7 answers
Preston
Student
Port Byron, Illinois
1
Question
Asked
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I am a sophomore in high school, and I am trying to figure out whether I should join the military through West Point as some sort of avionics or computer officer, or if I should become a chiropractor through Palmer in Davenport?
My dad was a mechanic in the military, and I respect him so much for it. I want to be like him; however, I am also considering being a chiropractor. My parents prefer me to be the latter. I want to have a large family, and I appreciate the fact that the military will pay for some of my kids' college education. I know West Point is free and I get an allowance, but because my dad was in the military, i get most of my tuition paid for for whatever college I decide to learn at.
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7 answers
Jon Erickson
Cybersecurity
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jon’s Answer
It's wonderful to see you exploring the many possibilities for your life after high school. You're already taking a proactive approach, and that's fantastic!
In my own experience, I found that a military academy setting was just what I needed to break free from my own limitations. I was a bit shy and introverted, and I was still figuring out who I was. I had the option of joining ROTC, but I'm the kind of person who learns best when thrown into the deep end of a pool.
I'd like to suggest an option that might be of interest to you. Many service academies offer immersive summer programs for high school students. These programs allow you to spend a few weeks in the summer getting a feel for the academy's academic, military, and social life before you apply. Here's a link to the summer program offered by West Point - https://www.westpoint.edu/admissions/summer-program. The only investment required is your time. Participating in this program could help you decide which career path you'd like to follow.
In my own experience, I found that a military academy setting was just what I needed to break free from my own limitations. I was a bit shy and introverted, and I was still figuring out who I was. I had the option of joining ROTC, but I'm the kind of person who learns best when thrown into the deep end of a pool.
I'd like to suggest an option that might be of interest to you. Many service academies offer immersive summer programs for high school students. These programs allow you to spend a few weeks in the summer getting a feel for the academy's academic, military, and social life before you apply. Here's a link to the summer program offered by West Point - https://www.westpoint.edu/admissions/summer-program. The only investment required is your time. Participating in this program could help you decide which career path you'd like to follow.
JOHN German
90
Answers
Bluffton, South Carolina
Updated
JOHN’s Answer
Hello:
First and foremost, salute to your dad's courage to serve inside the armed forces.
In regard to the choice of your path - go with your heart.
So, whichever you choose, remember that learning can find its way in the horizons. One choice now never imprisons you to that forever. You can decide to switch steps as the pathways of your life continue.
Both would welcome a lovely existence, but that military discipline, fellowship of comradery, and the beyond - could tip the scales.
Thank you to each road your steps unwrap.
God Bless,
John German
First and foremost, salute to your dad's courage to serve inside the armed forces.
In regard to the choice of your path - go with your heart.
So, whichever you choose, remember that learning can find its way in the horizons. One choice now never imprisons you to that forever. You can decide to switch steps as the pathways of your life continue.
Both would welcome a lovely existence, but that military discipline, fellowship of comradery, and the beyond - could tip the scales.
Thank you to each road your steps unwrap.
God Bless,
John German
Anna G
Risk Manager
2
Answers
Brea, California
Updated
Anna’s Answer
Hi, Preston! You framed a very thoughtful question and it is amazing that you are considering how best to harmonize your career with your future family life. You have clearly given it good thought and consulted with your parents. Both career paths are great options that can align with your family goals as well. One most frequently shared career advice is to 'do what you love.' What are the things that pull you toward either of these career paths? Perhaps the flip side of the same concept could be helpful to consider - what would you not enjoy about either of these options? Weighing these against one another could help point you in the direction that best fits you. Also, does choosing one prohibit you from pivoting to the other at a later point in your life and are there other factors that could be important to you as part of your decision making process?
Stephanie Mock
Management Consultant
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Hi Preston,
Both paths are excellent options and it's fantastic that you are considering your longer term goals when deciding. I was in a similar position in high school - I also was torn between a service academy (also from a military family) and pursuing a different field entirely.
It's worthwhile to apply to any options that interest you as you will find out more information in that process. Keep in mind military academies have substantially different application requirements that need to be met potentially earlier than other universities (usually by early Senior year). I learned the most throughout my application process as I was able to meet and interview with other alumni as well as continue doing research on my own. I also spent time researching the specific programs and schools that interested me most if I didn't go to an academy.
While you consider what is important to you both in the short term and long term, and I encourage you to research what options are available to you in each of these paths. For example, the GI bill is certainly an excellent benefit to pay for a future child's (or children, if you split it up) tuition. However, what would be the alternative if you didn't go to West Point? There are a number of savings plans that you could use in order to make tuition more affordable later on. Perhaps if you end up using your father's GI bill, you could consider investing a little into one of these plans early on, which is the best way to generate returns and offset some of the costs of tuition for your family in the future. Ultimately, the more information you have on all of your options, the better. Best of luck!
