I suggest OCS because the services need Conservatives and it is good job security when you finish.
The services have oodles of education programs and might even pay you to get your doctorate later on.
Plus, in the final analysis, I think serving in uniform is one of those things that people simply need to do. It will provide invaluable experience and insights later in life.
I’m an Army OCS grad, (FA Ft. Sill 21-67)
Do not drop out of grad school.
If you want military, great, but get the doctorate, then get a direct commission,
Sounds like “burn out.” Stick it out and get the Phd. This wretched economy will not last forever and you do not have to restrict yourself to teaching.
BTW, son in law has MS Chem from Memphis, Ph. D. Chem from Illinois. Now a Senior Director at Glaxo
Just called him. He says “suck it up, get the doctorate!”
If nothing else, “Dr. Will” gets a better table at a restaurant, hotter chicks, and more $ than “Mr. Will.”
Go into service and then when you retire (or finish your term of service), go back to school (GI Bill).
You can always go to school wherever you wish. Not so with the service.
I know two PHd’s in Chemistry - one of them is a Colonel in the Army. The other works for a chemical company back East in a lab. The Colonel now has a “Project Manager” MOS and is going through an Army Grad school right at the moment. He had command of troops in Iraq just before I met him.
I wonder who has more interesting life?
Compare - and you decide!
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.
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.
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....
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. :)
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.
This link might be of interest (yes,it's Wikipedia,but...)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army_Soldier_Systems_Center
Grad school will always be there. This opportunity will not. Simple as that.