<p>I was wondering what some older folks, with more experience in the world might have to say on my situation.</p>
<p>I'm currently attending college in Southern California, enrolled in Army ROTC. The military has always been my life's goal, and I'm thrilled to be working towards my commission as a 2LT.</p>
<p>However, there are a few issues. First off, I'm not doing very well in college, I have a 2.5 GPA right now and frankly, I'm struggling to find motivation to finish school. </p>
<p>Finances are extremely tight for my family, and I was told that the only ROTC scholarship being offered to my school is for the Army National Guard- now, don't get me wrong, I have a ton of respect for the Guard/Reserves, but my dream is to go full-time (Active Duty). </p>
<p>Right now, I am strongly considering dropping out of college and enlisting in the Army as a Cavalry Scout, with the intention of finishing my degree later on. I'm hoping for some feedback and guidance from people who have kids in the same situation, or who have been in the same situation themselves.</p>
<p>If you are committed to a career in the military, it is perfectly fine to enlist at the end of this term. You will not be starting out as an officer, but the opportunity to move up will exist, and you may decide to do that in the future. Visit the recruiters of the various branches of the services and think about which is the better match for you.</p>
<p>Even if you decide not to enlist just yet, you should think about taking some time off from college and getting a job for a bit. Your grades are not very good right now, and until you find the internal motivation to put in the work, they won’t get better. In the long run, you will do better in your classes if you take a break, and go back when you really want to pursue your degree.</p>
<p>Years ago, after dropping in and out of 3 colleges, taking time off to work, etc., my brother enlisted in the army. Because he already had a lot of college credits, he was able to transfer INTO a ROTC program (at yet another university) and finish his degree (He did this as soon as he found out about this option–he wasn’t in the army very long–less than 2 years, I believe.) Anyway, he did finish his degree that way. Not sure if this could be an option for you or how many credits you have-- I think my brother had about 3 years of college before he enlisted. Perhaps you could enlist, then later transfer into another college that has the ROTC program you want. Anyway, you should talk to your advisor or recruiter about your options.</p>
<p>My S was NROTC. He has a friend who enlisted right out of h.s. and was a Navy diver for years. He applied for a NROTC scholarship and ended up at Penn State where he graduated/commissioned and is now a Navy officer. </p>
<p>You can take college classes online while enlisted but it takes a lot of discipline to do your job and classwork. You say you’re struggling academically. Could you change your major to something less strenuous? Could you transfer to another college where earning an AROTC scholarship might be possible?</p>