₦airaland Forum

Good day sir/ma. I’m currently a 200-level student at Nigerian Army University Biu studying Software Engineering.

Due to serious financial difficulties, I’ve been considering leaving school temporarily to join the Armed Forces so I can become financially stable and hopefully continue my education later through the military.

I would really appreciate honest advice from people who already have experience in the military.

Is joining the military at this stage a wise decision, especially when I already have a university education in progress? What are the realities of joining as a recruit, particularly regarding salary, career progression, further education and the possibility of eventually returning to university?

I’m also particularly interested in the military/police or Provost side of the military. I would like to know whether it is possible to enter that area as a recruit and how someone can eventually get into Military Police/Provost duties.

Please don’t just tell me “join” or “don’t join.” I want to understand the advantages, disadvantages and things someone in my position should seriously consider before making the decision.

I would genuinely appreciate advice from people who have actually served or are currently serving.

please donot join now.Try and finish your degree because when you join for you to go to school,you have to serve some years.I am serving soldier,i am talking out of experience.

You don't have to quit the university, you can defer your sessions and then run it with the service later.

You will regret it for the rest of your life

Bro u go regret later ooooooo if you join the military with WAEC, if you can push ahead and finish before joining the military through DSS. Once you join as a recruit that's it, you will serve for 35 years complaining all through your career

For your career growth complete your studies.

2special:
You don't have to quit the university, you can defer your sessions and then run it with the service later.

Yeah but he shouldn't ever think the military will honour his degree after graduating, they won't honour it know this and know peace. Most people will resign after 15years of service in order to join another career.

Sambisa forest to fight Boko boys? Hmmmm

I’m currently a 200-level student at Nigerian Army University Biu studying Software Engineering.

X X X

I would like to know whether it is possible to enter that area as a recruit and how someone can eventually get into Military Police/Provost duties.

...........
Nairaland

You can join if u want, but have this in mind, when you join as an other rank that is through recruitment NCO, you would have to serve for a certain period either as a Lance Corporal or Corporal before you can apply for army sponsorship to further your studies this will be of great help when you want to apply for commissioning as SSC or DSSC or Executive Commission. The army would not honour your certificate if you got it through self sponsorship. Also when you join you may have to find a way to looby so as to get the corp of your choice because if you don't follow it up you will end up as a Bloody INFANTUA ICC and Jaji would be your home ground.

My brother I would not say don't join nor join but know that you are going to trade your freedom. Who no come no go know wetin I see.

ExudeLoveToAll:
Bro u go regret later ooooooo if you join the military with WAEC, if you can push ahead and finish before joining the military through DSS. Once you join as a recruit that's it, you will serve for 35 years complaining all through your career

For your career growth complete your studies.

Thank you sir I really appreciate the advice 🙏

Please sir I want to understand more from your experience

When you say once someone joins as a recruit that’s it does it mean there is little or no opportunity for an enlisted person to further their education and rise in rank

Also if someone joins with WAEC and later obtains a degree while serving can he use that degree to pursue commissioning or move into a higher career path

And what exactly do you mean by joining through DSS after completing my studies Do you mean I should finish my Software Engineering degree first and then apply through a graduate entry route

Lastly sir between someone who joins with WAEC and someone who joins after obtaining a degree what are the major differences in career progression salary opportunities and retirement benefits

I’m asking because my main problem is financial and I don’t want to make a decision now that I will regret later

Ayodeleomo:
please donot join now.Try and finish your degree because when you join for you to go to school,you have to serve some years.I am serving soldier,i am talking out of experience.

