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Well, I'm almost to that age...

S

_Shay_

thing 2
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 5, 2009
1,804
17
USA
#1
Well, I'll be turning 17 here pretty soon. This gives me the opportunity to enlist. This won't be one of those "how do I become a sniper" threads, don't worry.

What I'm trying to get at, is should I enlist at 17, or would it be wise to wait until I am 18? My goal is to get an NROTC scholarship and go to an engineering school.

I know that this is a huge commitment. I know that there will be no turning back, and I'm trying to prepare myself for this, but I know that I'll never be 100% for what is to come. I know that this will be the hardest thing I've done in my life, I am up to the challenge.

But my main question is, would it be wise to wait until I'm 18?
 
#2
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

I turned 18 in Basic after going the delayed entry route. If you're out of HS why wait? I gave myself one last summer to mow lawns, party with friends and chase girls then left for basic training in August.

The sooner you're in, the sooner you get out or retire and when you're counting the days for either you'll wish you wouldn't have wasted any time on the front end.
 
#4
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

If I enlist when I turn 17, I'll still have my senior year of high school. I'm young for my grade. If my parents allow me, I would like to when I turn 17.
 
#8
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

I believe there is a program where you go to basic the summer before your senior year and then your in the reserves your senior year then after you graduate you go active. I would talk to your parents first then a recruiter. best of luck
 
#9
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BALLISTIC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Finish high school, the military will still be there when you graduate. </div></div>

+1, definitely wait til you are out of high school
 
#11
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shootist2004</div><div class="ubbcode-body">they wont take you without a diploma or a ged. </div></div>
I know that, and IF I enlisted at 17, I wold still finish high school.
 
#13
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

Shay,

If you want to become an officer, take the officer route. Do not enlist with the intention of becoming an officer, because the odds are it won't happen. It does happen, but it happens rarely. But you'll get little to no support from your enlisted chain of command, odds are is that they'll actually go out of their way to block/sabotage it.

If you can get an NROTC scholarship, go for it. I do commend your choice to major in engineering, I've noticed that most (not all, of course) NROTC midshipmen will change their majors from engineering to another field during school. One reason is because of grades, NROTC service selection is very dependent on GPA, and it's easier to maintain a 3.5 in History, then . . . say, Chemical Engineering.

Also considering applying for Officer Candidate School. Right now the boards are closed for 2 years, so you can't walk into an officer recruiter at this time. The standards for OCS is high, so keep good grades in a tough major.

Good luck
 
#14
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nickh46</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Shay,

If you want to become an officer, take the officer route. Do not enlist with the intention of becoming an officer, because the odds are it won't happen. It does happen, but it happens rarely. But you'll get little to no support from your enlisted chain of command, odds are is that they'll actually go out of their way to block/sabotage it.

If you can get an NROTC scholarship, go for it. I do commend your choice to major in engineering, I've noticed that most (not all, of course) NROTC midshipmen will change their majors from engineering to another field during school. One reason is because of grades, NROTC service selection is very dependent on GPA, and it's easier to maintain a 3.5 in History, then . . . say, Chemical Engineering.

Also considering applying for Officer Candidate School. Right now the boards are closed for 2 years, so you can't walk into an officer recruiter at this time. The standards for OCS is high, so keep good grades in a tough major.

Good luck </div></div>

Thanks for some insight. My plan is to get a major in mechanical Engineering. Grades aren't a problem for me, I'm maintaining a 3.8-3.9 GPA. I also read that you have to have an ACT score over 22 to be considered for the NROTC scholarship, is this correct?
 
#15
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

The score on your ACT does need to be pretty high when you speak with your OCS recruiter. I had a 25 on my ACT and that was average. The ACT is a pretty easy test though, and if you are in fact maintaining a 3.8 like you stated above, it will be a breeze. I scored a 22 when I was a Freshman in high school.
 
#16
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

Stay in school.

It will give Uncle Sam the opportunity to finsh out his downsizing cycle, and increase your chances of getting in, and getting the slot you want.

Forget about joining for any other reason than becoming a member of the military.

Doing it for any other reason will conflict your goals, and make a successful tour of service very difficult to endure.

If college is your goal, don't blend it it with a service enlistment; find another way to get your college tutition. Trying to do both ensures only that you will do neither well.

Considering such a complex of goals simply confirms that you need more age and life experience before setting out on a lifelong plan.

I am not trying too either lecture or belittle you.

I have counselled a lot of young adults over the past half century as a Scout Leader, including helping several to find successful military enlistments and subsequent careers, both in and out of service.

I have discovered the hard way that doing something that requires a total commitment because you really want to do something else is a very risky endeavor.

