I have been interested in joining the military since I was a kid and I am still kind of kicking around the idea. I am 20 years old and have a full ride to college, as well as 2 full-time jobs. The thing that is keeping me from joining is the fact that I seem to have everything set for myself already- school, work, etc., but to be honest, I did not work for any of it. I am just one of those people that skips half of his classes and still keeps a 4.0 GPA. It's not like I go out and drink every night and skip class because I have a hangover- I mostly skip either to go to work or because I am so exhausted from work the night before. But, still I don't even respect myself because I just don't try at anything and I'm afraid that once I graduate I won't be able to reach my full potential. I have seen what kind of a change the military can make in people's lives, and I am thinking that it could do the same for me.


So... should I look further into service (the marines have a program where I can train in the summers and get commissioned as an officer after graduation)... or do I have enough going for me and I should just continue to coast along through life?

 

if u want a life changing experience. enlist today

 

Yeah, but that's the question- do I? I know a lot of people who would kill to be in my position. I have a full ride, two great jobs, my own company, and I am building my own house right now. I can't decide if the change that I will undergo will make up for the time I will lose in the process.

 

most people join the military/navy TO GO TO COLLEGE

Not sure what your plan is.

 

if you're spoiled for most of your life.. joining the military is also a good change.. no mommy/daddy to get things done for u

 

The military will provide a wealth of new opportunities. However, it won't necessarily turn someone from a slacker to a "high-speed, motivated individual". I saw more slackers in the Army that in corporate America. The branch I was in, I likened to a big social welfare system.

IMO, if you are going to join a service, join the Air Force. Unless you really want to sleep in mud, cold, wet, etc.

 

We don't sleep in the mud/cold/wet in the Coast Guard either

If you're going to join the military, do it because you have a desire to serve your country and take part in something for the greater good. Although there are many programs that allow you to use military benefits to get a college education while you are in and after you get out, if you already have that, those programs will not motivate you.

What the military offers (especially the Coast Guard) is the opportunity to have rewarding, unique, and challenging jobs at young age. I have chase cocaine smugglers in the Caribbean, rescued people floating on rafts, and searched a sinking freighter for survivors. You don't get to do those kinds of things working for corporate America.

I'm 24, and my current job is as Commanding Officer of an 87 foot Coast Guard cutter. Needless to say it's an awesome job. Here are some photos taken as I was escorting cruise ships into Jacksonville before the Super Bowl:

 

Try to get into a top medical or law school. Nothing will say more about your intellect than being enrolled in Harvard law or the like in my opinion.

I don't mean this to be offensive as I respect the armed services, but anyone can enlist in the army, navy, etc. Not anyone can go to Yale or Harvard law or med school.

 

Don't sign unless you are totally committed. It ain't a boys-school.
My time in the USN was invaluable.

If you have any doubts...don't do it.

 

Actually no, most teen(ish) movie stars are able to go to Harvard, Yale, Emory etc because they have loads of cash. Everyone has a price.