Thoughts on joining the military

[SV_Dude]

I figured I would bring some motivation to this thread. Here are a few videos of the unit I used to be in.

The first one is a very small view of the selection course that you must complete in order to get into the 160th:



This one is one of their recruitment videos:



This next one is one of my favorites since I was a gunner for the chinook. These are some of the types of missions I would participate in on a nightly basis while I was in theater:



And a couple motivational videos:





And some of the fun stuff you will get to do while stateside:

 

[Ol'Blue]

Alright what the hell,

I'm going to to repeat what many have said but I will throw this out there for you and this is coming from a Marine with Ten years of service under his belt. Three combat deployments (not as some fobit ass hat who Drinks Tim Horton's all deployment either) a gold star on his CAR and a Valor medal to boot.

I was really lucky in my career to work with some every special and talented people, in all honesty they were few and far between my friend. It was not until I had about eight years in and a solid reputation that doors really opened for me because it takes that long at times.

Now, after reading what you are looking at and wanting to do I will tell you this and why. The Marine Corps as much as I love it is not going to be the place for you. In the bigger picture it comes down to $$$$$$$ and slots for people. The Marine Corps gets little of either, plain and simple! If your heart is flying and any type of SO then you need to look at the other three branches and I would from the bottom of my heart tell you Army or Air Force and this is why.

When the rubber meets the road it is almost going to be those units that pull off the bigger missions. Rather it is a Ranger unit, Army SF, or the other guys in that branch. The Air Force also has a great SF community that many people do not really think about. The PJ's are solid dudes all around and also the Tec-P's and combat controllers.

While I love my buddies from the teams and I have close friends there they have fallen to the political pressure and not by choice. There is allot of S$%^ that happens and all you can say is Roger that and move forward.

I had no idea what was out there until it was to late while I was in the Marines. It was not until I let and started working for a company running security missions in places that I really started to understand who really gets to do the cool shit. The units are much tighter and work better because they get to do the needed training to get to that higher level.

Like I said, I would really look at those two choices and think about it. In the end if you have that on your resume it will open many doors for you my friend. I got really lucky to get a chance to come into the civilian community with real operators and I ran with it and never looked back, I'm in all honesty blessed to have even got a chance to be vetted but I had the right attitude and skills they were looking for so I was excepted after school. Start off right and don't be behind the ball from the git go and get stuck like I did. I was young and had no idea. I hope this helps you.


You will go a long way in those Community's vs what the Marine Corps has and can offer. Really look at how the community's are set up and you will answer your own questions. The reg units suck dick! Get into a Special Ops unit of any type and life will be much better for you while you are in and after also!

Blue :hatsoff:

 

[BrianSD_42]

[MENTION=101291]SR5Runner97[/MENTION]

My friends are people who are going to college and actually doing something with their life instead of sweeping dirt in a circle.
I didn't serve, that's because i'm smart enough to go to college and didn't fail any classes in high school.

I'm currently going to school and working to be a police officer so i'll know what it's like to be hated and still have to do my job. No 9-5 for me. More like a 7-7.

So you talk Sh$t about the military and look down on them, think you are so smart YET you are becoming a cop ?

LoL

I thought you were going to tell us you majored in engineering, medicine, or some type of science.

There are so many kids in the military who joined because they didn't have the options you had, rich kid.

It does take a lot of work but Its not that hard to become a cop, despite what you may think. You are totally wrong to look down on the military when your whole aspiration in life is to "just become a cop"

:drummer:

 

[SV_Dude]

Ok guys, this is the last time I'm going to say this. Stop with the attacks. I know we're all here to try and give the OP sound advice so let's keep this thread on track.

For what it's worth, most cops are former military.

 

[SR5Runner97]

I thought you were going to tell us you majored in engineering, medicine, or some type of science.
civil engineering was actually first choice but later looked at how little growth it had over the years so decided otherwise

There are so many kids in the military who joined because they didn't have the options you had, rich kid.
you said the idea I had earlier, people join the military because it's an easy job to get into and you can always use it as a backup plan, it's never anyone's first plan. Oh, and rich kid? Not at all, i'm not leaving school without any debt, parents aren't helping me with college financially. I'm just willing to make an investment in my future, they give out student loans like it's going out of style.
Its not that hard to be a cop despite what you may think. You are totally wrong to look down on the military when your whole aspiration in life is to "just become a cop"
Being a cop isn't hard. that's why i'm not going to walk around all smug and look down on people like most of the military, it's a job that pays good (where I am) and interests me and it's my first choice. If someone desired all their life to join the military that's awesome and I respect that. if someone failed out of college then joined the military, is where the respect disappears.

