Joining the Military [USA]

[Realist Peter Pan]

Found it on this page. http://www.military.com/military-fitness/army-fitness-requirements/army-basic-training-pft

The army isn't the only corps that does combat, it depends on the combat job you do.

 

http://www.airforce.com/careers/#interest:special-operations

 

http://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-categories/combat.AR-both.html

 

https://www.navy.com/careers/special-operations.html

 

That's not including the pilot jobs out there that are considered combat.

 

and physical requirements are different for every corps

[Slash003]

The army isn't the only corps that does combat, it depends on the combat job you do.

 

http://www.airforce.com/careers/#interest:special-operations

 

http://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-categories/combat.AR-both.html

 

https://www.navy.com/careers/special-operations.html

 

That's not including the pilot jobs out there that are considered combat.

 

and physical requirements are different for every corps

Very true, but I mainly looked at the one for 2 reasons. 1. The time is a bit away so I do not need to find the exact requirements as I'm already training myself currently for those, and 2. The branch I'm leaning towards is the army, Although the requirements for the Seals are within reach of my current physical condition. Might go for that.

[Juggernaught]

If you are interested in Linguistics then you are looking for a position within intelligence.  A 35M is "Human Intelligence" they are sent to Defense Language Institute (DLI) for approximately a year to learn a language after basic and advanced individual training (AIT).  Before you can go to DLI though you are required to take a test to determine if you have the ability to learn a language.  Also, just to get into military intelligence (MI) you have to have a background check done (security clearance).  I am not sure what ASVAB score is needed.  

 

If you just enjoy being around people and working on paperwork and such then a 42A (Human Resource Specialist) may be another choice you can look up.

 

PM Me if you have any specific questions that I may answer or give you a phone number to speak to an individual that may give you better answers.

[rcarteraz]

Wow, the IDF, huh? Good luck to you too, and thanks for the warm sentiments.

 

Yea, I saw first hand what they will do (went with brothers when they enlisted) to get someone to sign. My brother was Tier I in the army, picked a MOS, waited for it but was then sent overseas doing something completely unrelated to his MOS. He probably didn't read his contract all the way through, but definitely a story to remember. So I will be sure not to fall into any traps or let them lie to me. And if they do, I will be sure to report it or wait for another recruiter.

 

Oh, and not a lot of places online to go to ask these questions. Not, at least, before you sign up.

 

 

Yikes. It must be a pretty big problem if every soldier I meet tells me they are only trying to fill a quota. :lol:  I'll be careful while I'm there then. Just wanted to bring a good list of stuff to ask, so they don't disregard me or whatnot.

 

If you want to see the world then the Navy is your best bet. You'll do a lot of traveling with them. I didn't really do much traveling while in the Army because that's not really how they operate. You're sent to a duty station and you stay there for a couple years. Yes, these stations can be outside the US. There are several of them but they are highly wanted so it's harder to get. Yeah, there are some limited opportunities for a TDY (temporary duty assignment) but nothing like what you can do if stationed on a ship in the Navy. The Marine Corp is similar but probably more opportunity to get stationed around the world vs. the Army. Same with the Air Force. The best thing you can do is speak with a recruiter from all the services. Let them know too that you are just looking for information to make a decision and you are going to them all to find what suits you best. Tell them you aren't committing to anything until you've had the chance to find out what you want. Just make sure you pay attention to everything they tell you and if they promise you anything make sure you tell them you want that in writing.

 

Good luck.

[Juggernaught]

If you want to see the world then the Navy is your best bet. You'll do a lot of traveling with them. I didn't really do much traveling while in the Army because that's not really how they operate. You're sent to a duty station and you stay there for a couple years. Yes, these stations can be outside the US. There are several of them but they are highly wanted so it's harder to get. Yeah, there are some limited opportunities for a TDY (temporary duty assignment) but nothing like what you can do if stationed on a ship in the Navy. The Marine Corp is similar but probably more opportunity to get stationed around the world vs. the Army. Same with the Air Force. The best thing you can do is speak with a recruiter from all the services. Let them know too that you are just looking for information to make a decision and you are going to them all to find what suits you best. Tell them you aren't committing to anything until you've had the chance to find out what you want. Just make sure you pay attention to everything they tell you and if they promise you anything make sure you tell them you want that in writing.

