I was accepted in 2005 to the Naval Academy after finishing high school. I was uncertain then.

I am reconsidering joining perhaps the Navy or another branch.

I am interested out of service, scholarships, experiences, and resume boosting and need for better employment.

I have been unable to finish my bachelors degree in architecture primarily due to financial circumstances working no less than one job full time or more year round. What branch would be best suited for me considering my education?

Any advice would be appreciated. I think I may call the recruitment office tomorrow.

Thanks,
Alex

I think you have several options, depending on how you want to go. If you're not sure if the military is for you, you can always look into a National Guard (Army or AF) or a Reserve (all branches) program near you.

If you're sure it's what you want to do, I'd look at ROTC. I'm not sure what their age criteria are, but they might be willing to pay for you to finish a degree. I know the AF wants technical degrees, and none really use architects, so you may have to change your degree field.

The third option is to enlist. Since you were accepted into Canoe U, you are (or at least were) a marketable commodity. I'd talk to recruiters and see what they have to say. Remember, they are like used car salesmen, and they are trying to sell you a product. If it's not in writing, it never happened. Double check everything they tell you. While most recruiters are OK, I've heard stories of guys who use some shady practices to make their quota. See if you can get a guarantee (in writing) of going to a career field you like. Be ready for Basic Training. A buddy joined the Reserves at 25, and he was a LOT more mature than his classmates. They were ready to take everything on via frontal assault whereas he was able to see the endgame. He laughed about it afterward, but it frustrated him while he was there.

Whatever you decide, I wish you luck. Let us know what you find out.

Cheers,
Herk

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Where's my dad's America?

I joined the National Guard at 29 and went active at 31, for much the same reasons you mentioned. While I was Army and proud of it when my kids were looking at military service I suggested they look real close at the Air Force.

In 1970 I entered AF basic training at the tender age of 22. It was a "day care" experience.

The air bases I served on all had a civilian college nearby with night courses. I was able to work second shift, aircraft maintenance, and attend college during the day. The AF offered something for tuition assistance but I don't remember details or $$.

You are joining the military. Military needs come first regardless of what a recruiter says. In my opinion and experience, recruiters are below real estate agents and used car saleman when it comes to personal ethics. A recruiter will say anything to get you to sign on the line if you are age qualified.

While I hated military service, I never regretted picking the air force or getting out after my first enlistment. When I joined the AF in May 1970 my pay went from $160 week clear to $115 per month gross. My wife paid more Federal income tax from her job at Uniroyal, monthly, then I earned the first 18 months I was in service. In December 1978 when I was graduating with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering my first job paid $1,500 month. As an AF 2nd lieutanent with 4 years prior service base pay was $1,200, but you got base housing -- maybe.

I have talked to one guy who had a "signed guarenteed enlistment contract" for a particular career field. At the end of basic training he was going to a very different career field. After a week of discussions between his lawyer and the base legal office, he became a civilian without any GI Bill eligibility. He was satisfied. Don't get sold a bill of goods you don't want.

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S&WHF 366

What Walnutred said, I spent over 33 years in the Army National Guard and enjoyed most of it. In less than 3 months my REWARDS check will start. If I were a young man again I would look at the Air Force.

Check with your local recruiters....
The Army has Engineers - The Navy has The Seabees.
Seems that either would give you practical experience that might serve an architect well.

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In dog years I'm dead.

Going into the Military is exactly like any other job or career--you are going to get out of it whatever you are willing to put into it.
If you want education, you can get it, meanwhile, you are getting paid, you have housing,you have medical care and you have a support group that is hundreds of thousands of other military personnel strong.
You can literally enlist at the lowest rank and rise to the very top of the Military, you want to learn to fly a plane, you can do it, you want to drive a submarine, you can do it, you want to be an astronaut, you can do it, it's all there and all available for you.
And when you do join, you will have the respect and admiration of every American who served before you and those who come after you.
It is a noble and rewarding job or career--sure, you may get yelled at some at first, but I assure you that no one is going to yell at an Army General, or a Naval Admiral---(and it's probably not a good idea to yell at any Marine after he graduates from boot camp).
But, if you decide on an four or six year job, or a thirty year career, at any time after that, if anyone asks, are you a vet? you can proudly answer, "Yes I am"
olcop

The only caveat I see in your plan is do you have a family? There are a lot of military divorces and dear John's because the spouse can't endure the time apart. Many of these women were dating or married to the guy while he was in the military, knew the deal and what they were getting into. If you are married, your spouse only thinks she does. If married, does she have a support system/family? A woman all alone, who has to handle everything alone, plus raising kids and can prosper while doing it is a rare gem. The stress from it regularly breaks a women.

