OT: Military Service for Your Kids

[Jeffreauxdawg]

I see lots of threads on this board about kids trying to get athletic scholarships or parents saving for college through 529's etc..

Did any of you or would you encourage your children to join the military to pay for college? Either ROTC or GI Bill? I just looked a few weeks ago for a kid that works for me and the GI Bill is mighty nice these days. After a 4 year enlistment he would get full tuition paid (He wants to go to Montana State), $1000 per year for books, and $2600 a month for living expenses. It would be about $1600 in Starkville, but not too shabby either way.

 

[Maroon Eagle]

I explored it briefly for myself back in the day.

My father was in the Navy in World War II (Pacific).

He also was at State at the same time as Sonny Montgomery and was county campaign chair for him. Sonny asked me if I were interested in going to one of the service academies.

At the same time, I scored a 99 on Academic Ability section of the ASVAB. The local Navy recruiter dangled a nuclear sub opportunity for me.

But the Military didn’t like my partial deafness. So I went on with my life…

 

[Dawgbite]

Air Force ROTC paid for a lot of my education expenses. I never served post MSU because timing was a major drawdown in the military and they basically said that they didn’t need or want anymore second lieutenants and if I’d just go away they didn’t want anything in return as far as repayment. I still regret not following through and serving.

 

[greenbean.sixpack]

GI Bill, plus other educational benefits, helped pay for my education. One of my kids is in the ANG (nearly 10 years now), she's an expert at military educational benefits!

Joining the Guard is a great way to pay for college, learn skills, make friends and travel, all while getting paid.

 

[mstateglfr]

My oldest brought up the military. We talked with her about it and within 1 minute she agreed it wouldn't be a good fit. The next 40 minutes was spent as a therapy session where she unpacked why she wouldn't be a good fit and was kinda sad, but not really.
At the end, I pointed out that what just happened is one of the many reasons why she would not be a good fit, and she laughed in agreement.



I came decently close to joining the Marines out of high school. I was accepted to MSU and all the paperwork was signed to attention, but I went to a recruiting office on my own during spring of senior year.
I knew I wasnt yet mature enough to get good grades in college and saw the Marines option as a way to productively fill time and gain experience before going to college.

I think I had 4 in person meetings where I took 2 different tests, and the recruiter called a bunch too.
I forget what I tested into or out of, but the recruiter had some plan for me based on testing.

That was spring '99.

I would have been in the Marines during 9/11 and everything after. My wife(was dating thru college) pointed that out to me one time.

 

[mcdawg22]

I see lots of threads on this board about kids trying to get athletic scholarships or parents saving for college through 529's etc..

Did any of you or would you encourage your children to join the military to pay for college? Either ROTC or GI Bill? I just looked a few weeks ago for a kid that works for me and the GI Bill is mighty nice these days. After a 4 year enlistment he would get full tuition paid (He wants to go to Montana State), $1000 per year for books, and $2600 a month for living expenses. It would be about $1600 in Starkville, but not too shabby either way.

Living in a military town I know lots of people with ROTC and AFROTC kids. So far it has worked out well for all of them. One actually is in Space Force and his sister is studying to be a nuclear engineer.

 

[Papapat.sixpack]

I was attached to a FA/18 squadron while serving in the Navy. Got paid for doing something few people get to experience. Used the GI bill for college and VA loan to buy a house. Neither of my kids never mentioned joining, but I wouldn’t have been against it if they wanted to. I think you can use the GI bill for trade schools now.

 

[ZombieKissinger]

Despite my deep appreciation of the military, no

 

[DesotoCountyDawg]

My nephew is in the Army National Guard and they are paying for his tuition at Ole Miss. He’s already gone through basic training and officer school before he started so when he graduates he will immediately be an officer. I believe you have to commit to 8 years of duty with 4 years of that as active duty.

 

[Dawgg]

I see lots of threads on this board about kids trying to get athletic scholarships or parents saving for college through 529's etc..

Did any of you or would you encourage your children to join the military to pay for college? Either ROTC or GI Bill? I just looked a few weeks ago for a kid that works for me and the GI Bill is mighty nice these days. After a 4 year enlistment he would get full tuition paid (He wants to go to Montana State), $1000 per year for books, and $2600 a month for living expenses. It would be about $1600 in Starkville, but not too shabby either way.