Take this advice and benefit from my experience, and that of many others with hopes such as yor own

Greg
 
#17
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: remau308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The score on your ACT does need to be pretty high when you speak with your OCS recruiter. I had a 25 on my ACT and that was average. The ACT is a pretty easy test though, and if you are in fact maintaining a 3.8 like you stated above, it will be a breeze. I scored a 22 when I was a Freshman in high school. </div></div>

I recently got my score back and I received a 29. I was hoping it would be high enough.
 
#18
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Stay in school.

It will give Uncle Sam the opportunity to finsh out his downsizing cycle, and increase your chances of getting in, and getting the slot you want.

Forget about joining for any other reason than becoming a member of the military.

Doing it for any other reason will conflict your goals, and make a successful tour of service very difficult to endure.

If college is your goal, don't blend it it with a service enlistment; find another way to get your college tutition. Trying to do both ensures only that you will do neither well.

Considering such a complex of goals simply confirms that you need more age and life experience before setting out on a lifelong plan.

I am not trying too either lecture or belittle you.

I have counselled a lot of young adults over the past half century as a Scout Leader, including helping several to find successful military enlistments and subsequent careers, both in and out of service.

I have discovered the hard way that doing something that requires a total commitment because you really want to do something else is a very risky endeavor.

Take this advice and benefit from my experience, and that of many others with hopes such as yor own

Greg </div></div>

Thanks for the advice Greg.
 
#19
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

What's the point in DEPing in? One year from now the military recruiters will still be just as hungry for you so why not finish school and waiting gives you another year to think about it.

You say you wanna be an engineer? Go to college first and then join as an officer. I joined and served and then went to college and regret that every single day. I should have gone to college first...
 
#20
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: High Binder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What's the point in DEPing in? One year from now the military recruiters will still be just as hungry for you so why not finish school and waiting gives you another year to think about it.

You say you wanna be an engineer? Go to college first and then join as an officer. I joined and served and then went to college and regret that every single day. I should have gone to college first... </div></div>

That's what i was thinking with the NROTC Scholarship, college first, then everything else. Unless i may be missing something in my understanding of this?
 
#21
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: _Shay_ ©</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: High Binder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What's the point in DEPing in? One year from now the military recruiters will still be just as hungry for you so why not finish school and waiting gives you another year to think about it.

You say you wanna be an engineer? Go to college first and then join as an officer. I joined and served and then went to college and regret that every single day. I should have gone to college first... </div></div>

That's what i was thinking with the NROTC Scholarship, college first, then everything else. Unless i may be missing something in my understanding of this? </div></div>

Nope, not missing anything. I am an engineer and I've gotta tell you there were a lot of ROTC guys in my classes, it's a pretty good way to go. I can't stress enough how bad I fucked up when I joined out of high school instead of going to college first. The pay is wildly different (enlisted v. officer) and the lifestyle is much better on the officer side. The pitiful G.I. Bill comes nowhere near offsetting the difference in what I would have made if I had joined the military as an officer as opposed to my E1-E6 journey. Think about that! I think right now a lot of branches are actually retroactively paying for peoples college as well so there is even more incentive for ya!
 
#22
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

Yeah, the military paying for my college was a huge plus. I honestly could care less right now how much I get paid, I'm not really looking to do this for the money. Mostly it was pushing from my mother to get me to go to college after high school, rather than being an enlisted-man.
 
#23
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

Here's what my successful proteges who depend on military enlistment to start their life experience have done.

They have mostly either gone into the Coast Guard, or into the Marines. These two choices stand out because they seem to produce the most genuine commitment to the service's goals.

But understand, joining a service is about becoming a serviceman. Where one goes from there depends on the service experience, and not on preconceived goals. Before you can begin another career, you must complete the former. Truncated careers are the foundation upon which nothing can be built that doesn't collapse of its own instability.

Do one thing, one only, and do it well; so you can point to it for yourself and others as a justification for joining with you in another endeavor.

If you build your career right; you don't need to join with them, they need to join with you. That's the sort of person you need to become.

Greg
 
#24
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here's what my successful proteges who depend on military enlistment to start their life experience have done.

They have mostly either gone into the Coast Guard, or into the Marines. These two choices stand out because they seem to produce the most genuine commitment to the service's goals.

But understand, joining a service is about becoming a serviceman. Where one goes from there depends on the service experience, and not on preconceived goals. Before you can begin another career, you must complete the former. Truncated careers are the foundation upon which nothing can be built that doesn't collapse of its own instability.

Do one thing, one only, and do it well; so you can point to it for yourself and others as a justification for joining with you in another endeavor.

