Expert: Rod Powers - 6/1/2007

Question
I have about a million questions to bundle into one. I will just jump right in and get to the point.

First off I have a associates degree in banking and finance. Will that make me able to join as an officer? And also on that subject will I have to be an officer in a banking and finance career? I was thinking more along the lines of still photography as a career, but i don't know if i would have to have a degree in that.

Secondly, I am a single mother. Does that hurt my chances of being accepted? I am just thinking they might see it as too much of a liability or something along those lines.

Also, how physically fit do i need to be before i start bootcamp? I know there are weight limits, but i am sure i fit in them since i am 5'2 and 118 pounds. But what things do i have to be able to do as far as running and sit-ups and ETC. ?

And lastly are there any certain careers i should look into so that i can travel to places such as Germany?

Thank you for your time,

Emily

Answer
Hi Emily,

With the exception of the Army National Guard, you must have a *bachelor's degree* to become a commissioned officer in any branch of the service (The Army National Guard will accept some applicants for commission if they have over 90 college credits).

Photography is an enlisted job (in all the branches of the Military), not an officer job.

I'm afraid the services do not accept single parents (except the Army National Guard) for enlistment. Waivers are not possible. For details see: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/enlstandards_3.htm

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my U.S. Military Information Site at: http://usmilitary.about.com

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com