Both paths are excellent options and it's fantastic that you are considering your longer term goals when deciding. I was in a similar position in high school - I also was torn between a service academy (also from a military family) and pursuing a different field entirely.
It's worthwhile to apply to any options that interest you as you will find out more information in that process. Keep in mind military academies have substantially different application requirements that need to be met potentially earlier than other universities (usually by early Senior year). I learned the most throughout my application process as I was able to meet and interview with other alumni as well as continue doing research on my own. I also spent time researching the specific programs and schools that interested me most if I didn't go to an academy.
While you consider what is important to you both in the short term and long term, and I encourage you to research what options are available to you in each of these paths. For example, the GI bill is certainly an excellent benefit to pay for a future child's (or children, if you split it up) tuition. However, what would be the alternative if you didn't go to West Point? There are a number of savings plans that you could use in order to make tuition more affordable later on. Perhaps if you end up using your father's GI bill, you could consider investing a little into one of these plans early on, which is the best way to generate returns and offset some of the costs of tuition for your family in the future. Ultimately, the more information you have on all of your options, the better. Best of luck!
Thomas Nash
Lead Airworthiness Inspector
2
Answers
Guyton, Georgia
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
I want to commend you for even looking at following in the footsteps of your family. I come from a family that has a long history of serving in the military, so naturally, I felt compelled to serve in the military. I look back on my military career, although short due to my call, the military will provide you with so much. First off, you get to be trained at no cost to you. Next, you will gain real work experience in your field without having to pay for your training. Going into the military as an officer would require you to have a degree, so there is that cost before the military. To prevent this cost, you could come into the military as enlisted, get your degree while in the military, and then go green to gold. I would say that some of the best pilots that I was around were prior mechanics because they understood the mechanics behind the aircraft.
One of the other benefits of the military is that you will be able to experience things and places that you probably will never get to outside of the military. Having bases across the world, you will be able to travel around the world while getting paid and getting to experience different cultures. Another item is what I call the brotherhood. The people that you serve with, you are going to make such a connection with these individuals (males and females), that they are going to become family to you and you will make memories that will last a lifetime. Lastly, you can retire from the military after 20 years of service. So if you go into the military at 18, right after graduation, you can retire at 38 and move into another career to obtain another retirement paycheck.
The military is not for everyone. The military does not have a chiropractor career to my knowledge. So, being a Sophomore in high school is a good time to start doing some research into where you want to go. Look at the different career paths, look at how much the initial cost to get into the field is, the starting pay, and then look at the actual retirement ages. You can't determine retirement pay because outside of the military, it's all dependent on how much you put into it, but you can research retirement pay for the military to help you decide what rank you want to shoot for if you go that route.
One of the other benefits of the military is that you will be able to experience things and places that you probably will never get to outside of the military. Having bases across the world, you will be able to travel around the world while getting paid and getting to experience different cultures. Another item is what I call the brotherhood. The people that you serve with, you are going to make such a connection with these individuals (males and females), that they are going to become family to you and you will make memories that will last a lifetime. Lastly, you can retire from the military after 20 years of service. So if you go into the military at 18, right after graduation, you can retire at 38 and move into another career to obtain another retirement paycheck.
The military is not for everyone. The military does not have a chiropractor career to my knowledge. So, being a Sophomore in high school is a good time to start doing some research into where you want to go. Look at the different career paths, look at how much the initial cost to get into the field is, the starting pay, and then look at the actual retirement ages. You can't determine retirement pay because outside of the military, it's all dependent on how much you put into it, but you can research retirement pay for the military to help you decide what rank you want to shoot for if you go that route.
Jason Windish
maintenance mechanic
31
Answers
Newington, Connecticut
Updated
Jason’s Answer
please remember that chiropractor VS mechanic in the military is a huge difference. you should base your decision on what you see yourself doing every day and what your passionate about. dont go down a path just to please your parents or base your decision on the financial rewards. life is short you gotta do what makes YOU happy. do you see yourself working on machines and engines, or do you see yourself working on/with people? you can still be a medical professional in the military especially if your thinking about going to west point. west point is for officer training, and it's harder to get accepted. the typical route if you dont want to stay in the military is to talk to a recruiter, go enlisted, then take some college while you are in and use the GI bill when you get out.
my advice to anybody considering military is to go in the air force because you can get a guaranteed specialty when you sign up, and you'll know exactly what you'll be doing for the next few years. sometimes in the other branches it's not guaranteed.
my advice to anybody considering military is to go in the air force because you can get a guaranteed specialty when you sign up, and you'll know exactly what you'll be doing for the next few years. sometimes in the other branches it's not guaranteed.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6182
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Preston,
Choosing Between Careers as a Military Officer or Chiropractor
In the process of choosing between a career as a military officer with a focus on avionics or computer systems at West Point, and a career as a chiropractor at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, it's crucial to consider various factors. Both career paths come with their unique sets of opportunities and challenges. Therefore, it's important to assess your interests, values, long-term aspirations, and personal situation before making a choice.
