military then college?

bulletandpima
Tue, 30 Nov 2010 10:45:23 +0000

Actually, the way the system works, is that they are mandated on % between company (O1-3) to field (O4-6) to flag (O7-10).

Due to the economy people are not leaving, thus, there are certain yr groups that are ballooning. The military is not like corporate, you can not give 2 weeks notice and leave. There are certain points where you can. Traditionally it is at the 5 yr point for the 1st opportunity. This is called 5 and dive. However, because of the economy they do not have enough people diving, which means to keep them in proper ratios they need to cut (Reduction In Forces aka RIF) the jr officers (company).The other problem is field grade, but that issue is easily solved from speeding up promotion boards and reducing the % promoted. Passed over 2x and you are gone. The final is a SERB which is also occurring (Selective Early Retirement Board). Traditionally if you make LTC you can stay until 25, again to keep the ratios aligned, if too many are not leaving they will SERB them.

Now going back to the OPs question, regarding chances. Here’s the thing:

Your chances actually do increase because of life experience and now you have a GI Bill, however, I would never do this route just for chances. You need to have that desire to serve. It is a very high price to pay. Go community college and get great grades.

Remove going to the sandbox, how about sending your butt to SK or Germany for the next 3 yrs and you can’t get home for Xmas or your sister’s wedding? You’re safe, yet you are thousands of miles away from home. My Father was diagnosed with Leukemia when I lived in the UK. I didn’t have those days to sit by his bedside as he died. I didn’t expect his death, he was diagnosed and died within a yr.

Our children never once had a family member visit them in the hospital when they were born. We were hundreds if not thousands of miles away.

Bullet (AD AF) would come home from the squadron to see my cry as I listened to Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas while baking cookies. He saw my tears on Sundays when I called home and heard the laughter in the background from my siblings as they had Sunday dinner.

Trust me, you don’t or can’t understand how deep your roots are buried until you leave. The cost of college is not worth it. Go to CC and do great.

FWIW, I loved every flipping second of our military life. Our DS is in AFROTC on scholarship. It is a great life, but if it is a fiscal reason, than re-think this path