Well I've had about enough
 

I know theres a few military guys here so. I've decided at some point in the next two days I'm enlisting for active duty in the Army. The job market in my area is horrible and there is really nothing for a 21 year old who still lives at home and hasn't held a job for more than a month in a year. So tomorrow I'll be going for either Transport, Infantry, or weapons specialist.

Well, I congratulate you on your decision, but make sure its what you want to do and not just in haste.

Still living at home has nothing to do with your ability to be hired, schooling does, which the military takes care of very well. This isn't a decision to make over night. Think about it for a little while, and if you still want to go, then go. I'm all for our military, however, I'm not a fan of having people who are in there because they had no other choice. If people are defending our country, I hope they do it because they want to and their heart's really in it.

Good luck. May I suggest getting in shape before joining?

I was going to go in right out of high school, I took the time and though about it, and I decided to try to just go to work and make a life that way. That didn't exactly pan out so I've decided to go back to my original plan. the way I see it when I'm done I'll be 25, I'll have my 40k sign on bonus in the bank, and I'll have the training and schooling to do what I want.

already working on that

The signing bonus fluctuates depending on your chosen career field I think.

not by much

Indeed. its not automatic 40k, plus most people fail at the savings part. You get bored buy some day to day stuff - generally it's pretty hard to save every extra penny you have.

Did you take the ASVAB yet?

go to army, get out and become a cop, make 100k a year and retire when your 45 with full pension

I'm a little biased but did you ever think about the Marines?

Also it fluctuates based on your education as well. Also when he goes to talk to his recruiter, hes going to have to take the ASVAB regardless unless hes taken and scored good on the SAT.

:werd: College edjumication helps.

I took it in high school, but i'll need to take it again. From what I read the education bonus is separate from your enlistment bonus

From what I've learned from my recruiters & experience around the offices, for Enlisted they base your sign on bonus in a series of tiers by your experience. For instance if you just have a HS diploma you are alloted X amount, if you have some college credits its the next tier, if you have an Associates its another tier. And obviously to entice people into the service they are going to show you the highest amount available with the fine print being college education.

Take everything your recruiter says with a grain of salt.

Good luck!

right and even so thats only 8K BUT I have feild experience driving trucks(if I were to do Transport) so that should help with that... I mean the $$$ isn't my biggest concern. I'm looking at it more as building a future for myself, getting training and serving my country. the money is just an extra

actually yes...and honestly...I wouldn't make it

hes 21 now so he would retire around 50, but thats a good plan, and also what im doing minus the millitary, ill be done at 42

I spent a year working and trying to do me and im starting to feel the same way. I planned on joinging the marines when I graduated but opted to work and stuff.
If I
a. dont get this new job with another cable company.
b. cant afford to go to school and work or
c. feel as tho im still no getting anywhere by either going to school or working a decent job

Im joining the marines in the next 6 months.Good luck man.

I was thinking something along those lines. It would be nice

You would be surprised at what a little motivation can do for ya. Either way the Armed Forces is a good choice to give you some direction and open up opportunities. Thanks for volunteering.

May I ask what is the fasionation with going into the military?
It seems more and more the common thing to do, but its not to serve your country, but because all other options have been exhausted.
I only know a few people that join the military to serve country, and not for any other alterior motives.

It was stated in the first post, he thinks he doesn't have any other options (job/career wise). It's not fascination, it serves as a back up plan for many.

the recruiters know this and, to be honest, they prey on this type of person. know exactly what you want to do BEFORE you sign anything and know that it is in the recruiter's best interest that you enlist with him. take your time, investigate everything and make the right choice, not one made out of desperation.