Do you feel that joining the military straight out of highschool is the best choice?

2014-10-12T20:26:51-04:00

I joined the military thru the delayed entry program at 17 until I was 18 because my dad wouldn't sign. He said it had to my choice. Now 13 years later, my friend has a son that is wanting to join at 17, and she said he was to young. I was asked if I had any regrets looking back at joining right out of high school and if I thought i was mature enough to make that decision then. I really had to think about that. I don't regret joining, but I believe going to college first would have benifeted me. And I can say that I was immature when I joined. I think now after seeing the civilian side of life as an adult, I have more appreciation for the military way of life and would enjoy it more now as an adult than as the rebellious high school grad i was when i joined. Any thoughts?

Response by COL Randall C. made Oct 12 at 2014 8:26 PM

2014-10-12T20:26:24-04:00

Joining the military right out of high school is really a matter of choice as it depends on your reasons for joining the military.

In some cases, there are a lot of reasons for the individual to go right into the military. There are a lot of benefits available and quite honesty, it is the one aspect of providing maturity for many individuals. In other, it makes a lot of sense to go the college route before joining. Against, it really depends on what the individual wants to get out of the experience.

There is no right or wrong answer.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2014 8:35 PM

2014-10-12T20:35:08-04:00

Agree with COL Randall C. that there is no right or wrong answer. I'll just tell you what I experienced. I falsely believed that my options were limited, that college was out of the question, so I joined the Army on delayed entry in the middle of my Senior year of high school. My parents had to sign the papers because I was still 17 when I entered active duty.

I was not a rebellious teen, but I looked at my prospects and the military seemed to be my best option. Now, 39 years later, I am SOOOO glad I joined the military right out of high school. It was the best decision for me. I got those college degrees later - during evenings, weekends, and online. Joining up right out of high school was one of the best decisions of my life.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 12 at 2014 8:51 PM

2014-10-12T20:51:58-04:00

Exactly what COL Randall C. and CW5 Private RallyPoint Member said! We all have reasons for joining when we did that were right for us.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2014 10:53 PM

2014-10-12T22:53:29-04:00

I joined right after high school. And for me it was the right decision. I always wanted to be in the military. And knew that was where I was going when I was done with high school. So when I got my girl friend (now wife 35 years) pregnant I dropped out of high school about a month before graduation. So I could take responsibility and take care of my family. So for me graduation from boot camp was a feeling of accomplishment that I missed. I also studied and got my GED when I got to my first duty station. I do not regret any of my decisions everything worked out in the end. So I believe it all depends on what your goals are. If you are planning on college then by all means college before enlisting. But if you have no plans on continuing your education enlisting my be the ticket. It may even encourage you to expand on your education.

Response by Cpl Chris Rice made Oct 13 at 2014 12:46 PM

2014-10-13T12:46:31-04:00

I think the hard part of this question is what does the person joining want to do in life? If it helps their career progression, or it allows them some padding because they are not really sure what they want to do in life; then I would say go for it. On the reverse end, if I was to do it all over again the career choice I made would have provided me a commission, and I would have to really consider doing the exact same thing the second time around; as opposed to education first.

I think the only thing that you can do when you get this question is to deflect. I know it sounds kind of pathetic, but if you redirect it towards what that person wants to do you may have a better outcome, because as most others have said, there is only a right or wrong answer in the context of yourself.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Oct 15 at 2014 7:33 AM

2014-10-15T07:33:14-04:00

I joined right out of HS and have no regrets. I personally advise sooner rather then later.

At one point I had a Airman fresh from tech school that was an E3. I was an E6 and his Flight NCOIC and we were 3 years apart in age. He was a great Airman, but as a marriage 28 yo he still got stuck doing all the "Airman" things. Another Airman came in at 27 and had lived on their own since they were 18 and was forced to live in the dorms which made them a little disgruntled for being "treated like an child."

My other main reason is simply you are not going to get any younger. The military is hard on your body.

