Hey everyone, I need some advice on my service selection choice out of the Academy. I'm a math major trying to either service select submarines or marine aviation. Ideally after my time commitment is up, I’d go get an MBA and transition into tech. I don’t really have interest in doing airlines even though I think flying would be really cool. I think both communities fit me in their own ways and trying to weigh the trade-offs. I enjoy being outside, working out, and I love the marine culture. I think there isn’t much of a better way to spend my 20s than being a marine and flying. However, I also love the important mission of the submarines and the tight knit culture of submarines and would be willing to grind academically and suffer a little physically during my time on the boat. I love the idea of studying nuclear engineering while getting the opportunity to get a high quality education on the navy’s dime. Ultimately I want to serve in the best capacity I can, I just don’t know which option to choose they’re very different. I would love the high speed life aviation gives but I also see the appeal of submarine mission and on the outside job prospects too.
Looking ahead and not just the job itself, I see myself out at age 30 with a 100% free MBA with the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon, plus a more relaxed shore tour. It is a slightly faster way into corporate world, which isnt the end all be all to me, but the quality of life for those first five years worries me. I looked into the 5 and dive option, but because Academy payback blocks the GI Bill clock, leaving at 5.5 years leaves me with 60%, no Yellow Ribbon, and still a lot of debt to a top MBA program, correct me if I’m mistaken.
Aviation is an 11-year commitment due to flight school and TBS. Objectively, flying is a much better day-to-day lifestyle than sitting in a submarine. The catch is that I hit the corporate a few years later at around age 33. That worries me because ultimately I don’t see myself doing 20 and after my initial commitment I want to get into tech and get an MBA. I wouldn’t start working corporate until around 34-35 and I fear thats so late to start a career to make a great living. Aviation hasn’t always been a “dream” of mine (maybe it’s because of lack of exposure) but I feel like I would still love flying, theres just no like burning passion to do it. I do love the Marine culture though.
I don’t mean to sound selfish and like I’m trying to avoid service or look ahead before I’m even in, I just have goals after the military and I want to be able to pursue those without starting too late. If you were in my shoes, would you choose the lifestyle and fly, or take the faster exit? Appreciate any insights.
Looking ahead and not just the job itself, I see myself out at age 30 with a 100% free MBA with the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon, plus a more relaxed shore tour. It is a slightly faster way into corporate world, which isnt the end all be all to me, but the quality of life for those first five years worries me. I looked into the 5 and dive option, but because Academy payback blocks the GI Bill clock, leaving at 5.5 years leaves me with 60%, no Yellow Ribbon, and still a lot of debt to a top MBA program, correct me if I’m mistaken.
Aviation is an 11-year commitment due to flight school and TBS. Objectively, flying is a much better day-to-day lifestyle than sitting in a submarine. The catch is that I hit the corporate a few years later at around age 33. That worries me because ultimately I don’t see myself doing 20 and after my initial commitment I want to get into tech and get an MBA. I wouldn’t start working corporate until around 34-35 and I fear thats so late to start a career to make a great living. Aviation hasn’t always been a “dream” of mine (maybe it’s because of lack of exposure) but I feel like I would still love flying, theres just no like burning passion to do it. I do love the Marine culture though.
I don’t mean to sound selfish and like I’m trying to avoid service or look ahead before I’m even in, I just have goals after the military and I want to be able to pursue those without starting too late. If you were in my shoes, would you choose the lifestyle and fly, or take the faster exit? Appreciate any insights.
