I'm sorry but there is no way around it. You are not going to receive a bachelors degree and go to the CIA and be a "secret agent". I;m sorry for the repeated posts. I'm drunk...(You will expereince this after 4 years in Marine Infatry).
I was active Air force and the 4 years I spent in the military was quite an experience. At first, I never dreamt I would join the service but I needed experience in computers and the military was the best route for me. I ended up scoring high on the ASVAB, and then they allow you to quality for a second test to become a computer programmer (which I heard less than 5% of people pass the test). I told my recruiter that if I don't pass i'm not joining. After basic training and tech school I was considered an apprentice computer programmer and it was more like an office job than a "military" one. I received a lot of experience and I ended up getting my 4 year computer science degree while in the military (my supervisors would love when people would attend college after work). As my final months were coming up, I couldn't wait to get out I felt I was "wasting" my time. They actually offered me a $60k bonus at the time to reup for 6 years. When I got out I ended up working for Boeing and the biggest difference between Air Force and Boeing was the BDU uniforms. It's the same atmosphere and we even had some military people working with us. I got tired of it and now I own my own business. Having said that, I wouldn't join any other branch. We actually called our barracks dorms because they were nice and way above military standards. At the time I joined, the Air force gets more money than any other branch and we were getting paid more (bonuses/salary). If you have score a high ASVAB and can join AF and you won't regret it. If you like to get dirty and want to live the "military" life, I would say join the marines or army. Navy blows.
Use the Hazelwood act to your advantage. My little brother is prior military and he is getting his tuition paid. He is saving his gi bill for his masters.
I was born and raised in Houston but unfortunately I was a resident of Massachusetts when I enlisted.
Sober enough to make coherent sentences but not sober enough to waste an entire post on how sober I am.
If your little brother is prior military then I'm guessing you're around mid-20's. Every branch has their own age limitations. Marine Corps is 28. Air Force is 25 last I heard, don't quote me on that. If you're any older than that, your options might only be down to two (or three if you consider the Coast Guard a military service).
that was my question to him as well - what are your interests in a career path. Military is good for a lot of things, but career development is not always one of them. I made the most of what I joined the Navy for - I decided on the nuclear field, became an ELT and went right to work at a nuke plant when I got out in '86. It doesn't always work out that way, but going in for the tuition benefits is the next logical choice if you can't translate your military training into a civilian career. I also chose the military for the basic reason that I was 18 and couldn't stand living in the same house with my father anymore, and I wanted to travel.
Just go for it. I took my ASVAB for the Airforce, I am going in for Geospatial Intelligence. Good luck to you if you decide to go.
Just understand one thing; Recruiters straight up lie. Once you join, you are signing a contract with the government. There is no 30 day buyers remorse or a buy out fee for this contract. You can't sue the government if they don't give you what you were promised. Im not trying to talk you out of it. I am just telling you not to believe a single word a recruiter tells you. Do your homework.
QFT, I was ready to join to get the tuition assistance until I truly understood what I was doing. I really spent A LOT of time talking to recruiters and current military personnel to get a good picture. It wasn't until I saw what happened to my friend that I really changed my mind. He joined up with the Navy to pay for Med school; seemed like the perfect candidate (preferred being single, etc.) Fast forward two years into Med School, he meets the girl of his dreams and is getting hitched next year. Unfortunately, he will likely get deployed right after residency. I was truly shocked when he told me that he regretted his decision in the end. I was single at the time and had no intention to settle down but realized that I am really family oriented and would hate to be away from my folks or SO. Keep in mind, though that you will hear it both ways. I met this retired Navy pilot based out of San Diego. He lives in a million dollar home, drives a Porsche and is a hardcore bachelor. From his stories, he had an amazing time serving the country and ended up with a pretty awesome job now. He is able to live in San Diego while getting the company to pay for a bimonthly flight out to Boston. You really do have to look at what kind of person you are. Also, make sure you do it for the right reasons. I would absolutely never ever do it for the money. First and foremost do it because you want to serve the nation and are willing to sacrifice a substantial amount of time with your family. Everything else is just gravy.
I would join if I knew I would accepted into the seals or some other special forces. I can easily pass the minimum physical requirements, but that whole torture test thing might be hard.
I wanted to fly helicopters... unfortunately I cannot see all that well. I wonder if they allow corrective lenses?
usmilitary.about.com is a great resource. Lots of information about the branches, recruiters, the enlistment process, boot camp, how you get paid, etc . . .
Initial vision requirements for pilots: Navy/Marines: 20/40 Army: 20/50 Air Force: 20/70 All must be correctable to 20/20