:drummer:

:hug:

 

[SR5Runner97]

I'll leave this thread for OP's sake. Probably annoying him by now. If you join, don't walk around like you're better than people. That happens way to much. Last post here. Good luck with the decision.

 

[Jumpkix]

Okay guys, relax and chill with the attacks on each other. I know it wasn't intended to go in this direction so let's stop it right here.

Just because there are a lot of down sides to the military now days doesn't mean it's shy of any honor. There are a lot of very proud individuals in the military. It's just the nature of the beast now days to have to look out for yourself while stateside because not a lot of other people will look out for you.

Don't think that any one branch is better than the other either. From my experience I don't have any faith in the Air Force. I'm not saying that it's a bad branch but they have let me and so many of my buddies down so many times. Our rotations to and from theater was 2 months on and 2 months off. We did this for a few years and the Air Force would cancel out flights more times than I can count due to stupid stuff on the airplane. Me being specialized in aviation (not just through the army) I know what's an annoyance and what's required for flight. Then the Air Force would take hours if not days to do a simple job to get us back in the air. All of that would either delay us getting our replacement crew or us not being able to replace out crew on the ground as soon as we needed to. I do however have a lot of respect for the PJ's though. I have worked with them dozens of times and they are extremely professional and competent in their job.

Like I said above, I don't want to bash the military all together. It's a good thing to get in to if you feel that it is your path. The military needs more square minded individuals to lead the younger guys and point them in the right direction. We need more discipline in our ranks and you (OP) sound like you would be a good guy for the job. There are still a lot of good things about the military so don't take this thread as a complete downer. You will still be able to have a positive impact in our country and serve a purpose that is bigger than yourself. There are a lot of people today that don't see the big picture in the military and will completely dog the crap out of it. Some of my ramblings in my earlier posts were just that... ramblings. They were my thoughts on the day to day headaches but it not a complete overview of the military. You will still do good things and build a career for yourself with good benefits, make life long friends and look back after you get out and think "Man that was awesome"! There will be times when you hate life and other times when you are loving life. As long as you stay positive and choose the right path you will learn to deal with the negatives and have a good experience.

You sir, have one of my dream jobs. Ever since I saw Chinooks flying over my house when I was a kid, I have wanted fly one or at least be part of a crew that did. Man, I can only imagine some of the stories that you and [MENTION=92510]Ol'Blue[/MENTION] must have, most of which you can probably never tell. If you ever happen to make it out to Oregon, I'd love to buy you both a drink.

Here's where I'm really conflicted. No branch of the military is better than the other, and every MOS has a specific purpose. But I really don't want to join the Air Force. It's nothing against them, and I have several AF friends who are extremely intelligent and capable people. But I want to be part of a group that does more with less. Maybe I'm wrong and completely misinformed here, so feel free to correct me. But from what I understand, the Air Force always gets the latest and greatest in technology and equipment. Their general budget seems to be comparatively endless, whereas say the Marines get the hand me downs of hand me downs and go accomplish amazing things. Again, I might be totally wrong, so forgive me. But I've talked to lots of people from different departments and they all tend to say the same thing, so I can't ignore that. The only jobs I could see myself doing in the AF would be an A-10 Pilot, or a PJ. But sadly, I've been hearing more and more of this:

Designed for close-air support - Budget battle threatens the A-10 Warthog (pictures) - CNET News

Maybe it's possible that the Marines could adopt the A-10 for their use? That would be amazing.

So yea, AF is pretty much out unless they could somehow guarantee an A-10 contract, but that's impossible. PJ would be the second request. Honestly, I've never really given much thought about the Army. I got pretty sick of the old "Be all you can be" commercials back in the day, and with my brother being the Marine, I developed sort of a jaded view of the Army. I had this big stereotype in my mind that the Army is just a large collection of grunts. (Forgive me, that was a civilian teenager raised Democrat's interpretation of things.) But I realize now that I could definitely see myself doing something like what you do, if I could make the cut. Those videos are awesome btw!

As far as the Army goes, I would love to fly a Chinook, Little Bird, or be involved with special forces in some capacity.

