Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 6/15/2008

Question
I'll be 18 my junior summer and i was wondering if i can do my 9 weeks (BCT) that summer?

Answer
Dear Rob --

You could enlist in the reserves and do your BCT in the summer between your junior and senior years.  However, high school graduates are more highly sought after than potential graduates.  High school graduates will be offered better jobs, and bonuses not offered to non-graduates.

I recommend, if you want to be in the service as soon as possible, that you take summer school and finish your high school work during the autumn semester.  Then you can enlist in January and be off on your military career.

If you choose to enlist in the reserves and go to BCT in the summer, make sure you have a temporary non-deployment clause in your enlistment contract, so you can finish high school before you are deployed overseas.  You do not want to miss the opportunity to finish high school.

Please write back, if you have any additional questions at any time during your enlistment process, or once you are in the service.  I wish you the best of luck both finishing school and enlisting.