Ok, so I've got a dilemma here and would appreciate any and all honest opinions on the matter - but first, a little background on the situation: I'm a civilian applicant just starting to get my packet together. Haven't taken any tests like the ASVAB or AFAST yet because I plan to study more and max out those scores - don't think that will be a problem given my past academics. I graduated high school top of my class and attended Texas A&M university for a few semesters while studying aerospace engineering, but that's where my problem begins. Admittedly I allowed for too many distractions in my time there and my grades suffered tremendously. Realizing that I had to buckle down and focus on my studies I chose to join the Corps of Cadets, an almost academy-like organization on campus. My reasoning being the regimented lifestyle and mandated study time would help force my time to the books and bring back my grades to a manageable level. Unfortunately it was too little too late as I witnessed my GPA collapse and soon found myself on academic suspension. I don't believe in excuses and the fault is no ones but my own. I've realized my mistakes and am pressing forward now trying to get my life back on track. My goal has always been to fly in the military like my father before me (and while previously being focused on the Air Force,) I now see the Army as an excellent way to achieve that objective. I will be attending school locally to repair my transcript and possibly return to A&M, at the same time I will be taking flight lessons to obtain my private license: all in hopes of strengthening my packet for WOFT. Now that you have the background on my situation, the question is this: How will my previous college hours affect my status and consideration for the program? I don't have to submit my transcript, but I've always been honest and upfront about my past and I see this no differently. On one hand it will detract from my overall presentation and possibly put me in negative standing, on the other hand it's an opportunity to demonstrate how I've learned from my past and am making up for it with all I've got. My JROTC isn't much to show through high school but then again Corps of Cadets might show I'm capable of the Army environment and used to dealing with significant challenges/obstacles both personal, mental and physical. Speaking of which I'm in poor shape right now-- got to get exercising! Anyways enough of that, I've wasted enough of your time reading through this.. I hope that someone might find a word or two of encouragement or advice to share with me. I really do appreciate it and am grateful for the opportunity to discuss the matter with both past and present aviators of this community.

- Sean

Past and present aviators, you say? Do soon-to-be aviators count?

It sounds like you know what you need to work on:

Your fitness (2 mile run, pushups and situps), ace the ASVAB and AFAST, be honest about your transcripts in your personal statement, and apply--

Your writing seems rushed, but your spelling and grammar are good. Just gotta clean up your act, right? Everyone deserves another chance, short of committing a felony.

Are you Catholic? lol I ask because it sounds like you're holding on to a lot of remorse. If you recognize your shortcomings, and know what you need to do, all that's left is moving forward!

quote:

Originally posted by Mr_Motivated:
Do soon-to-be aviators count?

Haha I'll take it where I can get it! Thanks for the response. Most of the above post was copied from an email conversation I had with another aviator (where I was a bit hurried) so I guess that shows a bit. I hope it was clear and understandable though, you seem to have gotten the point. Just don't assume I will take the essay and other written portion of my packet as lightly - I certainly won't!

And no, I'm not Catholic, but I find it hard to mitigate the effects of past decisions on my life presently. I'm still young at only 19, yet losing the place you had worked hard your whole life to be is difficult at any age. You're right though, the only thing I can do now is move forward - and that's exactly what I plan to do.

Thanks again for suggestions, keep em coming people

wow 19 is young

not that I'm much older, but a lot happens in the next few years.

important things like earning your dicfor.

Earning my "dicfor"? Sorry, I don't know what that means.. an insult of some sort?

I'll be 20 in September and I'd like to think I'm mature for my age. Every one else I know is already half way through school as I should have been - Which is why (given the opportunity) I feel the need to do something more important with my life than just sitting around like present.

that last part sounds like [one of the reasons] why I enlisted at 17

to be quite honest with you, I think enlisting would do you good.

trial by fire.

It's a big leap, especially with what's going on now. does that sound exciting to you, at all? what are your thoughts.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mr_Motivated,

quote:

Originally posted by Mr_Motivated:

to be quite honest with you, I think enlisting would do you good.

Agree. I wish more kids this guy's age would man up and come do a couple years. I have always though we should have a program like the IDF. EVERYONE does time, then moves on. Those who are committed, stay. Those who do their time and get out...no harm no foul. Be prepared to be worked like a rented mule for a couple years.... then these punk-A$$ snot nose little *******s who live off of mommy and daddy their whole lives would know what it means to be a little selfless.

Teuthida, in your situation, I vote for enlisting first and getting your feet wet. Have something to prove to yourself; the rest will fall into place if you keep your eye on the prize.

I enlisted when I was 17 and a junior in High school. I knew exactly what I was going to do if I didn't: Work my crappy job at the grocery store going to junior college and probably making some bad decisions along the way. Further, I didn't want to deal with the stress of getting into college and trying to pay for it. I think I would have ended up in the military anyway...either ROTC, or enlisting to pay off student loans. All roads led to the Big Green. I figured the most direct route was probably the best at the time.

I am not saying that I enjoyed ALL my enlisted time. There were definitely times that sucked and I questioned what it was I was doing. However, keeping my head up and taking things one day at time led me to some early epiphanies and life changing experiences that I credit with making me as successful as I have been to date. I have seen and done some cool stuff, and seen some thing I wish I hadn't. But, if I had to do it all over again....I absolutely would.

I've considered going the enlisted route, but haven't given that option much attention.. at least not enough to make the decision yet. Flying is what I "was meant to do" and if going 15whatever is what it takes to get me there, than so be it. May very well be my best course of action right now. However, I see no reason at this point not to try submitting a packet first. Then after my first or second go I'll seriously reconsider enlisting. But who knows? Maybe I will get picked up without prior service time.. I wouldn't be the first to go high school to flight school so what's wrong with trying that first? I guess what I'm saying is that I'll never know until I try and it won't happen unless I make it happen. So I'm pretty determined to take this route and see where it leads me. ^ Was primarily asking about how my college hours would effect my application but I do appreciate all suggestions thus far on my situation. Thanks again Motivated and Trafficmp for taking the time to respond.

Absolutely. Wasn't trying to talk you out of applying...if you want to try now, then by all means try. I think enlisting as a back-up is a good idea if you get NC-NS'd.

Best of luck; and you're absolutely correct about the process: nothing will happen unless you make it happen. Keep that mentality and you will do juuuuust fine.

I don't hold anything against the non-prior service selectees. In fact, I'll admit they're smarter than I was at their age for applying.

HOWEVER, Teuthida, knowing myself I can say that if I had entered aviation at your age, well... there were a lot of mistakes that I needed to make in my life and the aviation track would not have been the right place to make them.

I only want things to turn out right for you, and the Army. Not that I can affect your selection anyway, but please make sure you're ready.

I know an 18 year old street-to-seater, he was an Eagle Scout, 4.0 student, he scores on the extended APFT scale (300+), he exudes youthful energy and, at the same time, HUMILITY.

He is eager to receive advice and guidance, and is motivated to pull his weight and do his best. He's everything a high school selectee should be.

If you're the same way, then come on down. There are plenty of good people who will want to help you.

Looking into the University of North Dakota's aviation and ROTC program....your flight time at UND will count for basic flight school in the Army....get back on track with grades and go for it.