The Military and your experiences, opinions, thoughts, etc.

[OF 'til I OD]

I searched for a thread discussing the Military, and not much came up. I've been considering withdrawing from school (indefinitely or otherwise), and enlisting in a branch of the Military. I've done a bit of research on most all of them, and the one that strikes me the most would be the United States Coast Guard.

However, I've been advised to "ask around" and ask for other people's insight into the Military (any branch). I know the official sites are going to water things down, and show them through rose shaded glasses, hence me reaching for others opinions and experiences...or any relevant information, really.

I've people I can talk to in real life about these things, and I have been, but I don't see the harm in asking online, as well.

 

[LumpyCPU...]

well. 2 of my best friends joined the army about 2 years ago.
and as you can guess, they will make it sound like vacation.

in reality it all depends on your tolerance level for bull****.
you'll have to do a lot A LOT of menial and tedious tasks for reasons you will not agree with.

but if you're good with money, you'll come some.
and you'll come out with a head start on life.

 

[DARKALONDITE]

I'm against the military as a whole and I think some of the stuff I'm going to say is biased so....

If you're going to drop out of school, go to a technical school instead. From what I've heard, the military helps you as long as they can USE you. One injury or such and that's it.

 

[Jam Stunna]

It really depends on your motivations. If you're going to join because you think it will be easier than finishing college, then it's probably not going to work out too well for you.

If you're actually interested in the military as a long-term career path, I would strongly suggest that you finish college and become an officer. The benefits will be much greater in the long-term than being an enlisted person.

 

[LumpyCPU...]

well there are benefits to joining.
you just have to be able to deal with doing a lot of bull**** and getting lied to a lot.

and surprisingly, neither of my close friends have been ridiculously screwed over yet.
so who knows?

 

[Crimson King]

The only military experience I have is my friends who joined the Marine Corp. One pretty much was never the same after his stint in Iraq, became an alcoholic, and nearly died in a bar fight. The other is just totally different from when I knew him before.

 

[GoldShadow]

I know a number of people who are either in or have been in the military, including close family members (one in the army reserves, and one who was in the army a few years ago, among family members that is).

It's really, really not worth it if you are not strongly interested in serving your country and, like LumpyCPU said, putting up with bull****. You will probably be deployed somewhere in the middle east, perhaps multiple times. The military will control your life for a number of years and may send you anywhere at any time, multiple times. Keep that in mind. There are all the psychological issues that may come with it (like CK mentioned).

If you are okay with that, and serving sounds like something you strongly believe in, then it can be a very rewarding experience. But if you're just doing it because it sounds like a better option to finishing school, then I'd strongly advise against it.


Also, don't believe a word that comes out of the mouth of a military recruiter. There are few people that will lie as much as a military recruiter. It really is disgusting.

 

[M.K]

In my opinion, those who serve for this country are sacrificing a normal life to defend this country. It's honorable, but just completely detrimental to the rest of their lives. Many suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, and you will see some things that are just terrible.
Please don't drop out of school, it really helps. If it's problems with grades and such, just try to get some tutors.

 

[OF 'til I OD]

Well thanks for the input, everyone. I've already been in College (last year, 2 full semesters), and this year I had transferred to a smaller Technical college, and thought that would help. It really hasn't. I'm not sure where my demotivation stems from, but I feel like I'm just unhappy with my current place in life, and as though I'm wasting time and (more importantly?) money by continuing with School. I don't really like my current location (Wisconsin) or living conditions, and honestly...the quickest fix to these issues would seemingly be joining a branch of the Military.

By my joining, I wouldn't' be closing the doors on Education altogether, anyway. I wouldn't be signing my life away (initially ). If I didn't like the initial term, there's nothing stopping me from continuing my education afterward, or trying to find a civilian job. Granted, surviving a 4 year term is easier said than done, I'm sure.

I've always enjoyed traveling, and the waters have always fascinated me. In fact, I had a desire at a young age to become a Captain of a ship (whether Civilian or otherwise), and I've heard in some cases, it makes more sense to join the Navy or Coast Guard to attend some type of College if that's your desire.

Anyway, thanks for all insight, and concern.

 

[LumpyCPU...]

Well thanks for the input, everyone. I've already been in College, and this year I had transferred to a smaller Technical college, and thought that would help. It really hasn't. I'm not sure where my demotivation stems from, but I feel like I'm just unhappy with my current place in life, and as though I'm wasting time and (more importantly?) money by continuing with School.

By my joining, I wouldn't' be closing the doors on Education altogether, anyway. I wouldn't be signing my life away (initially ). If I didn't like the initial term, there's nothing stopping me from continuing my education afterward, or trying to find a civilian job. Granted, surviving a 4 year term is easier said than done, I'm sure.

I've always enjoyed traveling, and the waters have always fascinated me. In fact, I had a desire at a young age to become a Captain of a ship (whether Civilian or otherwise), and I've heard in some cases, it makes more sense to join the Navy or Coast Guard to attend some type of College if that's your desire.

Anyway, thanks for all insight, and concern.

NP champ. goodluck