Montana Conservation Corps (fit in, home, employment)

[Sunshine&Dip]

Hello all! I am a soldier currently stationed in Georgia. I may be getting discharged soon, and I am trying to find something to do after I get out. I have always been highly independent and adventurous. I wanted to go out west and start a new life for myself. I read about the MCC and I think it would be a great way to establish myself in Montana. I am 18 years old and in great physical shape, and I am used to being in the field, so the extended "camping trip" will be no problem to me. I guess what I am trying to ask you all, who are far more knowledgeable than I, is if would be feasible for me to buy a one way ticket to Montana (if I get accepted to the program) and start a new life out west? Thank yall for your help

[Vegabern]

Originally Posted by Sunshine&Dip

Hello all! I am a soldier currently stationed in Georgia. I may be getting discharged soon, and I am trying to find something to do after I get out. I have always been highly independent and adventurous. I wanted to go out west and start a new life for myself. I read about the MCC and I think it would be a great way to establish myself in Montana. I am 18 years old and in great physical shape, and I am used to being in the field, so the extended "camping trip" will be no problem to me. I guess what I am trying to ask you all, who are far more knowledgeable than I, is if would be feasible for me to buy a one way ticket to Montana (if I get accepted to the program) and start a new life out west? Thank yall for your help

You can do anything you set your mind to.

I drove out to Montana when I was twenty with just what I could fit in my car and not enough gas money to return home if it didn't work out. Ten years later, I've completed college, married, bought a house, had two children and work a wonderful job.

[Montana Griz]

.....Your post implies that you do not have a car.........Except for the Bus public transportation systems in a few of the major cities in Montana, there is really very little public transportation to get from city to city. Greyhound does service some of the cities.
Unless you intend to buy a vehicle after you arrive in Montana, IMHO you will be at somewhat of a disadvantage in terms of being able to effectively seek employment.

Also, I hope you have done some "homework" with regard to the typical winter weather you will experience here in Montana, as well as very different "life-style". I have spent some time in the Atlanta area, Brunswick, Macon, Savannah, Douglas, Darien and Valdosta..........

If you have never been to Montana, I would suggest that you do a significant amount of research before you make the trip out here.

I wish you luck.

[historyfan]

First off starting a new life in Montana is much easier if it is Spring or Summer for employment opportunities. At the end of your Army committment you could get an entry level position at any drilling company in the oil fields of Eastern Montana/Dakotas. It is hard physical work which you would be in shape for with regular drug testing. Montana is not a cheap place to live even though it is rural. A couple of years in the oil patch would give you an economic start. Good luck.