I'd rather he go to school first and go in as an officer if he absolutely wants to go into the military.

It is possible to get your degree while you're in, too. That's what my brother did. He actually ended up with his masters.

What Amy said.

I've known a couple of doctors who got their degrees on the job. They had to commit to...I think, but don't quote me on this...6 years post grad service. But, hey, free medical school does not grow on trees!

Please deliver me from the rampant incidence of common-sense-free people in my life.

One of the walkers got bitten by a cat...like 8 times...all over one calf and one hand. I now have photos of his hand, blown up to the size of a catcher's mitt.

I'm just hearing about this today...many days after the fact.

I can't keep slapping my forehead in frustration. I'm gonna give myself a concussion.

Do I just reply and reaffirm my interest and editing skillz and tell them to send me the editing test, and *then* if I'm hired do I mention that I know my way around a dungeon? Or would mentioning it now -- in a brief, low-key way -- give me an advantage?

It think a brief low-key mention gives you an advantage. It advances you directly to the "don't have to worry about THIS one twigging out" pile. In fact, I'd wager that that asking about preferences was their low-key way of broaching the topic.

Suzi, I don't have questions, but I would make sure I had a pen and paper in hand and that he saw me taking notes of everything he said, and asked him (if he made promises) to give/send such in writing.

Sparky is wise. Notes and documentation are key. If there is resistance to either...you know that isn't acceptable.

I would also make sure that anything he says about financial compensation and benefits is clearly explained and understood. Here is the promise. Is it the reality that most people are actually receiving XXX.

What are the financial and other benefits of joined the Army *now* vs. as an officer?

I would also make sure that anything he says about financial compensation and benefits is clearly explained and understood. Here is the promise. Is it the reality that most people are actually receiving XXX.

What are the financial and other benefits of joined the Army *now* vs. as an officer?

Suzi, I wish CJ the best. But ... you and he might want to be careful about recruiters. It may be merely anecdotal, but I've read about some recruiters who, under pressure to get people enlisted, would really push kids to sign up.

Get all promised benefits in writing. Those promises are easy to give but often evaporate by means of whatever excuses can be found to deny them. And my dad's advice to anyone going in the military is to make 'em teach you a trade.