Also, do you have kids? Is it fair to deprive them of Dad for extended periods of time? Kids needs their Dad and they did not sign on for the program.

Now if you are single, the military is a fine, honorable and respectable career. There are also a lot of successful military families, but most of them started while the Father was in the military and it's just how it is, no one has experienced different. They ALL feature exceptional, strong women.

I don't know your spouse, if you are married, she may be fully able to handle it, you know, I don't, I'm just bringing up things for you to consider since you asked.

My final advice is Pray about it and do whatever the Lord leads you to do.

I would caution you to think carefully as to why you would seek a military career.

It's not the cleanest job, not all that good at the pay scale, nor is it without some exposure to personal bodily harm.

There are some benefits, housing, medical, travel, education, & adventure, but if you don't have a job you love, the benefits can't make up it.

Join because you want to serve your country...


My $00.00002

I was 24 in boot camp. Sixteen years later I have the best job in the best career in the world. They will have to throw me out of the Navy by the seat of my pants to get me to retire.

Alex,

There are lots of good opportunities -- ROTC is a possible option, and the Louisiana National Guard will pay your tuition at any state university -- you sign up, go to boot camp, get assigned to a Louisiana
Army National Guard unit (there are several engineer battalions located within 45 minutes of Baton Rouge, for example, there is one headquartered in Placquemine, so you would be close to home for drill weekends). -- you get paid each month, (for a weekend drill); your tuition is paid, you do 2-3 weeks of active duty training each summer.
You could do both ROTC and Guard, get commissioned as a 2nd LT when you finish college. Louisiana has an excellent Air Force Guard presence as well. LA Army National Guard has large armories in Lafayette, Carville (about 20 miles south of BR), Hammond (brand new Army aviation facility), Jackson Barracks (New Orleans) plus smaller armories all over the state -- plenty of units to choose from.

The National Guard has both a state and federal mission -- expect to do hurricane duty (it is actually very enjoyable). You can serve both your state and country -- plus the networking is terrific with the Guard.
For example, COL Paul Rainwater (lives in Baton Rouge, former Lake Charles resident) is Gov Jindal's Chief of Administration. COL Doug Mouton (an architect) is a very well-thought of LAARNG engineer colonel (who has worked the new Charity Hospital project in New Orleans, as well as the $300 million renovation of Jackson Barracks post-Katrina). I could go on and on, but the contacts/friends you will make will be life-long.

As others have noted in this thread, join because you want to serve your country and state and give something back -- the benefits (GI Bill, tuition, etc) are add-ons. Military service will change you -- almost always for the better -- you will have a sense of self-discipline, accomplishment and most important, have "skin in the game" of keeping America a great country.

I am absolutely single with no children.

I really appreciate all of your advice.

Thanks,
Alex

Then I salute you and wish you well in your future career. At 26, you are not 18 and it may be a little tougher, but you are still young. Get yourself in shape and go for it.

Let us know what you decide.

I would suggest you think hard about this, I would recommend to talk to all the branches that may interest you. As a prior Army Recruiter, I did take prospects that just were not sure to talk to both AF and also Navy if they asked, but had a lot of other recruiter even in my office saying I just lost a prospect, sometimes I would but I always thought about it as what if this person was in my Platoon when I finished recruiting would I really want the hassle if he didn’t really want to be there, which in fact I did finish recruiting and get deployed and low and behold in the same Company (actually Troop, I was in a Cavalry Unit) there was a Soldier that I did put into the Army and yes you guessed it we were getting ready to deploy prior to Desert Storm. I spent 22 years in Army myself, cannot complain as was said in prior post’s, it’s what you make of it, been working for the Army for the past 7 years since I retired. I did however tell my daughter when she was graduating HS and going to collage if she thought about Military service think AF, Make sure your getting the field you want I know the recruiter or actually the counselor you will end up seeing at the entrance processing station will try to sell what that branch of military needs, don’t jump on the first thing that comes up.
Something else to consider is, some Branches have what they call Student loan repayment, granted the list of jobs dwindles down but depending on the amount if any of student loans you have that could be a plus, as its normally a 3 year commitment and by the end of the 3 years the total allowed would then be paid off, but something to consider and ask recruiters about, the GI Bill would still be able to work for you even with this option for when you got out of the service. Also depending on where you live the National Guard in some States will pay your tuition at a State school while in the Guard. if you have questions, i would be willing to discuss them with you, i would say PM me but i am really new at this whole forum stuff and not sure how that works just really don't want to give a phone number or email out on here.

