should i join the military after college?

hey man, im a freshman too.. and planning on doing an officer program through the marines.. im not sure what branch your interested in.. but i can help you out some with the marines.. because ive done tons of research.. because im committed to it

I'm pretty sure the Air Force takes economists. That would be a great way to get your job experience out of the way while seeing the world and learning some great leadership skills. Econ majors struggle a little bit finding a job with no experience and just a bachelors degree (not so much a problem with a masters+). Go for it!

Sorry but I don't know too much about ROTC vs OTS. Most of the meteorologists I worked with were ROTC.

The only problem with being a USMC officer is dependent on need you can end up leading a platoon in the mountains of Afghanistan or Iran where our next conflict could end up. Here is a thought for you. I am retired USAF and between my father, and 3 brothers we have covered every branch save for the USCG. My uncle was a Coastie. My youngest brother is an alumni of the USAFA class of 1993. I tried to give him this advice to join the reserves and that way his 4 years at the Academy would count for promotion, and retirement purposes. He chose not to do it. I have given you an Air Force ROTC link below that I perused quickly and you could sign up for the 2 year program. The advantage of going ROTC in a nutshell are the USAF (or other branch) will pick up your college tuition tab, and pay you between $300-500 monthly tax free spending money. The links below are 1) my USAF info 2) General AFROTC info 3) Overview for freshman and sophomores already enrolled in college like yourself. 4) USAF ROTC detachment locator which shows one at UM/ St. Louis and UM/Columbia. Pus if you go through ROTC as opposed to OCS (90 day wonders) you will receive more respect for those who serve with you and under you. Plus if at the end of your undergraduate career you pass the exam to get into law school the USAF will pay your tuition there (and books and related costs) and you will most likely enter the USAF as at least a Captain (0-3) as opposed to a 2ND Lt. (0-1) which will be a big difference in pay and you would have to check with the ROTC folks (the website might tell you) but once you have your undergrad work done you might be sworn in as an officer in the USAF and make a normal paycheck while attending law school. I had numerous occasions where I was ably assisted by a member of the Air Force JAG (Judge Advocate General's) Office. Aim high.... into the blue. GO AIR FORCE.... "NONUS SUPERATO" NONE SUPERIOR!

Here is the 2007 Basic Pay chart for officers. At the top of the columns are time in service starting with less than 2 years. Not bad money to pocket while you go to law school if that is the way it works.

Best of luck to you and if I can be of assistance please email me as part of my Air Force Specialty job on active duty was physical exams on flying personnel and for ROTC/Academy applicants for the Dept. of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DODMERB).

2007 Basic Pay Rates for Commissioned Officers with Less Than 14 Years of Service (Senate Version) Rank

O-3 3292.20 3732.30 4028.40 4392.00 4602.00 4833.00 4982.70 5228.40

O-2 2844.30 3239.70 3731.40 3857.40 3936.60 3936.60 3936.60 3936.60

O-1 2469.30 2569.80 3106.50 3106.50 3106.50 3106.50 3106.50 3106.50

Sure you should join, but make sure it is something that you want to do. Anyone with a degree can pin on LT rank, but are you ready to lead? Are you ready to listen to your fellow Officers, your NCOs for guidance?

What are you going to join for, to serve your country or for job security? I have added a military pay chart just in case you decide to go the "Legal" route for the military...this way you're knocking out two birds with one stone...

http://www.dfas.mil/militarypay/militarypaytables/...