Alright what the hell,

I'm going to to repeat what many have said but I will throw this out there for you and this is coming from a Marine with Ten years of service under his belt. Three combat deployments (not as some fobit ass hat who Drinks Tim Horton's all deployment either) a gold star on his CAR and a Valor medal to boot.

I was really lucky in my career to work with some every special and talented people, in all honesty they were few and far between my friend. It was not until I had about eight years in and a solid reputation that doors really opened for me because it takes that long at times.

Now, after reading what you are looking at and wanting to do I will tell you this and why. The Marine Corps as much as I love it is not going to be the place for you. In the bigger picture it comes down to $$$$$$$ and slots for people. The Marine Corps gets little of either, plain and simple! If your heart is flying and any type of SO then you need to look at the other three branches and I would from the bottom of my heart tell you Army or Air Force and this is why.

When the rubber meets the road it is almost going to be those units that pull off the bigger missions. Rather it is a Ranger unit, Army SF, or the other guys in that branch. The Air Force also has a great SF community that many people do not really think about. The PJ's are solid dudes all around and also the Tec-P's and combat controllers.

While I love my buddies from the teams and I have close friends there they have fallen to the political pressure and not by choice. There is allot of S$%^ that happens and all you can say is Roger that and move forward.

I had no idea what was out there until it was to late while I was in the Marines. It was not until I let and started working for a company running security missions in places that I really started to understand who really gets to do the cool shit. The units are much tighter and work better because they get to do the needed training to get to that higher level.

Like I said, I would really look at those two choices and think about it. In the end if you have that on your resume it will open many doors for you my friend. I got really lucky to get a chance to come into the civilian community with real operators and I ran with it and never looked back, I'm in all honesty blessed to have even got a chance to be vetted but I had the right attitude and skills they were looking for so I was excepted after school. Start off right and don't be behind the ball from the git go and get stuck like I did. I was young and had no idea. I hope this helps you.


You will go a long way in those Community's vs what the Marine Corps has and can offer. Really look at how the community's are set up and you will answer your own questions. The reg units suck dick! Get into a Special Ops unit of any type and life will be much better for you while you are in and after also!

Blue :hatsoff:

Thanks for your wisdom and advice Blue. I don't really know much about the SO groups of the Army and Air Force, so I'll have to do some research. I'd love to kick down doors and be an operator on a tight knit team, but I'm really surprised that you say turn away from the Corps. Even with MARSOC and some of the groups within? I've really wanted to be a Marine for a while, but I will seriously reconsider that now.

I know the aviation side of the Marines doesn't come close to what other aviation branches have to offer. They took away the CH-46 Phrogs Which again would have been a no brainer for me. My biggest concern would be that I go into the Marines requesting one of these types of jobs, and they only have cooking slots available, and I'm screwed for 4-6 years.

For different branches, here's what I would really love to do:

Air Force:

1) A-10 Pilot (Love this aircraft, and want to play big role supporting ground)
2) Combat Controller (Sneaking into enemy territory to coordinate air support would be something I would very much enjoy)
3) PJ

Army:

1) Chinook Pilot or Crew Chief
2) SO (Rangers or other group)

Navy:

1) SWCC/SEAL

Marines:

1) CH-46 Pilot or Crew Chief (obviously won't happen)
2) AH-1Z Pilot
3) Force Recon or SO


What's really important to me in any MOS is getting to work with a good crew of upstanding and talented individuals, which I realize is pretty rare. Also, I'm pretty much set on flying or joining an SO group. If I'm not flying the bird inserting a group into bad guy area, or I'm not the guy responding to a request for air support, then I want to be on the team going into a hot LZ.

Again, I'm just concerned that whatever branch I decide will have 1 slot that I want, and 80 slots for shining boots.

Thanks again for all the great advice guys. I appreciate it more than you know.

 

[BrianSD_42]

if someone failed out of college then joined the military, is where the respect disappears.

// [MENTION=24995]SV_Dude[/MENTION] - this is not a personal attack so no need to delete. If mods can stomach guns threads and George Zimmerman then you can handle this thread without deleting things. Thank you


To respond to the above. Lots of people fail out of college, just because you didn't fail and can complete enough academics to get a basic degree does not make you better than those who (as you say) failed out and joined the military.

