<p>Making a long story short, I've pretty much lost any enthusiasm I've had for college. I guess I lost it somewhere during my the beginning of my Sophomore year. Last spring, I couldn't wait for the term to end and summer to start, I was counting down the days where I would be able to leave. </p>
<p>And no, I'm not bombing either, I've actually recieved great marks in most of the classes I've taken. The problem is that I've seem to lost the motivation to continue...you could say I'm partied out...</p>
<p>Anyways about a month ago; after receiving a sudden bout of inspiration from my brother who's former Navy and now works a job with a six figure salary, I began to consider the military. Cutting to the point, I went to the Air Force Recruiter, schelduled for an ASVAB, scored a 91 which qualifies me for any job in the AF, and now I'm wondering if I should call the recruiter to get scheduled to leave for MEPs. Now I actually did seriously consider joining the Air Force right out of High School, but I bowed to parental pressure and went to college instead. </p>
<p>My parents are surprisingly supportive of the possiblity of me enlisting in the AF, maybe they think I'm not serious about enlisting. Though I can tell, they would rather much prefer it if I finish the 2-3 years I have left and get my Business degree. </p>
<p>I have until the 26th to decide, but I'm leaning towards enlisting since this is something I wanted to do since I was little. So the question for parents here; what advice would you give your kids in this situation? I've been debating the question of whether to finish up college or just enlist constantly for a week now. </p>
<p>Oh and if anyone has any experience with the Air Force, feel free to share.</p>
<p>Not the best of reasons to leave college imo. Another idea would be to reform yourself, reduce the partying, take on more or harder classes, choose classes with an eye towards a military career, get more involved on campus, do volunteer work, etc. In other words, make more of your college experience, make it more meaningful.</p>
<p>You can always join the military, but you may not always be in a position to finish college. Those Air Force jobs are great, and I mean that sincerely, but they will be there in two years. </p>
<p>Does your school have ROTC? Perhaps you can formally or informally become a part of an AFROTC unit.</p>
<p>What I mean by partied out is that I feel like I'm not accomplishing anything worthwhile by being here. I go through my classes to acheive a grade I find to be satisfactory, and then repeat the process all over again the next quarter. </p>
<p>I'll be a junior this Fall, I don't know if I still qualify for AFROTC since I think you have to start as a freshman or Sophomore, and I'm pretty sure I've already missed the deadline to apply for ROTC.</p>
<p>If you are seriously considering enlisting, it's negotiation time. Keep in mind that, once you're in, they don't have to keep any promises that aren't in your contract. Read that contract carefully.</p>
<p>and then consider Navy! Hey, sounds like you have wanted to do this for sometime, you have a brother who did military service, you have made the investigation. Know what the options are, get a good contract and good luck to you.</p>
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what else are you hoping to do besides learn in college?
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<p>If you can call General Ed classes "learning".</p>
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and then consider Navy! Hey, sounds like you have wanted to do this for sometime, you have a brother who did military service, you have made the investigation. Know what the options are, get a good contract and good luck to you.
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If you are seriously considering enlisting, it's negotiation time. Keep in mind that, once you're in, they don't have to keep any promises that aren't in your contract. Read that contract carefully.
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<p>I did consider the Navy, but the thought of spending a few weeks on a ship that's mostly male somehow doesn't appeal to me. I intend to get my preferred job written in the contract, if I do end up enlisting.</p>
<p>In the present climate I would recommend you stay away from the military....</p>
<p>Iran is coming up and Iraq is getting worse and worse. Just stay out of it.</p>
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If you can call General Ed classes "learning".
