Lately I been contemplating what my plans are after I graduate college, and joining the military has been on my mind. But I was wondering about what were ya'lls experiences in the armed forces (I would probably go into the navy-its sort of a family thing ). I still got four years to decide what I'm going to do, and I'm not in any hurry.

I know that if I join, they would take a guy like me and train me to be some scientist for the nuclear department of the navy (for example, since I want to major in Chem. Engineering). It'll become my life- would I have time to pursue some of my other interest in music, and eventually settle down with a family?

I was wondering if ya'll were able to still keep up with music in the military. Playing guitar really means a lot to me, and I don't think I could drop it for a couple of years.

thanks for the input, and a merry Christmas to all of you!

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Kid: "Hey Smokey! Where did you get your name?"
Smokey the Bear: "Well..."
(former user jimbo612)

I'm in the Navy, SB2(SWCC/SW). Special Warfare Combatcraft Crewman, I have a wife with three kids and a band also, does that answer your question

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I was in the military during the Vietnam conflict. I was in for 4 years.

It was a time when there was a draft, so that played a big part on my joining the U.S. Air Force. I figured it was better if I had a choice on what I did, rather than crawl through ditches and rice patties.

Anyway......I wouldn't have gone in otherwise.....however I ended up getting trained in Avionic Sensor Systems (Laser, infrared, radar, etc), and worked on the SR-71, and AC 130 Gunship. It ended up being a good experience for me, and as I look back on it, it think it was a very good experience in my life and had an good influence on the rest of my life. For each of us it is a different experience, and we all have different circumstances in our lives.

Anyway.....I don't regret it, and I would do it again, if I was again that age.

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"I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them."-John Wayne

One more comment..........When I was in the U.S. Air Force, it was like going to a normal job, with the exception of possibly being deployed at anytime. But......I could always play music if I chose.

One more thing......I notice that this is a new format with the website. I hit the quote button, yet it didn't put in the comments of the previous post that I wanted. Is there a new magic way?

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"I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them."-John Wayne

Seems to be operating normally from here.

Mebbe some "3-level gremlins" got into your 'puter when you weren't looking......?



Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

Ok.........thanks........made me look harder..........found a secret button on the bottom.

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"I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them."-John Wayne

If you got a degree and can qualify for the military, and are under the age of 29 consider OCS and become an officer, Active or Reserve would be a opportunity of a lifetime. Check out the Coast Guard also.

With a degree, I'd definitely check into OCS. There are many different fields in all of the different branches and you'd mostly likely be able to find something that was a fit for you.
I enjoyed my time in the Army, and I sometimes wish I'd stayed in. I think it's a great experience for anyone that does it. and it can teach you a lot about yourself and life in general.
Whatever choice you make, make sure it's an educated one, being in the military is a major commitment to make. hth

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Check out my new FB music page!

https://www.facebook.com/TheDevilandMe.Music

I am an officer in the Candian Navy and I joined after getting my undergrad degree. Like most say here it is like any other job, except that I spend a about 30% of my time at sea, and there are some other little twists, both good and bad That being said I also have a family and time to pursue outside intrests. There are a lot of active and former military that hang out here.

If you are thinking about it now, if I could suggest one thing, go ROTP(it might be called ROTC in the US?) and let the government pay for your educatation. No student loans to pay, no big school bills, a paycheck while in school...you can't go wrong. If I knew I would join the military when I went to school, that's definitely what I would have done.

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CREDO ELVEM IPSUM ETAIM VIVERE

Wanting to serve your country is good. But being a Viet Nam Vet I can tell you from experience war is not the situation you wanna be in. Think about it real good cause in todays world you`ll have sand between your toes not long after your trainning is finished.

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I'm proud to say I served with a spotless record but the military isn't for everyone. You have to remember that first and foremost, you are a soldier (in my case) and that for the length of your contract, you are the property of the Government who shall utilize you as they see fit. You might have some small say but I wouldn't factor it at all.

As I felt it was my duty, I enlisted even though I had the academic degree and various technical certificates. I figured even though I was "marketable" so to speak in civilian life, I'd enhance my trade (electronics) and THEN go to OCS. I scored 30/30 on all the ASVAB tests which helped immeasurably. All of the above worked out quite well for me because the more an individual 'brings to the table' in terms of skills and intelligence, the more leverage one has going into and consequently, throughout their hitch. This is in no way is to imply that I dictated to the US Army where and what I was planning on and/or going to do as no way on this planet does it work this way! If your skills were there and the need on the part of the Army for them was critical, it is then that you may have a shot at where you're going and/or what you'll be doing. To give a balanced presentation though, if your skills were there and the need on the part of the Army for them was critical, you may very well have absolutely no say in where you're going and/or what you'll be doing. I did learn fast though that if they give you choices, put what you want as first choice second because no one was given their first choice.

I was single then but from what I observed, it wasn't all that easy for those with families to get living quarters near the base let alone on it. As far as playing time goes in terms of guitar, "quality time" was sporadic and not really dependable. I must emphasize though, this was my experience where it surely wouldn't be the same for many others as it could easily be more as it could be less.

In the final analysis though, I'm glad I did it and I honestly feel most should too.

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You dig?

I was in the Air Force for 10 yrs. Best 10 yrs of my life. Everyone should join the service.

I was in the Navy and found it quite a rewarding experience. I was trained
in Aerography and served aboard the CVN-65 (USS Enterprise) while working
on briefing pilots. I'd recommend it and I think it helped me to believe more
in myself and what my goals and limitations were. Good luck!

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

My wife and I are both retired army and my son has been in the army for 11 years, so we are definitely a military family. By the way, you do not have to wait until you graduate. Talk to a recruiter. They have some options that can greatly benefit you now and in the future (such as paying for college and joining as an officer after graduation).

A stint in your countries Armed Forces is always a good idea IMHO. I joined right out of High School and never regreted a min. of it. Every time I think back on it it is with fond memories. My only regret is i didn't stay for 20 yrs. but than again if I did, I would have never met my wife and have the familey I do now. Talk to as many people as you can about joining, but just remember, you are under contract.

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