 

Good luck.

I concur with this.  In the Army your stationed CONUS (State Side) more often than not.  Navy and Air Force do all of the traveling which is pro/con.  When you're young and not married it's great and should be taken advantage of as you get older in your career and want a family it will cause some issues, but can be overcome.  

[Albatross]

I made an edit to the title since I decided not to limit myself to the Army pages ago.

 

If anyone else is looking to join and has questions to ask, feel free to use this thread if you want.  I will be visiting an Army Recruiter and an Air Force recruiter, so if you can't relatively soon but have questions you really want answered, post them and I'll be sure to ask.

 

Sweet! I pass many of the physical tests already or close there because I do them as three times daily as exercise.  Tell us how it goes!

 

Wow, congratz to you!

 

And I will be sure to post back what happens.

 

If you are interested in Linguistics then you are looking for a position within intelligence.  A 35M is "Human Intelligence" they are sent to Defense Language Institute (DLI) for approximately a year to learn a language after basic and advanced individual training (AIT).  Before you can go to DLI though you are required to take a test to determine if you have the ability to learn a language.  Also, just to get into military intelligence (MI) you have to have a background check done (security clearance).  I am not sure what ASVAB score is needed.  

 

If you just enjoy being around people and working on paperwork and such then a 42A (Human Resource Specialist) may be another choice you can look up.

 

PM Me if you have any specific questions that I may answer or give you a phone number to speak to an individual that may give you better answers.

 

Yea, I am interested in Linguistics. I have been told they don't really teach you Linguistics, just languages, but I haven't met anyone in any of the MOS to ask this of, so I will have to put that on the list of questions to ask the recruiter. I was looking at 09L, but I don't want to be stuck behind a screen all day, as I do that already. I will put down on the list to ask about the 35M MOS and its details too, and from what I remember, the ASVAB score is 101 on ST I think.

 

I'm hoping that my conlanging will help me score a Linguistics MOS. I have no reason to believe it won't, since it is creating languages and understanding them, but they will probably look at me funny. :lol:

 

If you want to see the world then the Navy is your best bet. You'll do a lot of traveling with them. I didn't really do much traveling while in the Army because that's not really how they operate. You're sent to a duty station and you stay there for a couple years. Yes, these stations can be outside the US. There are several of them but they are highly wanted so it's harder to get. Yeah, there are some limited opportunities for a TDY (temporary duty assignment) but nothing like what you can do if stationed on a ship in the Navy. The Marine Corp is similar but probably more opportunity to get stationed around the world vs. the Army. Same with the Air Force. The best thing you can do is speak with a recruiter from all the services. Let them know too that you are just looking for information to make a decision and you are going to them all to find what suits you best. Tell them you aren't committing to anything until you've had the chance to find out what you want. Just make sure you pay attention to everything they tell you and if they promise you anything make sure you tell them you want that in writing.

 

Good luck.

 

I know it far more unlikely to happen in the Army, but if that doesn't pan out, I will be looking toward the Air Force. I really don't think I would be comfortable in the Navy at all, but if the Army and Air Force can't work for me on what I want to do, Navy will I'm told by many. The reasons I want Army for now is that they have the most careers for women, gives the most waivers (I may need one for a non-serious issue) and has two careers I am interested in directly (11A/B or 09L) and is expected to open combat roles to women this FY, whereas the Air Force hasn't set a date yet (though Deborah Lee James really wants to open them) and the Marine Corps basically said no. I really hope Carter makes a decision soon.

 

I plan on visiting the an Air Force recruiter next, as it is further away than the Army Recruiters (by a few hours) and apparently...there aren't any Navy recruitment centers in my state at all! The official website directs me to two out of state. Wow. I'll have to google it when I'm not so tired.

