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I need help? I'm 17 and will be kicked out of my house if I don't join the military.?

Hello everyone I would like to hear everyones opinion on what I should do as many more people out there with much more life experience than myself. I am 17 years old and I will be 18 in 6 weeks. I have had my share of screw-ups and was beginning to get my life back on track when I had some bad luck. I totaled my car on my way to work. I never thought one accident could screw my life up so bad but it did. It was the last straw that broke the camel's back. This is my third accident and I've received two tickets (3 if I get another one for this accident). Insurance dropped me and I am 95% sure that I will lose my license. If the cop issues a ticket for this last one then I will. My dad wants me to join the military, the airforce to be more specific. He is certain that, at this point, is is the ONLY option and the only way I will succeed in life. I beg to differ since I believe you can do anything if you set your mind to it. I want to go to college, more specifically I want to be an attorney. My dad say he wants to help me and he will in any way he can, but in his eyes that is by going into the military. If I don't, he is done helping me and is kicking me out of the house in 6 weeks. My parents just split up a few months ago so my mom is not in the picture anymore. I also dissenrolled from school around Thanksgiving of my senior year ( I know, bad move, and I regret it 100% but I spoke to my guidance counselor and it is too late to return). I plan on getting my GED and still have high hopes of becoming a very successful attorney. I know the military is a good option and have done quite a bit of research but my main concern is leaving my girlfriend who I am absolutely in love with. We talked about it and she will always be there for me no matter what I decide and we plan on getting married before I leave if I decide to go. I don't know what to do. I don't want to do into the military, but I know it will be tough if I don't on my own, working, and going to school at the same time. I know if will be tough and I will greatly struggle especially without a car or license, but I also believe you can do anything if you set your mind to it. My jobs only pays $7.50/hr. I was making $15.00/hr working construction under the table but can no longer do that because I don't have a car and I was commuting to New Jersey. Also, I don't know if welfare or food stamps is an option if I move out so let me know about that if you have any knowledge regarding that. In my father's eyes, if I don't go I am doing absolutely nothing to help myself and therefore he won't help me. My dad wants my decision by tomorrow and I have given it much thought, but I still don't know what to do as it is my life were talking about and I want to make the right decision. Right now I am leaning towards not joining but I really do not know. Please let me what you think I should do. I appreciate all your responses in advance. Thanks for all your responses so far. At this point, I don't think I can leave my girlfriend for 4 yrs just like that. I have been doing some research on the Army National Guard and the Army reserves so I would be able to stay around with my girlfriend, keeps working, and hopefully still make my dad happy. Is the National Guard worth it? Benfits, pay and all and still a chance of being deployed. Thanks again and please feel free to email me at Snowboarder1591@yahoo.com if you would like. Thank you Thanks for all your responses. Anyone else feel free to voice your opinion. If I join we are getting married before I leave. On that note, does anyone know how it works with a military spouse. You know housing and all. Also, what about the delayed start program. Thanks again

Public Comments

1. You're going to find it hard to get into the military w/o a GED... but it's a good choice... not only will they teach you discipline and responsibility... but when you get out, they'll help you out a lot by helping pay for law school.... good luck to ya bud.
2. You are going to be 18 soon your an adult you need to make your own decisions. Legally your parents aren't responsible for you anymore. Trying to get in the military with a GED is going to be hard. The military is getting more and more selective. Also you will need a waiver as it is because of your tickets. You can't even begin to enlist if you have pending civil action against you. Sit down and talk with your dad. Lay out what your plans are and ask if he could help you out. Offer to pay some rent or help out with the bills. Go to college part time or do some online. It can't hurt talking to a recruiter maybe look into the reserves. You still get some benefits and stay close to home (after your training). However keep in mind you can still deploy.
3. I say join. You can become a lawyer in the service & you will have a roof over your head and $ in your pocket for you and your new wife. Just think of the college $ you will earn in the service. It sounds like you are a good kid and I hate to think of someone like you struggling so much to reach a dream. I wish you the best of luck and pray for You. This will also be extremely good for your relationship with your dad. Sounds like he's all you got and try everything to keep him, I know he loves you and wants the best for you.
4. I say tell your Dad that you're going to join the Airforce. But really your not going to lol. Your Dad will let you stay at his house for the time being. See you still need to get your GED that will take some time and also the Airforce may or may not take you. Lets say they did that, it will buy you a few extra months doing paperwork and stalling to take the asvab test. During this time you can be working full time maybe even work two jobs saving up money to move out with your girlfriend. Thats plan A plan B you can really join it will benefit you greatly. It's four short years of your life. You'll be more mature, responsible, disciplined, you'll have goals and want to achieve those goals. You'll have that no quit attitude. Also they will pay for your schooling, how awesome is that. Besides if you decided not to go you'll probably work some crappy job stuck in the same rut along with your friends doing the same old same old. Well I hope things work out for you.
5. dude, i was in a totally different position than you. i graduated top twenty in my class, so my family couldn't believe it when i came home saying i had signed a contract to join the millitary, plus i almost got kicked out of my house, but once my mom understood my contract she changed her mind. I think that should strongly consider joining the Army National Guard just like i did. If the problems you've had with the law don't interfere in the process of enlisting along with asvab scores, then the guard will can send you to a (i think) three week long GED course. The guard will also pay for your college, and you will recieve a monthly paycheck for the drills that you attend one weekend a month. but what i suggest more strongly is that before you go to bed you relax, and ask your subconscious mind (or God if you are a believer) to help you make a decision. just ask with faith that the answer will come "what is the best choice?" in the morning you'll know what to do. luck pal....
6. It looks like the girlfriend is the deal-breaker here. Here's a thought: If you manage to get accepted into the military, once you get done with boot camp and get stationed somewhere, you and her get together again. Start fresh with a steady job, benefits, 30 days off a year, and a hell of a lot more than $7.50 an hour. You buy into the GI Bill, you serve four or six years and learn a technical skill that you can turn around and get a better job with when you get out. You get out, go to college, get your BA. Then after you get accepted at a law school, you approach an Officer Recruiter and see if the miltary would be interested in paying for your tuition in return for you serving four or six years in the service's JAG corps. As an attorney working for JAG, you'll be practicing courtroom law at a time in most attorney's careers that they are working as clerks. Defense this week, prosecution next. There are worse ways to go. Oh, and somewhere along the line you and the girlfriend get married and live happily ever after. Kids, puppies, that sort of thing. But first, try the military. It beats living on the streets.