Can I join the army and go to boot camp at the least invasive time?

[Jones]

I have a very strong desire to join the army. Selfishly, I don't want to do it for love of my country or anything patriotic like that (though I suppose that plays into it), but I would really like to go through basic training/boot camp simply for the experience, learning, and physical activity. As a writer, also, I believe the overall experience would be at the very least inspiring.
There's also the plus of it helping out paying with my education.
My education is very important to me, and I have been doing well for myself, besides financially.
Anyhow, I would like to see about boot camp being the least invasive as possible; ideally, from the end of the spring semester until the beginning of fall, so that I might continue school right afterwards. (Yes, I know, I could be deployed)
Also as I understand there is only a certain period of time after basic that you can be deployed, and after a certain number of years, you no longer can; is this true?
Any answers or other info is cool. Thanks
I don't really have a problem with any branch of the army (army/nat guard/navy/air force), and I would like to go for what might be the most demanding training or greatest learning experience, provided that it can still be done over the course of a summer.

I think the only problems I might encounter would be that I am somewhat flat-footed, and have somewhat poor vision (astigmatism).

I'm in this for the experience and personal discovery.
Thanks for the feedback so far, even the negative type stuff; I am just very concerned about my education right now, as well, I have been in school for a very long time taking extra classes and although I would really like to be able to continue doing so, and living life and having personal experiences like these, I would also like to finish school and be able to find a secure job, regardless of military experience.
I realize that even if I do this and finish my degree, I could be torn away from it at any time and deployed.

 

[Glenna]

Talk to a recruiter. That is your best bet. You are going to get some very strange looks though.

As for your question about deployment, you have been misinformed. Once you complete AIT, you can be deployed as often as they need you. That includes up until the day you get out of the Army. Even then, they can call you back up. The Army deploys often and for long periods of time. If going to school is your top priority.... the Army may not be the best branch for you. You need to re-evaluate your whole thought process. Start talking to recruiters from all the branches. Tell them what your intent for joining is. They'll be able to help you decide.

Even if you do get into bootcamp during the summer months, you won't immediately get to start going to school. Well, you will, but not the way you think. Immediately after bootcamp, you spend X amount of time at AIT. Its the "school" where you learn your career. Have you thought of that as well? What career do you want to do in the Army? Remember that you don't necessarily get exactly what you want.