Joining the Army Reserve at 17

[1191]

What are everyone's thoughts to me joining the Army Reserve when I turn 17.
I want to go to West Point and this will help me get in, but is it a good idea? I talked to the Army Reserve recruiter the other day, and everything seemed to be positive if I were to do this. Does anyone know any down sides?

 

[Roman]

I sometimes think I should have enlisted at 17 (I'm a senior now). I didn't because at the time I was only interested in the Marine Corps (which requires HS graduation).

My only advice is when you go to make your decision do NOT listen to the benefits provided by the recruiter unless you hear the SAME thing from an officer.

 

[MJLavs]

I did join the Army Reserve at 17, and in less than a year i have gotten more opportunities than i could imagine...and this helped me get my appointment to west point...i wasn't the strongest academically but i already had military training under my belt so this made me look a little better than if i didnt join the reserves...also the admissions officer for reserve and active soldiers at west point told me that if i was denied an appointment to west point, there is almost a 100% chance of getting into the pre-academy...so from a personal point of view it can't hurt in any way to join the reserves it can only help trust me...as long as your grades are good and you still have some leadership experience you should have smooth sailing with joining the reserves....just don't let your drill sergeants find out you want to go to west point

 

[usma 2013 hopeful]

This year I was denied a waiver. I was told that there was a much better chance of getting one if I performed well with military service. Given the chance that I might not get a waiver for ROTC, I believe that I will enlist active in the army. Currently I'm eight in my class of 214 and will most likely graduate at that spot. I have a descent resume of athletics, school, and community activites including west point sls 2008. How good is the chances of west point for class 0f 2014? Oh and why shouldn't the drill seargents know you want to go to west point and should you tell a recruiter?

 

[Roman]

I have a descent resume of athletics, school, and community activites including west point sls 2008. How good is the chances of west point for class 0f 2014?

No one can say, but check my reply in your thread about AROTC.

Oh and why shouldn't the drill seargents know you want to go to west point

Some sergeant who's been in combat sees this kid tell him that he/she wants to be his boss. hahahaahhahahah. Be prepared for special harassment.

should you tell a recruiter?

Doesn't matter...

 

[1191]

....just don't let your drill sergeants find out you want to go to west point

Haha thanks

 

[bruno]

What are everyone's thoughts to me joining the Army Reserve when I turn 17.
I want to go to West Point and this will help me get in, but is it a good idea? I talked to the Army Reserve recruiter the other day, and everything seemed to be positive if I were to do this. Does anyone know any down sides?

Truthfully- the downside is that you are in the Army. If you really want to join the Army then- it's an ok plan. But if you are doing this because you think that it is a good way to get a nomination- then I think that you should stop and consider: "Do I really want to be in the Army if I don't get into West Point?" and " if I don't get an ROTC scholarship am I ok with being deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan and taking 18 months off from college?" There are plenty of ways to get into West Point and plenty of ways to get a commission. While this could be one- it is a significant commitment. My wife has had about 30 months deployed time in Afghanistan as a reservist and I believe that about 80 VMI cadets have been deployed with their Army and Marine Reserve units - putting their education on ice while they do so. I salute them for that and they bring a lot to VMI with their CIB/CAB/CFMB/CAR. But you need to recognize that it's a real possibility if you sign up for the USAR and are not a USMA nominee or Army ROTC Scholarship recipient. The Army Reserve and or the National Guard is not a weekend a month commitment any more and you need to understand what you are signing up for. There are financial incentives which can make this pretty attractive- but if you aren't sold on the idea of being a soldier- this will lock you in to being one. It's not the volunteer fire department, nor is it the reserve Component of 20 years ago and you can't decide that your plans have changed and you don't want to do this anymore. Something to consider.

 

[RaptorDad2013]

This year I was denied a waiver. I was told that there was a much better chance of getting one if I performed well with military service. Given the chance that I might not get a waiver for ROTC, I believe that I will enlist active in the army....

If by this you mean a medical waiver was denied, you may wish to go to the DoDMERB forum and ask your question. I only point this out because medical conditions and whether or not they are "waiverable" -- if that's a word -- differ from service to service and sometimes whether you are enlisted or commissioned. I'm not denying what you were told, but Mr. Mullen in the DoDMERB forums will give you solid information on whether enlisting will somehow change your future chances for a medical "waiver" for a commission. Good luck!