Any advice?

jake s said:
The search function came up with this thread from a couple of months ago on the National Guard Split-Option program:

http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/showthread.php?t=14869
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I mean, yes, there are a lot of ifs and what ifs but I know for me, when I went to the congressional nomination interview, they absolutely loved the fact I was already in the Army Reserve. They saw it as being already committed to the Army. I am not saying this about anyone here, but, many kids don't know what Army life is all about or what to expect and then they end up not liking it and drop out or something. They definitely like the commitment. And I think I said 140 slots available for enlisted personnel, its actually 170! And they never fill the slots. Many people say you shouldn't enlist just to benefit and go to USMA. I totally disagree with this. When I went to basic, I had 60 people in my platoon all with different reasons on joining. College, money, didn't have a job, etc. etc. I was the only one there saying I am here to go to West Point. Plus, service is required after graduation so its the same commitment anyway. I just cannot see how this is a bad way or "terrible" way to go to West Point. You just have to get that commander's endorsement, which can be a pain sometimes.
 
The problem with it is, if your goal is to be an officer, all the doing reserves or NG assures you is a life as an enlisted man, which isn't bad, but I feel like it's not what most people on this forum are shooting for

It's entirely possible you will do split training and never be accepted to USMA, and also the AIT technically interferes with basic up at west point, you have to figure all that out, and it would probably be easier to just do it the ol' fashioned way.

Not saying it's not the best route for some people, it's just a risky one
 
condor17 said:
if you want to add more to your plate and learn great military leadership skills, join Civil Air Patrol (www.gocivilairpatrol.com).
but it sounds like you've got a great file going. some advice:
apply for Summer Leaders Seminar! it will show you a great deal about USMA that only a personal experiance can bring.
Also, apply for all the Academies' Summer Seminars. Even though I'm strictly Army, I went to Navy, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I learned alot about Naval traditions and I came out with alot of respect for Navy, which is critical in today's joint environment.
Keep all the great things going, and shoot for leadership positions. maybe organize community service projects, be a leader in AWANAs, that sort of thing.
Start your application as early as possible! you'll need academic evaluations from your math, science, and English teachers. you might want to give them a heads up about that so they'll be prepared to get it done fast for you. Also, don't skimp on your essays. Even though I've heard that if you have good grades and ACT, admissions won't look to closely at your essays (which I guess is how I got in), you should still shoot for excellence...though it sounds like you have that part covered :)
Also, don't apply only to USMA, have all your bases covered...It sounds like you're a shoe-in for an AROTC scholarship. You have more quals than me, and I got both AROTC and an Appointment to USMA.
Remember, your primary reason for going to USMA should be to serve in the military.
Good Luck!
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I'm in Civil Air Patrol now (have been for over 4 years; Cadet Captain, LOVE it), and it DEFINITELY looks good. Although I'm sort of going off thread here, it's THE reason I was able to win an Army ROTC scholarship. Definitely a good move for those w/ 3 or so years left. I would not advise it for HS juniors; just not enough time to get anything out of it beyond follower-ship. It gets REALLY fun when you are given command of a lot of scared kids and are expected to find a way to get them to work together :biggrin:
 
Melosh3 said:
The problem with it is, if your goal is to be an officer, all the doing reserves or NG assures you is a life as an enlisted man, which isn't bad, but I feel like it's not what most people on this forum are shooting for

It's entirely possible you will do split training and never be accepted to USMA, and also the AIT technically interferes with basic up at west point, you have to figure all that out, and it would probably be easier to just do it the ol' fashioned way.

