Recent content by OldAFRet

Since 529 is after tax savings, you only have to pay tax on any gain or interest if the expense does not qualify. SOME of my son's ROTC gear does qualify since he is at a state school, rather than an academy. It has to be essential, non-issued gear. Not sure about USMA, but I think at the...

In my day, yes, most CMSGTs (E-9s) and Colonels and above were Freemasons. An older friend (ret Colonel) jokes that if banging his West Point ring didn't get him what he wanted, he'd just speak into his Mason's ring.

My son (also an MS1) just had a review with his PMS, so perhaps units may do things differently.

I've been told that one may do ROTC Freshman and Sophomore years as an elective, or programmer as they call it.

I take back my compassion after reading the news today.

Yes, yes he is.

Yes it matters, no it doesn't, or maybe it could. How's that for an answer? College prof years ago flew the same B52 as his father (both were USAFA grads). His son was in the USAFA at the time he was my prof, and skids were being greased to put his son into that very same aircraft. That was...

That's the bottom line. You need to talk to the recruiter and tell him or her everything has to happen post 18th birthday. That might slide things further to the right than you want, but that's life.

And he doesn't think officers get hurt or killed? Just change your plans, get a MEPS appointment after your 18th birthday, and the soonest ship date you can.. Seems like I recall another 17 year old doing that 43 years ago.

You're probably talking about the Soldiers and Sailors Relief Act, which was originally intended to ensure veterans called up to go to war got their civilian jobs back when they were done with duty. Today it ensures reservists don't get fired for doing their drills or if they get activated...

What's your address? I'll drive down and smack your dad in the back of the head for calling 4 years in the Corps a waste of time.:mad: You are confusing me a bit. Are you or are you not currently contracted with the USMC? If so, and 17, then yes, your dad did sign the papers. And what's up...

I see two major issues here. Maybe 3. Not a lot of money for college, rough time with Calculus (at a liberal arts college), and youth. Maybe the reason you're having a rough time with the math is as much your instructor as you? Here's a path that may work. - Enlist in a specialty that flows...

He said to only do it 490 times ( Matthew 18:21, 22). The 491st time, Jesus whooped some butt (John 2:15). My nuns didn't like my little extrapolation way back in 6th grade. Interestingly, most all religions, in their core beliefs, give a pass to soldiers and civilians when the fight is...

Stop watching YouTube videos on basic training.

Maybe things in Italy have changed, but eons ago, when stationed there, Italians were aware of their internal differences. Worse in Germany - you and I could walk along a street and you would see 4 white guys walking towards us. I'd see 2 Germans, a Pole and a Russian (of the Slav variety).