Thank you sir I really appreciate your advice especially since you are currently serving

Please sir I want to understand the situation better

How many years does a recruit normally have to serve before being allowed to further his education

If someone joins with WAEC and later gains admission into a university can the military sponsor the education or does the person have to fund it himself

Also can a serving soldier obtain a degree and later use the degree to apply for commissioning or promotion to officer rank

And from your experience sir what are the biggest disadvantages you have seen among people who joined with only WAEC compared with those who joined after obtaining a degree

My main problem is financial pressure and that is why I am considering joining but I don’t want to make a decision that will limit my future career growth

KillJoy62:
You can join if u want, but have this in mind, when you join as an other rank that is through recruitment NCO, you would have to serve for a certain period either as a Lance Corporal or Corporal before you can apply for army sponsorship to further your studies this will be of great help when you want to apply for commissioning as SSC or DSSC or Executive Commission. The army would not honour your certificate if you got it through self sponsorship. Also when you join you may have to find a way to looby so as to get the corp of your choice because if you don't follow it up you will end up as a Bloody INFANTUA ICC and Jaji would be your home ground.

My brother I would not say don't join nor join but know that you are going to trade your freedom. Who no come no go know wetin I see.

Thank you very much sir I really appreciate this detailed explanation especially since you are speaking from experience

Please sir I want to ask some more questions so I can properly understand what I would be getting into

1. How many years or what rank does one normally need to reach before becoming eligible to apply for Army sponsorship for university
2. When you say the Army may not honour a certificate obtained through self sponsorship does that mean it cannot be used for SSC or DSSC commissioning or are there specific conditions attached to it
3. Between SSC DSSC and Executive Commission which of these routes is realistically available to someone who joins as a recruit and later obtains a degree through Army sponsorship
4. If someone joins with WAEC and wants to eventually move into Military Police or Provost how is the corps actually assigned and how much influence does the recruit have over the corps they are posted to
5. When you say someone may have to lobby to get the corps of their choice does that mean the posting is mostly based on the needs of the Army rather than personal choice
6. Lastly sir when you say you are trading your freedom what are the biggest things you have personally experienced that you think someone considering joining should know before making the decision

I’m asking all these because my reason for considering the military is mainly financial pressure but I also want to protect my long term career and education

Askaboutme29378:
Thank you sir I really appreciate the advice 🙏

Please sir I want to understand more from your experience

When you say once someone joins as a recruit that’s it does it mean there is little or no opportunity for an enlisted person to further their education and rise in rank

Also if someone joins with WAEC and later obtains a degree while serving can he use that degree to pursue commissioning or move into a higher career path

And what exactly do you mean by joining through DSS after completing my studies Do you mean I should finish my Software Engineering degree first and then apply through a graduate entry route

Lastly sir between someone who joins with WAEC and someone who joins after obtaining a degree what are the major differences in career progression salary opportunities and retirement benefits

I’m asking because my main problem is financial and I don’t want to make a decision now that I will regret later

Furthering your education isn't the problem, will they upgrade you after furthering? How many years will it take you to be upgraded? Mind you the route you are entering isn't an officer route meaning they have to upgrade you to an officer cadre, hoe many persons have you heard that was upgraded to officer cadre 10 years after enlistment with WAEC? These are the questions you should ask yourself or investigate before venturing, are you someone who will accept a lower level job for the next 15years if no then you should have a rethink but if yes go ahead.

Certainly if the military approves your education before going they should certainly accept your degrees post graduation but how long does this approval take? How long will you serve before they approve you go for your education? You will certainly serve for some time before they approve plus your study that's a long time. Sure you can certainly move to other career path if the military decides to impede on your ambition to progress in the military. Mind you, you cannot resign from the military until you serve for 15 years so says the military even when the court ruled against it as illegal that one can retire any time that's to tell you the military isn't a place you just enter and resign when things aren't going your way unless you want to dessert.

N/B someone who joins with WAEC with 35 years of service isn't equivalent to 1years of service with someone who gets in through Direct Short Service DSS(graduate route), Without the military commissioning you as an officer you are not getting to the Leutinant cadre before your retirement but interestingly that's the cadre you start as an Engineer post graduation. Applying for graduate route is the best option. If you can solve your financial problems don't even look back continue in this path.

If this was a question that you were passing through the route of Nigerian Defense Academy NDA into the military I would have said you should jump at the offer, but through recruit I won't say the same.

