Life Altering Decision

[MuShuGordon]

At the ripe young age of 20, I realized that college wasn't for me. With three years of schooling already down, the possibilities of me returning another year were looking smaller and
smaller everyday. I woke up, bright and early at 06:30 to shower, eat, and be at an 08:00 class. From 08:00-2:30 I sat behind various desks learning all that there is to teach in various
classes. Japanese, Business, Accounting, and many more were all accounted for. Grades were good, A's in nearly all of my classes. But, for what? I worked a job at a local grocery store, full
time Dairy Manager. Had control of my department, two guys who worked under me, and the respect of all who worked above me.

I would work 40 hours a week and go to school approximately 20 more, and for what reason? Everyone tells me that I should go to school, stay in school, get a degree, and then become
some kind of professional. However, I see nothing there that will bring honor to my family and myself. I want to be proud of something I have done. I was a swimmer for many years, have
two state championship rings and that I am proud of. I graduated with a 3.88 GPA from high school yet I was not proud of that, nor was I proud of my grades in college. To me, it seemed to
lead nowhere for me.

All of a sudden I realized that I could no longer go to school and sit bored while the teacher's taught me everything I should know. I have always been one to teach myself things without
any help from outside sources. However, I was being spoon fed my lessons at a rate at which sloths climb trees. I was going nowhere. My job, was practically going nowhere too due to my
supervisors messing up the inventory of the store by over $150K and I was not contempt in working there any longer. So, I made quite the life altering decision last December. I decided to
buy my first weapon.

My first gun, at the age of 20, and never having shot a weapon, was a 1943 Mosin Nagant I bought at a local gun store for about $190. Now, the gun is a non-numbers matching rifle
and looks like it was assembled by many parts from other guns. Which is fine for me because of how much ammunition came with the thing. I got about 200 rounds for the Nagant and about
200 rounds of 17 Mach II because I knew that would be my next purchase. I got the Nagant home and decided that I HAD to shoot the thing. So I did, and loved it, absolutely loved it.

I then, saved up some more money, and purchased a Savage 17 Mach II, a 9mm Makarov pistol, and a Mossberg 270 rifle. After my four purchases I think I had figured out what I
wanted to do when I saw an old picture of my late grandfather in uniform. He was in his Army/Air Force uniform from World War II and I could not have been prouder to have seen this
picture. At the ripe young age of 16 my grandfather was en route to Europe to fight for his country. It was then and there, with my Nagant slung on my back going out to shoot, that I
decided I would enter the military.

I thought to myself, now what branch do I go into? Where can my swimming skills be utilized the most? When I was 12, I began swimming 8 miles a day and running the same, so I knew
something physically demanding was a must. Waking up at 4:30 in the morning to go work out before middle school definitely made me a stronger person and I thought that the military
could put my abilities to good use. As a swimmer and being in the water the Marines, Army, and Air Force were quickly eliminated. So, I called the Coast Guard and the NAVY. The Coast
Guard didn't seem to want to have anything to do with me so off to the NAVY I went to talk to them about the SEALs.

I went to the MEPS, took my ASVAB (93% score), did all of my medical background and what not, and then got turned down because of my horrible eye sight. That's fine, I thought, it will
just be a small bump in the path that I have chosen. I sent in my medical records for a waiver that would ultimately be denied. After being turned down I went to my parents, talked to them
about surgery, and ended up getting the surgery. A week ago I got cleared by my doctor to go back and talk to the NAVY and now I am waiting on paperwork from my doctor to show to the
NAVY. I am very excited and hopefully I will be able to serve with the best men and women that this country has to offer.

Sorry if this is not much of an "article" but I was just typing some other stuff and decided to post something up in here. Thanks for reading, if you actually make it to the end.

[zephyp]

Sorry if this is not much of an "article" but I was just typing some other stuff and decided to post something up in here. Thanks for reading, if you actually make it to the end.

What??? A great read and should be inspiring to any young mind trying to figure out what to do with their life. I'm sure you'll make a fine SEAL and you're already a fine writer. A quality every man should have that comes in handy. As a SEAL you will no doubt write reports from time to time. Hey, there is a little paper work in every job...

[allingeneral]

I like your story as well, MuShu. I wish you the very best of luck getting accepted into the Navy this time around. No doubt, whatever you decide to do in the Navy, it will be a time in your life for which you should be very proud.

