I really want to join the military, but…?
I’m a high school junior and I hope to enroll in a college on a ROTC scholarship from either the U.S. Army or Air Force (probably even the Marines). I have a few questions…
–I’m in the Army JROTC for my high school and hope to graduate as my battalion’s Executice Officer (second highest position under the Batallion Commander). Would this help me in any way for senior ROTC or whatever?
–Is it possible for a commissioned officer can work in a NCO career?
–What are the chances of a second lieutenant and higher ranks of being sent overseas during this war?
–Are there any restrictions for people with flat feet? I have it, but I’m positive that I can at least run a mile.
–Which branch would be best for someone interested in computers and other technical careers like that?
I’m very much interested in the military as a career. Thank you for reading and possibly responding.
1. In regards to the JROTC, it will help you if you are enlisting by giving you additional rank upon your enlistment. As far as going into ROTC, I doubt it will add much. You might have a little bit of a leg up on those who haven’t had any training, but it all becomes a wash when you join the military. Graduating high in JROTC means nothing… sorry.
2. A commissioned officer can not work in a NCO career. There are jobs which can be similar, but the career path is night and day different.
3. An officer is every bit as likely as an enlisted to be sent overseas. the main difference comes in which branch you choose. The AF tends to deploy less, or at the very least, for less duration than the other services
4. There are medical restrictions based on your ability to run. The AF being the least physically intensive, still requires you to run a mile and a half (at least it was that way when I got out). You must meet basic physical ability to join any service.
5. If you are interested in computers and technology, I would recommend the AF with the Navy coming in second.
Those drills you do in high school will mean nothing once you join the real army
Officers cannot work NCO MOS’s, Officers can choose what branch they want to be in (artillery, infantry etc) but its all needs of the army.
There are lots of people in the army with flat feet, you will need to run at least 6 miles though but its okay theyll train you how to do it. When I joined I couldnt run half a mile and once got to the 82nd airborne we ran 4-6 nearly every morning (never gets less sucky)
Computers, I guess you could work in S1 or something but really you need to talk to the recruiter about that one, they can help you the most
References :
1. In regards to the JROTC, it will help you if you are enlisting by giving you additional rank upon your enlistment. As far as going into ROTC, I doubt it will add much. You might have a little bit of a leg up on those who haven’t had any training, but it all becomes a wash when you join the military. Graduating high in JROTC means nothing… sorry.
2. A commissioned officer can not work in a NCO career. There are jobs which can be similar, but the career path is night and day different.
3. An officer is every bit as likely as an enlisted to be sent overseas. the main difference comes in which branch you choose. The AF tends to deploy less, or at the very least, for less duration than the other services
4. There are medical restrictions based on your ability to run. The AF being the least physically intensive, still requires you to run a mile and a half (at least it was that way when I got out). You must meet basic physical ability to join any service.
5. If you are interested in computers and technology, I would recommend the AF with the Navy coming in second.
References :
15 year AF vet.
im joining british army so it might be different but
the chances of getting sent into war are anything
you will go wherever your crew goes and if they go to war youl go but dont be scared aslong as youve got your team mate your stronger than anything
over here in britain you have to run a mile and half to get into army keep working at fitness mate i was poo at running but i stuck to and gradually im getting better
the best place for some1 whos interested in computers and technology is probably signals working with communications calling in airstrikes and calling helicopters stuff like that
References :
good luck mate
Others have already answered the other questions, but I’ll add onto a couple:
I would recommend that you get perscription insoles before shipping to boot or doing ROTC. Since they are perscribed, you’ll be allowed to use them. If you wait for them to be issued (medically), it’ll take a very long time.
The Navy offers many technical careers for officers too. You can be assigned overseas on an IA or GSA once you get some qualifications in. However, by the time that you are in this situation (given your age and time for a degree) I suspect it will no longer be an issue.
Runs are at least 1.5 miles. We ran 3+ everyday at OCS.
References :
AD: USN, ENS