Pledging While In The Military
 

Would you pledge a fraternity or sorority if you were in the military?

Define "in the military".

Active duty enlisted or officer.

Right.

I've heard of several people who pledged while in the Reserves.

Several of the folks I've talked to (Army brat here) who are enlisted or commissioned, though, see the military branches as fraternal organizations, so there was no real desire to join another similar organization.

Of course, this isn't everyone's experience.

I'm just wondering when and if an active duty enlisted guy or an active duty officer would have time to fulfill their military duties and take the full load of classes to be eligible to pledge a fraternity. (If we are talking IFC.)

We had several members who were in Reserves or National Guard, but it rarely interfered with the chapter. We tried to plan our formals around their military weekends so they wouldn't miss out. I knew several ROTC guys who were in houses. But, I honestly don't see how an active duty enlisted or officer would have the time.

I'd think that would apply to all of the councils, honestly.

I didn't pay attention to the "or sorority" bit until after I posted. The only reason I didn't say a blanket statement for all the councils was the belief that some NPHC groups allow alumni initiations and might have some active duty military join that way.

I hadn't considered that. Good catch.

I was wondering because I know some people that join the Masons while in the military. I am currenty active duty and my days are not that busy. It just depends on your job.

Seems like a pretty good answer.

Random question -- do you agree that the military provides a fraternal bond similar to fraternities/sororities? What made you want to join a GLO?

But, are you carrying a full course load? Most, if not all, schools require that you are taking at least 12 hours of classes to pledge. If you can be full time active, carry a full load of courses, and pledge a group, go for it.

eta: The comparison of joining the Masons while active duty to joining a GLO while active duty is apples to lugwrenches.

I guess it could be comparable to having a full-time job and taking classes. I know it's been done before.

This made me chuckle lol

Having a full time job and taking a full course load is bad enough. Then add the time for pledge or fraternity activities and you are talking damn near impossible. And active duty doesn't really correspond to having a full time job if you think about it.