[NoBreak92]

so I just finished my junior year and i'm making some plans. my parents say if I fail to get into a 4-year university, they strongly recommend me going to the army rather than a community college but i'm not so sure. they listed out the pros of going into the army (meeting a strong, dedicated group of men, salary, food, housing) and they think community college is a waste of money, where big time slackers go to. honestly, i don't know what's good for me but advice would be great. thanks.

[supa'Wanki]

Wow they're being biased about community college. Sure there's a portion of slackers, but most people are there to get an education. And a waste of money? A 4 year university is a waste of money compared to CC's. My best option for you is go to Community College for 2-3 years, transfer to a 4 year college, and then get into the Military as an officer. I wouldn't get into the military as an enlist unless that's my last option.

You should look into being a reserve instead of enlisting as active. You go to school while working for like 2 weeks a month and get same or even better benefits than an active soldier. Watch out though, you're the first the go out to war if another war breaks out because reserves are more expensive than active soldiers.

[Hax]

You hate CC, so goto the army o_o.

[DaAzNkIgGa627]

Hmmm...

Well... the army and CC are two options, but there are some others out there.

Just a quick disclaimer, my advice is obviously biased. I will tell you up front that if a friend came to me in a situation I would probably advise to go to a CC, but.... I'll try to be as fair and balanced as I can.

I'll start with the army:
Obviously the Army will help pay for college (while you're in service and after thanks to the GI Bill) in return for a commitment. The service to your country would be awesome, and the prestige that goes along with that. However, you must consider if this is the best way you can serve your country. It may be, however you must consider that there is a chance of injury or even death if you go this route. You would have to deal with an extremely regimented lifestyle and may encounter people who have very polarizing political views.

But it instills a sense of pride, duty, and honor that I think is not easily matched. It takes a special type of person to thrive in the military, and I decided a year or so back that I could better serve my country in another direction. So you have to make that choice. But just remember, there is a lot of money available for college if you go this route.

CC:
Well, CC can be a great launching pad for 4 year college, especially if you decide to take it seriously. But there is the thing, will you have the work ethic, and surround yourself with the people who have good work ethic to motivate you. I think this is the easiest to find yourself in a rut in. However, if you are willing to work hard, are decently smart, this would probably be the better path. My friends who have gone this path have said that it is probably an easier transition from high school.

Also the cost is cheap, you don't have to move away and such.

Find a job:
Eh.... in this economy, this may not be practical. But if you already have a job, you can keep it and try to work full time while taking a few CC classes and save up money for a 4 year school. It also may offer you good positions depending on where you work. (if you work). If you don't already have a job, I would strongly advise against this path.

Take a gap year:
Take a gap year. Why not? Volunteer abroad, study abroad. You may find it life changing. This is actually what I plan to do. It may also help you get into a 4 year college if you don't get in the first time. The only problem is that most programs cost money.

Hope this helps

[x_MiSSANN]

How about the Navy? Well, my parents doesn't know it yet but I'm planning to join the Navy (they would probably kick my butt when they find out). The benefit? Its pretty much similar to the Army but you get to travel a whole lot more. Maybe you should stick the Navy in your decision. I have friends and family who's in the military and it seems really really attracting.

Here's some of the other pro's about the Army (these are some things that my cousin told me. he's currently in Iraq right now):
-at least $63,000 for college after your service
-health service for family
-bonus $40,000+
-you get to go school during your service for free
-you can get accepted at any public university
-it'll teach you to grow up (this pertain more toward me )
-you'll take away some memorable/valuable experience
-you'll meet/befriend some great people
-low interest loans
-travel (you get to do more of that in the navy though )

Cons:
-homesick (you'll miss your family and friends like crazy)
-you'll going to have work you butt off
-your job is not always exciting (he basically cleaned floors for 5 months)
-your daily routine is restricted
-you'll miss out on the "college experience"
-there's no free meal (be careful when signing the contract because the gov. will try to screw you over)
-you love life is going to go down the drain (its better just to date around)
-shave your head/cut your hair short (its a bigger issue with me)
-going to war?

Those are all I remember. As you can see I'm leaning toward the Army for you. Then again, I had some AP teachers that informed me that CCs are a waste of my time and effort. As for the comment above me about being in reserve in the army; being active in the army gives you more benefit hence the bonus. And about the war comment, well, if you're afraid to be in the war then any military branch is not for you. Btw, the first thing people are going to say to you to convince you not to enlist is by telling you, you might die. One of the main reason that pushes me toward the Navy is the financial reason. I really don't want to live off my parents by the time I turn 18. So while all my friends are neck deep in college debts, I would not only be debt free but I might possibly be also to afford a house and a car of my own. Plus, the contract is only 4 years. By the time your contract ends you're still young.

Anyhooers, hope I helped some what. Best of luck!

P.S
The Navy program is known to be the easiest out of all the military branch. +1 for slackers like me.

[ayuu.919]

Wow, it's surprising that there are parents who actually encourage their child to join the army
My mom would rather fork over her life savings than to send my brother to the army.