thinking about joining the army

sol1821

Diamondog

xmacro

+1 to finishing. A degree you "almost got" is worthless. Even if you hate it, that degree may open some doors for you to something you like

Heavy

xmacro:

+1 to finishing. A degree you "almost got" is worthless. Even if you hate it, that degree may open some doors for you to something you like

+2 Stick it out and get that degree. I don't have military experience and I don't know anything about the British armed forces, but I'm pretty sure that if you go into the US army with a degree you go in as an officer.

MBISON

DUDE FORGET IT! I have been 12 years in the system and I'm currently deployed. Just turned 30 and I won't lie to you thanks to the ARMY I have a steady job and pay. BUT I'VE HAD TO SCRIFICE A LOT OF THINGS. You do not have to join the ARMY to play with guns. You can do that @ home..... just get a license. Do you know what an armorer does in the ARMY??? You just sit by the supply office to issue weapons to the soldiers and when the mission is over you take them back for maintenance and accountability. Finish your degree and open some doors for you like the other BOTL's tell you. If you are concerned about having a family then the ARMY is not an option. Being away from the people you love is never easy and really painful..... specially during the Holidays. My marriage is shaking like a leaf and Im not the only one going through the same situation. Finish that degree and if it does not work out for you then consider joining the National Guard first. If you have a degree you can at least become an officer. DON'T TAKE THE ARMY AS YOUR FIRST OPTION......... just my piece of advice.

MBISON

oooooops.... Sorry, I didn't notice you were talking about joining the BRIT ARMY. Anyways just take my advice and apply it as needed. LOL

wwhwang

Russ55

I suggest finding an outlet for the adventure you might be craving that doesn't require radical changes in your life.

sol1821

sol1821

Garhead

A very noble thought there sol! I have to agree with the other guys, might want to finish up your degree first. I had a chance to start teaching before getting my Masters degree. I would eventually have to get it. My mother told me how difficult it was to work, raise a family AND go back to school to finish up was. So I took her advice and went an extra 2 1/2 years to to complete my schooling. Man, was she ever right! Couldn't imagine trying to do all that working 40-60 hour weeks and trying to spend time with the family. Best of luck in any decision you decide on though.

bearb

Agree with all of the above posts, but will add a few tidbits from my experience also. As a secondary school teacher, I build a lot of relationships with my students. Some stay in touch, and keep me in their loop, occasinoally seeking advice/guidance. Once you have earned your undergraduate degree, it can never be taken from you, even if you don't end up 'using it' directly. The reality is, the degree is more of a marker to show perseverence, commitment, etc. Until it is complete though, it will draw questions if used on your resume, or if left off, questions about this time period in your life. Lastly, unfortunately, the statistics do not support the concept of 'finishing later' as it is just is so challenging for many of the reasons listed b4. Now my story. Did my undergrad right after high school. Worked 8 years in environmental consulting. Then I went back to school to do an MBA...got 1/2 way through then got into Teachers college...so had to 'temporarily' put MBA on hold (as getting into teachers college was/is so much harder to get into than MBA) ...that was 12 years ago..been teaching ever since..love it...but the incomplete MBA really can't be used, nor even really talked about as even though I am proud of it, it is still 'incomplete' and unfortunately is a 'ghost' in my closet, hanging over my head.

Amos Umwhat

JCizzle

Jetmech_63

I am currently and have been active duty us navy for the past 14 years. My dad was in 20. It possible to raise a family, but it requires a level of dedication and sacrifice a non military couple will never know. Fwiw, I've seen more people who get married then come in end up in divorce than those who get married while they're in. Not to say it doesn't happen a lot though. My base has the highest percentage of divorces in the whole navy due in part to how much were gone. I love the navy but it is a rough life. Finish your degree. And if you still feel the same way, sign up for 3 or 4 years. One enlistment or 20 years, I tip my hat to anyone who does thiertime honorably. And you can pick up life skills that you are hard pressed to learn anywhere else. Something to think about. Most employers I know of look favorably on a military background with w degree.

SmokySuit

Dude FINISH that physics degree!!! My wife has a Physics degree and she has a better paying job that me!

Goldy

Goldy

Have you thought about doing a study abroad program? It would allow you to not only have a change of scenery but you could come over state side and get to play with guns while you finish your physics degree.

sol1821

sol1821

sol1821

MBISON:

DUDE FORGET IT! I have been 12 years in the system and I'm currently deployed. Just turned 30 and I won't lie to you thanks to the ARMY I have a steady job and pay. BUT I'VE HAD TO SCRIFICE A LOT OF THINGS. You do not have to join the ARMY to play with guns. You can do that @ home..... just get a license. Do you know what an armorer does in the ARMY??? You just sit by the supply office to issue weapons to the soldiers and when the mission is over you take them back for maintenance and accountability. Finish your degree and open some doors for you like the other BOTL's tell you. If you are concerned about having a family then the ARMY is not an option. Being away from the people you love is never easy and really painful..... specially during the Holidays. My marriage is shaking like a leaf and Im not the only one going through the same situation. Finish that degree and if it does not work out for you then consider joining the National Guard first. If you have a degree you can at least become an officer. DON'T TAKE THE ARMY AS YOUR FIRST OPTION......... just my piece of advice.

been doing so more digging, and there is apparently 2 types of armourer, one is as you described, part of the group but has the extra job of checking in checking out. and the other type has more of a gunsmiths role, fixing/maintaining/upgrading guns, starting with small arms working up.