Your major obstacle seems to be finance. I'd ask: don't you have access to NELFUND?

There is barely anyone who will advise you to leave university and go for army recruitment. If it were the NDA, then the choice can be straightforward. Note that with your degree hopefully bagged in the next 3 to 4 years, you have tens of opportunities out of which joining the military is one.

I'd advise that you focus on your current study and ensure you get at least a 2.1. I see openings in the Army officer cadre because of the huge expansion that's begun. Don't make a decision that you'd come to regret in few years' time. Count yourself lucky as you're able to get into the university and land a good and marketable course. Make hay while the sun shines

Dear op, if it were the Navy or Air Force, I could have told you to go ahead. I also left university many years ago in my fourth year. Though at the time, I joined through the Officer Cadet route I meant the Defence Academy.

So, my advice to you is this. The Army is not even like the Navy or the Air Force. They recruit, advertise, and enlist people to join. So don't expect any fireworks or assume that everything will work out in your favour when things don't go your way.

Of course, we have people who go on courses to study nursing, for example. One of my godsons, who was a corporal, recently went on a nursing course in Lagos, at the Nigerian Army School of Nursing, and today he is a nurse. He is anticipating doing a Short Service Commission to become a commissioned officer. But the chances are slim, like I told him, because we have nurses who even have MSc and are still serving in the ranks.

I remember I had an instructor when I was a cadet in G-branch who had a PhD but was still Warrant Officer.

So, I advise you to finish your degree. But if you have the opportunity to join the Navy or the Air Force, I can advise you to go for it. That is where I believe you may have better opportunities.

In the Navy and Air Force, as long as you are willing to go to school and you have a good rapport with your superiors, especially your direct Commanding Officer, there may be opportunities for you to progress, go to school, and improve yourself, including the possibility of getting commissioned.

Though branch commissioning in the Air Force is very difficult to get, even harder than getting EC in the army.

But still, if it is the Navy or Air Force, I would advise you to consider it.

One thing I have noticed about the Air Force is that whenever I go to the base to see some of my coursemates, many of these Air Force personnel have master's degrees and even PhDs, and they are still serving as soldiers.

So, if it is the Air Force or Navy you want to join, I could tell you to go ahead, but make sure you continue developing yourself academically. Develop a good rapport with your superiors and conduct yourself properly.

You can even put in your papers along the line if you eventually decide that you no longer want the job. People leave the service after some time because they are no longer interested.

So, that's my advice for you. if it is the Army, reconsider your options. stretch yourself, You are studying a good course.

But if it is the Navy or Air Force you want to join, I could advise you to go ahead. Develop a good rapport with your superiors, especially your commander. Wherever ship you are posted to if you are in the Navy, develop yourself and maintain a good relationship with your superiors.

And if you are in the Air Force, wherever you are posted, do the same. As long as you are not in the Regiment, because if you are in the Regiment in the Air Force, it might be more difficult for you to go to school because of operations and many other responsibilities.

That's my advice.

Pray for direction from God in all. All you need to do is ask him for wisdom and he will show you the way. Goodluck with your choices. If you eventually join the army, try and reach out still. I believe airforce form is currently in sale though.

ExudeLoveToAll:
Furthering your education isn't the problem, will they upgrade you after furthering? How many years will it take you to be upgraded? Mind you the route you are entering isn't an officer route meaning they have to upgrade you to an officer cadre, hoe many persons have you heard that was upgraded to officer cadre 10 years after enlistment with WAEC? These are the questions you should ask yourself or investigate before venturing, are you someone who will accept a lower level job for the next 15years if no then you should have a rethink but if yes go ahead.

Certainly if the military approves your education before going they should certainly accept your degrees post graduation but how long does this approval take? How long will you serve before they approve you go for your education? You will certainly serve for some time before they approve plus your study that's a long time. Sure you can certainly move to other career path if the military decides to impede on your ambition to progress in the military. Mind you, you cannot resign from the military until you serve for 15 years so says the military even when the court ruled against it as illegal that one can retire any time that's to tell you the military isn't a place you just enter and resign when things aren't going your way unless you want to dessert.

