3 answers
Preston
Student
Port Byron, Illinois
1
Question
Asked
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I am a sophomore in high school, and I am trying to figure out whether I should join the military through West Point as some sort of avionics or computer officer, or if I should become a chiropractor through Palmer in Davenport?
My dad was a mechanic in the military, and I respect him so much for it. I want to be like him; however, I am also considering being a chiropractor. My parents prefer me to be the latter. I want to have a large family, and I appreciate the fact that the military will pay for some of my kids' college education. I know West Point is free and I get an allowance, but because my dad was in the military, i get most of my tuition paid for for whatever college I decide to learn at.
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3 answers
Jason Windish
maintenance mechanic
29
Answers
Newington, Connecticut
Updated
Jason’s Answer
please remember that chiropractor VS mechanic in the military is a huge difference. you should base your decision on what you see yourself doing every day and what your passionate about. dont go down a path just to please your parents or base your decision on the financial rewards. life is short you gotta do what makes YOU happy. do you see yourself working on machines and engines, or do you see yourself working on/with people? you can still be a medical professional in the military especially if your thinking about going to west point. west point is for officer training, and it's harder to get accepted. the typical route if you dont want to stay in the military is to talk to a recruiter, go enlisted, then take some college while you are in and use the GI bill when you get out.
my advice to anybody considering military is to go in the air force because you can get a guaranteed specialty when you sign up, and you'll know exactly what you'll be doing for the next few years. sometimes in the other branches it's not guaranteed.
my advice to anybody considering military is to go in the air force because you can get a guaranteed specialty when you sign up, and you'll know exactly what you'll be doing for the next few years. sometimes in the other branches it's not guaranteed.
Stephanie Mock
Management Consultant
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Hi Preston,
Both paths are excellent options and it's fantastic that you are considering your longer term goals when deciding. I was in a similar position in high school - I also was torn between a service academy (also from a military family) and pursuing a different field entirely.
It's worthwhile to apply to any options that interest you as you will find out more information in that process. Keep in mind military academies have substantially different application requirements that need to be met potentially earlier than other universities (usually by early Senior year). I learned the most throughout my application process as I was able to meet and interview with other alumni as well as continue doing research on my own. I also spent time researching the specific programs and schools that interested me most if I didn't go to an academy.
While you consider what is important to you both in the short term and long term, and I encourage you to research what options are available to you in each of these paths. For example, the GI bill is certainly an excellent benefit to pay for a future child's (or children, if you split it up) tuition. However, what would be the alternative if you didn't go to West Point? There are a number of savings plans that you could use in order to make tuition more affordable later on. Perhaps if you end up using your father's GI bill, you could consider investing a little into one of these plans early on, which is the best way to generate returns and offset some of the costs of tuition for your family in the future. Ultimately, the more information you have on all of your options, the better. Best of luck!
Both paths are excellent options and it's fantastic that you are considering your longer term goals when deciding. I was in a similar position in high school - I also was torn between a service academy (also from a military family) and pursuing a different field entirely.
It's worthwhile to apply to any options that interest you as you will find out more information in that process. Keep in mind military academies have substantially different application requirements that need to be met potentially earlier than other universities (usually by early Senior year). I learned the most throughout my application process as I was able to meet and interview with other alumni as well as continue doing research on my own. I also spent time researching the specific programs and schools that interested me most if I didn't go to an academy.
While you consider what is important to you both in the short term and long term, and I encourage you to research what options are available to you in each of these paths. For example, the GI bill is certainly an excellent benefit to pay for a future child's (or children, if you split it up) tuition. However, what would be the alternative if you didn't go to West Point? There are a number of savings plans that you could use in order to make tuition more affordable later on. Perhaps if you end up using your father's GI bill, you could consider investing a little into one of these plans early on, which is the best way to generate returns and offset some of the costs of tuition for your family in the future. Ultimately, the more information you have on all of your options, the better. Best of luck!
JOHN German
85
Answers
Bluffton, South Carolina
Updated
JOHN’s Answer
Hello:
First and foremost, salute to your dad's courage to serve inside the armed forces.
In regard to the choice of your path - go with your heart.
So, whichever you choose, remember that learning can find its way in the horizons. One choice now never imprisons you to that forever. You can decide to switch steps as the pathways of your life continue.
Both would welcome a lovely existence, but that military discipline, fellowship of comradery, and the beyond - could tip the scales.
Thank you to each road your steps unwrap.
God Bless,
John German
First and foremost, salute to your dad's courage to serve inside the armed forces.
In regard to the choice of your path - go with your heart.
So, whichever you choose, remember that learning can find its way in the horizons. One choice now never imprisons you to that forever. You can decide to switch steps as the pathways of your life continue.
Both would welcome a lovely existence, but that military discipline, fellowship of comradery, and the beyond - could tip the scales.
Thank you to each road your steps unwrap.
God Bless,
John German