Took me five years, and I was in college full time 
College before the military?
- Thread starter asewland
- Start date
That's what lack of motivation and immaturity will get you. I was very fortunate to have a very patient and understanding family, and ROTC program.
I have total respect for those who can get a bachelor's during AD.
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- Sep 18, 2010
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After SFQC, I was only 4 classes away from an associates, it counts toward all of your electives plus some bussiness admin stuff. I can't answer for a bachelors, because I don't have one. There's a guy on my team, however, who has been in for 12 years- he has a bachelors and 2 masters, all done while on active duty between SF and Ranger Bn.
Mind if I ask what major you pursued?
History & political studies
What were his majors?
Get a PhD.
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2010
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- 2,186
The kinds that start at 150k a year on top of your retirement.
Chris16
Member
I am also in the same position as the OP. Right now I am only a Freshmen in high-school and I have a whole lot ahead of me before I would serve, but I always wanted to serve and I can't see myself doing something else. I'm looking at the Air Force special operation side and the Army Special Forces as some of my main choices. My parents are really pushing me to go to college before I join the military. I understand their opinion as they have seen a lot more of the world than me and have a better understanding. I know my parents really value college, because my dad went to college for 11 and a half years to get a PHD and became a research geneticist. As a child he moved a lot with his dad being in the Air Force, moving from base to base all over Europe. He didn't know that he would become what he is today, hell the jobs he told me about that he did before this were crazy: like working in Colorado on oil rigs, almost having his (you know what) chopped off. He didn't grow up with a lot, but he worked his ass off in college and now he's living the life as his own boss. I want to serve my country because I feel it's my calling, I know I am going to do that. Going to college seems more for my parents than me though. I'm only 15 though and have a lot more ahead of me, and haven't come close to what my parents have experienced. If they think I should go to college, I'm sure they have a reason for it and know something I don't know.
This leads me to say that my generation seems to think they know everything and know how the world works. The fact is we've been handed everything on a silver platter and disregarded what the generations before us have said. What my generation does not understand is how our role will greatly impact the generations to come and the world. We are the future and the generations before us are trying to communicate this to us, but we're to busy playing videogames and stuffing twinkies down our throat.
This leads me to say that my generation seems to think they know everything and know how the world works. The fact is we've been handed everything on a silver platter and disregarded what the generations before us have said. What my generation does not understand is how our role will greatly impact the generations to come and the world. We are the future and the generations before us are trying to communicate this to us, but we're to busy playing videogames and stuffing twinkies down our throat.
Chris, I was in your boat when I was in high school. Wanted to enlist, parents wanted me to go to college first. I wanted to enlist with a recon contract for the Marine Corps. I am finishing up my sophomore year here at University of Louisville right now, and to this day I still want to be a Recon Marine, but that's after college. I plan on talking to an OSO (officer selection officer) at the start of this summer to see what my options are for becoming a Marine Officer now. My advice, and take it however you want, is to give it some time and do some research. Who know's, you may change your plans. As mentioned earlier I did, I wanted to enlist, now I'm at college, and plan to become an officer. As you said you are only a freshmen, you have PLENTY of time to decide what you want to do. In the meantime, get in shape, don't do anything stupid that is going to ruin your chances of joining the service, and get good grades. Good Luck with your decision and always stay motivated 
Coudln't agree more. On a lighter note, I for one enjoy twinkies
(even if itwill eventually kill me)What are you majoring in?Chris, I was in your boat when I was in high school. Wanted to enlist, parents wanted me to go to college first. I wanted to enlist with a recon contract for the Marine Corps. I am finishing up my sophomore year here at University of Louisville right now, and to this day I still want to be a Recon Marine, but that's after college. I plan on talking to an OSO (officer selection officer) at the start of this summer to see what my options are for becoming a Marine Officer now. My advice, and take it however you want, is to give it some time and do some research. Who know's, you may change your plans. As mentioned earlier I did, I wanted to enlist, now I'm at college, and plan to become an officer. As you said you are only a freshmen, you have PLENTY of time to decide what you want to do. In the meantime, get in shape, don't do anything stupid that is going to ruin your chances of joining the service, and get good grades. Good Luck with your decision and always stay motivated
I am majoring in Exercise Science. I could never figure out what the hell I wanted to major in until last year. I figured, I like working out, why not learn about the science behind the body and its movements? I am enjoying Anatomy and Physiology, and can't wait to get into Biomechanics and all that fun stuff 
To those who are considering college before the Military, I pose this question to you. (And I'm not asking because I think you're wrong, so please don't take it as that)
Why would you not enlist out of HS or by the age of 21/22 and let the Military pay for your college/tech school/etc through the 9/11 of GI Bill and then decide if you want to be an Officer or SOF or both or neither?
Why would you not enlist out of HS or by the age of 21/22 and let the Military pay for your college/tech school/etc through the 9/11 of GI Bill and then decide if you want to be an Officer or SOF or both or neither?
D
Deleted member 2517
Guest
I had the chance to go to school for free with a combo of CH. 35 GI bill benefits and Florida VA assistance. My dad, a long with about 3 SOF guys from an assortment of services, told me to go to college first. So I did and I think I have a much better chance of success at BUD/S or RASP at 22 than at 18. That's me though and if I didn't have the means for a debt free education I would have been signing on the dotted line way back in May 2010.
Chris16
Member
If I were to enlist straight out of high-school, it seems like you'd still be in your own little world and haven't matured enough. If I join at 21 or 22 but not go to college in that time period from when I graduated highschool, what would I be doing? Staying in shape and working at McDonalds, that sounds like being a bum to me. Might as well have joined when I was 18 because my maturity would probably not increase. I might as well continue my education out of highschool, and go to college. That way I'd probably know what's it like to live on my own, gain some life experience and maturity, which would help me to be a better candidate for a special operation force.
NBC-Guy
Verified Military
Consider what Marauder said. Enlist in a Reserve Component and go SMP. You will have FTA, Some GI Bill, and make that SMP money. Eventually you can work your way into a Scholarship. If you wish to Commission into AD, then strive to be the Best (even if you are staying Reserve Component do your best). GPA, PT, Leadership skills, etc all determine if you will be AD or Reserves Officer. We have a couple LT's that came from ROTC and had a chip on their shoulder for not commissioning to AD. They are coming along nicely, but as everyone said, you have time. Keep your nose clean and stay in shape.
Edit: You may also be able to get Air Assault and Airborne thru ROTC as well. It was an option when I was in. Of course it is based off an OML so refer back to doing your best and being the best.
Edit: You may also be able to get Air Assault and Airborne thru ROTC as well. It was an option when I was in. Of course it is based off an OML so refer back to doing your best and being the best.