N/B someone who joins with WAEC with 35 years of service isn't equivalent to 1years of service with someone who gets in through Direct Short Service DSS(graduate route), Without the military commissioning you as an officer you are not getting to the Leutinant cadre before your retirement but interestingly that's the cadre you start as an Engineer post graduation. Applying for graduate route is the best option. If you can solve your financial problems don't even look back continue in this path.

If this was a question that you were passing through the route of Nigerian Defense Academy NDA into the military I would have said you should jump at the offer, but through recruit I won't say the same.

You make some bluffs.

1. It's 10years to drop paper

2. We have EC (Executive commissioning in the army) and BR ( Branch commissioning he the airforce). He can harness any of this.

3. Many a SNCOs get commissioned and it's an every year thing. Even among the cadets passing out 26th this month in NDA, ECs and BCs dey among.

4. People leave the military even after a day service. Follow who know road............ 😁😁 Las Las MIA if you do at the front line or SOS but beg your ancestors and not come back.

Oracleee:
Dear op, if it were the Navy or Air Force, I could have told you to go ahead. I also left university many years ago in my fourth year. Though at the time, I joined through the Officer Cadet route I meant the Defence Academy.

So, my advice to you is this. The Army is not even like the Navy or the Air Force. They recruit, advertise, and enlist people to join. So don't expect any fireworks or assume that everything will work out in your favour when things don't go your way.

Of course, we have people who go on courses to study nursing, for example. One of my godsons, who was a corporal, recently went on a nursing course in Lagos, at the Nigerian Army School of Nursing, and today he is a nurse. He is anticipating doing a Short Service Commission to become a commissioned officer. But the chances are slim, like I told him, because we have nurses who even have MSc and are still serving in the ranks.

I remember I had an instructor when I was a cadet in G-branch who had a PhD but was still Warrant Officer.

So, I advise you to finish your degree. But if you have the opportunity to join the Navy or the Air Force, I can advise you to go for it. That is where I believe you may have better opportunities.

In the Navy and Air Force, as long as you are willing to go to school and you have a good rapport with your superiors, especially your direct Commanding Officer, there may be opportunities for you to progress, go to school, and improve yourself, including the possibility of getting commissioned.

Though branch commissioning in the Air Force is very difficult to get, even harder than getting EC in the army.

But still, if it is the Navy or Air Force, I would advise you to consider it.

One thing I have noticed about the Air Force is that whenever I go to the base to see some of my coursemates, many of these Air Force personnel have master's degrees and even PhDs, and they are still serving as soldiers.

So, if it is the Air Force or Navy you want to join, I could tell you to go ahead, but make sure you continue developing yourself academically. Develop a good rapport with your superiors and conduct yourself properly.

You can even put in your papers along the line if you eventually decide that you no longer want the job. People leave the service after some time because they are no longer interested.

So, that's my advice for you. if it is the Army, reconsider your options. stretch yourself, You are studying a good course.

But if it is the Navy or Air Force you want to join, I could advise you to go ahead. Develop a good rapport with your superiors, especially your commander. Wherever ship you are posted to if you are in the Navy, develop yourself and maintain a good relationship with your superiors.

And if you are in the Air Force, wherever you are posted, do the same. As long as you are not in the Regiment, because if you are in the Regiment in the Air Force, it might be more difficult for you to go to school because of operations and many other responsibilities.

That's my advice.

Pray for direction from God in all. All you need to do is ask him for wisdom and he will show you the way. Goodluck with your choices. If you eventually join the army, try and reach out still. I believe airforce form is currently in sale though.