With the way we as a country (under presidents from both parties) have used our military over the past 20-25 years, both foreign and domestically, no. With the way we as a country have treated our veterans over the entire course of my lifetime, no. Until this country starts showing some sustained periods of restraint and real progress in veteran care, I can’t in good conscience encourage any of my kids to enlist.

That said, I have an inordinate amount of respect for those that have served or will serve. My father served, my great grandfather served, and my father in law served. My nephew just completed basic for the National Guard and it seems to have been a positive thing for him.

 

[OG Goat Holder]

Yep. Key for me (or anyone) is to go into with open eyes. No post-war movie feel good idealism. Check that shlt at the door.

Pat Tillman is still the saddest damn story of military service I’ve ever heard.

 

[johnson86-1]

With the way we as a country (under presidents from both parties) have used our military over the past 20-25 years, both foreign and domestically, no. With the way we as a country have treated our veterans over the entire course of my lifetime, no. Until this country starts showing some sustained periods of restraint and real progress in veteran care, I can’t in good conscience encourage any of my kids to enlist.

That said, I have an inordinate amount of respect for those that have served or will serve. My father served, my great grandfather served, and my father in law served. My nephew just completed basic for the National Guard and it seems to have been a positive thing for him.

While certainly less than ideal, the way we have used our military is not a deal breaker. Seeing the incompetence associated with the Afghanistan withdrawal was eye opening. I think the military academies have unfortunately not been immune to the same deterioration that other universities have experienced and I'm concerned that it selects for people based on their ability to believe and justify idiotic things, and that enlisted are going to be paying for that for a while.

 

[msugrad2003]

I see lots of threads on this board about kids trying to get athletic scholarships or parents saving for college through 529's etc..

Did any of you or would you encourage your children to join the military to pay for college? Either ROTC or GI Bill? I just looked a few weeks ago for a kid that works for me and the GI Bill is mighty nice these days. After a 4 year enlistment he would get full tuition paid (He wants to go to Montana State), $1000 per year for books, and $2600 a month for living expenses. It would be about $1600 in Starkville, but not too shabby either way.

Also, if they use the GI bill from their own service or that of their parents, most public universities waive out of state tuition.

I will be passing my remaining GI bill from my time in Starkville on to my kids

 

[Howiefeltersnstch]

I see lots of threads on this board about kids trying to get athletic scholarships or parents saving for college through 529's etc..

Did any of you or would you encourage your children to join the military to pay for college? Either ROTC or GI Bill? I just looked a few weeks ago for a kid that works for me and the GI Bill is mighty nice these days. After a 4 year enlistment he would get full tuition paid (He wants to go to Montana State), $1000 per year for books, and $2600 a month for living expenses. It would be about $1600 in Starkville, but not too shabby either way.

My son did that via the National Guard. Earned a 2 year electrical degree. Plus made some good money during a couple of deployments. Had to split his 2 years of college up because of it.

 

[anon1768925248]

I have been in the military for over 18 years. It's a very good thing and has treated me well. I'm going to retire at 42 and start a second career and draw multiple retirements. It's paying for my school and part of my kids' school (If I am able to get 100 % from the VA it will pay for all of my kids' school along with a lot of other benefits). It's not for everyone and if you are only joining for college benefits it's probably not for you (I can't stress this point enough), but I have enjoyed my time. This isn't a job that you can just decide you don't want and walk away from with no consequences. Going AWOL and getting a non favorable discharge will 17 up your life. Make sure your kid knows that they can't just decide it's not for them one day and have no consequences. There is an 8 year mandatory service obligation (all of that 8 years does not have to be active) for your initial enlistment.

 

[BulldogBlitz]

My oldest son had few prospects when coming out of high school. He decided to go army. I didnt like it, but hoped it would help him realize and organize for a career. When he joined, I then realized I was the only male over 18 in my family and my wife's family that didnt do military. All uncles, in laws, grandparents, etc. It never once crossed my mind because I was hell bent for ChE out of high school.

 

[Tulsa Law Dawg]

I see lots of threads on this board about kids trying to get athletic scholarships or parents saving for college through 529's etc..

Did any of you or would you encourage your children to join the military to pay for college? Either ROTC or GI Bill? I just looked a few weeks ago for a kid that works for me and the GI Bill is mighty nice these days. After a 4 year enlistment he would get full tuition paid (He wants to go to Montana State), $1000 per year for books, and $2600 a month for living expenses. It would be about $1600 in Starkville, but not too shabby either way.

Yes, my oldest is at State and we are discussing ROTC. I graduated from State and did ROTC. Currently at War College.

