My chances

[manahmanah]

Not to burst your bubble, but anyone that thinks they'll finish a college degree during wartime, no matter what branch, is expecting too much. I was only able to complete 4 classes in my 8 years of active duty.

I think you're on the right track, but please be sure you talk to people that won't blow smoke up your arse (like some recruiters might be inclined to do :D) Believe me, it is not as easy as it sounds, especially as a boot (the civilian equivalent of a rookie).

If you wanna do college and the military, I would finish college first, and go in as an officer.

[bell4fan]

Finishing a degree is hard but not impossible.thats one reason you may want to look AF or navy. On a navy deployment,(ship based) college instructors are on the ship teaching classes.

Will you be able to start from nothing and finish a 4 year degree in a 4 year military stint? probably not.

But if you work at it, you can definately finish more than 4 classes in 8 years.

With you already having some college, if you are close to an associates degree now, in a 5 year enlistment, there's no reason you couldnt finish up the bachelors.

[RedandBlue84]

I spoke with my wife last night and we decided that either one I can continue my career as a Software Engineer or follow my dream of being a LEO. I have decided that this is what I want to do; I am also not doing this for potential gain or for gratification. This is a committment that will make me a better person all around. As far as the degree is concerned, I'm almost finished with it. So..it can wait until I get out as I only need a few credits. I'm sure that I will be picked up by some department given my statue after I serve.

bell4fan- Can you give me some info as to how the Navy benefits my family and I?

[bell4fan]

The benefits you get are the same ones throughout the military. You will get free health care for you and you family (wife and kids). You will get either a housing allowance or get to live in base housing. Your choice, but its easier to live out in town. sometimes base housing has a waiting list.

Me and my wife had an easy time in the Navy. We knew of our deployments well in advance. I got off my deployment in may 2002, and knew in spring 2004 I would be deploying again. Sure enough, May 04 I was gone again. And the deployments are only 6 months long, instead of the 12-15 months the army is doing. If the ships schedule permits, you can fly your wife to certain port visits. For example on my 04 deployment, we were in Hawaii for 10 straight days. Flew my wife out there and we vacationed for those 10 days.

Travel in the Navy is the best among the other branches. Marines can lay some claim to the good travel, since a lot of times they are attached to a Navy ship.

Thats all I can think of now, If you have any more ??'s or want more specific answers, let me know.

[RedandBlue84]

I have a personal Question for you guys. Here is my situation, My past x-wife screwed me really bad with financial obligations. I was going to file Bankruptcy but...I decided that would probally ruin me for good. Instead I have decided to pay everything off as much as I can without having to live like a hermit. Would this be to my benefit to do what I'm thinking or just wipe the debt clean? Either way looks bad I know but....I want them to know that I'm trying my hardest to fix what is wrong with out as they would say "Running away from my obligations"

[bell4fan]

I would say pay off as much as you can. If you enlist, maybe you will get a bonus, put that towards it.

[mcsap]

Veterans Preference points are given to any honroably discharged veteran of the military regardless of their military occupation. So whether a SEAL or a cook, you get the same preference over non-veterans.

Consider all branches of the military and see which one fits you the best. They are all different in many ways. Prior to enlisting , I spoke to all four recruiters before I chose the USAF.

USAF 1978-82.

[DeltaV]

I have a personal Question for you guys. Here is my situation, My past x-wife screwed me really bad with financial obligations. I was going to file Bankruptcy but...I decided that would probally ruin me for good. Instead I have decided to pay everything off as much as I can without having to live like a hermit. Would this be to my benefit to do what I'm thinking or just wipe the debt clean? Either way looks bad I know but....I want them to know that I'm trying my hardest to fix what is wrong with out as they would say "Running away from my obligations"

Poor credit is going to hurt your chances of being hired. While a bankruptcy is worse than simply having lots of accounts in collections, bad credit will still effect your chances of getting hired.

As bell4fan stated, there are certain military MOS that have signing bonuses. Certain branches have more of these positions than others, so you need to do your homework. Depending on how much the debt is, there's a chance that the bonus could be enough to pay it off in full.

[RedandBlue84]

I officially was sworn in today, to be a Sniper for The Marines. Thanks for all the help guys.