So I got a call from the National Guard the other day...

[FaiL.?]

2nd lieutenant Narg. Oh lord.

[SuperHappyMan]

Congrats dude. West Point? Are ya sure someone isnt yanking your crank? If it is legit, make the best of it.

Talked to the recruiter personally and everything, so unless the Guard is really into this joke i'm probably good.

Be careful not to 'sign' any commitment to the military, until you have a guaranteed (in writing) letter signed by a legitamite authority that you'll get the appointment to West Point. If they say you have to commit first, then they'll send your bid in...to me that's a Red Flag. I spent 8 years active service in the military. Once they have a commitment, they can pretty much do what they want...unless your commitment is contigent upon passing West Point (Get that in writing)

Good luck!

Well, the absolute worst case scenario is that I have something to do on the weekends and get my college completely paid for, so I think I might just go for it regardless. I appreciate the warning, though- i'll make sure to get something in writing. If I can't then whatever, i'll just bite the bullet, but it'll be a good way to see if they're serious or not.

You'll also need several letters of recommendations and you'll need to write a letter to your state Senator asking for a letter of recommendation.

Nah, they have 80 slots that they fill, regardless of any letters of recommendation. I'm not 100% on the specifics, as there's still plenty of stuff that needs ironing out, but they've said that the Senator [poo] will be bypassed completely.

Anyway, thanks for the congratulations everyone. In return, I guess i'll go ahead and become a general or something. You know, just to keep myself busy.

[mrjamwin]

Well that's news to me. they must have changed the requirements then. I know for a fact that you would need those items to get into the Air Force Academy.

[Richdog]

I second what WD said. Get that in writing, otherwise you could be looking at a commitment as enlisted (not that that's necessarily a bad thing). I was looking to go into the military, my dad was AF for 20+ years, and my brother is at West Point now. West Point is an amazing opportunity that will give you experience you will value and which will make you stand out for the rest of your life. Unless you were planning on being the next Zuckerberg, go for it. That being said, it's funny that the Natl guard would talk about west point. that's a different branch, and might be just a recruiting routine. My brother had to write a half dozen essays and get a letter from our congressman... But best of luck in whatever you do. Even an enlisted position will give you accelerated training and experience over the private sector, which you could then use as you like.

[11_Panama_]

I heard that the Guard (post 9/11), sat around and drank beer on the weekends that they got together.This is Panama and I approve this message. (It's my new thing.)

[ProfessorDreadNaught]

Having two family members graduate from USMA's (Uncle from the Air Force Academy; retired Full Colonel and a cousin who graduated West Point and was recently selected for Lt. Col) I know what they related to me was a highly selective process for enrollment. Regardless, the following link discusses the question and fleshes out the available programs including strict minimums and real world requirements.

http://www.nationalguard.com/forums/sho ... West-Point

[Mandalore]

Nicely done sir, nicely done.

My friend's been trying get into USAFA and she's had to jump through hoops like crazy.

[Admiral_Aeka]

mandeh, air force is a little more rigorous :P

And narg, i say go for it if it's legit... great education, great friendships, hard work... and a military uniform immediately makes a guy 10x hotter so you can expect to get laid.

All in all a decent deal.

[Commander Sparrow]

Nice Narg, good luck with it man.

[THEWULFMAN]

West Point? Hell yes, jump on that. Congrats.