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Seeking Advice on Military Careers for AA
've been trying to search the internet for awhile now and haven't found anything about this issue of asian-americans in the US military. it affects me because it's a big decision for me to decide if this is the career route that i want to take after graduation from college very shortly now. in particular, i'm wondering what support networks are out there because there're simply very few asians in the military? can the site editors start an advice or issues discussion thread on this topic or are there others out there that can share their experience? in particular, there are two options for me, either to get a high profile officer position or to go with my more prefered medic who's sworn to help save lives. i guess i'm worried about discrimination if anybody has any insights? thanks.
asians in the military?
Sunday, April 21, 2002 at 13:28:33 (PDT)
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YOUR ADVICE
which military brach officer program offers the most comprehensive officer leadership training?
Want2beanOfficer
Sunday, April 28, 2002 at 03:20:28 (PDT)
If I had to choose which arm service I would be in, it would definitely be the marines. You go in first and you go out last.Also , you will be on land in your marine uniform mingling with the local ladies.
asian machoman
Saturday, April 27, 2002 at 23:32:55 (PDT)
I'd like to respond to the LCDR Shipdriver's points, as well as answer Stagasaurus' questions. Sorry this is so long:
First, LCDR's points. I must say that he (or she) is 100% correct when talking about what it means to be an officer, Asian Americans in the military, and the respect, no matter what your job or status. My observation about officers having more freedom was in the context of my personal life, the ability to maintain my own schedule, etc. You should also understand that there are big differences between deployed units (ie ships, planes) and shore units in the Navy. As a JAG, I was stationed on shore, and so I did not have the opportunity to work in an environment where the unit (ship) dictated my personal and work life. At work, I was free, within certain limits, to do my job the way I felt best, without much oversight. The enlisted staff, however, were much more regimented in their daily schedule.
I wasn't as responsible for the lives of those who worked with me, because my environment was different. However, it is extremely stressful to be the only person who stands between freedom or jail for an accused person, or be the only person who can salvage an otherwise excellent sailor's career because he makes a few mistakes. Obviously, my level and kind of responsibility is different from LCDR's - and I think you'll find that the military is its own world, with varying levels of stress, responsibility, and sleepless nights, depending on who you are and what you do. (and yeah, I had forgotten about the paperwork...)
So take LCDR's comments to heart, whatever decision you make, you will gain from either choice.
Now, as for becoming a JAG:
Debt: I know many people who decided NOT to try out for the JAG program because of their law school debt. On the otherhand, most JAGs I know do carry some. I know one person from my law school worked for a big firm in NYC after graduation, then, after paying off most of his debt, joined the Navy JAG program. I was fortunate not to have the debt problem - I have to admit I got help from my parents with my tuition, and savings (I worked for a couple of years after undergrad) did the rest. Some law schools have forgiveness programs for public service, and military service may count.
When: I made the decision to try for the JAG program my first year summer - I met an attorney who had been a JAG, and was suitably impressed. I didn't know about JAG before law school, I'd never seen the movie (A Few Good Men) and the TV show was just starting. The application process for the student program (as opposed to the lawyer program) can be filed after first year grades, so that's when I applied.
Why: For several reasons. One, I went to law school to make a difference. That's what everyone says, but few really fulfill this wish. Most of my classmates went to big firms to make a lot of money doing boring work. In the JAG Corps, not only did I defend people accused of crimes, but I also practiced legal aid type law. It is a very good feeling to vindicate an innocent client. It is also a very good feeling to be able to help ordinary servicemembers and their families by providing them with legal advice or services that otherwise would cost them alot of money (which they don't have). You would not believe the number of business who prey upon our military members. I also got to travel around the world. Okinawa, Australia, Japan, Hawaii (where I was stationed), and lots of the continental U.S.
Two, I wanted to do trial work, but I did not want to get paid a pittance at the DA's or PD's office. With the officer salary and tax free housing and food allowances (and no state income tax), I made more than I would have otherwise.
Three, I wanted to serve my country. The legal profession is very conservative, and after having gone to law school in Boston, I decided that it wouldn't hurt if I had military service under my belt. No one can now ever deny that I am a loyal American, despite how I look and my very Asian name (because commissioned officers have to be U.S. citizens).
I have other reasons too, but you can email me offline for that.
Job Prospects - I think they're good. In the military, you learn to become extremely adaptable - I've practiced all kinds of law. The leadership you can pick up helps, as well as the fact that you have to stay in shape. So you leave with good legal skills (if you've applied yourself - I know some JAGs who are very lazy), leadership ability, and you look good. What more could law firms want, other than your academic credentials? And if you decide to stay in government, your veteran status gives you a leg up on other applicants.
