Military Service

Matt Young

Matt Young

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I've been contacted by pretty much every branch of the military since graduating high school in 2002. I never wanted to serve, save for the fall of 2004 when I was at a crossroads and considered going into the Army after a recruiter stopped me on the street one day. I'm not the slightest bit patriotic, nor am I too fond of being yelled at a lot, so I never gave it serious consideration aside from that time.

Recently, I have begun to consider my options once again. I'm not very well off financially, and the main reason I am considering this as a possibility is to get money for college. I am incredibly intelligent and gifted academically (although I sometimes lack common sense) and I desperately want to attend college or university. I know I can succeed if given an opportunity.

The Navy seems to be the branch that would be best for me, for a variety of reasons. At first, I thought about serving full time, since I love to travel. I talked to my stepdad about it after the fact. He served for 4 years. He said he had a lot of fun and it was constant partying. I'm sure he was exaggerating a bit, but he says he had a good time. Then again, he is also an uptight asshole who I have nothing in common with.

I decided that, if I am to join, the Reserves would be best for me. I'd go through basic, maybe tech school,and then be able to live my life however I choose for the most part, which is what I really want.

The problem is, I keep changing my mind. One minute, I'm gung-ho about enlisting... The next, I think it would be suicide. I honestly don't know what I want to do. A recruiter came by today (I don't know why he didn't just call me) and set up an appointment for tomorrow afternoon. I hope to learn more then, but I know firsthand that recruiters can and often do lie and sugarcoat things in order to get people to join.

How many of you have been in the military and/or the reserves, and would like to share information and stories to better prepare me to make the right decision?
 
[quote name='Stice']I don't know much about the military, but have you looked into financial aid (fafsa.ed.gov) to pay for college?[/QUOTE]
Fo' reals. Free money is better than getting blowed up for money.
 
[quote name='Matt Young']I've been contacted by pretty much every branch of the military since graduating high school in 2002. I never wanted to serve, save for the fall of 2004 when I was at a crossroads and considered going into the Army after a recruiter stopped me on the street one day. I'm not the slightest bit patriotic, nor am I too fond of being yelled at a lot, so I never gave it serious consideration aside from that time.

Recently, I have begun to consider my options once again. I'm not very well off financially, and the main reason I am considering this as a possibility is to get money for college. I am incredibly intelligent and gifted academically (although I sometimes lack common sense) and I desperately want to attend college or university. I know I can succeed if given an opportunity.

The Navy seems to be the branch that would be best for me, for a variety of reasons. At first, I thought about serving full time, since I love to travel. I talked to my stepdad about it after the fact. He served for 4 years. He said he had a lot of fun and it was constant partying. I'm sure he was exaggerating a bit, but he says he had a good time. Then again, he is also an uptight asshole who I have nothing in common with.

I decided that, if I am to join, the Reserves would be best for me. I'd go through basic, maybe tech school,and then be able to live my life however I choose for the most part, which is what I really want.

The problem is, I keep changing my mind. One minute, I'm gung-ho about enlisting... The next, I think it would be suicide. I honestly don't know what I want to do. A recruiter came by today (I don't know why he didn't just call me) and set up an appointment for tomorrow afternoon. I hope to learn more then, but I know firsthand that recruiters can and often do lie and sugarcoat things in order to get people to join.

How many of you have been in the military and/or the reserves, and would like to share information and stories to better prepare me to make the right decision?[/QUOTE]

My brother joined the Navy Seabees as a reserve a few years ago and is now serving over there, so don't go into the reserves thinking there's no chance you're getting shipped out. But for all the training he did, he loved every minute of it. They were down in Louisiana twice a year and parties for an entire week.
 
[quote name='Stice']I don't know much about the military, but have you looked into financial aid (fafsa.ed.gov) to pay for college?[/QUOTE]
It doesn't pay enough, not nearly enough. I'm weighing my options, but I'm leaning towards financially crippling student loans. You don't have to start paying them off until after you graduate, but if you don't have a job the day you graduate, you're screwed.

