I have a friend who is 18 and considering going into the military because she was a ward of the state and her parents are unstable. She feels unable to take care of herself and doesnt have a high school degree. What should I tell her ? She wants my advice.

[lenjan]

These days the military won't take you without a high school diploma. Does she have a GED? If not, she needs to get that first.

thanks..she just took her GED.. But shouldnt she at least try in the real world? What are the pros and cons of military life for a woman?

[lenjan]

If she's looking for structure, it will definitely give her some, but she needs to be of the personality type that doesn't object to taking orders. My dad was career Navy and I can count on one hand, with fingers left over, the number of times in his life I heard him say the words "please" and "thank you." It was, "DO IT. NOW." And you did it, or you paid the price.

Benefits to military are regular paychecks (though small) and no hassles about housing, etc. Plus you get health care benefits, etc for the rest of your life, if you're honorably discharged. Cons depend on the person. I haven't personally known any women in the military, just my dad and my brother, but it doesn't seem like a good place for women with strong personalities.

Just my .02. It might not be a bad place for her to be while she figures out her next steps, but if she can do that with a job and a roommate in town, that could work as well.

Candy