Should I Pursue a Math Degree or Join the Military?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision of whether to continue pursuing a math degree or to join the military, specifically the Army or Air Force. Participants share their personal experiences and thoughts on the value of education versus military service, as well as the implications of each choice on their future.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses dissatisfaction with their current math program, indicating a preference for engaging in physical activities and considering joining the military instead.
  • Another participant emphasizes the seriousness and difficulty of a math major, suggesting that a lack of passion should deter someone from pursuing it.
  • Several participants contemplate quitting their math studies to gain worldly experience through military service, viewing math as a potential hobby rather than a career path.
  • There are suggestions to consider completing another degree before joining the military, particularly to enter officer school for better financial prospects.
  • One participant proposes that engineering might be a more suitable path if joining the military, as it requires math but is more focused and applicable.
  • Discussions arise about the differences in responsibilities and opportunities among the Army, Air Force, and Navy, with some participants sharing personal motivations for choosing the Air Force.
  • Concerns are raised about the financial compensation in the military, with one participant arguing that the Army pays poorly relative to the workload.
  • There is a debate regarding the physical training requirements across different military branches, with some participants challenging the notion that Air Force training is significantly harder than that of other branches.
  • Participants advise exploring all options and speaking with recruiters before making a decision about military service.
  • One participant mentions the Air Force Academy as an opportunity to obtain a college degree for free while serving.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion reflects multiple competing views regarding the value of pursuing a math degree versus joining the military. Participants express differing opinions on the seriousness of a math major, the financial implications of military service, and the physical training requirements across branches, indicating that no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants express various assumptions about personal interests, career aspirations, and the nature of military service, which may influence their perspectives. There are also unresolved discussions about the financial aspects of military service and the specific requirements of different branches.

kramer733
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Here's my situation. In the math program now. Finding it's ok.. Not the best. Just ok.. I'm wondering if i should just join the army instead. a lot of my time, i think about getting laid or how to get into a girl's pants. I'd rather be doing jiu jitsu, mma and salsa than math sometimes.

If i were to join the air force instead, i'd plan on taking math classes during the summer time. I just feel I'm not willing to do mathematics to the point of a math degree. I would only do it as a hobby.
 
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Math is a very serious and difficult major. If you're not passionated by it, or if you're not willing to put in the work, then don't bother doing it.
 
micromass said:
Math is a very serious and difficult major. If you're not passionated by it, or if you're not willing to put in the work, then don't bother doing it.

Yeah I'm thinking about quitting as well after first year. I want to do the army thing and gain more worldly experience. I believe i'll still have a special place for mathematics. It's just that it'll become a tertiary hobby. If i were to go the air force route, i'd probably take 1 class at the university.
 
kramer733 said:
Yeah I'm thinking about quitting as well after first year. I want to do the army thing and gain more worldly experience. I believe i'll still have a special place for mathematics. It's just that it'll become a tertiary hobby. If i were to go the air force route, i'd probably take 1 class at the university.

something to think about is finishing another degree now, and then joining the air force and entering officers school. you would be making more money, and not have to go through all of the same **** as everyone else. it's pretty clear that you are a smart and mature individual to know what you want / don't want out of life and are able to listen to yourself.
 
Hey kramer733.

If you want to join the military, you might consider something like engineering. You'll need math, but it is usually going to be a lot more specific, and at least in Australia, the army does need and has programs to lure people that can hack both engineering and the military.
 
Highway said:
something to think about is finishing another degree now, and then joining the air force and entering officers school. you would be making more money, and not have to go through all of the same **** as everyone else. it's pretty clear that you are a smart and mature individual to know what you want / don't want out of life and are able to listen to yourself.

This is a misconception. The army pays very poorly. For the amount of hours you work, your salary is very low. The army likes to insent people to join by giving them a signing bonus and a nice starting salary.

If you want to join the army for money, your making a bad choice.
 
kramer733 said:
Yeah I'm thinking about quitting as well after first year. I want to do the army thing and gain more worldly experience. I believe i'll still have a special place for mathematics. It's just that it'll become a tertiary hobby. If i were to go the air force route, i'd probably take 1 class at the university.

Army or Air Force? There are pretty considerable differences in your potential responsibilities and positions you might hold.

Have you considered joining the Navy? They might have interesting opportunities: http://www.navy.com/careers/information-and-technology/intelligence.html
 
kylem said:
Army or Air Force? There are pretty considerable differences in your potential responsibilities and positions you might hold.

Have you considered joining the Navy? They might have interesting opportunities: http://www.navy.com/careers/information-and-technology/intelligence.html

One of the reasons i'd like to join the air force is because my friends are already there. Not only that but I've heard the training for the air force is much harder. This will up my stamina, strength much more than the navy.
 
kramer733 said:
Not only that but I've heard the training for the air force is much harder. This will up my stamina, strength much more than the navy.

Ahem... Not really. I mean I don't want to get into a pissing match with the airdales but I have never heard it that way around.

Also:
A) All branches have PT reqs.
B) It is up to you to keep up. Morning PT will not always be there to do it, and the PT tests are cake in all branches. I mean who can't run 3 miles...


FWIW, go talk to all branch recruiters. See what they are offering. Right now there is a huge draw-down on the military. Some branches have a year wait to get in. So before you make any choices talk to the recruiters and see how the waters are. It may be advantageous to try to obtain a commission instead of going in enlisted. Either way, check out all your options before jumping ship.
 
  • #10
You sound just like me. Air force pt is easier compared to the other 3 branches. I have family in the service. Like what Highway said, you can get a degree first then join a branch and be an officer.
I thought about joining the Air Force but I'm going to have to wait it out due to the fact I have my life here and also going to school. I may have to see and may join as my last resort.
 
  • #11
air force academy...you get to go to college for free and get your degree
 

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