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US Army (Ret) 83'-05'

I was at Lackland AFB for a long time, that's where all USAF recruits go for basic training. Surprising how many older recruits I saw (both men and women), some up into their early 30s. You wouldn't be the oldest. It can be done.

I think the Navy Reserve is the only reservist branch that does not require a candidate go through basic. I was very late to party some years back, and was thisclose to joining a Navy Reserve unit in CT as a friend was in the SeaBee unit. A family illness sidetracked my plan, and life took a different course. I do regret not being able to participate, and now that I'm overage, the closest I get to anything military is the Old Navy store or local Salvation Army.

Do your research and follow your heart.

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I'm with the banned ...

I may have been lucky, but, I walked into a Navy recruiter in Pittsburgh.

THEY wanted to use my best skills, THEY made sure I had the best fit and education.

I did not have a college degree yet, but, I had other skills and interests.

I had a great career, all on the Navy's effort, not mine.

If you go in with education and skills, the service (no matter which one) does not want to waste it.

The only concern is that you better make sure you want to do what you are educated at!! They will not waste their time retraining a skilled person!!

Right on...

Talk about dragging an old saying out, I'm with ya Top

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Doesn't hasta call me Johnson

I found that a B.A. in English Literature and a Chemistry minor from a four year university didn't open up many employment doors for me when I graduated in 1986. Unemployment was high. I worked as a security guard for minimum wage at an Inland Boatman's Union labor strike... then for Blue Cross as a proofreader before finally enlisting. I didn't want to commit for 8 years (what they wanted from officers) so, because I scored highly on the ASVAB test they offered me a two year enlistment term. I chose the U.S. Army Infantry. I wanted the meat and potatoes experience of the basic soldier with a rifle (I've always liked hunting and shooting and have always been fit). I turned 27 while I was in the 13 week Basic/Advanced Infantry Training at Ft. Benning, GA. I could outrun and outshoot the 18 year old jocks that were hot stuff in high school football even though they called me "old man". I figured it would be an adventure.

It was.

It was 1989.

I qualified expert with rifle and pistol and mortar. I was in the field when hurricane Hugo hit. I got married. I was there when the big earthquake hit south of San Fransisco, stationed at Ft. Ord, CA. I went through Jungle Operations Training twice in Panama. I fought in combat in Panama against Noriega's PDF troops.

I left with an Honorable Discharge and $17,000 from the Army College Fund and G.I. Bill to spend towards my Masters Degree after just a two year contract. I worked it and they worked me. I could not have saved that much money any other way in two years.

Go for it. Have the time of your life. Work hard and put it to good use. That G.I. Bill money can be used for most any kind of training (welding school, flight school, college, whatever, and anyone in your family can use it now). A friend of mine had the same credentials I had and he chose to reenlist. He swapped his MOS to get trained as a Film Producer! Yes, the Army has all kinds of jobs available. Good Luck. Basic is mainly mental. Play the game. C.B.

Yep, I suspect I'm kinda a dinosaur. I tend to use old fashion statements and cling to old fashion notions like Duty and Country before Self; I fear these concepts may be consider "impractical" by many now a days

I made a career of the U.S. Force. I enlisted in 1966, I wanted to become a police officer, due to a training accident I was injured and retrained because I was no longer able to carry out all required duties. I was trained to work in Air Transportation. I no sooner got retrained I was reassigned to Vietnam. And I worked in this career field until 1980 when the Air Force decided they needed to retrain some NCO's into the Inventory Management. I didn't want to be retrained and I didn't want to be in base supply. I did my job to the best of my abilities and did not complain, but when I reached my 20 years I was ready to retire. My wife and I raised 2 sons, survived unaccompanied overseas tours, TDYs, long shifts, canceled leaves. I do not regret my service, I was proud to serve. I severed during the cold war and the military was different then it is now. It is a career and it is a choice.

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Carpriver.

^^^
This is precisely what I have been told by my fraternity brothers that are in the military. Designing encampments or bases???

