Student loan repayment option, Enlist?

[nsxtcy85]

I spoke to an army reserve recruiter and of course he had only great things to say about what they could offer me. I figured there will be a large group un bias opinions in here. So heres my situation.

Im 23 years old. I will graduate with an associates in science ( its actually automotive and high performance but thats what they call it) in less than a year. I want to stay and finish or bachalors but seem watch these student loans piling up and its scares the shit ouf me to be honest.

Heres what my questions are.

Would it be smarter to finish my bachalors and then im told I can enter as a petty officer. Which is better Im assuming. :tongue:

Leave school now and go to basic and them come back and finish and will get the gi bill. which wont even cover my tuition.

Whats the deal with the 65K in tuition reimbursment? and only 20K for air guard. Whats the qualifications?

Why kind of pay would i be recieving if I waited and entered as an officer and what kind of bonus. Also same does for if I was to leave school and finish after basic.

 

[Dtrigg]

Difficult question which in the end only you will be able to answer. But it's important that you investigate ALL of your options. I joined the Army, was able to be commissioned without my degree, finished my service and got my BA and MBA using the GI Bill. I recently received some dental services at the dental college down the street. The young guy that took my x-rays told me he was a 2nd Lt. in the Air Force. The Air Force pays his tution which is $71,000 a year and pay him a 2nd Lt salary every month. When he graduates, he becomes a Captain and is required to give one year for every year he was in school. He said the Navy has the same program. My point is, there are lots of programs out there. Just make sure you investigate ALL of your options. Good luck.

 

[Cairo94507]

Look, first of all stay in school; it is spelled Bachelor not bachalor. An AA degree is pretty much worthless; although a little better than a HS diploma.

Continue your education and do not stop until you absolutely have no other choice. You can always enlist.

Once you have your education, if you still see enlisting as the only choice for you, you can then be an officer and not a grunt (no offense to the line).

STAY IN SCHOOL! Oh, and please take some English classes - again, no offense.

 

[nsxtcy85]

Look, first of all stay in school; it is spelled Bachelor not bachalor. An AA degree is pretty much worthless; although a little better than a HS diploma.

Continue your education and do not stop until you absolutely have no other choice. You can always enlist.

Once you have your education, if you still see enlisting as the only choice for you, you can then be an officer and not a grunt (no offense to the line).

STAY IN SCHOOL! Oh, and please take some English classes - again, no offense.

Hey thanks for the advice. No offense taken either. Im horrible with my english. Mostly because of my lack of interest in the subject in high school.

 

[KooLaid]

Get ATLEAST your bachelors before you go in. Not gonna get squat with an associates.

Cheap plug:
Go Air Force!
Active anyways

Air pays less because they're down sizing, over manned. So they're chopping people. Gotta be in the field you want them to be to accept you. Army will take and need just about anyone and everyone.

 

[theman1990]

Yah I'd suggest staying in school and then going in as a commissioned officer (lieutenant or ensign) once you get out. As mentioned above, associates are completely worthless, and even the Bachelor's degree is becoming more of a "I paid for four years receipt" for not very much education.

I was active army as both enlisted and an officer. I also commissioned w/o a degree, but that was in the guard. Active won't allow it anymore. Life as an officer is MUCH better than life as an enlisted guy. Even as a sergeant (i was an E-6) enlisted life kinda blows.

That all said, my career came to an abrupt halt when my Apache crashed in Afghanistan and I made a long trip home minus an arm. Now I am in medical school and working on my next career...

The downside of the military: you can get f*cked up.

The upside: I never would have had the discipline to GO to medical school had it not been for the Army. I'd likely have a lengthy prison record, just like all my old "friends".

Ultimately, the choice is yours, but loans get paid off faster with more education! (generally).

 

[NSXrebel]

Look, first of all stay in school; it is spelled Bachelor not bachalor. An AA degree is pretty much worthless; although a little better than a HS diploma.

Continue your education and do not stop until you absolutely have no other choice. You can always enlist.

Once you have your education, if you still see enlisting as the only choice for you, you can then be an officer and not a grunt (no offense to the line).

