Hello my name is Matt Clement. I am looking to join the Navy and become a SEAL but I am right now a collegiate athlete. I play baseball and am a freshman. I have had the desire to become a SEAL since before i can remember. I cant wake up in the morning and not think about it. I have been in college for almost a semester and I am having trouble focusing on school because I really don't want to be there knowing that I could join whenever I want and accomplish my ultimate goal. But my parents are really pushing me to finish school and my father really wants to see me stick with baseball. I have been thinking about joining ASAP and I'm looking for some advice in whether I should stick with school and join after or pursue it right away.

Hey Matt,
Welcome to the board. I think most people here will suggest that you continue your education and plan on shipping or depping when you get out. A college degree affords you the opportunity to apply for an OCS billet, and a lot can happen in the four years you'll spend at school. Much maturing is done and you'll likely be more prepared at the end of your time there. Plus, you'll be training with a college team which is irreplaceable in the "real world". I don't know what your current conditioning is, but you can use those years to really get yourself prepared, physically and mentally.

For the officer topic, couple things to keep in mind, number one, the OCS billet is highly competitive, and you can spend your college career getting ready for it, which is not something you can do after the fact. You can also spend time enlisted and go officer later, if that's your choice. Third, the Navy will help pay off your loans or put your loans on hold until you get out...both of which are, IMO, better options than trying to get college paid for after the fact.

All that being said, there are people that are fully prepared and cannot wait...if that's you, then your choice is pretty clear, but you need to be clear with yourself that you're ready.

In the end, it's up to you, but I would suggest you finish school and spend the meantime getting yourself in SEAL shape.

Andrew thank you for your reply. I am 100% sure of myself that when I do join and make my way to BUD/s that I will succeed in my goal. My plan as of now if I wasn't going to complete 4 years of college was to get my AA degree and then join. Although there is still that itch I have when I get up in the morning and prepare to go to school.

as stated earlier the decision is yours, however i would have to disagree w/ with mr andrew. and not because im a recruiter or anything. College is always going to be there, going to BUD/S is not. You will get college education in the Navy whether you are actually in school or not since all Navy training is equivicated into college credits anyway. As far as baseball, and hell college in general, if you are not into it right now then maybe now isnt the right time do be doing all that. College is something everyone should do, but only when they really want to learn and be there. Why continue to do something that your heart really isnt in to right now. You're only doing it to please your parents. We have a guy down here in st. pete who actually was playing in the major leagues. He had depped in the Navy w/ an SO contract, left to pursue ball, then decided after playing for a bit that he wanted back in, rejoined and has an SO contract again. He gave up the Majors to pursue his dream as a SEAL. Just some more stuff for you to think about.

in re baseball, you preserve future NCAA eligibility if you leave for the military.... You gotta decide what's best for you. Both could be good paths.