Posted on 06/14/2012 12:41:36 PM PDT by John Will
You have spent a great deal of time getting an education in Chemistry. Why not go improve the world with it?
I’m a retired USN Commander (carrier aviation), but it seems to me that your skills would be best applied in private industry as a chemist.
If you can’t find a job matching your education, then find a job in the sector and prove your work ethic. Promotion will then follow, as you apply internally for jobs more demanding of your skill set.
It really is up to you. If you decide to put on the uniform of the United States Military then please do it for something other than a diversion. That uniform means a lot and you must remember you are serving your Country. Be proud even thought here will be a pile of BS even in the military.
You can always get your PhD, and the military may even pay for it if you convince them there is a need. The Air Force paid for my Masters.
I am a retired Air Force officer and am proud of my career as a Cold Warrior. Typing that, I would probably join the Navy if I had known then what I learned through the years.
In the end, the decision is yours and when you make it step out and make the best of it.
Where else can we get excellent hands on commentary.
Thanx, Hulka
I am ex- army, like many other posters. If you are reaching the end of your eligibility, then go for it. From my standpoint, and I am your mother’s age... It is much better to try something challenging than to later think “could have, should have”. Navy has the best bases, but who wants to be on a boat alllll the time? Air Force has better food and training than the Army, but less challenging. I should say, I attended advanced training with Navy, did clinicals with the AF, and spent 6 weeks with mostly marines in Fort Dix. There is plenty of time for academics and the like, but nothing like serving your country. Good Luck to ya.. Keep us posted.
Do OCS and finish your PHD while there. Let us pay for your education. It is well worth it.
My brother was ROTC with a degree in Chemistry and an MBA. He was regular Army and retired after 30 years Colonel. He was NBC.
I would not join any organization that celebrates depravity and perversion. Plus you don’t want to be on the ship or the plane that God decides to smite. Seriously.
After reading abt the P’Gon celebrating gay pride month, I’d join the French foreign legion...
Oops, I forgot abt the camels....
Word of advice, John: If you choose Marine Corps OCS, consider using the term ‘oodles’ very sparingly, or not at all.
The school is on the grounds of Bethesda Naval Hospital, Bethesda, Md.
All things being equal, I’d go OCS, and go Navy.
Education is important, but being in the Military will give you an education you could NEVER get in any school. I wouldn’t trade my worst days in the military for the best days in the civilian world.
You’d also never have to wonder....”I wonder what it would have been like?”
I have seen a battlship fire its 16” guns from less than 100 feet away. An experience like that is priceless.
Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck. :)
New program for the Rump Rangers to begin soon.
Tryouts to include uniform optional—with much close order pt.
Wheeee!
Finish the Ph.D. In the long run, there will be more opportunities out there for you. Can you go to OCS after finishing? Still many things you can do with a Ph.D. in the service.
The Air Force and the Navy both have technical fields as well. The nuclear power field in the Navy is very rigorous. While I personally found having a technical background was helpful in aviation, it certainly isn't a requirement.
Figure out what you want to do before you sign on the bottom line.
I appreciate that you are willing to consider service to this great nation. It says even more when you are doing so in a time when you have a very high chance of going in harm's way.
I wonder who has more interesting life?
Compare - and you decide!
You pretty much said it all.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.