<p>Unless you need the money, don’t join the National Guard yet. You can do that anytime. </p>
<p>Joining ROTC at OU carries no risk and no obligation for the first two years (unless you earn a three year ROTC scholarship, in which case you are obligated as soon as you accept funds for the scholarship). You do become obligated after beginning your junior year of ROTC. So, the ROTC path is the least risky and you get two years to decide if the Army is a good fit for you and your career plans.</p>
<p>If you think ROTC might work for you, then I recommend contacting the Army ROTC executive officer at OU, sooner rather than later. They don’t really like it much when you surprise them in the Fall.</p>