ROTC..or enlistment right after high school?

[Mburbank726]

Alright, well although i am too young to talk to a recruiter.. (16 in july), I had a conversation with one at my school. I know that in life, sometime, i would like to complete 4 years of engineering at a college (either Temple U, Syracuse, or Umass Amherst, and I have already decided that the army is DEFINITE in my life, but I am still unsure and I know I have alot of time to think about this- I just want to make sure that I make the right decisions for my future. First of all, would you recommend the National Guard or Active Duty in the Army. Secondly, for college, would it be wise to complete it right out of college or after my service?

Thank you so much for your help.

[bearsmike7691]

You could also qualify for a program called SMP (Simultaneous Membership Program). It's a program that offers ROTC students hands-on experiencein an Army National Guard Unit. You are both a soldier in the Army National Guard and student in the Army ROTC program. So you got your drill 1 weekend out of the month and 2 weeks out of the summer and you get paid as an E-5 but there are also bonuses too;)

You do good in school and stay healthy you cound be making OVER $80,000 a year while in college!!:eek:

[Mburbank726]

When do i apply for that? While I'm in college or before?

[matthew.ritchie]

There's nothing wrong with service in the active component Army. It's not better or worse than the National Guard, but it has some signficant differences. Those differences may be better or worse for you, depending on your goals and plans. Please note that the easiest choice would be service in the active component. It's harder to be a National Guard Soldier than an active Soldier, because in the Guard you have two careers to manage, not just one.

My recommendation is to take the next year reading the messages on this forum, and think to yourself where you want to go in life, and how you want to get there.

In the meantime, avoid all the dumb stuff that your pals are doing (underage drinking, drug experimentation, teenage pregancy, etc.). You've got all the time in the world to ruin your life, no need to rush into it.

[betheny.schoenborn]

As I understand it a lot of the ROTC benefits are limited to age, but not severely. Don't quote me but I think in order to get a scholarship you have to pledge to attain your degree by the age of 30?

At RSP in January I sat through a seminar and ROTC has a ton of great things to offer. You don't have to choose one or the other and the Guard has a ton of programs with ROTC.

Oh yeah and they pay you to go to college. They pay you a LOT.

[ahsan]

Definitely not a "LOT" with all caps...lol, but much more than the average Joe University Student will be making...and you're putting in much less hours.

I'll echo what the Major said and keep in mind that things will change as you get to the age where you make all the choices. But right now since you're what a sophomre/junior? Focus on grades, join up JROTC if your hs offers it and pickup crosscountry (or just focus on endurance on your own). If you've already got your mind set up on being an Engineer, the guard maybe more to your likings. You're young and have a lot of possible options, your goal should be to keep them open. Get a balanced life ideal going - academics, athletics, extra curriculars...and you can't fail!

Good Luck

P.S. Look for a mentor who's in a similar field as to what you desire for