Theres also going to a cheaper 2 year school, then transfering to a more expensive 4 year school for the final 2 years, which could save a little money.

Aim High, Chair Force. You're less likely to be deployed in a combat zone, or overseas, in the Air Force.
 
[quote name='dafoomie']It doesn't pay enough, not nearly enough. I'm weighing my options, but I'm leaning towards financially crippling student loans. You don't have to start paying them off until after you graduate, but if you don't have a job the day you graduate, you're screwed.

Theres also going to a cheaper 2 year school, then transfering to a more expensive 4 year school for the final 2 years, which could save a little money.[/QUOTE]
You can get decent money from FAFSA if you remember to file early. It gets tapped out fairly quickly. But add in scholarships, which if he's as smart as he says he should be able to get (and don't just for for big ones; lots of area businesses offer smaller scholarships that can really add up) and he can keep loans under control.

edit: and be sure to check into your employer for stuff. A classmate of mine works weekends at a burger chain which has a renewable scholarship for employees for $1300 per semester.
 
Actually, my financial aid pays for all my tuition and books, and that's without loans. But I go to San Jose State, and the tuition is lower than most other colleges (the tuition was around 1.2k in 2003, but is now 1.7k).
 
[quote name='jmcc']You can get decent money from FAFSA if you remember to file early. It gets tapped out fairly quickly. But add in scholarships, which if he's as smart as he says he should be able to get (and don't just for for big ones; lots of area businesses offer smaller scholarships that can really add up) and he can keep loans under control.[/QUOTE]
I've gone the FAFSA route before, its not enough. I had to leave school and start working to pay off the remaining tuition.

You have to consider the rediculously high tuition costs of the Boston area. Its pretty bad in most of California, too.

That San Jose state tuition is pretty cheap... 2k won't cover a community college here.
 
my friend is in the navy, said its a piece of cake. he's been stationed in korea & japan. he's an MP. think of the games you can get before we do, in japan. after he gets out, he's going to college.

an article in the new rolling stone, talks about the new deficit reduction act of 05, and how they are screwing middle & low class people. in the act, congress will raise the interest rate from a lower variable to a high fixed rate on student loans. and thats already in addition to public universities raising tution to as high as 40%.
 
You can party in college, too, plus you're odds of getting killed are MUCH lower. Lots of people also get part-time jobs in college and the summer to help pay for college. Stick with a state school, and it'll be much cheaper. And you WILL get deployed to Iraq even in the reserves. If you're seriously thinking of doing it, have your family start saving up for body armor awhile since the military isn't providing it.

BTW - recruiters will lie their ass off and say anything you want to hear just to get you to sign those papers. Be wary at any appointment they may set up with you, and don't be afraid to get up and leave. It's your life.
 
[quote name='E-Z-B']You can party in college, too, plus you're odds of getting killed are MUCH lower. Lots of people also get part-time jobs in college and the summer to help pay for college. Stick with a state school, and it'll be much cheaper. And you WILL get deployed to Iraq even in the reserves. If you're seriously thinking of doing it, have your family start saving up for body armor awhile since the military isn't providing it. [/QUOTE]

The armor thing may not be a good idea.

Several soldiers in Iraq were told that if they were using their own armor and were KIA their family may not get the $400k SGLI life insurance policy

just be careful what they buy you
 
[quote name='dafoomie']It doesn't pay enough, not nearly enough. I'm weighing my options, but I'm leaning towards financially crippling student loans. You don't have to start paying them off until after you graduate, but if you don't have a job the day you graduate, you're screwed.

Theres also going to a cheaper 2 year school, then transfering to a more expensive 4 year school for the final 2 years, which could save a little money.

Aim High, Chair Force. You're less likely to be deployed in a combat zone, or overseas, in the Air Force.[/QUOTE]

If you look at those years spent in the military as an opportunity cost, and figure that you can get a degree and start making at least $30K a year upon graduation from college. Then figure you get the experience of having that job too. Now take a look at your loans, we'll say for me it's gonna be around $20,000-25,000. This is all money that I'll be able to repay much faster with a degree than spending years of my life in the military, plus I'll be getting far more valuable job experience.
 