If you build your career right; you don't need to join with them, they need to join with you. That's the sort of person you need to become.

Greg </div></div>

Ahh, I understand what you're getting at now.
 
#25
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

Good. I won't belabor the matter, as the key point is already made. You've gotten it this far, and that could be rather more than most young adults in your position.

I wish you best fortune in whatever you decide.

Greg
 
#26
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good. I won't belabor the matter, as the key point is already made. You've gotten it this far, and that could be rather more than most young adults in your position.

I wish you best fortune in whatever you decide.

Greg </div></div>

Thank you very much, Greg. I really appreciate the help.
 
#27
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

A 29 on your ACT is more than enough to get you noticed. You shouldn't have to worry at all with your grades from high school, its the college grades you will need to maintain. I would also opt for college first and OCS or enlist later because I have several friends who did the Marines first hoping to do college later, and they never did. Also, get into OCS as soon as possible because you will miss out on a pretty nice pay increase if you don't. I missed it because I didn't look into it as a Freshman.
 
#28
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: remau308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A 29 on your ACT is more than enough to get you noticed. You shouldn't have to worry at all with your grades from high school, its the college grades you will need to maintain. I would also opt for college first and OCS or enlist later because I have several friends who did the Marines first hoping to do college later, and they never did. Also, get into OCS as soon as possible because you will miss out on a pretty nice pay increase if you don't. I missed it because I didn't look into it as a Freshman. </div></div>
Alright, I'll get the ball rolling then.
 
#29
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

Shay,
I'm a little confused. If you want to get an NROTC scholarship then why are you enlisting? NROTC is done in college by civilians. If you are going to enlist than you would use the GI bill to pay for college. If your ultimate goal is to get the scholarship than I wouldn't enlist.

But just a heads up, I was in the same exact boat when I graduated college. I knew that I wanted to serve and I wanted to be an engineer.

What I did is enlisted in the Reserves (part timeish) and used the reserves to pay for college. I went to the University of Maryland while I was enlisted and majored in Aerospace Engineering. After all things were said and done, the whole thing worked out great for me. My contract expired 3 months after I graduated. I was only pulled out of school for one semester (Iraq) and when I came back things fell right back into place.

Although I am no longer in the uniformed service, I am a DOD civilian working for the Navy doing mishap investigations among other things.

I just caution you on jumping to an enlistment with out thinking of what happens after you sign the contract. There are many ways of serving, just pick the one that's right for you. Good Luck.
 
#30
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

I must be using the wrong term then. I guess what I'm trying to say is I'd like to go into the military through the NROTC program.
 
#31
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

Shay, you're young, and if you want NROTC and Ensign bars, get the ball rolling.

Also recommend you start upping your PT if you haven't yet, and start (or up the pace) on any extra curricular activities. Do something that sets you apart from the pack! If you can ace the Navy PRT at the age 18-24 age group, this with your grades should be able to get you in the door.

As for ACT, I do not know and anything I tell you about this in relation to NROTC, I would be lying. I am a Navy OCS grad myself, and as far as OCS goes ACT scores don't count, how you do in the ASTB/OAR plus your GPA is a big factor in OCS selection.
 
#32
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nickh46</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Shay, you're young, and if you want NROTC and Ensign bars, get the ball rolling.

Also recommend you start upping your PT if you haven't yet, and start (or up the pace) on any extra curricular activities. Do something that sets you apart from the pack! If you can ace the Navy PRT at the age 18-24 age group, this with your grades should be able to get you in the door.

As for ACT, I do not know and anything I tell you about this in relation to NROTC, I would be lying. I am a Navy OCS grad myself, and as far as OCS goes ACT scores don't count, how you do in the ASTB/OAR plus your GPA is a big factor in OCS selection. </div></div>

I've been working out regularly, trying to reach the requirements to get a perfect PT score.
 
#33
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

Shay, look at applying to the Naval Academy. In fact, with your grades apply to all of them and see what happens. Never narrow yourself down as engineering is utilized by all the services. I spent 21 years in the Army and had the military provide me education at all levels up to a MSA. It is a great way to go but look for the free rides to get to where you want. The service can provide a great life.
 
#34
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JSTARSZ</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Shay, look at applying to the Naval Academy. In fact, with your grades apply to all of them and see what happens. Never narrow yourself down as engineering is utilized by all the services. I spent 21 years in the Army and had the military provide me education at all levels up to a MSA. It is a great way to go but look for the free rides to get to where you want. The service can provide a great life. </div></div>

I'll look into the Naval Academy. I actually have been writing a letter of reccomendation for the congressman for Michigan. It would be nice if I was accepted.

This may be an odd question, but will being an Officer prevent you from going into any specialized military schools?
 
