I received some very interesting questions from a reader.  Actually it was asking for some advice. 

Here is what I was asked about

 "in a few years, I was hoping to be commissioned as an Officer, while still attending college. Would it be better to apply to Westpoint? Utilize ROTC scholarships? Join the National Guard/Reserve? Do you have any insight on this?"

I will not attempt to answer the questions, mainly because I am not sure of your individual goals, location, and overall time situation.  But I will advise as best I can and tell you what I did and what some others I know have done.

I actually joined the Regular Army (enlisted as an 11B/Infantry) and took what was then the college fund.  After about 6 years i went to the the USAR and went to a community college (to get in the game and get a decent GPA for a while) used my college fund the whole time.  I also worked a a part time job.  After a few years I applied to a a full 4 year school.

When I applied to the 4 year school I went to the ROTC department and found out about a full 2 year SMP (Simultaneous Membership Program) scholarship.  This was an academic scholarship that paid all book, tuition and mandatory fees for 2 full time college years.

Also it required the Jr and Sr year of ROTC and a 4 year Army commitment as an officer after.  By the way I still had college fund money and used that as well.  All in all I received a Regular Army commission and got out of college debt free.

For me this was all a win win situation.  But that was me.  I think that joining first and doing college second gave me a chance to mature some, get some "life" under my belt and have some smarts about finding scholarships and other money to pay for school.

I know some that have done just ROTC and received scholarships, some who just did ROTC and worked a full time job to pay for it all.

Depending on what your degree is and how far you intend to go with school, think about direct commission.  It is a good way to go if you fall into the right specialty for a degree and training. (doctors, lawyers, clergy and a few others are in this category).

You might want to consider the reserve first as an enlisted soldier, get the required # of credits, get commissioned in the reserve and than after graduation go to the regular Army.

First, If you can work out getting into West Point  -  GO THAT WAY - This may come as surprise to some who know I went to a state school and ROTC, but a good school is a good school and West Point is just that a really good school.  It will give you a leg up not only in the Army in many ways, but once you leave the Army it has some great bennifits in the civilian world.

Second, do not go into debit if you can help it.  There is money to be found all over in grant, scholarships, funds and not just via the Army.  The VFW has them, American Legion, Rotary Clubs, Shriners.  Many only require an essay or community service.  Believe me that seemingly small $500 or $1,000 they give out does not seem like much but when you are down to Tomato soup and crackers you will wish you had taken the time to go out and get the money.

Third, do what is best for you and only you.  Talk to a local recruiter about the different programs for college, talk to an ROTC Professor if one is available.  Find someone local that is a Vet, retired or not officer or not and get a take on what they think (it might surprise you how supportive they are or how against it they are depending on their military duty).

Finally, RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH before you sign anything.  This is a big and life changing decision.  READ THE FINE PRINT!!!!  Save Everything you sign and if someone tells you "oh, don't worry about that one" read it twice and make a copy.  Everything you ever sign is important to future benefits and entitlements.

I hope that this in some way helps you.  The bottom line is that you have options.  See which one works best for your personal, financial and professional goals over the next 6-8 years.  Ask questions of others as you have of me.

As always thanks for reading.