Getting bored....

[mtsupilot09]

Here's my situation. I'm a sophomore at MTSU in Tennessee and honestly I'm just getting restless of sitting in class all day. I am looking for something for exciting to do, and I've been talking to an enlisted recruiter about my options. I'm going to go to MEPS and take the asvab and all that fun stuff and see what jobs they offer me. If I can find something in aviation, specifically with a fighter squadron, I'd probably sign. I feel like I can finish my last two years of school after my enlistment or if I get into STA-21, that would be even more ideal. Is enlisted life really that bad? I know most of you guys say a lot "don't enlist don't enlist" but I feel like right now, it might be a good thing. Just shoot me your thoughts.

 

[Brett327]

Here's my situation. I'm a sophomore at MTSU in Tennessee and honestly I'm just getting restless of sitting in class all day. I am looking for something for exciting to do, and I've been talking to an enlisted recruiter about my options. I'm going to go to MEPS and take the asvab and all that fun stuff and see what jobs they offer me. If I can find something in aviation, specifically with a fighter squadron, I'd probably sign. I feel like I can finish my last two years of school after my enlistment or if I get into STA-21, that would be even more ideal. Is enlisted life really that bad? I know most of you guys say a lot "don't enlist don't enlist" but I feel like right now, it might be a good thing. Just shoot me your thoughts.

This issue come up a lot, so pay attention, because I spent 8.5 years in the enlisted ranks before I got commissioned. It's not a matter of enlisted life being "that bad," but a question of what will enable you to reach your ultimate goal in the best and fastest way possible. If your goal is to be an officer, going the enlisted route first will do two things: Delay your commissioning for several years, possibly indefinitely because of the various administrative hurdles you're going to have to jump through. Second, you won't have the time to finish your degree in a timely manner. You'll be in Navy schools, deployed, on work-ups, etc. You'll be lucky to take 3 credits at a time.

So, I ask you, what is your motivation to enlist? If it's money, there are programs like BDCP and NROTC scholarships that are fairly easy to get into. If you think there will be some experiential or leadership advantage, you're wrong, unless you plan to spend 8 years in like I did. If you're just bored with school, punch yourself in the nads and refocus on your goal.

Hope that helps you. Please PM me for more details if you're not convinced.

Brett

 

[MasterBates]

Best. Reply. Ever. on this subject.

 

[zippy]

I see Brett already answered...

Apathy towards college and the routine that goes with it is common... I guess a big question is how are you doing academically? You are saying you are half way done with it- why not just suck it up and get it out of the way now? After your enlistment is up you are going to find yourself back in a similar situation- with two (or more) years left of the college routine-same as if you get STA 21 (That is a competative program and might not be easy to get when you decide that you want to go back to school).

Typically people here say dont enlist if you want to be an Officer/Naval Aviator/Flight Officer etc... because there are other, more direct routes, available. So, if your goal is to become a Naval Officer that statement probably applies to you- you would be stopping forward progress on your college degree, a requirement for an Officer.

If you are interested in enlisting, Aircrew is one of the rates that will give you the oppertunity to fly. I've flown with a couple guys with similar backgrounds to yours (some college but for whatever reason they decided it wasn't for them and wanted to do something with flying and enlisted). They do enjoy it.

Like deciding to go to college, the decision to enlist is a big one. Take some time and look at what your long term goals are and how enlisting or how staying in college fits into them.

 

[LoneSailor]

Being enlisted is no way shape or form, BAD. I think you've got the wrong impression from reading previous posts (good on you for searching before posting). People are given the advice to not enlist because most of them have the ultimate goal of earning a commission. If that is your ultimate goal (to be commissioned), going the enlisted route will be a long challenging road. Just like what's stated above, it's easier said than done -- school will be secondary (or third) when you enlist. Most importantly, if you think you can put your obligated duties on the side and just focus on school while enlisted, then good luck getting into STA-21 (or OCS). Good luck.

 

[Lonestar155]

People are more likely to succeed in life if they make a sacrifice. (Example) Invest a small portion of your income on a retirement bond, or use that money now. Those who live off of instant gratification are less likely to succeed. As a potential military officer, you will make decisions. Use this time to make a wise decision!

 

[phrogpilot73]

Here's my situation. I'm a sophomore at MTSU in Tennessee and honestly I'm just getting restless of sitting in class all day. I am looking for something for exciting to do, and I've been talking to an enlisted recruiter about my options. I'm going to go to MEPS and take the asvab and all that fun stuff and see what jobs they offer me. If I can find something in aviation, specifically with a fighter squadron, I'd probably sign. I feel like I can finish my last two years of school after my enlistment or if I get into STA-21, that would be even more ideal. Is enlisted life really that bad? I know most of you guys say a lot "don't enlist don't enlist" but I feel like right now, it might be a good thing. Just shoot me your thoughts.

