Need Your Advice about joining Military

[LobsterMobster]

Hello, I'm a 17 year old about to graduate high school. I've decide to join basic training after hearing Keith's rant about it few months ago. My question is, when is the optimal age to join basic training?

[Irish_Vandal]

That's like asking when is the optimal age to get the shit beaten out of you...

I say now though. Because either way you've got enough time to do what you want to do. If military turns out to not be your thing you can leave it and do something else...but if you start now and stay with it you'll be able to retire when you're still fairly young with a damn good pension and you'll be able to do whatever the hell you want then.

...that is...unless you get killed.

`IV

[X-Sport]

BINGO!

Never is a good time, but the best possible time is when you are as young as possible....

Most people I know either between their Junior/Senior Year, or The summer after Graduation....

I only know 2 people personally that stuck with it after all this time. And the rest regret it to this day.

[zwa]

Keith loved the idea of being in the military so much he became a comedian/writer/actor/podcaster.

[gumby013]

Go see your local coast guard recruiter.

[rajjy]

Originally Posted by Ichabod

...if getting shot or blown up does not phase you.

I hate it when that happens. Its such an inconvenience.

[paul_r]

Originally Posted by LobsterMobster

Hello, I'm a 17 year old about to graduate high school. I've decide to join basic training after hearing Keith's rant about it few months ago. My question is, when is the optimal age to join basic training?

the best time to join is with a degree and as an officer, unless you like digging trenches...

[MichaelG]

Originally Posted by paul_r

the best time to join is with a degree and as an officer, unless you like digging trenches...

This is the right answer.
Second answer is AFTER you have tried college.

Third is after you have looked at EVERY JOB the Army has to offer.There may be one you like and qualify for.

Do not pick a job you can not find and equal job in the civilian world. Mechanic does not count.
No infantry, combat engineer jobs, unless you plan on staying in for 20+ years.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by MichaelG

This is the right answer.
Second answer is AFTER you have tried college.

Third is after you have looked at EVERY JOB the Army has to offer.There may be one you like and qualify for.

Do not pick a job you can not find and equal job in the civilian world. Mechanic does not count.
No infantry, combat engineer jobs, unless you plan on staying in for 20+ years.

I agree with MichaelG. Try college first. That's what I did before joining the Air Force. I couldn't keep on top of my college loans so I joined the Air Force for the free education and to pay off my college bills. Oh, and nothing against the Army or the Marines (I have family in both branches), but if you're going to join, join the Air Force. You get treated a lot better and we have the best resources such as chow halls and we have dorms and not barracks. If you're serious about joining up, don't talk to a recruiter and talk to people who have been in the service that you're planning to join or are in it now. Also, prepare to grow up quickly! If you don't you might get punched in the face while you're sleeping....

[ozdog]

Originally Posted by paul_r

the best time to join is with a degree and as an officer, unless you like digging trenches...

I totally disagree with that comment.