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Originally Posted by cjgallen
But the real issue: Is a military career for me? What exactly would I be doing in the Guard, and as an officer in the Air Force? I wouldn't consider myself a "leader," but I'm a damn hard worker. Would I still be successful? My biggest fear is that I'd join, totally hate it, get out, and then be back where I started. I don't want that to happen, so I want anyone with thoughts, opinions, or personal experiences to give me some input. I want to be certain I'm making the right decision. (I guess I should talk to a recruiter, heh).
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First of all...
DO NOT TRUST ANY RECRUITER, EVER!!
They
WILL lie and promise you things that you'll
NEVER get just to get you to join. Be careful.
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Originally Posted by cjgallen
Is a military career for me?
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Only you can answer that. Enlisting is a HUGE decision... are you prepared for what may happen
when you get deployed? (there's no "if" any more, thanks to Dubya) I've been in the ARNG for a year and I'll be activated and deployed before I've been in for two. And they like to send you over to that shithole sandbox for 18+ months at a time. Doesn't necessarily matter if you're in school (ROTC) or not... if they need you and you're MOS q'd, they'll ship you out. Mid semester? Eh, too bad.
And this Iraq thing is just beginning. We're going to be in the middle east for many, many years to come.
Also, why do you feel you have to be an officer right away? Is it for the money? Retirement benefits? Just curious. I'm enlisted and I love it! I have no desire to be an officer, although I have enough credits to go to OCS at any time.
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Originally Posted by cjgallen
What exactly would I be doing in the Guard, and as an officer in the Air Force?
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In the Guard you'll be working your civilian job as usual, except for the one weekend every month that you drill. Until you get deployed.
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Originally Posted by cjgallen
I wouldn't consider myself a "leader," but I'm a damn hard worker.
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OFFICER=LEADER. If you don't consider yourself to be a leader, then I sure as hell wouldn't want you to be my commanding officer. You might want to try being enlisted first. You can go to OCS at any time, since you already have a two-year degree. And you might just get the experience and confidence you need to become an officer by first being an enlisted soldier. The best officers I know were sergeants before they got their commission. Just some food for thought.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do!