#35
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

Shay, I'll mirror what many have said:

If you want to be an officer, go that route.
Enlisting will make you an enlisted man. Not an Officer.

As far as being an officer excepting you from specialized schools: Generally not in the Army. Not sure how Navy handles such things. In fact, most officers will have more school opportunities in the combat branches than their soldiers will as it expands their usefulness in assignment diversity.
 
#36
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

Shay,

Not sure what you are meaning by "specialized military schools", but if you graduate from the academy you can do Marine ground, Marine pilot, Navy pilot, Navy NFO, SEALS, EOD, Subs, Surface warfare (SWO), Nuke SWO, etc. You can also do a bunch of other options like SWO-IP (information professional), SWO-ocean (oceanography), SWO-EDO (Engineering duty officer), SWO-Intel, etc. These options make you go SWO for your first sea tour and get your surface warfare pin. Once qualified you will then go to your community specific school and transition over to that community.

You will get specialized training in whatever job you assume. For me, I was slated as the strike officer on my first ship. This sent me to Tactical Tomahawk Weapon Controls Systems (TTWCS) school at Dam Neck, VA. I then went to the Naval Fire Control System Land Attack Watch Officer School (LAWO) to get training to be the ship's gunfire liaison officer (GLO). Once I completed 22 months at that, I transitioned to damage control assistant and went to 7 weeks of DCA school in Norfolk. The military will get you all the training you need to fill your designated billet.

Josh
 
#37
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

I spent a couple of years in an Army ROTC program before I threw it away. I was enlisted in the Army Reserves less than 6 months later.

If you don't already know how, learn to study. High school was very easy for me. I was the guy that could skip all the homework, roll in hung over & ace the final for everything except Physics and AP Chemistry. I was in for a BIG surprise when I got to college studying Aerospace Engineering at a top ranked university.

You'll have to go to class, do the homework & study for the exams. You have to learn to balance that with being the party animal.

It took me until I was 21 to realize that I needed to pay attention to school. My best friend from my time in ROTC is a helicopter pilot; currently a Captain looking at Major and enjoying a very good military career.

My military career was crap. I made Sergeant (E-5) but it took me over 6 years. My college career was a little better; after basic training / AIT then working at a gas station for 6 months I realized I needed to work hard at school. I ended up with a BS and an MS. I'm now gainfully employed in a well paying, stable career where I use my college degrees.

BUT - I kick myself everyday for failing to maintain the discipline to finish ROTC & commission.
 
#38
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Stay in school.

It will give Uncle Sam the opportunity to finsh out his downsizing cycle, and increase your chances of getting in, and getting the slot you want.

Forget about joining for any other reason than becoming a member of the military.

Doing it for any other reason will conflict your goals, and make a successful tour of service very difficult to endure.

If college is your goal, don't blend it it with a service enlistment; find another way to get your college tutition. Trying to do both ensures only that you will do neither well.

Considering such a complex of goals simply confirms that you need more age and life experience before setting out on a lifelong plan.

I am not trying too either lecture or belittle you.

I have counselled a lot of young adults over the past half century as a Scout Leader, including helping several to find successful military enlistments and subsequent careers, both in and out of service.

I have discovered the hard way that doing something that requires a total commitment because you really want to do something else is a very risky endeavor.

Take this advice and benefit from my experience, and that of many others with hopes such as yor own

Greg </div></div>

Sage advice from an old fart. Follow it.
 
#39
Re: Well, I'm almost to that age...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NUTT</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I spent a couple of years in an Army ROTC program before I threw it away. I was enlisted in the Army Reserves less than 6 months later.

If you don't already know how, learn to study. High school was very easy for me. I was the guy that could skip all the homework, roll in hung over & ace the final for everything except Physics and AP Chemistry. I was in for a BIG surprise when I got to college studying Aerospace Engineering at a top ranked university.

You'll have to go to class, do the homework & study for the exams. You have to learn to balance that with being the party animal.

It took me until I was 21 to realize that I needed to pay attention to school. My best friend from my time in ROTC is a helicopter pilot; currently a Captain looking at Major and enjoying a very good military career.

My military career was crap. I made Sergeant (E-5) but it took me over 6 years. My college career was a little better; after basic training / AIT then working at a gas station for 6 months I realized I needed to work hard at school. I ended up with a BS and an MS. I'm now gainfully employed in a well paying, stable career where I use my college degrees.

BUT - I kick myself everyday for failing to maintain the discipline to finish ROTC & commission.

</div></div>

I'm taking college classes this year, my junior year, and I realized that it is much harder and that I DO need to sttudy. So, studying is not a problem for me.
 
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