[quote name='Zenithian Legend']If you look at those years spent in the military as an opportunity cost, and figure that you can get a degree and start making at least $30K a year upon graduation from college. Then figure you get the experience of having that job too. Now take a look at your loans, we'll say for me it's gonna be around $20,000-25,000. This is all money that I'll be able to repay much faster with a degree than spending years of my life in the military, plus I'll be getting far more valuable job experience.[/QUOTE]

The stories you'll have from the military for the rest of your life: Priceless.
 
[quote name='Zenithian Legend']If you look at those years spent in the military as an opportunity cost, and figure that you can get a degree and start making at least $30K a year upon graduation from college. Then figure you get the experience of having that job too. Now take a look at your loans, we'll say for me it's gonna be around $20,000-25,000. This is all money that I'll be able to repay much faster with a degree than spending years of my life in the military, plus I'll be getting far more valuable job experience.[/QUOTE]
You have to keep in mind that you're getting paid while you're in the military, around 15k/year, and room and board are free. Plus, you're trained and getting experience in a field, hopefully the field you want to be in after you leave.

It really depends on your ability to pay or secure loans for college, and how much you'd make after you graduate, to decide if its worth it for you or not. If you have no ability to pay for college, then obviously the military route is better than nothing. But, if you can afford to go to school without too much trouble, then financially its probably not worth it.
 
The government lures young men in to becoming disposable soldiers of war with promises of money, cars and pussy.

You have a girlfriend, too. Don't do it.
 
[quote name='Brak']The government lures young men in to becoming disposable soldiers of war with promises of money, cars and pussy.

You have a girlfriend, too. Don't do it.[/QUOTE]

The money and pussy are definitely perks of being in the military, though.
 
It probably depends on what kind of job you can get in the military. One of my best friends joined the Air Force after finishing pre-med at a very expensive college. He ended up being a navigator for a C-130 crew making great money. He worked in all kinds of places. From living in a tent in Kyrgyzstan for 9 months to living in Japan for a year and loving it. If your as smart as you think you are ask these recruiters about taking tests for different positions. Keep in mind certain positions require longer commitments to service. My friend signed for 8 years because he passed the pilots exam and wanted to keep that avenue open.
 
Thanks for the opinions so far. I was hoping to hear from more people with experience, but I appreciate everyone's individual viewpoints.

As for the money, pussy, etc.... Money, I need, mainly for college as I said. Pussy is a non-factor because I am engaged, heh.

In regards to the tests, I never took the actual ASVAB test when I was talking to theArmy recruiters, but I did take the practice test, and according to that recruiter, not only did I complete it more quickly than anyone else he had given it to, but I also got the highest score he had ever seen. That would open up many more opportunities if I were to enlist, which is another factor that must be taken into consideration.
 
First off, I have nothing but respect for anyone willing to put their life on the line in the military.

That said, don't do it. If you sign up now, especially in the army or marines, I'd plan on seeing lovely Iraq. Joining the Reserves is no gurantee that you won't see Iraq either.

If you are as intelligent as you say, go out get some loans and financial aid and get it done. There's no reason to join the military until you are sure that you can't get what you need without it.

You also definately need to consider your fiancee. Is she going to be okay with you being gone for several years? You really need to talk with her first.

Bottom line is that you can go to college without the military. There is tons of free financial aid out there, you just need to look. Also, the government will give you student loans and nearly everyone qualifies....its based on need. At any rate, just check out all your options before making a decision.

TBW
 
I was in active duty air force and the reserves for a total of 10+ years. I would go the reserve route. It's not a bad deal and very little time after you get done with basic and teck school. You might even enjoy it. Great benefits once you become a vet. Best move I ever made.
 