 

I may need to go back to the recruiters once my medical records come in to discuss my medical history and if needed, how to get a waiver if possible, but I'm really hopeful that it will all go smoothly.

 

 

[Albatross]

Because of the storm that ripped through my state recently, I could not leave the days I intended. A flood made leaving impossible, as all the roads out of town are surrounded by rivers and lakes. You wouldn't believe what it looked like but it scared the living hell out of me. However, I'm leaving tomorrow for the recruiter's station! Finally, feels like it has been forever. If anyone has some questions, whether you are also joining or just curious, please let me know immediately so I can write them down.

 

That said, I'm hoping you guys can talk some people skills into me. I don't talk to people much, the very thought of it makes my head hurt, so I'm very nervous but also very, very excited. Any good tips from fellow nervous or shy people on how to make this go smoothly or less awkwardly? I don't want my recruiter to think I'm not interested, or a weirdo and decides I'm not eligible to join. :lol:

 

I wanted to say thanks to all the kind and supportive people in this thread too. Believe it or not, I wouldn't have gotten this far without you. I would have just assumed the worse that I couldn't join or meet the requirements, but talking to you guys proved otherwise. So thanks to all of you. 

 

[Realist Peter Pan]

SNIP*

Just be a normal person, you'll be fine. Just be ready for your test, and don't worry. It's just screening for a job. 

[Albatross]

Just be a normal person, you'll be fine. Just be ready for your test, and don't worry. It's just screening for a job. 

 

Easier said than done. haha but I will try and just face whatever happens like a pro loser. I won't be taking the test tomorrow, or I hope not to at least, as I am not prepared and I don't want to kill off my two chances without the 6 month penalty wait. I'm hoping my recruiter can fill in some answers for my ASVAB questions and some materials or sites I can buy/go to so that I relearn or freshen up where needed. Science mostly...damn you science.  :angry: 

[Realist Peter Pan]

Easier said than done. haha but I will try and just face whatever happens like a pro loser. I won't be taking the test tomorrow, or I hope not to at least, as I am not prepared and I don't want to kill off my two chances without the 6 month penalty wait. I'm hoping my recruiter can fill in some answers for my ASVAB questions and some materials or sites I can buy/go to so that I relearn or freshen up where needed. Science mostly...damn you science.  :angry:

Most of it is just high school jazz...and if you weren't skilled in reading Electronic wiring diagrams already, I don't think you want to be in a job for it either... 

[RatedBlam]

Our army gives very little shits about your health status when you enter.

But then again it's not a volunteer military.

[Albatross]

Well...I talked to a recruiter! For the first few minutes I could barely speak (mostly because some rude lady was glaring at me) but I wasn't a total idiot, so yay for that! But unfortunately the Air Force center moved to another city, so I have to figure out how I'm going to bike all the way to the center. haha anyways there were only three recruiters packed into a relatively small space and two of them did not lift their heads to greet me, or even acknowledged me. I was about to leave because I didn't want bad recruiters. However, one man got up to say hi and he was very friendly. Even allowed me to carry my goofy notebook in with my questions. :lol:

 

If anyone wants details, feel free to ask. The main thing I think was important that he answered for me was that GED applicants are not restricted to Tier II if they can score higher than 50 on the ASVAB. So if I can get the score I need for the MOS I want, I won't need 15 100-level college credits. This was a huge relief and now all I have to do is wait for my medical records to arrive and pray that I am clear to go (granted that I improve my endurance for running and muscle for push ups).

 

Exciting day! I am going back soon, as i have more questions to ask. So if anyone still wants some questions asked and answered, add them here or PM me.

 

(I asked about combat roles for women and he basically said everything but 11A/B and similar were still closed but were a "work in progress". Maybe by the end of the FY there will be more combat roles open.)

 

Most of it is just high school jazz...and if you weren't skilled in reading Electronic wiring diagrams already, I don't think you want to be in a job for it either... 

