Have been thinking... (Lansing, Madison Heights: loan, military, travel)

[hockeygal22]

I am 22 and am struggling to get through college since I am paying out of pocket and already paying back on a loan. I also have been feeling more and more like I need to be doing something with my life and ever since high school a part of me wanted to join the military. At first I wanted be a Navy Pilot but because of my size and eyesight that was impossible. So since I could not be a pilot I went to college after high school. Now, four year later the thought is still in my mind, this time however I am considering the Army National Guard. I was wondering if anyone is in the Guard and let me know what it is like. I am very aware that I could be sent to Iraq but the more I think about it the more I feel like the benefits outweigh the risk.

Not only are there the educational benefits but I believe that the military would help me gain the skills and confidence in myself. I have no idea where I am headed in life and want to do something meaningful and there is no greater thing that I can do for my country than to serve it.

[MICoastieMom]

Have you considered the US Coast Guard? I know I am biased, but I think it offers such opportunities that may not be available in other branches, just because of the variety of work it does. I know there are two offices in Michigan. One in Madison Heights, one in Lansing. The following website will get you to the exact locations.

Joint Service Recruiting - Coast Guard

Click on Recruiting Offices next to the CG insignia. Scroll down on the next page to the bottom. Click on Find a Recruiter. A map appears, click on Michigan.

Just by coincidence, my Coastie called while I was typing this. He said you can also get the info by phone. 1-877-NOW-USCG.

Good luck, and God bless!

[hockeygal22]

I have thought of the Coast Guard but since I am a weak swimmer I figured it was not for me.

[MICoastieMom]

Unless you plan to be a rescue swimmer or a surface swimmer on a small boat, 45 or 47-footers, you do not need strong swimming skills. At boot camp you have eight weeks to strengthen skills for a swimming test: jumping from a 3-meter platform, swimming the perimeter of the swimming pool, and treading water for 10 minutes. You have the same amount of time to pass a basic physical fitness test: push-ups, standing broad jump, running a mile, etc.

Talk to the recruiter about OCS (officer candiate school). If you had already completed college, you would have the option of going directly there. Since you have not completed your coursework, they may want you to go to boot camp first, and then send you there. It is certainly worth looking into because it bumps you up to a higher grade and a higher pay scale.

If you do decide to talk to a recruiter, please contact me first. I will give you my son's name and station location to use as a referral. Thanks, hon, best of luck to you.

[burgler09]

Stick with college, join the military after you get out of college. If you realy need the time off then I suggest doing some travelling.

[Coldjensens]

coast guard would probably be my choice, but I am a boat person. I love the water.

Keep in mind that there is the part about getting shot at, blown up, captured and tortured . .. .oh an killing people. that could be a down side to the whole thing.

[MICoastieMom]

Fortunately, the Coast Guard is more service oriented so those things don't happen quite as often, unless you are in drug interdiction. True, they do happen, but there is also the possibilty of being hurt by unruly students at MSU. I am not making a judgement, I am just stating a fact. Once you get a reputation, it is kind of hard to live it down.

[wagonproject]

Well I am in the same boat. Finished my second year of college and am feeling like im not going anywhere/want more. Looking at the army/marines though.

[hockeygal22]

Why do people keep telling me to travel? I don't have the money people!!! That is why I am struggling with school because I have no way to pay for it. I am well aware of the dangers but I could get shot at where I live.

[cbmsu01]

Originally Posted by MICoastieMom

Fortunately, the Coast Guard is more service oriented so those things don't happen quite as often, unless you are in drug interdiction. True, they do happen, but there is also the possibilty of being hurt by unruly students at MSU. I am not making a judgement, I am just stating a fact. Once you get a reputation, it is kind of hard to live it down.

I don't think "getting hurt by unruly students at MSU" happens very often. Plus, why couldn't it happen elsewhere?