On that topic and by ***no means am I undermining or comprehending the training of the veterans or anyone else here and comparing my experiences as verbatim***, when I began college in 2005 many of the members of my chapter (25% of the active dues paying brothers were active military and are/were combatants). I learned a lot from these guys from a very formal process on ethics, morals, team building, and transferred P.T. exercises from their experiences. I excelled at what I was asked by them. In fact, the three active brothers that primarily trained us including the other 15 military brothers and the other 50 civilian members tried to model me as a leader for that year's class. They even got us involved in student government and I.F.C. to learn to be campus diplomats. I remember really enjoying the process though it was incredibly time consuming and difficult.

I shared some stories with my neighbor who is a Marine Reservist and N.O.P.D. officer from some of these experiences. His and my stories seemed reasonably similar, yet of course obviously different due to the nature of the organizations. He and I agreed that it was a mental mind over matter scenario.

I, as a youth, really enjoyed football, rugby (in college too), track (400m anchor), and cross country at Jesuit. Art Club and Spanish Club too. I like to be a jack-of-all-trades.

I generally look forward to challenges and enjoy hard work that challenge me both mentally and physically. In fact, I am bored at the moment because neither of these motivational envelopes are part of my current employment.

I was also a Boy Scout of America with Life rank only thwarted by age, athletics, and academics in high school.

I am very proud to be American born and want to serve my country and take my part to keep it great.

Thanks to all for the advice,
Alex

P.S. I did call the Navy recruitment office today. I began the discussion process I will update this when I have more information. Perhaps, I will check and compare my other branch offers that suit my skills and future best within and without the military depending on the agreed upon contract.
I am a groomsmen in four weddings this year and traveling all over LA! One is for my pledge educator's wedding. He flies Kiowa helicopters for the Army. He is really big influence on me. My "fraternal little brother" is an Army medic stationed in Raleigh. We talked a lot today. I got to say I am a bit excited about some life and career amendments and changes.

I would have to ask, do you really want to be an architect? With a bachelors its five years or so of work/training, with a masters its two years. That only qualifies you to take the exam which takes a brutal week and everyone fails the design part. Then since its a professional occupation, you have to pay and register to practice in each state. It is like being a lawyer, if you end up setting up a practice, you are competing with every other architect for a little amount of work. Then the bread and butter for the architect is residential work, you have to compete with 'designers' which have no requirements and even interior designers. Too many headaches. Liability insurance, rogue contractors (when contractors don't follow design/specs, will charge phantom overruns, and it all reflects upon you), nasty clients.

But if you still want to be an architect, I would look into the Amry Corp of Engineers. They provide training then when you get out, you can still work for them as a civilian contractor or go back to school.

Besides not knowing about the Army Corp of Engineers' opportunities, I have experienced everything short of the NCARB and ARE you stated.

I am fully aware from first hand experience from a designer and contracting standpoint. Its a pirate ship. That's part of an interest in building my resume to land larger projects with military experience.

Looking for some networking.

I am literally here now because I have experienced the reality you stated in terms of employment.

Key phrase to remember "Construction not Combat" I wanted to be an construction person and ended up a combat engineer, only thing I learned about contstruction was how to put barbed wire fences and minefields out.

Well, I can build anything by drawing it by hand or computer within reason from direct-design then build hands-on-experience. Maybe eventually doing private contracting for the military as an option? I don't mind fixing mechanical objects -- weapons, whatever. I love to learn.

Welding, brick, stucco, framing, foundations, retaining walls, and drawings are my abilities. I like to think I am courageous, BUT I have never been in the scenarios some of you have.

Seabees has me very, very interested.

Check with the recruiters on whether you can get advanced rank due to your college. I have worked with soldiers that started as E-4 because of college. I took a personal interest in all the soldiers that I have worked with and for. It is a matter of pride that I have soldiers that were enlisted that are now Warrant Officers and Lieutenants that are now Colonels.
I applaud your decision to join the military, there is a lot of job satisfaction. I am still serving the military, for 35 years now.

Very similar to my experience. I entered the Air Force in the fall of 1971, already having my BS degree.

627, if you enlist, you will go through basic training with 18 year olds. They will seem to be children to you. Talking in formation for no reason. They can't follow a command as simple as "Don't talk."

The military is an honorable career. But it is the military, and you must be mentally prepared to have restrictions on your freedom. Some of the restrictions will make absolutely no sense.

Think of one other thing: if you view the military as just a job, you will be doing things just for the money. Killing people for money. A mercenary. Be prepared to accept that.