I understand what you are getting at but I want to say that a lot of young men do fail their freshman year and then join the military. But you know what ..... Many of those same guys later leave and go on to college. I know 4 people from my division of 20 that left and went on to be engineers.

So who's smarter, you or the guy who struggled at 18 , served his country, got out, earned a degree and then went on to do something with their life.

Throughout history plenty of great scientists failed some type of academics in their lifetime.

And frankly until this thread I really didn't think there would be push back to someone being proud of their service.

I have yet to see any veterans "looking down" on civilians, just guys who are proud to have served. And they should be. It is a simple fact that less than 1% of Americans serve their country.

 

[SV_Dude]

[MENTION=89421]Jumpkix[/MENTION]

As long as you can qualify for the job you can go right into the army as a pilot.

I stopped flying and am in a conventional unit now and try to avoid messing with helicopters. I got burnt out with them and am now looking at pursuing another field in the army.

I have worked with the marsoc guys a few times and even though they are a high speed unit in the marines, they're still stuck with a low budget and old training tools. Maybe it was just the guys I worked with but they were extremely cocky and wouldn't take information from anyone else. Most other special units are very modest and will take information well from almost anyone as long as you show a professional presence and don't show that you're a tool. The marsoc guys were less than impressive not only with their attitudes but with their mission tasks as well. They seemed to be normal jar heads with supressed weapons.

I'm in no way talking smack about any ground guys here but unless you want to have a job where you're pulling a trigger for the rest of your life I would look into something a little more technical. As far as the army goes, you can come in and have a few ground jobs that are under usasoc and still work with the door kickers. You can get into psyops or civil affairs and have a darn good education and awesome opportunities outside of the military. Me personally, if I could do it over again I would have done something a little more technical than being a helicopter grease monkey.
[MENTION=65101]BrianSD_42[/MENTION]

That comment wasn't what I was talking about. There were plenty other comments that are more than abvious that are personal attacks. I don't plan to delete anything but if it continues I will.

 

[wnelax04sr5]

You sir, have one of my dream jobs. Ever since I saw Chinooks flying over my house when I was a kid, I have wanted fly one or at least be part of a crew that did. Man, I can only imagine some of the stories that you and [MENTION=92510]Ol'Blue[/MENTION] must have, most of which you can probably never tell. If you ever happen to make it out to Oregon, I'd love to buy you both a drink.

Here's where I'm really conflicted. No branch of the military is better than the other, and every MOS has a specific purpose. But I really don't want to join the Air Force. It's nothing against them, and I have several AF friends who are extremely intelligent and capable people. But I want to be part of a group that does more with less. Maybe I'm wrong and completely misinformed here, so feel free to correct me. But from what I understand, the Air Force always gets the latest and greatest in technology and equipment. Their general budget seems to be comparatively endless, whereas say the Marines get the hand me downs of hand me downs and go accomplish amazing things. Again, I might be totally wrong, so forgive me. But I've talked to lots of people from different departments and they all tend to say the same thing, so I can't ignore that. The only jobs I could see myself doing in the AF would be an A-10 Pilot, or a PJ. But sadly, I've been hearing more and more of this:

Designed for close-air support - Budget battle threatens the A-10 Warthog (pictures) - CNET News

Maybe it's possible that the Marines could adopt the A-10 for their use? That would be amazing.

So yea, AF is pretty much out unless they could somehow guarantee an A-10 contract, but that's impossible. PJ would be the second request. Honestly, I've never really given much thought about the Army. I got pretty sick of the old "Be all you can be" commercials back in the day, and with my brother being the Marine, I developed sort of a jaded view of the Army. I had this big stereotype in my mind that the Army is just a large collection of grunts. (Forgive me, that was a civilian teenager raised Democrat's interpretation of things.) But I realize now that I could definitely see myself doing something like what you do, if I could make the cut. Those videos are awesome btw!

As far as the Army goes, I would love to fly a Chinook, Little Bird, or be involved with special forces in some capacity.





Thanks for your wisdom and advice Blue. I don't really know much about the SO groups of the Army and Air Force, so I'll have to do some research. I'd love to kick down doors and be an operator on a tight knit team, but I'm really surprised that you say turn away from the Corps. Even with MARSOC and some of the groups within? I've really wanted to be a Marine for a while, but I will seriously reconsider that now.