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<p>If your not happy with the "business" that is called "college" then dropout, no shame in that.</p>
<p>Ask your parents if you can get your college tuition in cash and learn how to invest in the stock market. Make some money then start a business.</p>
<p>The military is a fine career choice for many young men and women. One thing to consider is enrolling in an Air Force ROTC program. Two of my friends have children who are commissioned Air Force officers and are leading a fullfilling life as pilots, one fighter jet the other helicoptors.</p>
<p>Enlist with your eyes wide open. We are heading toward greater regional conflict in the ME. If being involved in that conflict sounds better than boring classes at college, think beyond today. And be certain to look at your decision, through the lens of the current and potential wars; do a risk/benefit analysis!</p>
<p>I know two young men who enlisted in the AF and one in AFROTC who intends to make himself a military career. All have very different personalities and academic abilities. They are happy training and working in the areas they chose. However, one is working in Afghanistan, which is certainly dangerous duty.</p>
<p>Personally, I think that AF is probably one of the safer (?) branches of the military in that most of them won't ever be involved in any ground combat.</p>
<p>The one guy who dropped out of college and enlisted has been in for a while. He now thinks he may take advantage of the AF's offer to pay for college classes. For him, I think it was just a matter of timing and direction.</p>
<p>Military isn't for everybody, just as college isn't for everybody. Of the guys I know, one is a college graduate, one dropped out of college to join and the career guy is in AFROTC while studying physics. If you join, I think you should make that decision separately from deciding whether college is right for you. You might be in the wrong major, or you might want to consider other options such as apprenticing youself to a master tradesman (carpenter, electrician, plumber, etc).</p>
<p>As a veteran, I can speak from some experience.</p>
<p>First, the situation is worse than DMD77 said. They don't have to keep promises even if they are in the contract. So you are ultimately at the mercy of the organization.</p>
<p>Second, you will be giving up a number of freedoms we civilians take for granted, such as freedom of speech.</p>
<p>Third, the mission ALWAYS comes first. That means if it takes you sleeping in dirt for a few weeks, OK. Give up your meals? OK. Your life? OK. </p>
<p>You may have the adventure of your life. Some people do. And you could be stuck on an airbase in North Dakota for two years. Or worse.</p>
<p>Have you considered that you might be in the wrong college major? It sounds like you are not excited about what you are learning. Or, as one poster pointed out, you may need some good extracurriculars to give your life meaning.</p>
<p>GTA, I would recommend you fully explore your options for finishing college first. That's the advice I'd give my kids. My brother signed up for the navy while a college student; can't remember, but I think he was a sophomore. He completed an AeroE degree before becoming an officer and a gentleman pilot. In general, there's a world of difference between officers and enlisted in the military. His S graduated from the AF Academy and is now an intel officer, was in Baghdad for a while last year. (And yes, the whole family, including my brother, was worried sick about him over there. That's all I'll say on that subject.) He truly loves the AF and has found his niche, but it's obviously not for everyone. </p>
<p>Again--if this is what you feel you must do and have been toying with the idea since childhood, I recommend you give it another two years and finish college first. The military is a vocation, not a vacation from college. Best wishes on your decision, and thank you for thinking about serving.</p>
<p>You sound like my husband. He dropped out after his freshman year of college to join the AF (during Vietnam), spent 4 years as an electronic technician (2 in Tokyo), then returned to finish his BS on the GI Bill. It seemed to be something he had to get out of his system too. At this point you have to decide whether to stick out the remaining years of college and become an officer, or enlist. I can see advantages to both approaches. I'd spend whatever time it takes to talk with the recruiter to make sure you get into the field you want, but having high scores should enable you to focus on what you want. Good luck!</p>
<p>You can still enroll in AFROTC, but your chances of getting scholarship money are reduced vs. freshmen. What kind of job are you looking at? Enlisting is a great way to get "hands on" type jobs (or office jobs if that's your thing), while commissioning as an officer opens up pilot possitions and managerial/supervisory roles.</p>
<p>If you are looking at the AF as a career, consider what kind of job you want when deciding to go AFROTC or enlist. If you are looking for a change and a way to serve/grow, then enlisting might be a great way to do that.</p>
<p>One of my parent's friends decided to join the Marines (years ago). He said that the experience helped him to ID his skills and career desires. He went on to become a very successful businessman at IBM. </p>
<p>I am at the Air Force Academy now, and am trying to qualify for a pilot slot upon graduation. From what I've seen, the AF has a great many opportunities, if you take advantage of them.</p>
<p>I'll add my 2 cents as a career AF man and former AFROTC instructor. Go ahead and at least talk to your school's AFROTC unit. It sounds like you are bored with school. AFROTC is anything but boring. If you can get in ROTC, do it and you might be surprised how much you like it. If not, enlisting is not a bad option. Many kids your age are just not ready for college. However, DO finish your college degree at some point. Enlisting might be a good time to take a "time out" on college and go see the world, do something different for awhile. However, keep completing your degree as a long term goal. My nephew dropped out of college and joined the Navy. He just returned from 1yr in Iraq. He is looking to go back to school once his enlistment is up in 18 months. I loved the AF tremendously and have not regretted one minute of my 20yr career.</p>
<p>Well, I know a lot of people think it's just wonderful when a kid decides to join the military; frankly, I think you'd have to be completely out of your mind to join today. I honestly don't look at people who do something like this as wonderful patriots; my immediate thought is-- they must be really stupid, or possibly brain-dead. Given where our military presence is right now, you'd be really very fortunate if you ended up "stuck on an airbase in North Dakota for two years." I'd suggest finishing school first, and reconsider after graduation. My 2 cents.</p>