STAY IN SCHOOL! Oh, and please take some English classes - again, no offense.

You can still be an officer and a grunt. In fact, in the Marine Corps, every commissioned officer is a line officer. Part of that "Every Marine a Rifleman" school of thought. For example, you could be an officer in an aviation field, get yanked out of that and inserted into an infantry unit. Probability of that is slim to none.
Just like enlisted Marines, all Commissioned Marines get combat training. Enlisted have the School of Infantry (SOI); Infantry Training Battalion, and Marine Combat training for non-grunts. All Marine officers after OCS, go through TBS (The Basic School {of Infantry})


If you were to get your Bachelor's why would you go enlisted? And you sure as hell wouldn't get the rank of Petty Officer anyways, that's a non-commissioned officer rank that doesn't just get handed out, even if you had a Doctorates. Maybe E-3 (Seaman) at the most.


Either way , talk to an Officer Selection Officer, they usually are at major campuses. I have a friend that is an OSO working out of USC, the lucky bastard. If you can't find one, talk to the guys in the ROTC program, they'll give you some advice.

 

[sicarius82]

Petty Officer... Let me guess... Navy? There is no way you can just join as a Petty Officer. You start off as a recruit (E-1) and get paid a few dollars while in boot camp.

As a Nuke, I became a Fireman after boot camp, then ~3 months after, petty officer.

As a Crypto (spook), same thing applies.

Sorry to say, but you have been given incorrect info. Recruiters will tell you lots of things to get you to enlist.

If you have questions, ask me and I'll tell you every little detail.

 

[theman1990]

Petty Officer... Let me guess... Navy? There is no way you can just join as a Petty Officer. You start off as a recruit (E-1) and get paid a few dollars while in boot camp.

That's incorrect. If you have college, you won't go in as an E-1. I just got my cousin in and his few semesters of college got him E-2. I KNEW a Ph.D who came in as an E-4 (literature Ph.D). He had no interest in being an officer, and he said that Bachelor and above get you E-4. I've know a few other college (4yr) grads that came in as E-4's, too. You WILL NOT come in as an NCO though, period. There is a level of expertise associated with the rank. Good luck!

 

[NSXrebel]

That's incorrect. If you have college, you won't go in as an E-1. I just got my cousin in and his few semesters of college got him E-2. I KNEW a Ph.D who came in as an E-4 (literature Ph.D). He had no interest in being an officer, and he said that Bachelor and above get you E-4. I've know a few other college (4yr) grads that came in as E-4's, too. You WILL NOT come in as an NCO though, period. There is a level of expertise associated with the rank. Good luck!

What you are saying is contradictory. E-4 in all services except Airforce (& Specialist in the Army) is an NCO rank. So if they come as E-4 they ARE NCO's, but then again you are talking Navy, where you are considered GP (general population) until you reach the rank of Chief Petty Officer/E-7. NCO's are supposed to be junior leaders, and I just don't see how a new guy can be a leader without the experience that rank requires.

You will never see that happen in the Marines, don't matter if you have a PhD. The most you will get with college education coming in as Enlisted will be Private First Class/E-2.




Back on topic, did you talk to a/another recruiter from a different service?

 

[theman1990]

True, what I posted definitely hold true for the Army. I suppose that different services may have different standards, though generally in matters of enlistment they are relatively uniform.

Good luck, and I STILL recommend the officer path.

 

[synergy004]

Stay in school as many mentioned. Many soldiers I talk to out here in the sand box seriously regret the move, it was there last choice or they couldn't get a good job with benefits. Serving your country isn't and shouldn't be a regret I tell them. Most of the soldiers joining today do it for the Montgomery GI Bill assistance, not to go to war but once your sworn in then that's is it. You can do what my brother did, most officers that are great today have been on both sides of the fence going from enlisted to officer. A
Green and Gold program can be an option. Like many said, weigh your options, research is key and ask many questions. A recruiter will tell you what you want to hear, talk to those who are currently active, not weekend warriors (Reserves/National Guard etc no offense). Many of the Soldiers who sign up many time don't do there specific MOS. Depends on demand, Unit etc. Make your choice count. Good Luck.

