The Army Doesn't Mess Around Reaffirmed
Author: Ark
Today I met with Sgt. Barker at my old high school, where he happened to be meeting two students and I happened to be subbing -- saved some time in both our schedules to meet right there.
Never one to drag me heels on things I feel must be done, I said to him, "You know, I've spent the last six months waiting to go to Japan. Now that I can't do that, I want to get the next phase of my life started as soon as possible."
He responded, "We can go to MEPS right now, no obligation, get your ASVAB done and if you wanted you could be out of here in seven to fourteen days." That's not quite the speed I want to get things done -- mainly because I want to see what the other branches of the service offer me.
The Army's deal is pretty sweet, though. My $46,000 debt from student loans would be paid off, I could enter the Army at E-4 rank and go to OCS within a year of graduating Basic. I'd also know what my job would be right when I finished with MEPS. Some career opportunities I'm considering include Public Affairs Specialist, Psychological Operations, and Linguist. If I agreed to leave right off, I could get a 15-20 thousand dollar bonus, though I'm not sure if that adds onto an enlistment bonus. I can also work on my Master's and later my doctorate too... and maybe I can even get stationed in Japan, or at the very least, Korea. In Korea, according to Sgt. Barker, I'd draw the same pay as being stationed in Iraq.
It's all a lot to consider, but I'm relieved that I won't have to sit around for long once I make my decision.
