After college, why sign up for the military?

[Orchidflower]

I'm not a guy, and have no idea why recent college grads (male) do this, so hoping somone can answer this question: Why do males who recently finished college sign up for the military?
My son is checking out the JAG (military attorney) route, which is okay by me as he wants to be a government type attorney. This makes sense for him.
But I know 3 other boys who aren't going that route, and signed up for the military after college.
What is Uncle Sam offering that is so wonderful that they sign up after college?
One signed up before this Iraq thing happened, and he signed up because--and this is true--his mother babied him so much that he needed to feel like a man. I told my friend, the mother, this. Then she went to a high falutin' psychologist who told her the exact same thing I did. It was pretty obvious with this case.
But why would others sign up? I honestly don't have a clue about this. Is it feeling it is their duty to serve? Or is it some program the military has for recent college grads that is worth it?

 

[Sarah in SC]

My BIL finished his MBA and then went into the Navy active duty for several years, working in a Navy Hospital as an administrator. He then changed to reserves and was called up in November to active duty and is serving in Germany now, at age 36.
He believes in service to country. Most of his unit would say the same, I imagine. He is a Citadel graduate, which would attract more militarily-motivated students.

My boss is a proud Army man, who signed up after college. He stayed in the reserves for many years and wishes he'd stayed long enough to get called up. I liken it to how sure some people are about having children. They just know it is what they want.

 

[brewer12345]

I'm not a guy, and have no idea why recent college grads (male) do this, so hoping somone can answer this question: Why do males who recently finished college sign up for the military?
My son is checking out the JAG (military attorney) route, which is okay by me as he wants to be a government type attorney. This makes sense for him.
But I know 3 other boys who aren't going that route, and signed up for the military after college.
What is Uncle Sam offering that is so wonderful that they sign up after college?
One signed up before this Iraq thing happened, and he signed up because--and this is true--his mother babied him so much that he needed to feel like a man. I told my friend, the mother, this. Then she went to a high falutin' psychologist who told her the exact same thing I did. It was pretty obvious with this case.
But why would others sign up? I honestly don't have a clue about this. Is it feeling it is their duty to serve? Or is it some program the military has for recent college grads that is worth it?

I was sort of under the impression that there are loan forgiveness/payoff programs in the military, especially for specialties they really want. So maybe if you are heavily indebted after school it might seem appealing.

Other than that, I dunno. Idiocy? Congenital foolishness? A desire to be next to lots of other sweaty men in uniform?

 

[Rustic23]

Our son is a Marine officer. He joined after college because he always wanted to fly helicopters. If you watch the opening episode of The War on PBS there is a clip of a guy I think from Montana. He became a Marine Pilot in WWII. He gives a very good explanation as to why in his case and in the case of many I suspect. It was for the adventure. As he said you could be a sub commander, pilot or tank commander. Something the rural life in Montana just did not offer.

I retired from the Air Force. I believe that military brats have a completely different feeling towards the military compared to the average civilian. If you have had no contact with the military and your opinion is formed by the current Hollywood crowd then I could see why you would not understand it. It is not for everyone, and you will never grow rich, however, my sond makes in excess of 100k a year living is San Diego. In two years he qualifies for about a $125,000 bonus, and he loves what he is doing.

 

[hova22]

I believe for some it is a desire to serve and be a part of something greater than yourself. e.g. An IT worker who helps run a computer system for a company to make it more profitable vs an IT worker who works on combat communication systems that saves American lives.

Maybe the second half of that statement is simply a misperception on my part, but I believe that desire to do something great is a major driver. Also, I think it applies to females as well. Maybe not as large a group, but they can not be ruled out.

Personally, I have a pretty good civilian career going, but in the back of my mind I think about trying Coast Guard OCS almost daily. We'll see what hand I end up playing, the last thing I want to do is live and regret the purpose I've created for myself in this life.

 

[samclem]

I'm not sure why the question is put in terms of "guys", since lots of women sign up, too.

I don't think you'll understand it if you look at just the money (or retirement, etc). And, an officer that would sign up primarily for the pay will not be happy or successful.