I know the aviation side of the Marines doesn't come close to what other aviation branches have to offer. They took away the CH-46 Phrogs Which again would have been a no brainer for me. My biggest concern would be that I go into the Marines requesting one of these types of jobs, and they only have cooking slots available, and I'm screwed for 4-6 years.

For different branches, here's what I would really love to do:

Air Force:

1) A-10 Pilot (Love this aircraft, and want to play big role supporting ground)
2) Combat Controller (Sneaking into enemy territory to coordinate air support would be something I would very much enjoy)
3) PJ

Army:

1) Chinook Pilot or Crew Chief
2) SO (Rangers or other group)

Navy:

1) SWCC/SEAL

Marines:

1) CH-46 Pilot or Crew Chief (obviously won't happen)
2) AH-1Z Pilot
3) Force Recon or SO


What's really important to me in any MOS is getting to work with a good crew of upstanding and talented individuals, which I realize is pretty rare. Also, I'm pretty much set on flying or joining an SO group. If I'm not flying the bird inserting a group into bad guy area, or I'm not the guy responding to a request for air support, then I want to be on the team going into a hot LZ.

Again, I'm just concerned that whatever branch I decide will have 1 slot that I want, and 80 slots for shining boots.

Thanks again for all the great advice guys. I appreciate it more than you know.

if you're really serious about A-10's send me a PM. i have a very close friend who flew A-10's in the air force and served two tours in Afghanistan, I'm sure he'd be happy to talk to you about it

 

[Ol'Blue]

The reason I said try and look at other area is because as tight as the Marine Recon guys are and the Marsoc dudes also. In the end when it come to all the JSOC crap the other branches have a leg up. They have been simply doing it much longer and have that proven track record. That make sense? I'm not BA or some covert operator and please don't take my work for gospel at all. This is just my own .02 from working with allot of dudes from all over the military (SF/ Other Countries Etc..). If I had to do everything over again knowing what I know today I would have went to the Rangers, did my time there and went to a Ranger Recon and mastered my skills and then went to a A team. If I would have made it great if not no harm at all and some great dudes and training.

After things in Iraq slowed down I actually looked into going to the French Foreign Legion. Only reason I didn't is because my kids.



Blue

 

[MJT4R]

I come from the other side. When I was 19 years old, Desert Storm was just starting to get hot. Most of my friends were joining, and I felt the pull myself. I went to the Navy recruiter, and talked a few times. They really wanted me. I scored really well on my test scores, and I could do whatever I wanted. I just wanted to be on a ship, and see the world. I started hanging with the wrong crowd, and desided not to join.

This was the wrong decision! Hind site is always 20/20, but I think I would have had an easier life if I would have joined. Don't get me wrong, I have an awesome son, beautiful family, and I've been married for 16 years. I'm a step father to two beautiful daughters, and a step grandfather to 3 wonderful granddaughters! I own my own home, and I'm very happy with my life and career. I think that the experience would have shown me to be more disciplined, and I would not be as bullheaded as I am.

My son joined the Navy, and that was one of my proudest moments in my life. Since he joined, he has made it almost through boot camp, and developed tendinitis, the Navy booted him, however he can rejoin if he wants. He said he was done with it, so he is trying to get on with Sheriff Joe's force here in Maracopa County. I hope things go for him.

My recommendation is to try to live life with no regrets! It has worked out for me, however, I wish I would have seen the world like so many of my friends have. If I went in in 1991, I would have had a pension at 40 and retired in 2011. All in all, do what makes you feel good, but be educated in your decision!

Good luck to you and yours!

 

[Super-G]

WOW it seems like a LOT has changed in the military since I got out. Frankly it leaves me disappointed and saddened as my 6 years of active duty in the Marines were the best 6 years of my life.

SR5 has a LOT of balls coming off the way he does, but I attribute that to lack of experience and youth. He's not the first young buck to sound off out of his ass and he won't be the last. I love people who know SO much about things that they have never experienced. Kind of like Monday morning quarterbacks.

Since I have been out of the military for 19 years I have no real knowledge of what military life is like in 2014. Unfortunately it seems like things have changed for the worst. My 6 years were simply great for me. The experiences, the training, the life lessons, the friends, ect. I wouldn't trade it for ANYTHING.