-g-

 

[theman1990]

Actually todays guard and reserve units are deployed nearly as much as active units, with certain MOS's being deployed more. I have a friend who's an SF team leader and he's been over five times in seven years... (ie: nearly five YEARS deployed).

I've been on all sides of the fence and the girl scout element of the guard disappeared back on about Sep. 12th 2001.

 

[NSXrebel]

Actually todays guard and reserve units are deployed nearly as much as active units, with certain MOS's being deployed more. I have a friend who's an SF team leader and he's been over five times in seven years... (ie: nearly five YEARS deployed).

I've been on all sides of the fence and the girl scout element of the guard disappeared back on about Sep. 12th 2001.

The Air National Guard is a whole 'nother story though. In my brief stint with them, I had one 2 month deployment, based out of Al Udeid, Qatar. We did fly into Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kenya, Nairobi, Djibouti, etc.. frequently though. I didn't even bother taking a change of clothes

 

[Commander]

STAY in SCHOOL!!!!! I spent 7 years in the Army, got out finished my degree and life has been so much more rewarding ever since. On the flip side, if you are truly interested in the military the only way to go is finish college and enter as an officer.

On another thought, you need to think about what you are spending your money on in regards to your college education. Make sure that you are pursuing something that you can use and make a living at and not just something you enjoy because it's easy or fun. I know tons of people out there that spent 65+ thousand on a bachelors degree to only have nothing in the end but a payment because they purchased a degree that doesn't have a high potential employment or pay scale.

Joining the military is the easy way out unless you have no idea what you want to do in which case it can be a good growing up experience. Student loans should not worry you, if you think it's expensive to go to school now, just think about what it will be in 4-6 years.

 

[NSXrebel]

STAY in SCHOOL!!!!! I spent 7 years in the Army, got out finished my degree and life has been so much more rewarding ever since. On the flip side, if you are truly interested in the military the only way to go is finish college and enter as an officer.

On another thought, you need to think about what you are spending your money on in regards to your college education. Make sure that you are pursuing something that you can use and make a living at and not just something you enjoy because it's easy or fun. I know tons of people out there that spent 65+ thousand on a bachelors degree to only have nothing in the end but a payment because they purchased a degree that doesn't have a high potential employment or pay scale.

Joining the military is the easy way out unless you have no idea what you want to do in which case it can be a good growing up experience. Student loans should not worry you, if you think it's expensive to go to school now, just think about what it will be in 4-6 years.

I always laugh when I hear somebody say they are gonna study marine biology or something like that. On the flip side, the military will take just about any Bachelor degree for a commission. Of course you're not gonna be a pilot with a basket weaving degree.

Going enlisted is not so bad, specially now that we have the new GI Bill. That amount almost tripled, went from ~$30k to $80k+, plus other benefits. You get 100% tuition assistance while on active duty. look more into it.

 

[synergy004]

The GI Bill is also transferrable to a family member also.:wink:

 

[naaman]

The other question is, do you want to deploy?

If you go for something like the navy or air force, you are less likely to deploy, though, there is still a pretty good chance. However, given the current conflicts, the navy and air force play a smaller role, so it is unlikely that you will face (much) danger in one of those branches.

If you choose Army, then you can pick your job (with an AA you will enter as E4). Other branches will choose your job according to their needs and your capabilities. The more capable you are, the more likely you will get a "good" job, but then again, that job could get you deployed almost right away (I deployed straight out of basic training).

If you want to stay out of the combat zones, the only way to guarantee that is not to enlist. If you don't mind the possibility, then go for it. Air Force is reputedly the easiest service (referred to as the "Chair Force" at MEPS).

If you want to remain primarily a civilian, go for reserves or guard. You usually get less benefits that way, but you have more control over the rest of your life.

 

[NSXrebel]

The other question is, do you want to deploy?

If you go for something like the navy or air force, you are less likely to deploy, though, there is still a pretty good chance. However, given the current conflicts, the navy and air force play a smaller role, so it is unlikely that you will face (much) danger in one of those branches.