Many enlist or seek a commission because they want to be a member of the armed forces. Some do it because they want the excitement/adventure that the military offers (who else is going t pay you to learn to fly jets?). Some do it because they believe that the fight we are now in (in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and in the wider war against Islamic Fascism) is the major struggle of this generation, and they want to take part in it directly. Many here will disagree with the ultimate validity of one or more of these reasons, but I think they are the ones that draw people to enlist or seek a commission.

If you get a chance to work with them you'll know that many very smart, motivated young men and women are making this decision. Which, I hope we can all agree, is a good thing for the country.

 

[brewer12345]

If you get a chance to work with them you'll know that many very smart, motivated young men and women are making this decision. Which, I hope we can all agree, is a good thing for the country.

The militar officers I have worked with or met have been uniformly smart, disciplined, and effective. But I cannot agree that it is a good thing to have these people in the military for years and years: a waste of talent, IMO.

'Scuse me, gotta go renew my CPUSA membership now...

 

[haha]

The militar officers I have worked with or met have been uniformly smart, disciplined, and effective. But I cannot agree that it is a good thing to have these people in the military for years and years: a waste of talent, IMO.

'Scuse me, gotta go renew my CPUSA membership now...

Middle level army officers know an awful lot about many things. In what other career will you get sent to school at your employer’s expense every few years- not only in a narrow specialty, but in large geopolitical or scientific areas. My ex-FIL has masters in poly sci, math and economics, all in a fairly short military career.

I think for many the submersion of self in favor of what somebody else wants you to do would be difficult, especially when it involves life and death as it too often does:

Was there a man dismay'd?
Not tho' the soldier knew
Some one had blunder'd:
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do & die,
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.—

Forward the Light Brigade! (Tennyson)


But for different personality types, like other posters have said, there is a clear opportunity to serve, and to be part of something bigger than oneself.

Ha

 

[Coach]

It used to be that the military was a pretty good career choice if you were interested in early retirement. I don't think the deal is as good as it used to be, but I don't know the details.

I'm in a town with a lot of retired military, and we get a lot of applications from them when we're hiring.

Coach

 

[Fireup2020]

This topic is like discussing religion or politics. What you understand from your perspective is nearly all you can see. The other side is unimaginable. From my perspective, I am amazed that the question even was posed - meaning, "I can't imagine why someone would not seriously consider the military" - however, I cannot make you "get it" when it comes to the commitment, convictions, and attitudes of those of us serving. Career military folks can go on and on until blue in the face trying to explain why we are in - and it will fall on deaf (confused) ears. Just like trying to convert a Mormon to Judaism or a Conservative Republican to a Liberal Democrat!

 

[Rustic23]

From previous post on this board it is obvious that Brewer has nothing but disdain for the military. It appears he is a part of society that believes nothing is worth fighting for, and the military should be disbanded.

Orchidflower I find your post interesting. Are you one of those that 'Support our Military' as long as it is not someone I know? My guess is you have had little or no contact with present or previous military personnel. If you did you would find out they are much like most folks, however, they believe there are evil people in this world that put our children are at risk and our way of life.

I agree with SamClem successfully officers and enlisted are not there for the money. However, the military does provide a decent living standard. The experience and education one obtains is difficult if not impossible to obtain in the civilian world. The satisfaction of doing the job and doing it better than anyone else can is a rush. Many Fortune 500 firms have ex military officers in the upper management. Hugh McColl was a former Marine officer, he took a small North Carolina bank and grew/merged it into Bank America. There are many more examples.

There are most likely as many different reasons for joining the military as there are folks serving. The different services each appeal to different types of people. The Marines are much like a cult. Once a Marine always a Marine. The Air Force, is a technical branch, and IMHO, the least military of the services. The Navy has always sold it self on adventure, IE join the Navy and see the world. The Army, well I'll leave that up to a grunt to come up with the reason having been in the Air Force, and spent lots of time as a Forward Air Controller with the Army, I not sure of why someone joins the Army.

The military is a way of life, and for my part it was a good life, and their was no hesitation on mine or my wifes part when our son chose this path.

Fireup2025 said it better.

 

[dreamn2retir]

I spent a few decades in, so here's my experience:
Some joined to pay off student loans (you'd be surprised how often I got this answer). Some are seduced by the TV commercials--he-he, why do you think the services are putting so much money into the TV ads? Maybe it is a rite of passage, if college didn't fulfill that need. One thing to think about is that the military actively recruits from colleges (yeah I know and in turn colleges get federal funds, etc.). A great majority really do feel it is a duty or calling, and I found that gratifying.