I would have to say that if you're 3 years into getting your degree - why not stick out one more year and get it done? This may be a decision that you will later regret. You could always finish your degree, then go into the Navy.

I'm not trying to change your mind here, just pointing out that a degree is always a good thing to have, no matter where life takes you.

[VBshooter]

Great story, Inspiration has led many to make the right decisions,. Good Luck with the NAVY, Hopefully this time you realize the goals you've set for yourself

[zephyp]

I like your story as well, MuShu. I wish you the very best of luck getting accepted into the Navy this time around. No doubt, whatever you decide to do in the Navy, it will be a time in your life for which you should be very proud.

I would have to say that if you're 3 years into getting your degree - why not stick out one more year and get it done? This may be a decision that you will later regret. You could always finish your degree, then go into the Navy.

I'm not trying to change your mind here, just pointing out that a degree is always a good thing to have, no matter where life takes you.

Wholeheartedly agree. You will find later that you want it and by then you've got too much going on. I'd finish it now while you still have a great target of opportunity.

[SgtBill]

I like your story as well, MuShu. I wish you the very best of luck getting accepted into the Navy this time around. No doubt, whatever you decide to do in the Navy, it will be a time in your life for which you should be very proud.

I would have to say that if you're 3 years into getting your degree - why not stick out one more year and get it done? This may be a decision that you will later regret. You could always finish your degree, then go into the Navy.

I'm not trying to change your mind here, just pointing out that a degree is always a good thing to have, no matter where life takes you.

Wholeheartedly agree. You will find later that you want it and by then you've got too much going on. I'd finish it now while you still have a great target of opportunity.

I must agree 100%
P.S. If you do get into the Navy then you will have MISSED THE OPURTUNITY TO SERVE WITH THE BEST the United States Marine Corp's.
Bill
Semper Fi!

[jadedone4]

... at age 20 I was chasing my first degree, being yelled at (with affection) from USAF-ROTC instructors, challendged daily and chasing skirts nightly...

Others here have stated - finish your degree; Uncle Sam will encourage this action - both in motivation and expense - take advantage of this. There is alot of "stuff" that I thought I'd never need from the "book-learning" but as you move further/higher in your pursuits you will see how they all connect. Understand that your friends now, may not be your friends later; you will out-grow things along life's path, just as you outgrew shoes... but it is the growth that keeps us both humble and engaged - engage it/them and grow along the way.

Good Luck in your pursuits; we often tell folks Thanks for your service - active and retired - here's a THANKS for considering the Services of our fine Country, as you find your path of commitment.

[FIDO]

Nice write up MuShu. I wish you the best in your endeavors. I agree with Allingeneral in completing your education. Perhaps you would consider the college option plan where you join the military in your senior year, complete college and gain a commission after going to officer school? In the military regardless of service you will be competing against your peers for promotions and maybe duty assignments. Points are gained for education as well as awards (ribbons, medals), PT, etc. Completing college in the service can be difficult with deployments, duty station (availability of required courses), etc. YMMV upon your situation.
OCS could be an option. The soldiers I knew who went had to compete for the slots. The Army OCS at the Ft Benning School for Boys was not a cake walk based on what I saw when I attended Airborne and later the senior NCO academy located next to the OCS area.
Anyways, best of luck and remember "They can kill you but they can't eat you. It's illegal."

[wylde007]

You don't want my opinion on some of it, but I will say that the college route has been set on such a high pedestal and so many "diverse" degrees in worthless and vapid disciplines (a contradictory assemblage, I'm certain) are available that one could spend a decade at an institute of higher learning continuing to be indoctrinated by all manner of liberal, gun-hating, good little socialistic imperial drones and not have the slightest idea how anything in the real world works when you get out.

It's not for everybody.

I am a licensed surveyor and one of the youngest in the Commonwealth. At least, as far as any of the other licensed surveyors I've spoken to are aware of. I have no college degree. I just had an affinity for surveying.

If you're good at something, enjoy it and feel a calling, you should do it.

Best of luck to you. Please be sure to join Oath Keepers.

[nite750]

I went through the same thing in the early 1980's. Went to college right out of high school , but after 2 years joined the Army. One of the best things I have ever done and I don't regret it for a second.

Good luck in whatever path you choose!