A third reason is you will have a second career, if you stay for at least 20 do you really want to start that second career at 48-58 (under the old cap) or 58-68 (under the new cap) vs as young as 38?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 10:02 AM

2014-10-15T10:02:16-04:00

I agree with COL Randall C., in that it really depends on an individual's circumstances. For me, it was just the thing to join right out of high school. My prospects for college were not terribly good (for financial reasons), and the idea of working at the local mill was not appealing.

The military was my best option, and it turned out to be a great choice. If I had left the Army after four years, I would have learned discipline, matured, etc. I didn't leave, though, and staying made the decision to join up right out of high school even better. I was able to get the college that I couldn't initially afford (nights and weekends), and I wound up serving my country for 30 years of active duty.

As I have posted elsewhere on RallyPoint, I am sooo glad I made that decision at the tender age of 17!

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 15 at 2014 10:05 AM

2014-10-15T10:05:46-04:00

Seeing as how I've repeatedly traveled the world, have a college degree, a family, a home, a stable life and am generally content and all my high school friends haven't left the city and are still working at the same Walmart, I'm going to go ahead and say yeah, it was a good call...

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Oct 15 at 2014 1:26 PM

2014-10-15T13:26:46-04:00

That is highly dependent on the individual. When I graduated from HS, I was an honor student with an academic scholarship to attend college. In my case, no, going straight in was not a good choice. And I told the Army recruiter who was trying to get me to go straight in as much....

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 2:33 PM

2014-10-15T14:33:55-04:00

Personally i have no regrets on my choice, so i have been steadly at it since '04 and have been to places most have not. Like everyone else back home not accomplished anything, but myself i have accomplished many things since i have been in.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 6:40 PM

2014-10-15T18:40:06-04:00

I enlisted before I was out of High School, and left for BMT 6 days after graduation. There are times that I have regretted not going to college first. I am a firm believer in the importance of education, but not at all to be over shadowed by common sense and field experience. We have all certainly seen people with more degrees then a thermometer, but they have no social skills and no common sense.

Response by Sgt Cortney Kangas made Jan 14 at 2015 7:02 PM

2015-01-14T19:02:33-05:00

Joining straight out of high school was the best decision for me. I lacked any real sense of direction or confidence in myself at that age, and though I dreamed of being a veterinarian one day I had terrible grades from not applying myself in school and I wouldn't have had the money for college. I enlisted in the Marine Corps and I loved it. I matured a lot and learned to take responsibility for my actions and to work hard for what I wanted. I also took college courses whenever I could online and completed tons of MCIs, and after 8 years of service I left active duty and transferred into college. I worked my butt off and I am now 4 months away from graduating from veterinary school. The life lessons I learned in the Marine Corps have been invaluable in helping me to succeed in this transition from Sgt to Dr. It's not for everyone but for some of us it's been a life-changer.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Jan 14 at 2015 8:42 PM

2015-01-14T20:42:52-05:00

As others have stated, it is a personal choice. I myself joined at 17 and retired at 39. I have absolutely no regrets and it was the best thing for me to do. Waiting for me would have been disasterous.

Was I really mature... Absolutely not! Some would argue I still haven't matured... only gotten older. Did I become a professional? Absolutely!
I did gain and have experiences that in those formative years my peers could not even imagine.

My 2 cents

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jan 15 at 2015 12:31 PM

2015-01-15T12:31:34-05:00

It's an individual choice. There is no one correct answer for all.

I not only completed college, but also law school before enlisting and still wasn't all that mature. (My wife would argue that I'm still a little boy at heart)

Not everyone needs a college education. It's not appropriate for everyone. There are many craftsmen and tradesmen who earn more than some professionals and lead equally satisfying lives. And, all branches of the military are excellent sources of technical training.