Not saying it's not the best route for some people, it's just a risky one
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Well for one, if you get appointed to USMA, you don't go to AIT. And for me, if I don't get appointed (I will be very sad), I applied for the Army ROTC scholarship which hopefully I will get, I will be released from the Army Reserve and go to college doing ROTC on scholarship. If, for some reason, I don't get appointed and I don't get a scholarship, I would go to AIT over the summer and then go to college using th GI Bill to pay for some college. And if your goal is to be an officer, enlisted is NOT assuring life as an enlisted servicemember because you would go to USMA or do ROTC.
 
soxfn2041 said:
I'm in Civil Air Patrol now (have been for over 4 years; Cadet Captain, LOVE it), and it DEFINITELY looks good. Although I'm sort of going off thread here, it's THE reason I was able to win an Army ROTC scholarship. Definitely a good move for those w/ 3 or so years left. I would not advise it for HS juniors; just not enough time to get anything out of it beyond follower-ship. It gets REALLY fun when you are given command of a lot of scared kids and are expected to find a way to get them to work together :biggrin:
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I’m a C/Amn and that followership is fun too! I LOVE CAP so far. I am doing color guard, which is awesome. I cant wait to get my Wright Brothers award.
BTW you better mean RED sox fan, just sayin’ :yllol:
Melosh3 said:
The problem with it is, if your goal is to be an officer, all the doing reserves or NG assures you is a life as an enlisted man, which isn't bad, but I feel like it's not what most people on this forum are shooting for

It's entirely possible you will do split training and never be accepted to USMA, and also the AIT technically interferes with basic up at west point, you have to figure all that out, and it would probably be easier to just do it the ol' fashioned way.

Not saying it's not the best route for some people, it's just a risky one
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True, If you are ok with the likelyhood you will stay enlisted it is a great option, but if your goal is officer I don’r recommend it. Depending on your goals it could be the best path, I don’t know your personal situation. Good luck on what ever you decide on doing!
 
If you notice I am the one who was asking in that thread, scoutpilot said this and it is very true


scoutpilot said:
The National Guard isn't a stepping stone to get into the college you want. It's a component of the US Army and, as such, is a military service commitment. It's not something to be milked for your personal gain.

You need to look at the other side of the coin. You do the split option. West Point passes on you. Congratulations, welcome to a full-term enlistment in the National Guard.
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And yes, enlisting in Army Reserves only assures you full time enlistment in the Army Reserves, you may get to go to WP or AROTC, but it is not assured that you will.

FutureAFA, I am a C/Amn too, I dont go to often because of band and other restrictions, but I agree, it's great fun, essentially the FTX's and the Air Shows!
 
Melosh3 said:
If you notice I am the one who was asking in that thread, scoutpilot said this and it is very true




And yes, enlisting in Army Reserves only assures you full time enlistment in the Army Reserves, you may get to go to WP or AROTC, but it is not assured that you will.

FutureAFA, I am a C/Amn too, I dont go to often because of band and other restrictions, but I agree, it's great fun, essentially the FTX's and the Air Shows!
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remember, Melosh3...CAP is for learning and serving, not necessarily "fun"...you only get out of it what you put in...don't only go for the fun stuff. I don't know your personal situation, but be careful not to get into that mindset. in my squadron, we have a couple of cadets like that, and it is detrimental to the sqadron. I'm not getting on to you or anything, just warning you from personal experience...
 
Yes I am aware, I keep up with my qualifications as much as a can, as far as I know me and another cadet are the only qualified MRO's, I want to learn as much as I can from then and serve, but it's rather difficult to go to our saturday meeting when I have to play at the football games late friday night (for band) and a competition the next day, very close to completely overlapping.

I plan to attend more often in the spring, I am just not entirely sure when the meeting are :D
 
I do indeed mean Red Sox fan :)

As for PJOC, I do know current members of CAP who have attended. It is tough to get. The NCSA selection process certainly favors older cadets and officers (both of which I fall nicely into). Let me iterate, however, that going to PJOC does NOT mean that you will have a good time in CAP. There are many activities that have a high intensity and can really give you a good experience. Many states have their own Search and Rescue schools (as mine does); ours is quite intense (the advanced course is, at least). Litter carrys for 5 miles? Check. PT test after 8 mile pack march? Check. Tired as anything and still walking for an ELT at 1am? Check.

So yeah, PJOC is great and all, but there are a LOT of options out there. Make sure you look at those, too. PM me if you need more help.

And get those promotions!!
 
Hey guys I made a CAP group, if you guys want to join! We can stop invading USMA threads. :yllol:
 
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