[quote name='Matt Young']As for the money, pussy, etc.... Money, I need, mainly for college as I said. Pussy is a non-factor because I am engaged, heh.[/QUOTE]

In that case, I'd say avoid the military. The good thing with my brother leaving for the ME was that he really didn't have any woman back here, except a girlfriend of only a few months.
 
I would advise against joining. You don't seem to care about the cause very much and according to what you said you certainly have the aptitude for college. I find the whole idea of war (for any cause yet alone for the current mess in Iraq) morally offensive. I can't imagine killing for any cause, even one I support, yet alone merely for money to pay for college. Of course you have to base this decision on your own morals. Even if the possibility of hurting another human being isn't morally offensive to you then you still have to accept the possibility that you could be killed or crippled for life for a cause you don't care greatly for.
As for paying for College I got good grades in high school and didn't have trouble paying for college up until the point I quit for a time. I will be returning in the fall and may have more difficulty, but hopefully not. Of course I saved money by living with my parents and attending a local university. Not going out of state and having a cheaper living situation than a dorm could help. Since you are engaged perhaps your fiance could help pay some of your living expences. The above may have sounded to harsh and if you do decide to join the military I still respect that decision (fighting for something you believe in) even if I don't respect those whose orders you will be carrying out. In any case I wish you luck.
 
Matt, I think that it's honorable that you are considering serving our country... and it would help with some money. However, I wouldn't join if I was you.

If they send you to Iraq or another warzone... it pains me to say it, but you're not going to come home for a VERY LONG TIME. Years and years...

Also, you have to be careful with those military benefits. I have a cousin that served in Saudi Arabia several years ago. He became ill from being over there; several intestinal disorders and such. The government didn't want to pay his medical bills. Only after a long fight did the government take care of his medical bills and give benefits to his wife and children. You're going to be a married man, also. Remember that your fiancee is a huge part of your decision. What are her thoughts?

It's all up to you, Matt. You have to decide whether the huge risk is worth the benefits and money. I know that you're a great guy with lots of potential, and I know that you could also succeed at whatever you want to do, without the help of the military.

Keep us posted on what you decide to do, friend.
 
[quote name='Saucy Jack']
If they send you to Iraq or another warzone... it pains me to say it, but you're not going to come home for a VERY LONG TIME. Years and years...

[/QUOTE]

So, just how many people do you know over seas? Cuz you're wrong.

My brother is in Iraq currently, and he'll be home before I'm home for the end of the semester, and he left in September...that's approx. 8 months on duty, 1 of which was spent in Cali.
 
[quote name='Rich']So, just how many people do you know over seas? Cuz you're wrong.

My brother is in Iraq currently, and he'll be home before I'm home for the end of the semester, and he left in September...that's approx. 8 months on duty, 1 of which was spent in Cali.[/QUOTE]

I have a few family friends who have been overseas since the beginning of this war. They still haven't come home.

It's all the luck of the draw, I suppose.

That's awesome that your brother is coming home soon. :)
 
[quote name='Saucy Jack']I have a few family friends who have been overseas since the beginning of this war. They still haven't come home.

It's all the luck of the draw, I suppose.

That's awesome that your brother is coming home soon. :)[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I suppose he did just get really lucky. He spent most of the time in Kuwait, too.

I was in school for fall semester when he left (I remember cuz I took the train back to see him off) and he'll be back before I finish spring semester.
 
Matt, there's a good chance that the only stories you'll get to tell afterwards are about sitting in a fucking desert for 2 years protecting people that want you dead. There's no women there. The pentagon has been floating the idea of cutting pay for troops. Even the benefits have been slashed. There's so many more doors of opportunity if you go to college. Become an electrical engineer -- that's what I am, and I had no problems finding a job right away.
 
If you are heavily debating signing up then don't do it. Its not like you're debating something such as moving across country for this great opportunity to improve your life. You're doing this for cash more in the short term it seems, and once you sign your name on that paper then you won't be able to change your mind.