 

[Pookieray]

I see lots of threads on this board about kids trying to get athletic scholarships or parents saving for college through 529's etc..

Did any of you or would you encourage your children to join the military to pay for college? Either ROTC or GI Bill? I just looked a few weeks ago for a kid that works for me and the GI Bill is mighty nice these days. After a 4 year enlistment he would get full tuition paid (He wants to go to Montana State), $1000 per year for books, and $2600 a month for living expenses. It would be about $1600 in Starkville, but not too shabby either way.

Dang, it has gotten way better. I used GI bill starting from 1992 through 1995, it was $300 mo for three years. I paid in $100 mo for 1 year in order to receive it. No tuition, no books, just straight up $300 a month.
What do you pay in these days to receive these benefits?

 

[Barkman Turner Overdrive]

Yes, my oldest is at State and we are discussing ROTC. I graduated from State and did ROTC. Currently at War College.

In residence at Carlisle Barracks, PA?

 

[greenbean.sixpack]

Dang, it has gotten way better. I used GI bill starting from 1992 through 1995, it was $300 mo for three years. I paid in $100 mo for 1 year in order to receive it. No tuition, no books, just straight up $300 a month.
What do you pay in these days to receive these benefits?

I'm no expert on this, but there are two GI Bills, the Montgomery GI Bill, what you and I had, and now there is the Post 9/11 GI Bill. The Post 9/11 pays 100% of tuition at many public schools, plus there is a housing allowance. Plus you can transfer Post 9/11 GI bill unused months to dependents.

 

[Tulsa Law Dawg]

In residence at Carlisle Barracks, PA?

Yes

 

[Barkman Turner Overdrive]

Yes

I have a friend there now. She was my counterpart at Milwaukee and later at SLC, Utah. Now she works at NGB at Andrews AFB.

 

[RocketDawg]

I explored it briefly for myself back in the day.

My father was in the Navy in World War II (Pacific).

He also was at State at the same time as Sonny Montgomery and was county campaign chair for him. Sonny asked me if I were interested in going to one of the service academies.

At the same time, I scored a 99 on Academic Ability section of the ASVAB. The local Navy recruiter dangled a nuclear sub opportunity for me.

But the Military didn’t like my partial deafness. So I went on with my life…

That's certainly one I would turn down.

 

[Maroon Eagle]

That's certainly one I would turn down.

I don’t think if I’d have gone with subs either.

 

[fedxdog]

I was AF ROTC. I flew c-141 and then flew with FedEx for 32 yrs. I wanted my daughter to be a Navy officer and Public Affairs Officer, but she passed.
Anyway, flying beat going back to Laurel and running the funeral home.

 

[Pookieray]

I'm no expert on this, but there are two GI Bills, the Montgomery GI Bill, what you and I had, and now there is the Post 9/11 GI Bill. The Post 9/11 pays 100% of tuition at many public schools, plus there is a housing allowance. Plus you can transfer Post 9/11 GI bill unused months to dependents.

Wow, that's awesome!

 

[HailStout]

After watching what being in the military did to my brother, I will strongly urge my girls to go another direction if they head that way

 

[vhdawg]

At the same time, I scored a 99 on Academic Ability section of the ASVAB. The local Navy recruiter dangled a nuclear sub opportunity for me.

Those ASVAB guys were all about selling the nuclear sub opportunities

 

[Lucifer Morningstar]

Nothing but respect for the military. Thank you for your service all the pack members that served. That being said, I have a daughter so I would have to say no.

 

[Jeffreauxdawg]

After watching what being in the military did to my brother, I will strongly urge my girls to go another direction if they head that way

Was it the "being in the military" or 14 month long deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan while sucking in moondust, dodging IED's & mortars, breathing in toxic air, and sleeping in kerosene soaked tents and not allowed to have a beer every once in a while to wind down that got him?

 

[HailStout]

Was it the "being in the military" or 14 month long deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan while sucking in moondust, dodging IED's & mortars, breathing in toxic air, and sleeping in kerosene soaked tents and not allowed to have a beer every once in a while to wind down that got him?

Two tours in Iraq. I will leave it at that.

 

[40mikemike]

My oldest brought up the military. We talked with her about it and within 1 minute she agreed it wouldn't be a good fit. The next 40 minutes was spent as a therapy session where she unpacked why she wouldn't be a good fit and was kinda sad, but not really.
At the end, I pointed out that what just happened is one of the many reasons why she would not be a good fit, and she laughed in agreement.



