Pledging While In The Military

jessehr3 · #1 10-13-2009, 04:50 PM

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

LaneSig · #2 10-13-2009, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jessehr3

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

Define "in the military".

knight_shadow · #3 10-13-2009, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaneSig

Define "in the military".

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.

jessehr3 · #4 10-13-2009, 05:00 PM

Active duty enlisted or officer.

LaneSig · #5 10-13-2009, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jessehr3

Active duty enlisted or officer.

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.

knight_shadow · #6 10-13-2009, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaneSig

(If we are talking IFC.)

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

LaneSig · #7 10-13-2009, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knight_shadow

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.

knight_shadow · #8 10-13-2009, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaneSig

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.

KSUViolet06 · #9 10-13-2009, 05:09 PM

If you are on active duty (enlisted or officer), I doubt you have the time for it.

jessehr3 · #10 10-13-2009, 05:28 PM

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.

knight_shadow · #11 10-13-2009, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jessehr3

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?

LaneSig · #12 10-13-2009, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jessehr3

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.

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.

knight_shadow · #13 10-13-2009, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaneSig

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.

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

Psi U MC Vito · #14 10-13-2009, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knight_shadow

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

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.

knight_shadow · #15 10-13-2009, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psi U MC Vito

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.

It can, depending on what your job is.

I'm not saying it's easy, but it's obviously been done.