Though if you actually love your fiance (and I mean definately marrying her and want to spend your life with her) then I think its a very selfish thing to do. Why would you put your fiance or wife through that? Knowing that any day you could be shipped out and, if you are, knowing that any day you could get killed? I'm not sure I could deal with that if my wife could be shipped off or killed anyday, I think I'd go crazy. And I'd be overcome with guilt if I entered into a situation that made her worry that much.

This is one of those things where I'd say go if you were completely certain you want this, and you fully want to work with the military. The tone of your posts and the fact you admit to constantly wavering suggests otherwise.
 
I'm pretty new at posting around here, but I've been in the Navy for about five years. It has its ups and downs. Service definitely builds character, though, that's one of the good things. But being stuck on a ship in the middle of God-knows-where for roughly six months every year and a half sucks balls. Lots of gaming time on those boats, though. LOTS.
 
My ex-boyfriend, who I was with for three years, toyed with joining the military. Very smart, like you. No money, like you. I hated whenever he mentioned it. For the sake of your fiancee, please,please,please don't join the military. I think I speak for nearly all women when I say that.
 
Hey Matt 9 year vet of the Af here aim me if you want some specifics. Good part about the AF is we go deployed on average 4 months. There are some longer deployments but they are usually done by officers (12 months) Also you will not deployed in your first few years because you have to raise your skill level a notch before you can be deployed. I did a tour in Iraq myself and I was no where near in shitty conditions as the army and marines There is good and bad. Avoid the navy lif you don't want to spend long periods on a ship.
The one problem with the military is one person in a higher rank over you can ruin your life if they don't like you. I have pretty much had 8 years of my career spit on because I got thrown under the bus and used as a sacpegoat for something that went wrong. Being patriotic isn't necessary as long as you can work as a team with people. The last year has taken away any of the patriotism I had left but the pay and stablity the job offers me means I will probably stay in for at least 20 years. Plus tuition assistance while you are in pays for everything but books if you take classes while you are active duty
 
My cousin joined in 2000 and he got out when his 4 years were up. He got into 500 fire-fights, lost 2 friends right in front of him. Had a medic go nuts and start running around with an arm from a dead solider who lost it from an IED. He has PTSD, he took shrapnel in his leg from an RPG. However if none of this turns you off enjoy.
 
I just want to reiterate that point I made earlier. There's a big difference between putting yourself in harms way when its just you compared to when you have a family. Again I think you really need to consider how strong your attachment to your fiance is. You willingly take on the risk, but other people have to deal with the stress of knowing they may never see you again, or that any moment you could be taken away, and they had no choice in the matter. Leaving home is part of growing up, but it shouldn't be part of marriage. People too often forget that its not just them who are effected, and in situations where you are supposed to be building your life with someone its sad that so many people fail to think of that.
 
I joined the Air Force right out of high school and I HATED it. Worst mistake i ever made. If you do join, get a paper pushing job and marry the girl before you go in. The living arrangements are much better if you are married.
 
[quote name='Puzznic']I joined the Air Force right out of high school and I HATED it. Worst mistake i ever made. If you do join, get a paper pushing job and marry the girl before you go in. The living arrangements are much better if you are married.[/QUOTE]
What specifically was wrong with it?
 
being a military brat I can say a couple things. Note my dad is a retired colonel in the air force. The Air Foce of all the branches has the best quality of life. Meaning living space, facilities, etc. . . Also they have the best and most civilian equivelent jobs. I myself am considering it since I don't have the money for a good college and need a steady source of income and a future where i'm not tethered to my family. Also it helps to have some college credits because that will get you a higher rank.

Anyone have anything to add of importance.
 
I'm considering joining ROTC, and I can say that so far it appears to be way better than merely enlisting. Officers tend to keep getting commissions as long as they're not total fuckups so you've got a good chance of getting a raise, not to mention their pay-grade and benefit package are significantly higher(as well as chance of dying being lower). As for the ASVAB, it's a cake walk. You've seen all of the dumbass social rejects in the Army, they had to pass that test. Get a high enough score and you can get almost any job. If they tell you that job isn't availiable, just thank them and leave. I guarantee they'll call you back in a week saying there's an opening.

