I am ENTERTAINING of the thought of joining the military. (BUT AM NOT SURE) and I go to UMD. I was accepted into a 2 year program then transferred into a four year program at UMD. I am currently in the 4 year program though but if I would join the military would I still be in UMD or would I have to reapply?
How would this work?
Any veterans?
Thx
Are you thinking about enlisting? Or doing something like National Guard? I think if you enlist you will probably have to withdraw since it will be a multiyear commitment with the military, and you would have to do something to get back if you specifically want that particular school. But, it’s best to check with the school.
Another option may be ROTC.
what about the 2 year enlistment the army offers assuming that contract is still valid. would I have to reapply then? or could I use it as like a “gap year”
Many schools, if not all, allow a leave of absence for military or missionary service. You also may be able to keep FA or scholarships.
Ask your school and see what the options are. That will be necessary to guide your decision making.
What is your goal in the military?
To get GI Bill money?
To serve your country?
To become an officer?
Well can I do school while in the military?
I like the job opportunities the military provides. Also, I am very dependent on my parents for everything and feel like I am 5 lol.
I do not have the job skills to support myself looking past college. (my parents are in the boomer generation and got a surge of wealth after WWII, however the economy is not good compared to the boomer’s generation and it is going to be very difficult to support myself).
The military will pay for food, healthcare, and shelter but will teach me job skills.Plus my grades are good but due to executive functioning it takes me 10x longer to do basic tasks lol and have 0 social life or job lol due to this (my entire weekend is homework for 12+ hours straight lol due to this however I do have something to show for it with decent grades). (i have been diagnosed by a doctor and am not making this up)
Plus my grandparents have a long military history and would want to defend my country.
Can I gain benefit from the GI bill (my parents are paying for my college though)
I would consider looking into ROTC while at college…then you can join the military as an officer when you graduate.
or you could finish college and go to Office Candidate school.
Or look into the NUPOC Navy Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC
https://nupocaccessions.blogspot.com/2016/05/should-i-join-nupoc-program-is-nupoc.html
“This site is a resource for college students or graduates who are considering the Navy Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) program. NUPOC pays qualified students a salary and bonus to complete their degree, at which point they are commissioned as Naval Officers and go on to work in one of five distinct and challenging roles: Nuclear Submarine Officer, Nuclear Surface Warfare Officer, Nuclear Power School Instructor, Nuclear Prototype Instructor, and Naval Reactors Engineer”
On the other hand, if you are diagnosed iwth an Executive Functioning disorder you may not be able to be an officer or join the military.
for real if I have executive functioning that would disqualify me from the military? What are alternatives with somewhat similar benefits of the military?
I am thinking of the army. can you still work on your degree while in the army and eventually become an officer? I don’t know how the military really works but am thinking about it.
I am the spouse of a retired Army officer. You are asking questions on this forum that are more appropriate to ask to 1) your school - with regards to the leave of absence and 2) any Army recruiter. Don’t be afraid to talk to one of them - they won’t twist your arm into signing anything when you walk through the door. Just write down all your questions and ask them all. Leave and go back with more questions as many times as needed. Take someone with you if you are nervous.
Yes, there are many conditions that “automatically” disqualify someone from enlisting in the military. However, there are also exceptions granted in many cases (I know because my spouse was a case like that although with a physical issue).
And yes, serving in order to receive the GI Bill is a great way to pay for more education down the line. However, to get full benefits you have to serve four years total outside of any other commitments (which it doesn’t sound like you have).
And yes, you can also still go to school while on active duty. The military is very proactive with that. Night and online classes are available pretty much anywhere you are stationed, and remember if you enlist you will receive training in a specialized field that you can transfer back to the civilian world easily.
If you are already three years into your college journey ROTC may no longer be an option. I don’t know for sure, but I suspect that you would not be able to complete the required ROTC classes by graduation.
Good luck!