What are My Possible Career Options with International Relations, Law, and Army ROTC?

Hi,

I suppose you could call me a rather ambitious but optimistic person. I’d reckon I’m probably choosing a more unique path than most in this field. After I graduate high school, I will be going to study International Relations for a Bachelors at American University while concurrently enrolled in Army ROTC. As an ROTC Cadet, I intend to study a critical language for the military and achieve fluency in Russian; eventually carving a path to become a Foreign Areas Officer (FAO). Ideally, I’d like to serve my 8 year service commitment with 3 years of Active Duty service and 5 years in the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR). While in the IRR, I’m possibly thinking about going to graduate school here at American University, and pursuing a “Dual-Degree” offered here to simultaneously obtain both a Masters in International Affairs and JD Degree - hopefully paving me another path if I choose to get into international law.

I’m well aware that my plans can be likely shaken up at any given moment in time, and I’m willing to accept that fact. However, knowing my love for world affairs and conflict… whether it’s the military, politics, foreign affairs, or international policy, I’d like a pathway that can get me into that field, and so far this is the plan I have mapped out.

If there is anyone here who could perhaps give me some pointers to help steer me in the right direction, you’d really be doing a blessing for someone who’s looking for the best way to fulfill such ambitions.

Cheers!

Law school is extremely expensive. It is valuable only if it will further your career in a way that will pay for it (unless the Army will pay, which I understand is a complicated process).

Law school is really only useful in becoming a lawyer, a career path I note that you do not list. I’m not aware of the job requirements of FAOs. Is being a lawyer one of them? If not, I’d stay away from law school until you 1. have a better grasp on what you want to do; and 2. decide that what you want to do is law.