*edit* Don't forget that college is pretty much paid for while you're in ROTC(minus a few things) and they give you a stipend/living allowance. You merely have to do PT three times a week(2 in airforce) and take certain MSCI courses. Remember that they own you for 4 years after that. That's the biggest thing people seem to forget. You cna't get out that easily (Pinebox, Dishonorable discharge, insanity).
 
Step 1. Apply to community college
Step 2. Get cheap government loans
Step 3. Get good grades and transfer to an affordable 4 years school
Step 4. Get even more government loans
Step 5. Graduate with a degree
Step 6. .....
Step 7. Profit!
 
[quote name='zionoverfire']Step 1. Apply to community college
Step 2. Get cheap government loans
Step 3. Get good grades and transfer to an affordable 4 years school
Step 4. Get even more government loans
Step 5. Graduate with a degree
Step 6. .....
Step 7. Profit![/QUOTE]

Isn't Step 6 where you steal the underpants? :lol: ;)

Either way, when going into a college, you need to make sure to shine and make an impression as a person in addition to having the grades. Grades don't mean shit without a good personality and a good impression on others.
 
Ok few things to add. Unless you're an officer or you're both in the military don't join the airforce if you're married or are soon to be unless she can take care of herself. Don't listen to a lot of these people. Most of the people I know now and have ever known are military. From officer to college type enlist-e by and large they enjoy it. Unless you have a serious problem doing a job the way you're told too and listening to you're CO and superior officers orders. i.e. not making them angry you shouldn't have a problem. As reliable as the military is for pay for those of us who want good jobs and are undecieded and/or can't pick a job in college it's the only way to go really. I mean what else is there other then the horrible civillian route where theres no job security any more.
 
[quote name='Saucy Jack']
Either way, when going into a college, you need to make sure to shine and make an impression as a person in addition to having the grades. Grades don't mean shit without a good personality and a good impression on others.[/QUOTE]

WTF is wrong with you?
 
If you are as smart as you claim you shouldn't have much trouble paying for college. There are plenty of schlorships available based only on acedemics, especially at larger schools. Most employers everywhere have some kind of tuition reimbursment plan too even if you are only part time there. Hell you can pay for college via FAFSA and loans if you really needed to. I've got nothing but respect for people in the military, but there's no real need to join the military, lots of people put themselves through college without that. If you really wanted to go that route though and really wanted to attend college, I'd look into the ROTC first though before enlisting fulltime right away.
 
[quote name='Saucy Jack']Isn't Step 6 where you steal the underpants? :lol: ;)

Either way, when going into a college, you need to make sure to shine and make an impression as a person in addition to having the grades. Grades don't mean shit without a good personality and a good impression on others.[/QUOTE]

I always find a way to piss off my professors (and in high school my teachers) and still get their respect. Its more fun that way too.

But getting into college you don't need a personality or to make an impression, in person anyway. Unless you are looking at a more elite school that is, where they want an interview.
 
[quote name='zionoverfire']WTF is wrong with you?[/QUOTE]

How much time do you have? :rofl:

Seriously, I know I sounded a bit harsh, but I am speaking from experience. I really don't want to tell my story again, but basically... today's student entering college needs to be as great as possible all-around. It doesn't just mean grades, GPA, community service, awards, etc. You have to have a lot of charisma, be very talkative... basically be an all-around well-liked human being. You can have perfect grades, but if those colleges and aid people don't see something special in you, you're fucked.

[quote name='alonzomourning23']I always find a way to piss off my professors (and in high school my teachers) and still get their respect. Its more fun that way too.

But getting into college you don't need a personality or to make an impression, in person anyway. Unless you are looking at a more elite school that is, where they want an interview.
[/QUOTE]

Yeah, it is more fun. It also feels like you've beaten a big challenge of some sort. :lol:

I must have the worst of luck when it came to financial aid and such. Getting into a college is much easier than getting help to go there. I could have been able to go anywhere. In fact, I had several acceptance letters to top schools around the country. But apparently, I wasn't worthy enough to get ANY help to go anywhere.

