8 Comments
 

I'm not sure what answer you're trying to elicit.

If you really want to go into finance (whatever that may be) and already have a decent understanding of the industry demands, wouldn't you really want to start straight out of undergrad? The military takes a lot of commitment and dedication, especially if you are going to do ROTC (which I presume you are seeking to).

Regardless, if you really want to serve, I would suggest doing ROTC and commissioning as an officer. You don't even have to go active duty full-time. You can if you really want, become a reserve officer and pursue your career. Just remember that if you are in ROTC, you must attend LDAC during the summer of your junior year. This means you cannot do any SA internships, which are pipelines to FT recruiting. However, ROTC cadets tend to be really sharp and have a good sense organization, structure, and leadership, something of value that can be transferred to any company IMHO.

One more thing, chill out, you're only in high school for crying out loud.

 
Best Response

I was extremely close to going the military aviation route and decided against it, so please take this as a personal anecdote and not me speaking for the military in general. The three feeders for military officers are service academies, ROTC, and Officer Candidate School. They all have great differences in your life over the next 4 years as well the opportunities once you receive a commission. I believe something like 57% of USAFA grads get flight spots (at least that was the number they said when I visited). College GPA is a major factor for where you end up after academies but major seems to play a bigger role in competitiveness and scholarships if you go the ROTC route. I remember visiting the Air Force and Navy ROTC buildings on campus and they placed a great emphasis on engineering majors.

Also worth noting: http://www.afrotc.com/college-life/courses-and-training/service-obligation/ "Pilots incur a 10-year active duty service commitment." You will get your degree at 22, spend about a year in training, then your commitment is 10 years. I'll let some of the more experienced or former military guys here talk about breaking into finance in your 30's as I have no personal experience on that front.

As I mentioned, I personally decided against it for various reasons, but mainly because I got my pilots license in high school and realized I was in it more for the flying than the military service. I've flown helicopters too and they are more fun but you're a lot more likely to die in a chopper than a plane. If you are a junior check these out.

http://www.academyadmissions.com/admissions/outreach-programs/summer-seminar/ http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/NASS/index.php

I did USAFA's summer seminar and it was an AWESOME experience so I highly recommend giving it a shot and see if the military is for you.

 

In Europe, it's common for people graduating from high school to take a year off where you work and travel. This will in turn enrich your time at university since you will have something that few of your American peers have; life experience. Maybe that could be something for you?

 

How can you be tired of a routine that you've never done?

People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for freedom of thought which they seldom use.
 

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