Also, colleges and universities are far more concerned with indoctrination than education. It may well be that delaying exposure to those ideologues until after having a chance to mature in the military is a good idea.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2015 12:35 PM

2015-01-15T12:35:17-05:00

It was for me. My family couldn't afford college. I was 17 and a month out of high school. I turned 18 in basic. When I got out and went to college I was more serious I feel about college and buckled down.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Jan 15 at 2015 12:38 PM

2015-01-15T12:38:49-05:00

I like A1C James Pendergraph joined the Army through Delayed Entry at 17 and the reason was I knew I did not have the discipline to go off to college and succeed. The Army taught me discipline, a trade, and experiences I would not ever had if I did not join. Do I think 17 is too young no and I wish more kids would want to join the military. Did I miss out on things by not going to college yes but on the flip side I got to do things and see things I would not have gotten.

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made Jan 15 at 2015 12:45 PM

2015-01-15T12:45:24-05:00

- Whether joining the military right out of high school is best is a METT-TC question/answer. METT-TC is code for "it depends". Using MDMP is key.
- What are the personal and professional goals of the individual in the near, mid and long term? Goes to mission analysis.
- How does joining the military help or hurt the attainment of an individual's personal and professional goals? Goes to COA development.
- What other options does an individual have to attain their personal and professional goals outside of the military? Goes to COA development.
- How do the various COAs compare against each other based upon criteria that an individual should develop and use? Goes to COA comparison.
- What options are available to the individual in the mid and long term and can the individual cross from one path to another? Goes to branch and sequel planning.
- What is the final decision of the individual? After decision, the issue becomes violent execution of the decision.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2015 1:15 PM

2015-01-15T13:15:15-05:00

I was 17 when I joined and went to boot camp. For me it was the best choice. I had no work ethic and looking back on it I truly believe that any other path I took would've led me towards prison or an early grave.

I was very rebellious and too smart for my own good. The Navy taught me to be an adult and gave me a strong work ethic, respect for others and a moral code that I still use as a compass in my life.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jan 15 at 2015 2:33 PM

2015-01-15T14:33:58-05:00

For many individuals that I got to know while serving in the Army, joining the Army straight out of high school was an excellent option for them and served them well in the years since they joined. I can't generalize for "anyone" who may be thinking about it, but for many people considering this option I think it is reasonable to argue that it could be a strong option for them to consider.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2015 3:31 PM

2015-01-15T15:31:18-05:00

I was a poor kid from a trailer park and KNEW I wasn't going to be able to afford college, so I joined the Army at 17 (with my mom signing for me) on the split-option. I went to bootcamp during the summer between my junior and senior years of high school and was a drilling reservist throughout my senior year (while also being in high school AFJROTC, lol). When I graduated, I went active duty and went to Ft. Sam Houston for AIT. Unfortunately, I'm also from the San Antonio, TX area, so it REALLY didn't feel like I was actually IN the Army (going home every weekend because I could, friends stopping by in evening during the week). It was probably the worst way possible for me to try to start a career. I got injured on holdover status and finished my AIT on profile, so for some reason I couldn't go to my permanent duty station and the Army, instead, decided to process me for separation. I guess everything worked out though, because about 2 years later I joined the Navy and ended up as a Torpedoman on fast-attack submarines... (I also did the college thing after separating and hold a Masters.)

If I had it to do over again, I would have waited until AFTER I graduated to join (and I would've picked a different MOS so I didn't have AIT in my hometown). My advice to anyone wanting to go split-option is "Hell no!" but I think 18 should be fine for most people. That said, while I agree on going to college first, if someone is too immature to join the military (where they make all of your decisions for you, lol), they will probably not do well in college either.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2015 4:02 PM

2015-01-15T16:02:12-05:00

In my opinion it was the best decision for me! I didn't want to go to college right after high school. i had already had enough of school and didn't want to spend 4 more years doing it. I joined in 2000 a month after i graduated. looking ahead i have 5 years left until i can retire. I will be retired at 38 years old and moving on to another career where hopefully i can retire from 2 jobs and my kids wont have to worry about much.like i said i know it was the right choice for me. it may not be the right decision for everyone but that is how i feel about it.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Jan 15 at 2015 5:49 PM