I'm wondering if should just follow the pirates, so to speak. In WA, a designer can do multi-family up to 4 units without an architectural stamp. They are also limited by sq ft on a single family. Any commercial or large residential do not require an architectural stamp if you have a structural engineers stamp.

Friends of mine built a house back in the 90's and went to the first architect they came across. This was before they informed me about it. It would have taken me perhaps two weeks max. to do the project as it was a simple project with very general details - seven sheets. The architect charged $64K. The architect just adapted drawings which they bought elsewhere. Architect claimed 'influence' with building dept. But if everything is in accordance with code, they have to issue a permit. No building dept wants legal hassles.

Liability wise, the person who stamps the drawings and the contractor are the ones liable. You don't even have to sign the drawings. An architect I once worked for told me to not mention I worked for him. Code checkers are usually very critical of architects. Many times it is easier to get a permit if you bring in simple sketches instead of construction drawings. They will tell you what they want to see instead of trying to guess. I once got a permit on a very crude sketch on tracing paper with only writing was room labels.

You can make decent money (depending upon your state) if you hook up with a structural engineer and/or a contractor to do simple outside jobs like decks, additions, ADA renovations and tenant improvements. You can buy Intellicad (Autocad LT clone) for around $200. A weeks worth of work, you could charge $1k - 2K. Money for school.

Bottom line if you make the choice.

It will be an experience you will never forget, "NEVER" good luck.

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Doesn't hasta call me Johnson

You can talk to an Army recruiter about becoming a linguist or signing up on with the intention of becoming a Special Forces Sgt. You can rather quickly become an E5 that way. You probably have enough college to enlist as an E4 specialist in the Army regardless.

You may want to inquire about openings for MOS 89D. That is - or was anyway - EOD. Good bonuses and artificial limbs have improved dramatically.

You are unlikely to enjoy low ranked enlisted life in the Navy. Depending on what they do with you it might mean a lengthy stint in deck division. Lots of paint to chip...floors to mop...toilets to unclog. Promotions are generally slower in the Navy. My wife will accomplish the rare feat of retiring as an E5.

Then there is the Marines. Less in the way of bonuses and you start at a lower rank. Even making Lance Corporal isn't great since that is a PFC in the Army. But... there is a network of sorts since you get to be a Marine. That in and of itself opens doors.

But do not come to Parris Island in the summer. The USMC may be best if you view it as a way of life and set out to do at least 20 years from the first.

Don't get married until you are an E5 or E6.


If you want better money to start and 15 year retirement...then book a flight to France. The Foreign Legion will take you up to age 40. If you hate it then you can quit after six months.

I enlisted in the Army at age 23 as a PFC in 1975 and retired as a Captain in 1995. I still miss it, but it isn't for everyone.

Looks like Louisiana has tuition waiver program for members of the Louisiana National Guard - http://www.legis.state.la.us/lss/lss.asp?doc=85550

Just sayin'.
ECS

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CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

I joined the Navy at 17; so did my son. He re-upped and I didn't. There are pro and con arguments to be made about a military career but one thing is certain: YOU'LL NEVER GET LAID OFF.

The Navy forces people out regularly as do other services. You have to make a certain rank within so many years or out you go. Folks also get forced out by some arcane body fat regulations. There is no guaranteed 20 and a pension except for officers.

Your last three words make that sentence incorrect. I'm curious what you're basing that on since I know several guys that have been forced out recently with 16+ years in. Without making O-5, you're probably not getting to 20 any more (unless you were prior enlisted).

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Where's my dad's America?

See what the recruiter says. You may try reserve then request tp go active duty after finishing basic which is the route I took at the age of 31. Army basic can be tough on the body especially a 31 year old body like mine. Was able to hang with the youngens during runs execpt for the following mornings when local bars had drink and drown nights. Those morning runs I would fall behind on runs just to have clear air to breath. People sweating out stale booze fouls the air and frankly stinks to high heaven. Those 18 year old bodies can take a lot more abuse then this 31 year old body could or a 26 year old body in your case. You just have to be smarter then the 18 year olds.

Wouldn't change a thing though.

My brother joined the Marines at 31. He is now 45 and will be going to Quantico in January for WO-1 school and training.

You're still a "younker". Sign up but put some thought into what branch and what speciality you want.

I walked into the Marine recruiting office in 1971 at age 18 and said, "I want to join for three years and be a Grunt." A much, much smarter staff sergeant talked me into signing up for four years and getting an aviation guarantee. I did.

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Have guns...will shoot'em.