SA to Military
I've seen a bunch of threads on here regarding the Military to IB route, but would appreciate some input in my situation. I guess I find IB interesting in some respect but just can't imagine myself slugging away in an office for 20+ years right out of undergrad. I know it gets better and the money is attractive - but I've realized now that's not everything for me. Seriously considering going the OCS route with Navy/Marines and maybe even an aviation slot, as serving the country has always been on the back of my mind through high school / college but never committed to it. I think it would be a cool-ass experience to look back on later in life and cherish.
Wondering if anyone who's had similar thoughts, regrets, vets, etc could shed some insight.
USAF vet here, commissioned via ROTC, but didn’t fly - instead managed large space programs.
While my vantage point is military to IB associate, I can speak to the merits of serving. It is honorable and can be a lot of fun (many of my buddies fly). There are lifetime benefits via the VA and the pay as an officer is not bad when considering the tax treatment. I had a number of veteran peers in my class who successfully transitioned to IB in their late 30s.
Cannot think of any employers or b-schools that’d look down upon your decision should you decide to pivot back into the civilian life later. Do keep in mind that when you commission in, you are obligated to fulfill your service commitment (not suggesting you’d choose otherwise) and the USAF pilot route is 2 years pilot training followed by a 10 year service commitment - forgot if figure is inclusive of the training. I think other branches may be the same.
TLDR: if your conviction is there and you’ve thoroughly researched, pull the trigger. If your distaste for IB is temporary, take a breather and some peaceful introspection!
Hey I'm in NROTC thinking of serving as a submarine officer, then go to B school after with the GI and yellow ribbon, how difficult would you say it is to land a role as a post mba associate as a vet?
I served in the Army for 4 years in a combat role and am now going into a SA role next summer. I think it was what I needed after high school and it definitely gave me some experiences to look back on. I would say that if your long-term goal is outside of the military, then you would be wasting time you could be spending working towards that goal. Some things you should consider before joining are... 1) Military is a completely different lifestyle. There is no off the clock, you are always in the military. If you don't like it, you can't just turn in your 2 weeks. 2) There are a lot of leaders who are incompetent. Anyone who can do PT (physical training) will get promoted even if they are dumb as all hell. You can't get fired in the military, so these bad leaders just get moved around and never leave. 3) It is hard if you aren't single with no kids. I personally didn't have a hard time since I was single the whole time I was in, but most people I knew in the Army had relationship troubles. Cheating is rampant for both sides. Seeing that has made it hard for me to have trust in my S/O outside the Army.
how do military men cheat surrounded by all dudes?
shore leave...weekend leave...off duty periods between active posts...military is not 7 days a week outside of active war (unless you are on a submarine)
Some bases are near big cities, so it's as easy as signing up for Tinder. Sometimes they cheat on their S/O's with other military spouses. Its pretty easy unless you are deployed.
2 years IB--->3-4 years Military contract--->B School/Corporate/Whatever is a great path. I definitely look back positively on my military experience. It has opened quite a few doors, and I still keep in contact with a close group of friends. Career wise, you give up a few years in your mid 20's, and you may "be behind" some of your co-workers that opted to stay in IB or corp. America. In return, you will gain experiences that can't be replicated and a sense of pride. Especially if you have been interested since High School.
It is a serious contract and you can't just quit because you changed your mind. Take your time, think it through, and try to reach out to former Veterans on L.I. Good luck!
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