I can't really say much that Brett hasn't already said. I enlisted, not because I was bored, but because I wasn't ready/mature enough for college yet. Turned out to be a great move for me, but if you're doing fine in school and are just bored, and want to be an officer, suck it up and keep moving. As one old squadron XO told me "There's a light at the end of the tunnel, and it's not a turd with whipped cream." And, for those who know him it was Caveman...

 

[zab1001]

What's Steve's signature? "What we want is often sacrificed by what we want right now", or something to that effect?

 

[pat]

1. I think Brett's answer right on the money.
2. I enlisted because I wanted out of college, and then ultimately spent 5 years working my way back into it. Would I trade my 5 years (almost 8 by commissioning) for anything? No. In hindsight would I do things differently from the beginning? Probably.
3. As far as the "being bored of school" part, enlisting is a good way to spend the next year or so in school.
4. I'm bored at school too, but not bored enough to quit again.

 

[Banjo33]

Another option that hasn't been mentioned above is have you thought about the reserves? This was my experience. I attended basic training and infantry school during the summer and fall (prior to starting school). I applied/got accepted/attended OCS during subsequent summers without missing any school at all. I trained one weekend a month (very rarely missed classes--professors were accomodating) and OCS accounted for the two week requirements in the summer. I made a couple hundred bucks a month extra AND received the Reserve GI Bill for attending school.

The only draw back that I can see to this approach right now is the risk of deployment. Which isn't the worst thing and beats dropping out of school altogether.

 

[invertedflyer]

^^ I did the same thing as boomer, and haven't seen much affect my education. However, this is mainly because I got lucky in that my unit had just returned from Iraq when I joined it 3 years ago... and hasn't been redeployed there yet. I enlisted for similar reasons though... bored of school, ancy, etc. But mainly, I was sick of "not being in the military"... while I won't ever regret my choice to join the reserves as it worked for me, I'd say hold on to your dreams and shoot for that... you'll get in eventually and probably a little bit more expeditiously.

 

[Fezz CB]

This issue come up a lot, so pay attention, because I spent 8.5 years in the enlisted ranks before I got commissioned. It's not a matter of enlisted life being "that bad," but a question of what will enable you to reach your ultimate goal in the best and fastest way possible. If your goal is to be an officer, going the enlisted route first will do two things: Delay your commissioning for several years, possibly indefinitely because of the various administrative hurdles you're going to have to jump through. Second, you won't have the time to finish your degree in a timely manner. You'll be in Navy schools, deployed, on work-ups, etc. You'll be lucky to take 3 credits at a time.

So, I ask you, what is your motivation to enlist? If it's money, there are programs like BDCP and NROTC scholarships that are fairly easy to get into. If you think there will be some experiential or leadership advantage, you're wrong, unless you plan to spend 8 years in like I did. If you're just bored with school, punch yourself in the nads and refocus on your goal.

Hope that helps you. Please PM me for more details if you're not convinced.

Brett

GOD: Let there be LIGHT!

Brett: Say please.

 

[Rossi]

GOD: Let there be LIGHT!

Brett: Say please.

Lol, i always liked that Chuck Norris one.

 

[eddie]

What's Steve's signature? "What we want is often sacrificed by what we want right now", or something to that effect?

It's DanMav's...

 

[mtsupilot09]

Thanks for the good advice gentlemen. I've also had to chance to have several conversations with people about this and they concur with what you all have said. I feel that, for me, the best route to becoming a Naval Aviator is through the BDCP. No schools close to me have NROTC, and honestly from what I've learned on this website, it looks like BDCP is a better deal. Thanks for zapping me back to reality. I am going to stick it out for my last year and a half (summer school will help me get out earlier.) I have refocused on my goal: earn a commission through BDCP and graduate college. I definetely respect the advice of you guys as some of you have been or still are Naval Aviators, so thanks. I'll keep you informed on what happens next, as I'm sure I'll have many questions. I got the ARCO ASTB study guide, and I've been looking through it. I feel like I can really prepare myself to submit a competitive package. My GPA is a 3.21, Aerospace Admin major at MTSU. I have a PPL, and I'm getting ready to start on my instrument. I volunteer with a number of organizations, and I generally posses good character and leadership skills. I'm gonna go for it, and if I get turned down, I'll go for it again. I want this bad, and partly thanks to you guys for helping me to remotivate myself to go for it.