2015-01-15T17:49:24-05:00

I graduated an year early out of high school - then went to college for a year then enlisted in the AF - I personally think everyone should enter the military after high school. If we had this I think we would not have the problems we have in todays society.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2015 5:55 PM

2015-01-15T17:55:33-05:00

Yes, it gets you experience quick, money for college and a sooner start to a military retirement clock toward 20 years. After 3 years you are still young enough to get out an start a new career plus you have an Honorable Discharge, if you did things right. An Honorable Discharge says to potential employers, I did a demanding job and stayed out of trouble.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2015 7:00 PM

2015-01-15T19:00:28-05:00

If the individual has decided while still in high school (and 17) that they want to join the military, there are advantages to allowing them to join the delayed entry program. The main rason being the the long he/she waits thru the school year or until 18, the less jobs there will be for them to choose from. There will be more jobs available for summer basic training earlier in the school year, then there will be at the end of the school year for those how wish to go on active duty right after graduation.

Parentls should know their children well enough to know if they are serious about this or not. If they know they are serious, then refusing to sign for them at 17 is actually putting them at a disadvantage at the MEPS if made to wait until age 18 and still in school.

My youngest son, told me he wanted to join the delayed entry for the USMC. I sat down with him (also being a former Army Recruiter) and asked enquiring minds questions as a parent. Explained to him the differences in the enlistment options for each branch and told him to go see the different recruiters....ALL of them! I told him this was going to be his 1st "ADULT" decision and if 45 days in, all of a sudden he didn't like it, tough...he was advised pros and cons, sent off to get more info, made to think about it some more.....he made the committment and he would stick it out. If he bailed out on a Chapter 10, 13, etc.. I would kick his ass, for not sticking to his committment! If at the end of his enlistment and didn't want to re-enlist, no problem! His choice, his decision. He made his decision and entered the USMC delayed entry last month and goes off to recruit training at Parris Island shortly after school gets out.

I'm proud of him, respect his choice in branch of service! I would not hold him back knowing he was ready to make that 1st Adult decision. It's his life, and if he's ready to begin to experience it early, I will not hold him back, because he is 17.

As I turned 17 in March (72) and graduated high school 2 months later, and left home the day after. My mother would not sign for me while I was 17, but I was living on my own in a different state, my own job, apartment, car! She later regretted doing so, but stood by her decision as Viet Nam was winding down. So i joined after turning 18. As for my son....his life, his career, his choice of branch.....and his decision to make.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2015 11:15 PM

2015-03-28T23:15:48-04:00

I joined right after high school and I have zero regrets! Best decision I have made in my entire life!

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 28 at 2015 11:31 PM

2015-03-28T23:31:55-04:00

That is a "it depends" question. It is definitely a good option. In my current job, we encourage all of our Cadets to aim for college, and all the free money they can get. That includes all college and scholarships, not just miltary related scholarships.

But, I understand for some/many college right out of HS is not the best choice. Still I encourage all to consider that strongly. If they opt for enlisting (and many do) we tell them education is still very important.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Mar 29 at 2015 2:08 AM

2015-03-29T02:08:44-04:00

During Vietnam Nam, if you weren't smart enough and fast enough to get to a college and get a deferment, you were probably gone anyway.

Response by SSgt Justin Lay made May 28 at 2015 9:37 AM

2015-05-28T09:37:38-04:00

Yes,

Response by PO1 Richard Nyberg made Aug 27 at 2018 1:10 PM

2018-08-27T13:10:19-04:00

I did but back then the Vietnam war was going. I graduated in June 1966 and went through my training and was in Vietnam on Jan 4th 1967, I remember that day because it was my Moms 40th Birthday. I was an Army brat so it was pretty much a thing for me and I remember my high school in Germany sent letters to the men in Vietnam and it felt good when I got the letters.

Response by CSM Stuart Fuller made Sep 19 at 2018 11:39 PM

2018-09-19T23:39:39-04:00

I joined right out of high school in 65