It is also true that some join to get some structure (and perhaps develop a goal/vision?) in their lives. As was said here before--the money is not-so-great, but serving does have its benefits.

 

[maddythebeagle]

My dad was an Air Force officer....yeah, I think educational opportunities were key and a lot of folks talk about early retirement or least pulling in a pension and going to work another job......

 

[brewer12345]

From previous post on this board it is obvious that Brewer has nothing but disdain for the military. It appears he is a part of society that believes nothing is worth fighting for, and the military should be disbanded.

Love the conclusions you jump to. You get special leg-strengthening training for that or something? Or is it just the hopping around motions you make with your head stuffed up your @ss?

I'm a pacifist who is deeply suspicious of large organizations with lots of rules. But I understand that there are people out there that desparately want to be told what to do every day. Different strokes...

 

[Rustic23]

Brewer, when I first started reading this board I was struck by some of your post. Approximately two years ago. I almost dropped this board becuase of some of the outright discusting comments you made about the U.S. Military. I got several private messages from folks on this board that stated and I paraphrase 'Brewer has some real wierd ideas but he has put forth some real good fancial advice in the past so we tolerate him'. I have since read most of you financial post and find them spot on, in general. And, your disdain for the military still shows through.

By the way, my post in no way was intended as an insult to you. I accept you are a pacifist, and I will never understand your thought pattern, nor agree with your conclussions. Therefore, I generally do not engage you directly on this board, and would never insult you with personal attacks as you have just done.

 

[brewer12345]

Therefore, I generally do not engage you directly on this board, and would never insult you with personal attacks as you have just done.

So this statement squares with your earlier dismissive post how? Not buying your passive aggressive BS.

But I am happy to live and let live. Leave me alone and I am happy to return the favor, at least as far as this topic goes.

 

[Orchidflower]

Thank you for your insights. I have never been in the military, and the relatives who were in Korea or WWII never talked about it much. My only contact with someone in the military, really, was my first love who was a gung ho Marine...and dumped me for a blonde (the rat!).
Many of you stated the exact things my son has said for his wanting to join: being a part of something bigger, the wonderful benefits, etc. But his eye is on a goal in political life, so, for him, this plays a big role, too. He's also pretty patriotic, and has always been.
I'm just surprised at all the college grads who join upon graduating. I had NO idea so many joined the service AFTER graduating. The only ones I met in college were going to school thanks to Uncle Sammie's benefits after doing their 3-4 years in...while I slaved away in law offices as a secretary to get the money up to go.
My son called the Army recruiters to talk with them, and they said they would send info. And didn't. And he called different ones maybe 4 times. Same lack of enthusiasm. However, the Marine recruiter drove 1-1/2 hours up to deliver info. personally and speak with him. Guess who he is interested in now...
Excuse my ignorance on this subject as I have never even had a girlfriend who joined the service ever, but I was really curious as to why the college grad would choose the military. I always thought guys joined the service to get together the money for college...not go after they finish.
I had no idea so many former officers became so successful in life as Rustic23 pointed out. Interesting...but the military builds discipline, as we all know, so this makes sense.
I haven't any reservations about my son going in at all, but I am still in the learning stage.

 

[samclem]

Orchidflower,
Regarding the Army recruiter's lethargy: Maybe the services have enough lawyers. I've heard that there's a glut of new lawyers in the civilian world, and this often results in many joining the military. This goes in cycles.
If your son tells a different recruiter that he's a recent grad, in good physical shape, and has had a lifelong goal to be an infantry officer, I guarantee that the recruiter will take a very strong interest in getting him a lot of information!
Your son should also check out all the services, as their cultures really are different. He's about to make a big decision, far more significant than buying a house or a car. Research is important.

 

[Rustic23]

I don't know about the other services, but when I went into the Air Force, 1967, you had to have a college degree in order to become an officer. While not an exact statistic, about 98% of those officers promoted to Major, had advanced degrees. Plus, you had to have completed Squadron Officers School, and Command and Staff. Many had completed War College. All three of the were known as 'Proffessional Military Education'.