 
Yea, he said it would mostly just be high school stuff, almost entirely math. He gave me a website that will not only help me score higher on the ASVAB, but help me prepare for the GED test. If anyone is interested, it is called "march2success" and it is completely free.
 
@ the bolded: that's almost exactly what my recruiter said.
 
 

Our army gives very little shits about your health status when you enter.
But then again it's not a volunteer military.

 
I don't think that's entirely true.

[RatedBlam]

Well...I talked to a recruiter! For the first few minutes I could barely speak (mostly because some rude lady was glaring at me) but I wasn't a total idiot, so yay for that! But unfortunately the Air Force center moved to another city, so I have to figure out how I'm going to bike all the way to the center. haha anyways there were only three recruiters packed into a relatively small space and two of them did not lift their heads to greet me, or even acknowledged me. I was about to leave because I didn't want bad recruiters. However, one man got up to say hi and he was very friendly. Even allowed me to carry my goofy notebook in with my questions. :lol:

If anyone wants details, feel free to ask. The main thing I think was important that he answered for me was that GED applicants are not restricted to Tier II if they can score higher than 50 on the ASVAB. So if I can get the score I need for the MOS I want, I won't need 15 100-level college credits. This was a huge relief and now all I have to do is wait for my medical records to arrive and pray that I am clear to go (granted that I improve my endurance for running and muscle for push ups).

Exciting day! I am going back soon, as i have more questions to ask. So if anyone still wants some questions asked and answered, add them here or PM me.

(I asked about combat roles for women and he basically said everything but 11A/B and similar were still closed but were a "work in progress". Maybe by the end of the FY there will be more combat roles open.)

Yea, he said it would mostly just be high school stuff, almost entirely math. He gave me a website that will not only help me score higher on the ASVAB, but help me prepare for the GED test. If anyone is interested, it is called "march2success" and it is completely free.

@ the bolded: that's almost exactly what my recruiter said.

I don't think that's entirely true.

Might help with the confusion to say that im not from the us.

[Albatross]

Might help with the confusion to say that im not from the us.

 

Ah. Well what country are you from that the military doesn't care about their soldiers' health status?

[Yuval]

Ah. Well what country are you from that the military doesn't care about their soldiers' health status?

 

It depends on your definition of not caring. Some armies require less from soldiers therefore their requirements in terms of health are lower. Or are just in need for motivated people to serve, and are not being picky.

[Tsuki]

grats on wanting to be a linguist, the schools are challenging.  but well worth it.

 

biggest thing i can tell you, is READ YOUR CONTRACT BEFORE YOU SIGN IT.   i got screwed out of a $15k enlistment bonus because my recruiter "forgot" to put it in my contract.

[Yuval]

grats on wanting to be a linguist, the schools are challenging.  but well worth it.

 

biggest thing i can tell you, is READ YOUR CONTRACT BEFORE YOU SIGN IT.   i got screwed out of a $15k enlistment bonus because my recruiter "forgot" to put it in my contract.

u fukin wut

 

thats about as much as i'd get total in 3 years (32 months) in the IDF. 

[Tsuki]

u fukin wut

 

thats about as much as i'd get total in 3 years (32 months) in the IDF. 

yea commo(im 25U) was getting insane enlistment bonuses when i signed up.  had a guy in my AIT who got $20k, few others with $10k.   half when you finish AIT and the other half when your contract is up.  i was supposed to get $15k but my recruiter was a piece of shit, showed me a different contract than the one i signed.

[RatedBlam]

Ah. Well what country are you from that the military doesn't care about their soldiers' health status?

Im from finland. And its not that they dont care. But all men must serve in the army. So they dont pick the best ones.

[Albatross]

It depends on your definition of not caring. Some armies require less from soldiers therefore their requirements in terms of health are lower. Or are just in need for motivated people to serve, and are not being picky.

 

 I assumed his meaning was that they require way less in terms of health.

 

grats on wanting to be a linguist, the schools are challenging.  but well worth it.