If you choose Army, then you can pick your job (with an AA you will enter as E4). Other branches will choose your job according to their needs and your capabilities. The more capable you are, the more likely you will get a "good" job, but then again, that job could get you deployed almost right away (I deployed straight out of basic training).

If you want to stay out of the combat zones, the only way to guarantee that is not to enlist. If you don't mind the possibility, then go for it. Air Force is reputedly the easiest service (referred to as the "Chair Force" at MEPS).

If you want to remain primarily a civilian, go for reserves or guard. You usually get less benefits that way, but you have more control over the rest of your life.

Going Airforce or Navy, or for that matter, Guard or Reserves, does not mean you won't be deployed or even face combat. It all depends on various variables. I know Marines with 9 yrs in service, yet have never seen combat, one has even been in 13 yrs. Some are stationed in Japan and actually live there now. Married to Japanese women with kids born there.

If you got SF(MP) in the Airforce, you're almost guaranteed to go to a combat zone. I've been deployed twice, and never saw combat. That's about to change since, next time I deploy I'm volunteering to go on combat/convoy patrols, maybe even dignitary escorting.

Going reserves or guard is no guarantee of having more control over your life. They deploy as much often and as long as regular troops nowadays. Might as well go active duty and get the full benefits.

There are no guaranteed jobs in the military. The services will guarantee you a shot at an MOS, but if you don't qualify, meet the requirements, and/or can't get a security clearance if req'd, you're assed out and at the mercy of that service.

Make sure you do your homework. The army does throw alot of money at you, but alot of times they don't tell you the requisites to get those bonuses. I've seen plenty of kids come back disappointed after enlisting when they find out they don't meet the criteria for a bonus they were promised.

 

[naaman]

Going Airforce or Navy, or for that matter, Guard or Reserves, does not mean you won't be deployed or even face combat. It all depends on various variables. I know Marines with 9 yrs in service, yet have never seen combat, one has even been in 13 yrs. Some are stationed in Japan and actually live there now. Married to Japanese women with kids born there.

If you got SF(MP) in the Airforce, you're almost guaranteed to go to a combat zone. I've been deployed twice, and never saw combat. That's about to change since, next time I deploy I'm volunteering to go on combat/convoy patrols, maybe even dignitary escorting.

Going reserves or guard is no guarantee of having more control over your life. They deploy as much often and as long as regular troops nowadays. Might as well go active duty and get the full benefits.

There are no guaranteed jobs in the military. The services will guarantee you a shot at an MOS, but if you don't qualify, meet the requirements, and/or can't get a security clearance if req'd, you're assed out and at the mercy of that service.

Make sure you do your homework. The army does throw alot of money at you, but alot of times they don't tell you the requisites to get those bonuses. I've seen plenty of kids come back disappointed after enlisting when they find out they don't meet the criteria for a bonus they were promised.

Allow me to clarify:
Your CHANCES of deploying are smaller depending on which branch and which job you do. Also, volunteering for combat patrols will not necessarily guarantee you combat, either. I went on patrols everyday in Eastern Baghdad for a year and never got directly engaged (but in addition to our normal mission, our squad was also QRF for our company and sometimes, the BC/CSM... we rescued them a few times, as well as an infantry platoon we happened to drive by just as they got hit).

If you're in the Air Force or Navy, you'll MOST LIKELY spend the majority of your deployment on BIAP, and your biggest concern will be getting a ticket by the Guard MPs who patrol there (as combat MPs, we made fun of them everytime we saw them).

In the reserves/guard, you don't live a military lifestyle. You simply live your normal life except for 1 weekend a month. For all but that weekend (and 2 weeks in the summer), you are legally a civilian. You only count as military personnel during drills.

 

[DucTerry]

You are aware the the GA Army Guard has had elements of it's 48th Bde in Iraq non-stop from the get-go right? Be it a full force deployment (2 now) or just H Co. (LRSC) or 221st MI. They've had people leave Active and enlist in the Guard to see more combat time.