Thank you very much sir for taking your time to explain all these to me I really appreciate it 🙏

Your advice has given me a lot to think about especially concerning finishing my degree and the differences between the Army Navy and Air Force

Sir if you don’t mind can I have your number so I can reach out to you privately from time to time for more guidance I would really appreciate being able to speak with someone who has actual military experience before making such an important decision

Thank you once again sir and God bless you

Askaboutme29378:
Thank you very much sir for taking your time to explain all these to me I really appreciate it 🙏

Your advice has given me a lot to think about especially concerning finishing my degree and the differences between the Army Navy and Air Force

Sir if you don’t mind can I have your number so I can reach out to you privately from time to time for more guidance I would really appreciate being able to speak with someone who has actual military experience before making such an important decision

Thank you once again sir and God bless you

Just send a mail. If you can, finish your degree please. Lots of opportunities in the civil world.

Oracleee:
You make some bluffs.

1. It's 10years to drop paper

2. We have EC (Executive commissioning in the army) and BR ( Branch commissioning he the airforce). He can harness any of this.

3. Many a SNCOs get commissioned and it's an every year thing. Even among the cadets passing out 26th this month in NDA, ECs and BCs dey among.

4. People leave the military even after a day service. Follow who know road............ 😁😁 Las Las MIA if you do at the front line or SOS but beg your ancestors and not come back.

Thanks for updating me, 10years to drop paper omo that's huge, a decade of service. Thanks for the info.

Askaboutme29378:
Good day sir/ma. I’m currently a 200-level student at Nigerian Army University Biu studying Software Engineering.

Due to serious financial difficulties, I’ve been considering leaving school temporarily to join the Armed Forces so I can become financially stable and hopefully continue my education later through the military.

I would really appreciate honest advice from people who already have experience in the military.

Is joining the military at this stage a wise decision, especially when I already have a university education in progress? What are the realities of joining as a recruit, particularly regarding salary, career progression, further education and the possibility of eventually returning to university?

I’m also particularly interested in the military/police or Provost side of the military. I would like to know whether it is possible to enter that area as a recruit and how someone can eventually get into Military Police/Provost duties.

Please don’t just tell me “join” or “don’t join.” I want to understand the advantages, disadvantages and things someone in my position should seriously consider before making the decision.

I would genuinely appreciate advice from people who have actually served or are currently serving.

Write to your school to give you leave of absence for 1 yr.

Try out your military school during that time, if it doesn't work then you go back to school.

Don't just drop out.

Seems like a fake story.
Why tf would you wanna do that??!
thought it was a regular Univ till I heard, Nigerian army University... as how??
Why?

dont ever leave your education and join as a recruit in any service

either apply for nda or wait after studies and apply for dssc or ssc in the military

sacajawea:
Seems like a fake story.
Why tf would you wanna do that??!
thought it was a regular Univ till I heard, Nigerian army University... as how??
Why?

It’s a civilian university.. just carry the military name to be prestigious google search it

Askaboutme29378:
It’s a civilian university.. just carry the military name to be prestigious google search it

even though, even at that. Nothing

Bro please further your studies, when you are done u can then apply for SSC or DSSC depending on what you studied.
I think an Officer also dropped the same message to you.
But if you wish to serve do it for the fun of it the job is cool u gonna learn a lot

Askaboutme29378:
Thank you very much sir I really appreciate this detailed explanation especially since you are speaking from experience

Please sir I want to ask some more questions so I can properly understand what I would be getting into

1. How many years or what rank does one normally need to reach before becoming eligible to apply for Army sponsorship for university
2. When you say the Army may not honour a certificate obtained through self sponsorship does that mean it cannot be used for SSC or DSSC commissioning or are there specific conditions attached to it
3. Between SSC DSSC and Executive Commission which of these routes is realistically available to someone who joins as a recruit and later obtains a degree through Army sponsorship
4. If someone joins with WAEC and wants to eventually move into Military Police or Provost how is the corps actually assigned and how much influence does the recruit have over the corps they are posted to
5. When you say someone may have to lobby to get the corps of their choice does that mean the posting is mostly based on the needs of the Army rather than personal choice
6. Lastly sir when you say you are trading your freedom what are the biggest things you have personally experienced that you think someone considering joining should know before making the decision

I’m asking all these because my reason for considering the military is mainly financial pressure but I also want to protect my long term career and education