Don't forget, every service, including the Coast Guard, has judge advocates. Email me offline, and I'll tell you the differences. And if you only want to do it parttime, the National Guard has a program too.
Hope this helps.
Navy JAG
aitoh@hotmail.com
Friday, April 26, 2002 at 14:40:04 (PDT)
thanks for all the great replies. after some consideration and much talk with trusted confidants. i think the best route for me at this point is to go for OCS in the army reserve. that way i'd be doing both the recruiter and myself a favor. he gets the points, and i get to see what military life i about before i make further commitments.
is it possible to go officer in OCS and what's life like as reserve?
at this point i'm not really worried about what qualifies me for what. i just got back from MEPS and had asvab of 99 and over 130 on every section of the test. i didn't get a physical because of the stupid red tape, but that's understandable. after considering all aspects, i think it's wise to not make such drastic change in my life and go 5 years active in the SF enlisting contract.
thanks for the input.
asians in the military!
Friday, April 26, 2002 at 13:44:57 (PDT)
Support networks for Asians in the U.S. Military? Don't count on it. You'll be hard pressed to find a lot of other Asians in your assignments. Besides, you won't need one. I was a captain in the US Army and served in both the Infantry and Military Intelligence branches. Having been an Airborne Ranger and having led grunts (not to mention haveing worked strategic and operational level intel), I can honestly say that you'll be judged on your abilities, character, and performance. Your race won't be an issue unless you make it one. You'll find that if you're good enough, the entire spectrum of military opportunities is open to you. There are Asians in the Rangers, Green Berets, Navy SEALs... even Delta Force. There's no limit to where you can go. Just look at General Shinseki, the highest ranking officer in the Army. But be advised, it's no cake walk if you want to do all the "Hooah" stuff...
Sabot
sabot1967@yahoo.com
Friday, April 26, 2002 at 13:19:47 (PDT)
Asians in the military?:
Good for you for considering serving in the military. I am a Navy officer (Surface Warfare Lieutenant Commander) I have been in over 14 years now and it has been the most interesting life I have lead. No where else will you get to experience the world and get to know people as the military can offer you.
Going into the miltary is a big step. When I first got my commission in 1988, there were even fewer AA's in uniform than now. Right now, about 2.1 percent of Navy Officers are Asian American and a total of 5.4 percent of the fleet are AA.
A support network of AA in the military is going to be tough. Military life in general, requires your support network to consist of your shipmates, squad, platoon, company... in other words, the people you may some day have to go into harm with. You take them as they come, and they will take you through thick and thin. (Most military people will lay down their lives for those same people they fight with)
With that said, discrimination does happen in the military. People always discriminate, but not in the way you'd expect. Most of us are judged by our ability to be warriors, and if you do not carry your weight, you will not earn the respect of your peers. That respect does not distinguish between skin color. Your character is more important. I remember when I was a really junior officer on my first ship, I had this sailor come up to me and confessed that he had a lot of stereotypical notion of what Asian people are like, but he said ' I realized now that you are just like the rest of us, sir." Don't worry about your skin color, but worry about what you can do for the unit. Be comforted that Asian Americans, although few in number, have command ships, been top gun pilots, lead infantary and Marines into combat. They have done well. So will you if you remember what is important.
Whether being an officer or not, is your choice. Being an officer means a great deal of responsibility, paperwork, and sleepless nights. (I disagree with my JAG brother who says officers have more freedom... I have always thought there are less freedom when you are responsible for the lives of those under you and you have to maintain the highest of standards for them) It does come with the unique reward of being able to be a leader. There are a great deal of tradition and a seemingly hugh gulf between officer and enlisted, but all in all, respect has to be earned both ways. As an enlisted, you will have more chances to do what you are trained to do, yet as you rise in seniority, you will be given chances to lead. Being a medic is very noble. You will see things most doctors won't. Wanting to go to Special Forces is also noble, and it seems to me like you have the determination to make it. But no matter what you do, being medic in a unit of special forces means you are going to take lives (remember the discussion about being part of a unit?) Although none of us in uniform cherish the notion that we may have to take lives in the line of duty, we do so knowing that we will save the lives of those around us. Think about that.
Good Luck.
Navy LCDR Shipdriver
Thursday, April 25, 2002 at 18:46:21 (PDT)
Navy Jag,
I am a college senior going to a top private law school next year. I want to serve my country in Jag after law school. Unfortunately, I'll also be $120,000 in debt. Why and when did you decide to join the Navy? How did you deal with the debt problem? What is the career prospects after Jag? I would really appreciate any advice you could give on this matter.
Stagasaurus
Thursday, April 25, 2002 at 09:15:22 (PDT)
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