Just so everyone understands, I graduated high school with an A average, I was accepted into several colleges and chose Temple University since I was also recruited to play on their baseball team. I attended Temple and maintained a 3.7 average while playing baseball for them for 2 years. After 2 years of college I made the decision that I wanted to do something different with my life other than sit in a classroom. So I dropped out and enlisted in the Marines. I chose infantry as an MOS and fought in Desert Storm and Somalia. After leaving the Marines I went back to school and finished my degree. I now have a good job and live in a nice home with my wife and kids.

My experience with the military was extremely positive. It's a shame that so many here have had less than fantastic experiences but it is what it is. Like I said I wouldn't change mine for the world.

 

[Jumpkix]

I come from the other side. When I was 19 years old, Desert Storm was just starting to get hot. Most of my friends were joining, and I felt the pull myself. I went to the Navy recruiter, and talked a few times. They really wanted me. I scored really well on my test scores, and I could do whatever I wanted. I just wanted to be on a ship, and see the world. I started hanging with the wrong crowd, and desided not to join.

This was the wrong decision! Hind site is always 20/20, but I think I would have had an easier life if I would have joined. Don't get me wrong, I have an awesome son, beautiful family, and I've been married for 16 years. I'm a step father to two beautiful daughters, and a step grandfather to 3 wonderful granddaughters! I own my own home, and I'm very happy with my life and career. I think that the experience would have shown me to be more disciplined, and I would not be as bullheaded as I am.

My son joined the Navy, and that was one of my proudest moments in my life. Since he joined, he has made it almost through boot camp, and developed tendinitis, the Navy booted him, however he can rejoin if he wants. He said he was done with it, so he is trying to get on with Sheriff Joe's force here in Maracopa County. I hope things go for him.

My recommendation is to try to live life with no regrets! It has worked out for me, however, I wish I would have seen the world like so many of my friends have. If I went in in 1991, I would have had a pension at 40 and retired in 2011. All in all, do what makes you feel good, but be educated in your decision!

Good luck to you and yours!

Thank you very much. Like you, my biggest fear is looking back with huge regret. Despite the numerous challenges and difficulties of today's military, those are problems I'm more than willing to deal with.

WOW it seems like a LOT has changed in the military since I got out. Frankly it leaves me disappointed and saddened as my 6 years of active duty in the Marines were the best 6 years of my life.

SR5 has a LOT of balls coming off the way he does, but I attribute that to lack of experience and youth. He's not the first young buck to sound off out of his ass and he won't be the last. I love people who know SO much about things that they have never experienced. Kind of like Monday morning quarterbacks.

Since I have been out of the military for 19 years I have no real knowledge of what military life is like in 2014. Unfortunately it seems like things have changed for the worst. My 6 years were simply great for me. The experiences, the training, the life lessons, the friends, ect. I wouldn't trade it for ANYTHING.

Just so everyone understands, I graduated high school with an A average, I was accepted into several colleges and chose Temple University since I was also recruited to play on their baseball team. I attended Temple and maintained a 3.7 average while playing baseball for them for 2 years. After 2 years of college I made the decision that I wanted to do something different with my life other than sit in a classroom. So I dropped out and enlisted in the Marines. I chose infantry as an MOS and fought in Desert Storm and Somalia. After leaving the Marines I went back to school and finished my degree. I now have a good job and live in a nice home with my wife and kids.

My experience with the military was extremely positive. It's a shame that so many here have had less than fantastic experiences but it is what it is. Like I said I wouldn't change mine for the world.

First of all, thank you very much for your service. And yes, there are civilians like me who think they understand military life. I do it all the time just because I'm close to my brother who's been in for 13 years. But the truth is, we really don't have a clue.

There's one common trend I've seen in this thread among the vets. Although many have expressed huge concern over today's military, just about all of them say that they wouldn't trade their experience for anything in the world.

 

[BrianSD_42]

OP,

The big question is ..... have you talked to a recruiter yet?

You will need to contact an officer recruiter to get some general questions asked.

Also check out the military forums. There are all kinds of forums specifically covering people in the process of pursuing a commission.

good luck!

 

[Jumpkix]

OP,

The big question is ..... have you talked to a recruiter yet?

You will need to contact an officer recruiter to get some general questions asked.

Also check out the military forums. There are all kinds of forums specifically covering people in the process of pursuing a commission.

good luck!

Do you recommend a forum in particular?

 

[BrianSD_42]

Sorry I don't know but I'm SURE someone here on T4R knows a good suggestion.