I'm currently a contracted Army ROTC cadet with a full four year scholarship. I just completed my first year as an MS1 and it was a great experience, but after a whole year, I'm still not sure it fits. I contracted early on in the school year, however, as a freshman I'm entitled to break my contract up until August, when I return back to school for my second year. Before getting an ROTC scholarship I had pretty much made up my mind to enlist in the air force.
I haven't fully figured out if my heart's in Army ROTC, and I've been considering breaking my contract to enlist in the Air Force. Any thoughts or advice on this? What is life in the Air Force like for an enlisted airman?
Some people think it's crazy to give up my scholarship and my opportunity to be an officer in the military rather than an enlisted, but I'm young and to make a commitment to the next 3 years of ROTC, 4 years active service after, and 4 years inactive versus just 4 years of the air force is difficult when I'm still not sure what I want to do.
Either way, I definitely appreciate the benefits of being in the military and I absolutely intend on staying in, regardless of which branch I end up with. I'm just at a loss for what to do, with so little time to make this decision (my contract locks up in August).
I'd appreciate any thoughts, advice, or information anyone has for me... Thanks!
From my point of view you have two decisions...Army vs AF, and enlisted vs officer
I love the AF, and wouldn't have it any other way. Different people love their branch of the military for different reasons, its a personal decision you need to make based on the mission, benefits, and careers available.
As far as enlisted vs officer...this depends on your financial situation, and your career aspirations. You can always enlist, get the AF to pay for your degree while you are active duty, and then commission as an officer in a few years... OR you can make a career as enlisted... OR you can get an AF scholarship and go through ROTC.
I can't give you more advice because i would need more info like what career field you want to work in? desk-job, in the mud, or somewhere inbetween? do you want to fly? is this a career or a 6 year job in the military? etc. etc.
