So, I'm thinking about becoming an officer in the military.

[Allenberg]

From Aug 99 - May 05 I was active duty enlisted in the Air Force. I'm starting college this fall majoring in political science. I kind of miss the military and think I'd do well as an officer my 2nd time around.

Thoughts? :shrug:

[Orsino]

1. The Air Farce?

I thought you said military. :+

Well, I'm sure you've already thought of the terrible things the American military will be tasked to do in the coming years, and must have achieved some kind of peace with the idea. There is something to be said, though, for an officer or NCO who cares for his horribly-misused troops.

If you've gotta be one, be a good one.

[steely]

2. A noble endeavor.

Congratulations, and thanks for serving us.
A couple of 'em (thoughts).
Think beyond the degree.
Pick your specialty (you probably have already).
Work hard at the new job - the prior experience may help you through alot, but learn the stuff it takes to be a leader.
What you've learned so far were the basics - but the management part is a different animal.
Best of luck - am sure you'll do well.

[ForrestGump]

3. Good luck

I think it could be great.

I seriously thought about entering US Naval Reserve while in grad school but was just too busy and, by the time I finished, was past the arbitary (stupidly so) cut-off point of 36 years old. I was thinking of Naval Intelligence, because it'd make best use of some of my skills. Long tradition of officer-and-a-gentleman stuff in one side of my family, and all that, and I've always been interested in military hardware and history. Kinda regret it couldn't have been different. I was in a cadet program when I was a teenager, but the idea of going in as an officer -- as a cadet, I resented being order around for no good reason by people with smaller brains than my own -- appealed to me because it seemed like it'd circumvent a lot of the superfluous crap that may do good for some entrants to military branches but that would not do me any good at all.

The caveat now, though, is that -- by any measure -- the criminals running the US are using the military for unjustifiable ends. I turned down a Federal position in 2001 because I realized that I couldn't stick to the party line when it came to aspects of my work that could easily be politicized, and the requirement was that I do so even if I knew my colleagues (who were not bound by what was essentially a loyalty oath) were correct and even if the facts show otherwise. I couldn't do it. for the same reasons, basically, I don't know if I'd choose now to enter the US military. If I entered the military now I think it'd have to be in some capacity that basically supported the men and women on the ground more than it did the actual mission, if the two are at all extricable. I don't know if such a role exists. Maybe intelligence is as good as any.

I hope that you excel, whatever it is that you do. I also hope that we soon have a better Commander in Chief for you and for your comrades.

I'd salute you, but I'm not sure exactly how the USAF salutes. I do know, though, that you guys supposedly usually have the best accomodations and perhaps (USN types may differ) the best food. :D

Off you go, into the wild blue yonder...