I am curious if any of these kids have taken a minute to look at DFAS and pay scales. There is a thread right now occurring here regarding the pay issue.
I hope they take the time and look at the pay scales. I have the utmost respect for enlisted, so don't read deeper into what I am about to say.
I was an ADAF wife for 20 yrs. Nothing broke my heart more than watching enlisted members pay with food stamps at the commissary. As officer wives, we held monthly lunch sales (made food and sold it) in the squadron to raise money to purchase holiday food baskets for our enlisted members. We never made enough money to assist every enlisted member. In the AF, we have what is called the Airmen's Attic. It is the equivalent to Salvation Army/Goodwill thrift shop. People donate, we sold it, and every penny we made went back to assist enlisted members. Our last base donated over 80K. Family Support Center....I think that is the equivalent to FRG for the Army, donated layettes for enlisted members.
I am trying to illustrate that until you realize, especially financially, you get it, why would you throw a scholarship at the door.
Another thing to think about....DoD budget is going to be cut for 10 yrs. 3 yrs ago the AF cancelled OCS. You may lock yourself into something thinking OCS can happen later on, but unless you are Nostradamus you can't predict the future.
An E-4 or an E-5 with 4 yrs (assume 22 yo) makes less than an O1 by several thousand a yr.
Do the math. How much is a car payment? How much is a cell phone bill? Cable? Food? Utilities?
A student loan for 15K total when it comes to per monthly payments will be less than the difference in pay. At 24, an O2 with 2 yrs (which is typical) will make @12K a yr more than the E-5 with 6 yrs. You could repay 15K in a yr if you live at the pay of an enlisted member.
I am just saying, be prepared for harsh reality financially if this is about needing to be enlisted for respect, or you for some odd reason want to live this experience.
Be smart...look at DFAS and ask your folks to plan a budget for you. E5 is probably not the rank you will come in as. It probably will be lower.