I came decently close to joining the Marines out of high school. I was accepted to MSU and all the paperwork was signed to attention, but I went to a recruiting office on my own during spring of senior year.
I knew I wasnt yet mature enough to get good grades in college and saw the Marines option as a way to productively fill time and gain experience before going to college.

I think I had 4 in person meetings where I took 2 different tests, and the recruiter called a bunch too.
I forget what I tested into or out of, but the recruiter had some plan for me based on testing.

That was spring '99.

I would have been in the Marines during 9/11 and everything after. My wife(was dating thru college) pointed that out to me one time.

That might be the ultimate, “I almost joined, but…” dialogue.

I spent some time in the Army. Went to Iraq in 05. I would strongly discourage my daughter from joining the military. I’d probably do the same with my son if he wanted to join. Ultimately, I’d be proud to see them follow in dad’s footsteps, but I’m not big on seeing them go become a cog in the wheel of our military industrial complex. That’s a long way of answering the OP’s question with a negative. I would not encourage my kids to join the military, especially as a means to pay for college. I’ve seen what the “I joined to pay for college” types were like. Not how I want my kids to be.

 

[RotorHead]

I joined to pay for college. Here I am, 16.5 years later with a college degree (no debt), commercial rotary and MEL licenses (no debt), and a very high security clearance. Montgomery GI Bill helped pay for college, as did ROTC and working for the school; post 9/11 covered down on numerous fixed wing courses. Had the opportunity to be placed and do things for people that I’d never had the chance to otherwise. Tried working in the civilian sector….not for me. Granted, all my times been in the MSARNG, still wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

it’s all what you make it. Somebody else’s experience will vary greatly from mine.

 

[Jeffreauxdawg]

My personal take.

I think the pros of military service completely outweigh the negative, particularly for males. There was a 10 year span where the unbelievable amount and length of deployments caused undue mental trauma for too many. I'm hopeful we learned from that. I do feel confident in the past 10 years, we have at least done a much better job of taking care of veterans. Almost everyone I know outside of myself that served is rated by the VA at some level.


I'd personally like to see my boys both strive for either service academies or joining a ROTC program. As much as I do appreciate the military paying for my education (90% was pre 9/11 GI bill unfortunately), I have a hard time imagining what my life would look like if I hadn't served and think the discipline and personal development have done more for me than the gi bill. I want my boys to have that same advantage in life both professionally and personally.

I think for girls it's almost completely the opposite unfortunately. Not that they can't serve, but that the things they learn are often antithetical to the things in life women need to be successful. Not a place to nurture creativity and empathy. If I had girls, I would not be so zealous about them serving.


ETA. The litmus test for my boys will be the academic and/or athletic scholarships. Both are likely capable of getting one or the other. If they show the mental fortitude in high school that I didn't have and work hard enough to get their higher education paid for through hard work, then I know that they have already learned the things I learned in the military. Probably won't be as beneficial as it was for me.

 

[GloryDawg]

Don't let your kids go through life saying they almost joined, or I wish I had joined. If they want to serve just support them.

 

[LOTRGOTDAWGFAN]

I see lots of threads on this board about kids trying to get athletic scholarships or parents saving for college through 529's etc..

Did any of you or would you encourage your children to join the military to pay for college? Either ROTC or GI Bill? I just looked a few weeks ago for a kid that works for me and the GI Bill is mighty nice these days. After a 4 year enlistment he would get full tuition paid (He wants to go to Montana State), $1000 per year for books, and $2600 a month for living expenses. It would be about $1600 in Starkville, but not too shabby either way.

I joined the army in 1995 active duty. i used the college loan repayment plan, so for four years of my life, i was able to travel the world, and by the end of the third year, all my MSU loans were paid off. not a bad deal. that being said, the army intel sites are some really awesome areas in the country. Monterrey, California was probably my favorite.

 

[johnson86-1]

I don’t think if I’d have gone with subs either.

I get anxiety just thinking about the nuclear subs. My understanding is that when things are tense, they go move somewhere and then just freaking sit there for up to 6 months. I think I'd crack going that long without seeing the outside.

 

[jethreauxdawg]

My son in middle school wants to go to a service Academy. We are supportive of that. The B2’s flying around the world, bombing Iran, and coming home undetected pretty much has him locked in on the Air Force right now. From a parents stand point, that’s pretty much the best option.