Career as a Military Officer at West Point:
Education: West Point offers a prestigious education in leadership, military strategy, and technical skills, specifically in avionics or computer systems.
Career Growth: As a military officer, you'll have the chance for fast career growth based on your performance and merit.
Financial Perks: West Point provides a tuition-free education along with additional financial benefits like allowances and potential help for your children’s college education.
Service Commitment: A military career involves a significant service commitment, which may include deployments, relocations, and time away from family.
Career as a Chiropractor at Palmer College of Chiropractic:
Education: A career in chiropractic medicine requires specialized training in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions without drugs or surgery.
Independence: Chiropractors typically have the freedom to manage their own practices and work directly with patients to enhance their health and well-being.
Work-Life Balance: A career as a chiropractor can offer more predictable hours and potentially more flexibility in balancing work and family life.
Financial Prospects: Although the earning potential of chiropractors can vary, owning your practice can offer financial stability and independence.
Factors to Consider in Making Your Decision:
Personal Interests: Reflect on which field better aligns with your passions, skills, and long-term career goals.
Family Support: While considering your parents’ preferences, also think about which path will bring you personal fulfillment and satisfaction.
Long-Term Goals: Think about your desire for a large family and how each career path aligns with your goals for family life, financial security, and personal development.
In the end, the choice between a military officer career at West Point and a chiropractor career at Palmer College of Chiropractic should be based on a thorough evaluation of these factors. It could also be beneficial to talk with professionals in each field, seek guidance from individuals with relevant experience, and explore opportunities for internships or shadowing to get firsthand insight into both professions.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Answering this Question:
United States Military Academy (West Point): The official website offers comprehensive information about academic programs, military training, career opportunities, and benefits available to cadets at West Point.
Palmer College of Chiropractic: The official website provides insights into the curriculum, clinical training opportunities, accreditation status, and career paths available to graduates of Palmer College of Chiropractic.
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Outlook Handbook: A trusted source for data on job outlooks, median salaries, educational requirements, and other relevant information for careers in the military (including officers) and chiropractic medicine.
May God Bless You,
James C.
Choosing Between Careers as a Military Officer or Chiropractor
In the process of choosing between a career as a military officer with a focus on avionics or computer systems at West Point, and a career as a chiropractor at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, it's crucial to consider various factors. Both career paths come with their unique sets of opportunities and challenges. Therefore, it's important to assess your interests, values, long-term aspirations, and personal situation before making a choice.
Career as a Military Officer at West Point:
Education: West Point offers a prestigious education in leadership, military strategy, and technical skills, specifically in avionics or computer systems.
Career Growth: As a military officer, you'll have the chance for fast career growth based on your performance and merit.
Financial Perks: West Point provides a tuition-free education along with additional financial benefits like allowances and potential help for your children’s college education.
Service Commitment: A military career involves a significant service commitment, which may include deployments, relocations, and time away from family.
Career as a Chiropractor at Palmer College of Chiropractic:
Education: A career in chiropractic medicine requires specialized training in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions without drugs or surgery.
Independence: Chiropractors typically have the freedom to manage their own practices and work directly with patients to enhance their health and well-being.
Work-Life Balance: A career as a chiropractor can offer more predictable hours and potentially more flexibility in balancing work and family life.
Financial Prospects: Although the earning potential of chiropractors can vary, owning your practice can offer financial stability and independence.
Factors to Consider in Making Your Decision:
Personal Interests: Reflect on which field better aligns with your passions, skills, and long-term career goals.
Family Support: While considering your parents’ preferences, also think about which path will bring you personal fulfillment and satisfaction.
Long-Term Goals: Think about your desire for a large family and how each career path aligns with your goals for family life, financial security, and personal development.
In the end, the choice between a military officer career at West Point and a chiropractor career at Palmer College of Chiropractic should be based on a thorough evaluation of these factors. It could also be beneficial to talk with professionals in each field, seek guidance from individuals with relevant experience, and explore opportunities for internships or shadowing to get firsthand insight into both professions.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Answering this Question:
United States Military Academy (West Point): The official website offers comprehensive information about academic programs, military training, career opportunities, and benefits available to cadets at West Point.
Palmer College of Chiropractic: The official website provides insights into the curriculum, clinical training opportunities, accreditation status, and career paths available to graduates of Palmer College of Chiropractic.
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Outlook Handbook: A trusted source for data on job outlooks, median salaries, educational requirements, and other relevant information for careers in the military (including officers) and chiropractic medicine.
May God Bless You,
James C.