 

[Orchidflower]

Without talking with him, I am going to venture a guess that the Marine's cultish philosophy of "once a Marine, always a Marine" appeals to him. We have no family, and I think the idea of "belonging" like the Marines spew would appeal to him. I'll have to ask him about this when he comes up in a few weeks.
Seems as if all the ex-military who answered this appear to be pretty satisfied with their lives. That's positive and takes a load off my mind...not that I was very worried.

 

[tightasadrum]

Orchidflower,

When I joined the Navy in the late '60's, it was almost a right of passage for males between 18 and 26. I went to OCS and found my (about) four years very worthwhile. I came from a family in which my dad and all uncles were in the military during WWII and one in Korea. Would I have joined up without a war going on? I don't know really, but probably so.

I can say this for a fact: nowhere else can a recent college graduate get the broad exposure to the expensive toys nor the responsibility these things require. Yea, there were long periods of complete boredom. But when it came time to detect and fire on submarines (sorry Nords), or fire the guns at shore, surface or air targets, con the ship in company or other ships or bringing it alongside for berthing, it made my heart pump! God help me Brewer, I loved it. (Of course memory fads quickly about the sorry CO on my first destroyer or those independent steaming mid-watches at 8 knots.)

I remember when I got my first engineering job when I got out, I thought, "Is this all there is to working as an engineer?" I just felt so confined. I found better, more interesting positions after grad school. But nothing ever got the adrenalin flowing like my time in the Navy. And I'm convinced that the time spent as a division officer on destroyers formed many of my personal traits that led to my quick promotion into a management position in megacorp. (Well, that and the fact I am a better manager than an engineer. I guess I spoke management's language.)

Too much rambling I suppose, but this is one thing that gets me fired up. I don't know about being a JAG on the excitement scale, but your son is bound to come out of it stronger than he goes in.

 

[packrat44]

Joining the military as an officer allows one to be placed in a position of leadership and responsibility at a much earlier age than a person in the civilian world. My son does not fit your question because he chose the ROTC route to receive his BS in Mech Eng. After he was on active duty for 3 years he was accepted into AFIT (Air Force Institute of Technolgy) where he received his Masters in Aeronautical Engineering. As an Capt with only 6 1/2 years active duty, he is managing R&D projects on space projects where as a civilian engineer it might take him more than 20 years to get to that position of responsibility. He will be in an excellent position for a follow-on career in the civilian world if he so desires.

 

[lets-retire]

I think Rustic hit the nail on the head. Each person joins for different reasons. As do those who stay. I can say from what I've seen officers receive a lot more responsibility at a much younger age than their civilian counterparts. As others have said the pay and benefits are not all that good when compared with a civilian job, but the responsibility is amazing. A perfect example was provided by a man who was #2 in charge at one squadron I was assigned to. He said, "Where else can I be under 30 years old and be the assistant Chief of Police for a city numbering over 50,000?" This man went on to be the commander shortly after that. He was still under 30 and was the Chief of Police. Most civilian agencies he might be a Lt or Captain, at best.

 

[OAG]

I guess it is just one of those things that if you do not get it, forget it! But seriously, well no, IMHO thats it!

 

[Orchidflower]

Well, I tried to get that kid of mine to join right after high school figuring all the things you guys have mentioned. And the discipline he would get...wow! I knew all the things he would get out of the service would benefit him in the real world--if nothing else than all the benefits that come with having served (VA benefits and all the other stuff).
But, no! My precious angel would go left if I said right...soooo, now he is 29, finishing college this year and applying to the service (what did Mama tell him before). They give him something like $5,000 either a year or a semester thru law school, and then he gives X amount of years to Uncle Sam.
So, now he has wised up and applying. If they keep him out (some congenital hearing loss is there), he, at least, tried.
I am just glad he is formulating a plan A and B that is on the track to where he wants to end up eventually, which is the political arena. Guess it takes some boys a long time to grow up?
I hope he gets in, but he may not. I know he will be so disappointed if his hearing holds him back, but he is prepared with a plan B in case.
Everybody seems so positive about the experience. I know one of MY biggest errors was not going...and I did consider it. What a mistake that was!!!!!