I've been considering joining the Army for a long time now. Probably since I was a freshman in high school have I been seriously considering it. I'm now 21 years old. I've had almost no encouragement to join, even from my brother, a recent West Point graduate. There's something in my gut telling me that I should join. Somehow I think it's going to make me a better, stronger person and provide me with something I can be proud of for once in my life.

Here's my predicament. I am currently a junior in college with about a 3.0 GPA. I'm not doing bad in school. I just don't see myself sitting at a desk in a couple of years. I've had a taste with my internship and it is frustrating. I'm sure I want to finish my degree before joining, as I'm sure there are some benefits to having a college degree. Which brings me to my first question. What are the benefits of having a college degree going into the Army?

Next question: My brother is currently training/serving with an infantry unit as a 2nd Lieutenant. Is there a possibility I could be put in his unit? Does the Army have a policy for this?

Thanks ahead of time to all those who can answer my questions. It will help me greatly.

Cletus


Finish your college, increase that GPA, get that degree, then speak to the Army recruiter.

Not since WWII have brothers served in the same unit. The story of the five Sullivan brothers was one of the most often told stories of World War II. The boys' early lives were built on a strong family and religious ethic and commitment to one another. The brothers, whose motto was "We Stick Together," stipulated as a condition of their enlistment after the attack on Pearl Harbor that they be permitted to serve on the same ship. In February 1942, the Sullivan brothers were assigned to USS Juneau, a newly commissioned cruiser in New York City bound for the Pacific.Even then, the brothers enjoyed a celebrity status for being the only five members of a family serving simultaneously in one vessel.

Tragically, they all perished when Juneau was sunk during the Battle of Guadalcanal in November 1942.

This is why brothers are not assigned to the same units anymore.

Gunny,

I've heard of that story once before but didn't realize it had that sort of effect on military policy. It reminds me of the story about the Niland brothers. Thanks for your words of wisdom. They are much appreciated.

The gunny is wise.