Get a job in LE or join the military

[studentcj]

I'm currently a Junior in college and for probably the past two years or so, the idea of joining the military has entered my mind. I have a cousin serving now and have had others in the past that served some time and even one staying in the full 20 yrs. In high school, I never thought about joining, but then 9/11 occured and it entered my mind. I almost decided against going to college and in enlisting instead, but decided against that. I thought it would be something that would come and go. Instead, the feeling for me to join has increased even more. I almost decided to leave college, even though I'm doing extremely well in school, because I felt that is what I should be doing instead of in school, but I realized it is importantto get my education now . Last, summer I started doing some research, so that I could get a better feel for what it is all about. I decided against talking to my family that has served, and to this point no one has any idea that I'm contemplating joining. I've wanted to be a cop my whole life, but I know now that after college I would like to join the military. I don't want to look back twenty years from know, and be like "I should have joined". I figure that me being a cop, can wait another four years or however long I serve. This way I will be serving my country in two different ways. I have come to the point where I'm going to call the recruiter tomorrow to set-up an appointment. Thank you I know the decision is up to me I just wanted to see what others had to say, and if they have ever felt this burning sensation to join the military.

[mcsap]

Loaded question !

In today's world , a degree edges out the military in more than 50% of the dept's. That of course depends on a dept. requiring a degree in the first place. Mine doesn't.

We do give 10 veterans preference points added to your final score that college grads don't get.

SO , both sides have their advantages. I went the military route myself ( USAF 1978-82) and have NOT regretted it. Over HALF of the officers in my 47 officer dept are prior military and they are EASIER to train. ( I was an FTO for 10 yrs).

Ultimately , the decison is yours. Decide what is best for you in the LONG run. Because when the "LONG RUN" is over, you can't go back.

[studentcj]

I graduate college next year, thats not the problem. My question was for the feelings that I have to join the military should I go with it, before getting a job in the civilian world. I don't want to look back and be like that I should have joined the military. Police departments will always be there. The military won't as I get older, because I will already have a job.

[Recondo]

I am assuming your in your early 20's, so a decision to join the mil right now can only benifit you long term, it will give you a solid base & disipline that you most likely will not get outside of the military, these will follow you long after your out & will carry weight in many areas of your life, even outside the LE communities. If you decide to sign on the line, be sure you have checked them all out (5 service branches) they all are similar but different enough that one may sway you more then the others, be sure to talk thoughly with your recruiter, get things planned out & lined up & like I have said in the past, get it all documented in your papers (mos, schools,etc) there are those recruites that simply try to fill recruitment quota's & un-filled open slots and you can get screwed if its not documented before you sign on. If a LEO carreer is what the goal is at the end of the road, then you will need to not only need to look into those MOS's that are related, but keep your nose clean, finances in good standing, etc. so that when you are done, your a shoe in even without an impressive military resume. The military is what you make it, good luck to you either way!
Recondo

[Smitty]

I understand your burning desire to serve in the Military, and it is very commendable (sp?).

A clean backround, bachelors degree, and a job with supervisory experience.......I'd say you're already a pretty decent canditate for civilian LE.

[marine19860222]

military