So, I figured that what I need to do is to make myself the best possible SJ that I can be. I need to change myself to the point where those scumbags are going to beg me to let them help pay my way through school. I'm already in the process of transformation. It's not easy, but I have no choice and I'll be damned if I make the same mistake twice.

Sorry for getting off-topic, Matt. Have any of us helped you with your decision any further?
 
[quote name='Saucy Jack']How much time do you have? :rofl:[/quote]
Quite a bit actually, it's one of the pirks of my job.;)

Seriously, I know I sounded a bit harsh, but I am speaking from experience. I really don't want to tell my story again, but basically... today's student entering college needs to be as great as possible all-around. It doesn't just mean grades, GPA, community service, awards, etc. You have to have a lot of charisma, be very talkative... basically be an all-around well-liked human being. You can have perfect grades, but if those colleges and aid people don't see something special in you, you're fucked.
Click to expand...

No, you just need to be in a good major. Yeah if you gfo for english or communications you'd better be god because chances are when you get out you still won't have an easy time.

Most people who enter college aren't well rounded and most people leaving college aren't well rounded either and still quite a decent percent of those people get financial aid and loans. The true trick if there ever was one is to become legally financially independant.
 
[quote name='zionoverfire']Step 1. Apply to community college
Step 2. Get cheap government loans
Step 3. Get good grades and transfer to an affordable 4 years school
Step 4. Get even more government loans
Step 5. Graduate with a degree
Step 6. .....
Step 7. Profit![/QUOTE]
Unless step 6 is immediately start working full time for a decent salary, those loans are going to be crippling. Even Stafford loans. But, thats the good thing about student loans, you don't worry about them until you're not a student anymore.

But thats basically the way to go.
 
[quote name='dafoomie']Unless step 6 is immediately start working full time for a decent salary, those loans are going to be crippling. Even Stafford loans. But, thats the good thing about student loans, you don't worry about them until you're not a student anymore.

But thats basically the way to go.[/QUOTE]

The best trick I've been told is to take a light last quarter/semester and work as close to full time as possible so you've got enough saved up to give yourself a few months slack after you get out. But still it's a problem a lot of people face.
 
[quote name='Stice']I don't know much about the military, but have you looked into financial aid (fafsa.ed.gov) to pay for college?[/QUOTE]


while fafsa is real good...i believe its own little system is very flawed..we make rougly, 30k a year..and i get less support than ppl who are making 75k + ..i find it very unfair..and my school gives me loads of crap about it..
fastweb.com has many scholarships..try looking into that :) hope that helps a bit

good luck with ur decision!
 
[quote name='E-Z-B']Matt, there's a good chance that the only stories you'll get to tell afterwards are about sitting in a fucking desert for 2 years protecting people that want you dead. There's no women there.[/QUOTE]

You obviously have no idea what you're talking about. The majority of the people here appreciate what we're doing, but they want us to leave because they want to govern themselves. They feel like they are capable of running their own country, and the sooner we leave, the better.

And I have no idea what the second part of your comment is about. There's women all over the place here. We have women from every branch of the military, civilians and foreign military women.

Matt, I'm active duty Air Force and am currently deployed to Iraq. Despite what I thought coming over here, this has been the best four months of my nearly six years in the military. The people I've met here are great. I've made friends with people from all over the world and know more about this war than I ever thought I would before. Even though being attached to the Army was crazy at first, I've learned a great deal about them, as well.

My biggest piece of advice is joining the military just for the college benefits may not be such a good idea. Depending on your job, you very well could spend a lot of your time being deployed or going to other places, and if it's not what you wanted, you'd hate it.

But then again, you could get lucky and never be activated and just spend your time going to school, which would be great for you.

For you, I think the Navy and the Air Force are the best bets at not getting deployed. The Marines and the Army are, of course, heavily involved in the war, and you would most likely spend at least two years in Iraq or Afghanistan.
 
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