Expert: Eric Ernst - 12/2/2009

Question
Hello there, I don't know if you would be able to answer this or not. But I didn't think I would be even thinking about maybe enlisting into the air force until a friend of mine joined and I saw how it affected him. It defiantly matured him and gave him qualities of a good leader. And after hearing his stories of BMT I would of signed up if he had a paper and pen. But as I was seriously looking into it I saw that clinical psychology is offered in the officer program. My chances of going right into the officer program seems a little slim so I wonder how would it go if I took the listed route? Also some information about myself I'm pursuing a bachelor's in sociology and minoring in psychology and I'm about a year away from graduating would it be worth enlisting because I want to do something in psychology and not something in electronics or machine things. Thank you very much I appreciate it!!!

Answer
Hello Mike,
Thank you for thinking about joining the US Military. The military gives you excellent leadership skills no matter what branch that you join. As for your degree, my advice for you is to finish your degree due to the fact you could go in as an Officer instead of enlisted which entitles you to more pay, plus more duties to prove your leadership. As for Psychology you'd be surprised the military tends to put people where there college degree leads them, not to mention psychology is a big field within the military right now. My advice to you is to talk to your local military recruiter as soon as possible. There are also several programs that would help you pay off your student loans as well. If you have any further please let me know.
Thanks,
Eric