Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Enlisting at 18, without any college, is probably the least financially sound option there is. The pay is low, housing is awful, and chances are good your DC is going to blow their paycheck on a sports car and/or hasty marriage.

The pay is low, but you also have zero expenses. Food, housing, and healthcare are all covered, most states waive state income tax. So long as you don’t do anything dumb like the sports car or shotgun wedding, it’s an excellent financial decision. You can save nearly all your earnings AND get college paid for.

There must be a reason that every street leading to a military base is lined with payday loan companies.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why? My husband did it. No way I’d encourage my child. Pay is low and often enlisted are not treated well. My husband did not get his degree till close to retirement as it took many years to do while working. Jobs don’t align with outside world so without a degree the job experience for work is not helpful. We worked hard to save for a state school to make sure our kid has a different path.

I don't quite know why, but a relative who had the Marines pay for his college and then he served as an officer was adamant that he would never have his own kid just enlist, nor advise anyone to just enlist if college is the goal.

Worked out OK for the current vice president.

In addition to getting the GI Bill to pay for degrees after leaving active duty, there are huge opportunities for earning college credits and degrees while on active duty, with the government paying for most of it.

We are splitting hairs...my relative still had free college, but had college paid by the Marines first and then entered the marines as an officer.

The current VP likely would have also taken this approach if he could do it again vs. the one he took since he didn't find life as just an enlisted solider to be a good one.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why? My husband did it. No way I’d encourage my child. Pay is low and often enlisted are not treated well. My husband did not get his degree till close to retirement as it took many years to do while working. Jobs don’t align with outside world so without a degree the job experience for work is not helpful. We worked hard to save for a state school to make sure our kid has a different path.

I don't quite know why, but a relative who had the Marines pay for his college and then he served as an officer was adamant that he would never have his own kid just enlist, nor advise anyone to just enlist if college is the goal.

My son was considering enlisting out of high school. Then he looked at the pay scales for enlisted and officers. He decided to go ROTC. He's never liked school and still doesn't; but he at least finds classes in his major interesting and he is very happy doing ROTC. He is simultaneously a member of the National Guard. Unfortunately, the 2-year ROTC scholarships are on hold.

Your kid really has to want it. Otherwise boot camp will wheedle it out.
My son did navy boot, on to medical training. No college.

Anonymous wrote:Why anyone would want their kid to enter the military with the current administration in power is beyond me. My kid won’t be cannon fodder for a lunatic.

Don't worry. You and your kid can stay home and hide under the bed.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why? My husband did it. No way I’d encourage my child. Pay is low and often enlisted are not treated well. My husband did not get his degree till close to retirement as it took many years to do while working. Jobs don’t align with outside world so without a degree the job experience for work is not helpful. We worked hard to save for a state school to make sure our kid has a different path.

I don't quite know why, but a relative who had the Marines pay for his college and then he served as an officer was adamant that he would never have his own kid just enlist, nor advise anyone to just enlist if college is the goal.

Worked out OK for the current vice president.

In addition to getting the GI Bill to pay for degrees after leaving active duty, there are huge opportunities for earning college credits and degrees while on active duty, with the government paying for most of it.

Do you realize how hard it is to get a degree active duty? You move every few years, you are working full time, sometimes odd hours or more than full time, and it doesn't cover everything.

Yes, I got a bachelor's and a master's while on active duty, and it was not at all inconvenient. My kid is now on active duty (USMC), and is having no problem finding the time for finishing a degree. If there aren't classes on or near the base, the online options are endless. There are few jobs in the military where you are so busy that you can't work in some study time if you want to--it's all about priorities.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Enlisting at 18, without any college, is probably the least financially sound option there is. The pay is low, housing is awful, and chances are good your DC is going to blow their paycheck on a sports car and/or hasty marriage.

The pay is low, but you also have zero expenses. Food, housing, and healthcare are all covered, most states waive state income tax. So long as you don’t do anything dumb like the sports car or shotgun wedding, it’s an excellent financial decision. You can save nearly all your earnings AND get college paid for.

Food is not covered. But yes, if you are otherwise responsible about your life choices until you climb the ranks or get out and use your education benefits, it’s a fantastic opportunity to change your life for the better.

Anonymous wrote:Enlisting at 18, without any college, is probably the least financially sound option there is. The pay is low, housing is awful, and chances are good your DC is going to blow their paycheck on a sports car and/or hasty marriage.

Speak for yourself. idiot.