Quote: Tommy DeVito

 Quote: Will Rambeau

I know that when I get together with people my age, my travels and experiences are usually a lot more varied then the average Joe - and I have the military to thank for that.

Any of you ex-military going to explain that one could get a degree and then go in as an officer?

That is a good idea. There are certainly advantages to obtaining a degree prior to joining and becoming an officer. In my situation, at the time, I was not a good student, didn't want to continue school, didn't have the where-with-all to attend school. Someone in a different position may see it differently. I agree with Will about life experiences. I've seen the jungle, much of Europe, the good and bad of what man can do to man. Because of my military travels I realized that the Baptists (my upbringing) were not the only people in town and really didn't have all the answers. I saw poverty that most people only read about. I realized that while personally, I believe the USA is the best country in the world, we are not alone in this world and other cultures are just as proud as we are. I ate, drank and celebrated with Muslims long before the radicals of today have made such an impact on the world. I, like Will, did manage to obtain a degree. I was proud of that piece of paper. I was more proud that along with the formal education, I've had life experiences far beyond those that would have been obtained in an acedemic setting.

DFrost

Why not the best of all worlds. ROTC Most of my family that made the military a career was just looking to do 20 and get the hell out. Only one seemed to love it and that was my great uncle Fritz Kroesen. First 4 star from an ROTC background without attending West Point. He`s even written books about it. I wonder if he went in as a grunt his perceptions would be different?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000OFS0KS/ref=dp_olp_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1229778572&sr=1-4&condition=all

 Quote: Tommy DeVito

 Quote: Will Rambeau

I know that when I get together with people my age, my travels and experiences are usually a lot more varied then the average Joe - and I have the military to thank for that.

Any of you ex-military going to explain that one could get a degree and then go in as an officer?

I could explain that, and I spent time as both an enlisted and then an officer - however if someone is going to spend less than 20 years in the military and make it a career, I'd strongly suggest they go as an enlisted soldier, your choice of jobs and duty stations is virtually unlimited.....not so as an officer.

And Tommy, the very fact that you do not know that suggests that you don't know much about the military in general. And that illustrates a point - I have first hand experience about both the military and college, while you do not.
I would think that I can make a more valid suggestion to a young person as I have lived both life styles, where you can suggest following only one path, as you do not have experience in the other path that we veterans have suggested.

If one wants to become a Commissioned Officer (why is beyond me ) by far the easiest way is to join the National Guard, score at least 115 GT on the ASVAB, submit a Simultaneous Membership Packet, apply for the National Guard Scholorship, and get a full-ride (room & board, plus clothing allowance and get paid as an E6) scholorship to any accredited University in your state.

I had several friends go that route, and now I have to salute them. I know a Captain that literally has a Doctorate in Rocket Science, all paid for by the Guard.

I hated college. I'm going to lazy way and commissioning as a Warrant (if I ever get my packet through).

I retired as a Sr NCO, it was a good place to be. I applied for Officer Candidate school, but when they found out my parents were married, of course I was eliminated.

Ok, sorry, just a little enlisted humor.

DFrost

 Quote: alyssa myracle

I hated college. I'm going to lazy way and commissioning as a Warrant (if I ever get my packet through).

Ummmmm...let me know if you feel that the WOC program is the "easy way" when they're yelling and screaming at you at Ft. Rucker, lol.

But I've have to say, going Warrant is totally the way to go - I loved being called "Chief".


Wiki has a fairly good explanation about Warrant Officers:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warrant_Officer_(United_States)

 Quote: will rambeau

I could explain that, and I spent time as both an enlisted and then an officer - however if someone is going to spend less than 20 years in the military and make it a career, I'd strongly suggest they go as an enlisted soldier, your choice of jobs and duty stations is virtually unlimited.....not so as an officer.

And Tommy, the very fact that you do not know that suggests that you don't know much about the military in general. And that illustrates a point - I have first hand experience about both the military and college, while you do not.
I would think that I can make a more valid suggestion to a young person as I have lived both life styles, where you can suggest following only one path, as you do not have experience in the other path that we veterans have suggested.

I don't? Do you know me? Well, let's get this over with quick then. Will I respect you as a vet, you have my utmost respect. My father was in the Army, and my Grandfather was in Iwo Jima.
My grandfather's flag from his funeral service sits on the top of my mantle and it's my most treasured possession.

Just because I never joined the military doesn't mean I haven't been to other continents Contrary to your belief, it's not the only way to get around the planet on someone else's dime. I've been getting on planes to go perform since I was 18 years old. I've been to a lot of places on the globe in the last 17 years. I've also raised myself since I was about 5, started work when I was 11 and I've seen as much as anyone. I do a lot of volunteer work with the homeless, in fact, been working at the homeless shelter, here, for years, including Xmas eve and day. I've seen the other side as a kid taking care of himself, and as adult trying to make a difference with a bunch of drug addicts, felons, and good hearted men who have had a rough time. There isn't just one path to this life, there are many, and remember that you, nor I, aren't any better than anyone else.
I know people that have rarely left their own zipcode that have just as much "life experience" as anyone else.

And as far as the military goes, my Father and Grandfather were in as I stated earlier. My dad told me when I was very young, not to go in, but against his advice, I tried to get into Annapolis, I wanted to fly jets. I had the aptitude, the vision, the physical strength, the reflexes, you name it, especially the grades. I was a Congressional signature away from it when my music career took off and God led me elsewhere. I don't have anything against the military at all, it's in my family for generations and it was almost my path. All I said was that "I" wouldn't go in right now and left it at that. I got Connie's tone, when she posted up on the subject, and again, I'm going to leave it at that out of courtesy to her, this forum, and all the members. I could elaborate but will not out of respect.

Going in an officer is another great choice for the boy. It lets him know that there isn't only one way into the military. I've got friends who are lifers....A good friend in California that flies Blackhawks (enlisted out of high school).....and another friend based in Washington State, that flies an EA6B that went in as an officer....another friend who is Semper Fi, joined immediately after high school graduation. Don't make assumptions about people that you don't know. I work with men who've been to prison regularly and I don't have to go myself to know something about it.

I don't care for assumptions about my person so let's take this offline if you want to argue. We have both presented some options for him, let's leave it at that.

Tony,
I'm sorry if you have thought that I made an assumption about you, but I still know that without you actually having been in the military, you do not know what it is like, no matter how many friends and relatives of yours that have served.
It's just not the same....and I'll hold my piece for the rest of what I would say in the interest of keeping the thread civil, as you have also done.

Will,

I'd rather get screamed at and deal with the intense, anal-retentive detail of WOC for 8 weeks, than sit in a single college classroom. It's just me.

Can't wait to go from saluting half the Army, to the whole Army.

Will and Tommy,
I know I'm a nobody, but let's try to keep it civil for the youngest among us........K!

There is indeed more then one way to see the world Timothy. I wouldn't wish the way I've seen it on anyone. And I'm not going to burden anyone with that story.
Likewise Tim, no one else's story can be yours. Everyone's path makes turns unforeseen. DEDICATE yourself to any vision you decide to follow....And grow from there. Believe in it.
Trust me, it does works out.

Randy


Edited by randy allen (12/20/2008 09:32 PM)
Edit reason: another lame excuse