Foreign military service during gap year

[and 99 others]

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Does military service (around 6 months) in a foreign country have the same effect as would U.S. military service? My birth country has mandatory military service for its citizens and I am thinking about doing mine this summer. Would it reflect well on me to have this experience? I am applying to U.S. schools this cycle as well but if necessary, I can take a short leave from service to come do interviews and such.

 

[Moko]

Does military service (around 6 months) in a foreign country have the same effect as would U.S. military service? My birth country has mandatory military service for its citizens and I am thinking about doing mine this summer. Would it reflect well on me to have this experience?

Having military training would be beneficial to your application due to the qualities that it promotes (discipline, teamwork, etc). However, it would not have the same effect as serving in the US military since military service in the US is not mandatory. You don't get extra credit by doing things that are essentially forced upon you.

 

[and 99 others]

Having military training would be beneficial to your application due to the qualities that it promotes (discipline, teamwork, etc). However, it would not have the same effect as serving in the US military since military service in the US is not mandatory. You don't get extra credit by doing things that are essentially forced upon you.

What if I did not mention that it was mandatory?

 

[Kardio]

What if I did not mention that it was mandatory?

Are you a US citizen?

 

[Moko]

What if I did not mention that it was mandatory?

That's where the magic of Google comes in. 😉
Countries With Mandatory Military Service 2019

Some countries are well-known for mandatory service requirements (S Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand come to mind). Any military service is better than none though (unless it involves a dishonorable discharge).

 

[Goro]

What if I did not mention that it was mandatory?

Then I would reject you outright for being dishonest because I know something about the military, and know that nationals from your country (which would be on your app form) are subject to the draft.

Or are you going to lie and say that you voluntarily enlisted? That would be a nice way to embark upon a profession that values professionalism and honesty.

Just tell the truth. Your service is not a negative.

 

[and 99 others]

Then I would reject you outright for being dishonest because I know something about the military, and know that nationals from your country (which would be on your app form) are subject to the draft.

Or are you going to lie and say that you voluntarily enlisted? That would be a nice way to embark upon a profession that values professionalism and honesty.

Just tell the truth. Your service is not a negative.

I don't see how that would be a lie. I don't really think it's pertinent enough for me to HAVE TO go out of my way to mention it was mandatory. Of course, if asked, I would tell the truth, and like Moko mentioned, Google is a thing!

 

[and 99 others]

Follow-up question: would it be better to remain in the states during my gap year and continue doing research or is the military service better? I can put the military service off if I want to.

 

[Goro]

Follow-up question: would it be better to remain in the states during my gap year and continue doing research or is the military service better? I can put the military service off if I want to.

Research is over-rated. Engage in service to others less fortunate than yourself.

 

[Moko]

Research is over-rated. Engage in service to others less fortunate than yourself.

To provide a counter-view: research is life, or so my department tells me

 

[and 99 others]

Research is over-rated. Engage in service to others less fortunate than yourself.

I'm doing that too! Lots of volunteering in disadvantaged neighborhoods. But was just wondering how these compare to military service

 

[TelemarketingEnigma]

Follow-up question: would it be better to remain in the states during my gap year and continue doing research or is the military service better? I can put the military service off if I want to.

For how long can you postpone service? If you truly must serve at some point, your gap year is likely to be the best time to do it (depending on the length of commitment required). Once you jump into medical training, it's pretty difficult to take extended time off without it impacting your training/job prospects.

edit: you may also want to consider taking two gap years - depending on what is required during your time in the service, it may be very difficult to apply/interview for med school during that time

 

[and 99 others]

For how long can you postpone service? If you truly must serve at some point, your gap year is likely to be the best time to do it (depending on the length of commitment required). Once you jump into medical training, it's pretty difficult to take extended time off without it impacting your training/job prospects.

edit: you may also want to consider taking two gap years - depending on what is required during your time in the service, it may be very difficult to apply/interview for med school during that time

Unfortunately, my MCAT expires for most schools this year so I need to apply this year, as I don't want to retake. The military service laws and waivers always change so it'll be up to chance if I decide to postpone.

 

[candbgirl]

I'm doing that too! Lots of volunteering in disadvantaged neighborhoods. But was just wondering how these compare to military service

You have to do the military service so just do it. Get it done so you can move on.

 

[Laradd]

It definilty is something that can make your resume more impressive if you spin it right