[40shooter]

You've been given a lot of good advice here, Take a little while to let it sink in & make the decision that you feel fits you best.
Good Luck.

[zephyp]

You don't want my opinion on some of it, but I will say that the college route has been set on such a high pedestal and so many "diverse" degrees in worthless and vapid disciplines (a contradictory assemblage, I'm certain) are available that one could spend a decade at an institute of higher learning continuing to be indoctrinated by all manner of liberal, gun-hating, good little socialistic imperial drones and not have the slightest idea how anything in the real world works when you get out.

It's not for everybody.

I am a licensed surveyor and one of the youngest in the Commonwealth. At least, as far as any of the other licensed surveyors I've spoken to are aware of. I have no college degree. I just had an affinity for surveying.

If you're good at something, enjoy it and feel a calling, you should do it.

Best of luck to you. Please be sure to join Oath Keepers.

Know thy enemy, Travis.

[MuShuGordon]

I have been recommended to go back to school many times now. However, with all that I have invested into the NAVY already (the eye surgery) it is not within my best interests to go back to school now. As some of you may or may not know, a college degree and going into a commissioned officer position would hurt me instead of help me. You see, only 1-2 SEAL officer positions MAX are available to non-Academy graduates. Many SEALs have told me that getting a college degree and becoming an officer, outside of the Academy, will most likely keep me from becoming a SEAL. I do not care about money, just give me enough to survive on and have a little fun, and I am fine. So, being a regular SEAL will be enough for me.

Thanks for all of the kind words guys, it really means a lot.

[allingeneral]

I have been recommended to go back to school many times now. However, with all that I have invested into the NAVY already (the eye surgery) it is not within my best interests to go back to school now. As some of you may or may not know, a college degree and going into a commissioned officer position would hurt me instead of help me.

Earning your degree doesn't make it a requirement that you enter service as an officer. You can still enter as an enlisted man with a degree, so don't think for a second that a degree will hurt you.

[MuShuGordon]

It may not hurt me, however, I will have to spend at least another year out of the service to get said degree. It is too late to go back now and I do not know what college I would go back to. Finances also come into play here.

[allingeneral]

Fair enough. As I said before, I'm not trying to change your mind in any way - just want to make sure that you go into this with as much information as possible. You sound like a smart guy, and I wish you the best. Keep us posted on your progress! Can you post to facebook from B.U.D.S.? hehe

[MuShuGordon]

Fair enough. As I said before, I'm not trying to change your mind in any way - just want to make sure that you go into this with as much information as possible. You sound like a smart guy, and I wish you the best. Keep us posted on your progress! Can you post to facebook from B.U.D.S.? hehe

Actually, I don't think that I can post to Facebook from B.U.D.S. to tell you the truth. If I could post online, I would get a Twitter account. Add all you guys, and Tweet my heart out. .

[pedal_pusher]

getting a college degree and becoming an officer, outside of the Academy, will most likely keep me from becoming a SEAL.

this is 100% correct. they're very few non-academy officer billets for BUD/s and your chances for landing one are stacked high against you.

a little pre-BUD/s advice, don't waste your days in the gym, you'll have plenty of time later to bulk up...this will not help you. run everyday and, when you want to quit run some more. worry only about building your endurance.

i also highly suggest you hook up with a local crossfit instructor, crossfit is officially used by the teams and, it will get you in the best shape/endurance of your life.

http://www.crossfit.com

[MuShuGordon]

Great advice. I got cleared to run and swim again last week and I have been doing as much as I can working around the car parts sales and what not. I used to be a HUGE swimmer/runner guy but had to get out of it due to school and working.

[zephyp]

getting a college degree and becoming an officer, outside of the Academy, will most likely keep me from becoming a SEAL.

this is 100% correct. they're very few non-academy officer billets for BUD/s and your chances for landing one are stacked high against you.

a little pre-BUD/s advice, don't waste your days in the gym, you'll have plenty of time later to bulk up...this will not help you. run everyday and, when you want to quit run some more. worry only about building your endurance.

i also highly suggest you hook up with a local crossfit instructor, crossfit is officially used by the teams and, it will get you in the best shape/endurance of your life.

http://www.crossfit.com

Yup. I do crossfit couple days a week and it will definitely hit you in the right spots. You get plenty of everything and then some. Alot of the military goes go for that.