p>On the other hand it could be a great thing for me and I'll never know until I try it. It could help me with self esteem (if I can make it in the military that means I can literally do anything haha) and motivation. I would learn and try things I'd never thought possible. The money is great and the job I'd get sounds fantastic for me/my personality. I'd get to travel. It only requires one weekend a month/two weeks a year (except for basic/mos training). I'd get in great shape and could travel often for free. It could also give me a leg up for my future dream career (government, CIA, or FBI). </p>

<p>Disadvantages: No long studying abroad, will miss a semester of sophomore year due to basic/training, an 8 year commitment, and I loose one weekend a month. It will be harder for me to go out of state for internships (most likely impossible), but I would be able to go out of state for law school possibly. It is also a huge adjustment ontop of starting a college where I know no one. </p>

<p>Other things I want to do in college: join a sorority, try out clubs, get a 4.0, hold leardship positions, work as a tour guide, travel.</p>

<p>I guess my main issue is if it is just fear holding me back or is this something I don't want to do? I am so confused. Plus I'd be so embarrased to back out. I have a great recruiter and a great job. I feel like every hour my feelings on the situation change. Advice would be really appreciated. I just need the opinion of people who have nothing to gain/lose in this situation! Along with any military experience/stories.</p>

2

<p>I know that there are great military families who can correct me if I am wrong, but I was under the impression that you do not get assigned the job until you pass all the tests. I know that several young people that went into the service were told by recruiter that they would be assigned Job A and ended up in a combat job due to the needs of the service at the time. Have you spoken to anyone besides your recruiter about the time commitments? Try to find someone from your school that is juggling these same demands. Joining a sorority is very time consuming during pledgeship, as is adjusting to a new school. Is there an ROTC unit on your campus? Perhaps instead of National Guard, you could try ROTC and come out an officer. You could even work as a military lawyer as a best-case scenario. Once you swear in, you have no choice, whereas with ROTC, you don’t make the commitment to serve as a freshman.
National Guard (and serving in general) is an honor and a privilege, but I believe that a person must really go into it with open eyes and a strong commitment to serve.</p>

3

<p>Sewlovely-Are you signing up for SMP
[Simultaneous</a> Membership Program | Enlistment Options | NATIONAL GUARD](<a href=“http://www.nationalguard.com/benefits/enlistment-options/simultaneous-membership-program]Simultaneous”>Army National Guard)</p>

<p>It offers great opportunities for paying for college. Yes, you are working a weekend a month and a month during the summer, but the benefits are great too. You have the option of staying with the National Guard or going Active Duty. Lots of options. </p>

<p>My suggestion is to ask lots of questions now, like you are doing. Here’s another good forum site to help answer questions:
[ROTC</a> - United States of America Service Academy Forums](<a href=“http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=27]ROTC”>http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=27)</p>

<p>There’s information in there about SMP–do a search. I think you will find lots of challenges and lots of rewards with National Guard. Just remember, you are signing up for military service, so be ready to serve.</p>

4

<p>Do you want to be in the military?
If the answer is not “Yes,” don’t join.</p>

<p>Usually, the people who are happy in the military are the ones who would have joined even without the great educational benefits, etc. If you are doing it just for the money, it is probably a poor choice.</p>

<p>Also, the Guard does deploy. Your unit and job will dictate where and how often, but it is still likely that you will deploy at some point. Don’t count on it JUST being 1 weekend a month and 2 weeks a year.</p>