I don't currently serve (will most likely in two years), but I come from a military family; also Uncles, Cousins, Grandfathers, hell even a Grandmother. It is an incredible opportunity from what I am told. I can't wait to experience it myself. If you really are in the "slums", why not. If anything it will give you more job experience, connections, friends that will remain loyal to you for the rest of your life, and something only a small percentage of Americans can say they also did. I go to school with many military-folk: whether they are joining, are veterans, are in the reserves, currently in, or whatnot. I have been gathering information myself (this information coming from REAL people not recruiters), and they usually only had good things to say, except maybe the occasional "Not enough time in ports", "Pretty difficult to start a family and settle down", etc. The pay... may not be the greatest, but you travel for free, sheltered for free and are fed. But this is usually something most people do because they want to, not for a check each week. It will open options for you; there are so many different fields you can do; I can't even begin to describe what's out there. All of which can then be a great transition into a civilian job.
For me personally, I want to join because I always had that sort of mentality. I want to prove to myself that I can do it. During school through MARGRAD (will have to sign my commitment next year) or after school through OCS, I want to join the Coast Guard as an officer, especially coming from a maritime academy majoring in emergency management homeland security. If not that, I'm definitely joining the Reserves. One of the guys I work with is in Navy Reserves, Senior Chief as a matter of fact [was active, now Reserves], really made me (as a last resort) want to join the Reserves (also a nice little stipend each month). And then from there, I want to move onto DHS, DOD, or what-have-you, maybe even private-sector security. I'm not too worried about finding a job because with that military background, most places automatically take a veteran because they know what the military training and life does to an individual (also because of laws).
No matter what you do, having that military background will get you places. Whether you decide to become a lifer or serve your duty and move onto a civilian job, you WILL be a better person. Being in the military proves that you're disciplined, you can work with a team cooperitavely,... the list literally goes on forever. My father is in some computer-science field bullshit (I have no idea tbh), but he worked at [A company] testing the Patriot Missile in Arizona when he was younger all through computers and whatnot. I mean there is so many ways to apply computers/intelligence/IT/etc to the military. I also met a man who served in Iraq at my dad's office and he was doing computer-related stuff in the military. A guy I work with was in the Marines then went on to become an US Marshal. There are so many opportunities in the military (even VERY CLASSIFIED stuff ) that smoothly transition into the civilian world. I'm not trying to recruit you in any way, shape, or form. I'm just saying if the OSU opportunity is a flop, hell... why not. It will only help you.
I know I repeated myself a couple times; but I am just trying to emphasize some important points that may help your decision. What I'm telling you is just the tip of the iceberg (I could go on for pages). If you're truly determined, you'll definitely have to go talk to some recruiters, friends, family, and really gather your information because it is a big decision.
Just remember:
NAVY: Never Again Volunteer Yourself
ARMY: Ain't Ready for the Marines Yet
CG: Puddle-Pirates - Afraid to get their knees wet
Air Force: Chair-Force
Marines: Got nothing and respect my family enough to not want to think of a "negative".
All in good fun.
*Sorry if it's hard to follow or unorganized - I kind of threw it together rather quickly.