 

biggest thing i can tell you, is READ YOUR CONTRACT BEFORE YOU SIGN IT.   i got screwed out of a $15k enlistment bonus because my recruiter "forgot" to put it in my contract.

 

Thanks! I hope I can succeed.

 

Yikes. It sucks that there are recruiters like that. Once they do that kind of stuff, they shouldn't be allowed to continue to recruit or should be forced to have an assistant that will record where needed or help the enlistee when promised bonuses or with their contracts at all. Though only the honest people who care should be there...

 

Im from finland. And its not that they dont care. But all men must serve in the army. So they dont pick the best ones.

 

 

Ah, okay. Well I guess being overweight or something wouldn't be much of a problem if they had desk jobs...

[Tsuki]

 Yikes. It sucks that there are recruiters like that. Once they do that kind of stuff, they shouldn't be allowed to continue to recruit or should be forced to have an assistant that will record where needed or help the enlistee when promised bonuses or with their contracts at all. Though only the honest people who care should be there...

recruiters have a quota for how many people they get. they'll do anything to make it. sadly very few actually care about the people they are recruiting, and how it will affect them.

[Albatross]

recruiters have a quota for how many people they get. they'll do anything to make it. sadly very few actually care about the people they are recruiting, and how it will affect them.

 

It boils my blood. They should face penalties for treating people like that. People should also start recording discussions with recruiters, even if they aren't going to say something wrong or lie, it could help retain information they give anyways.

[Albatross]

I know this thread is pretty old but just wanted to update y'all on my enlistment into the military like I said I would. Also I've seen many others through googling who are in the same boat as me, so hopefully if one of them googles their question they come across this thread.

 

Okay...onward.

 

Spoiler

 

I went to the same Armed Forces Career Center (recruiter's station) again finally (yay life) and saw plenty of others were stationed there, but no civilians, so it was perfect! So I sat down with a new recruiter and started talking to him. Whereas the last recruiter was just kind, this guy was beyond kind and engaging. I told him about my questions and worries (medical) and he—and the others—all jumped in to offer advise, help and explanations of some things (except one dude I'll talk about later in this post). They didn't seem surprised about my medical history in a way that meant "I don't think you'll get in", so I asked to fill in a medical pre-screen and was told I needed to do a ASVAB pre-test first in order to get the paper work filled in for my pre-screen. I did do that and the recruiters all said the only thing I need to worry about at all was meeting the physical requirements (they couldn't tape me because there weren't any females around) and getting my score higher (as predicted, I did horribly on math lol).

So let me share some info about what I learned from them and from extensive googling after getting proper terms added to my vocabulary that they indeed verified:

• In 2012 Obama signed an amendment to National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) through the urging of HSLDA stating homeschoolers could not be discriminated against when joining the military. This means that homeschoolers do not need to score 20 points higher than their counterparts to be able to enlist. That means Tier II applicants are only for those with a GED already (could be different per state though so always check with your recruiter and bring up the NDAA changes). But if you have been homeschooled and issued a diploma by your parent/homeschooling teacher that can be verified with transcripts, you are considered Tier I/the same as highschoolers. *Finally! I don't understand how they could treat homeschoolers like complete morons in the first place when they generally score higher than highschoolers...
• Medical issues can be read in the AR 40-501 and the more detailed DoDi 6130.03. This will give you an understanding of what is and isn't disqualified, and if something can get a waiver. This helped me out tremendously and can serve anyone looking for answers greatly.
• The Army (at least) accepts CLEP credits! This is especially helpful for GED holders who need 15-24 credits to enlist or enlist at a higher rank. This is also helpful for anyone, really. Just remember to get proper transcripts and do the needed classes (recruiter will tell you what that is)!
• The Army (seems to) recommends Khanacademy to freshen up on or learn what is needed to pass the ASVAB/tests. Also, they give you a link to a site called "March2Success" which is designed to help with the ASVAB.
• Whatever you score on the ASVAB pre-test is expected to actually be 5-10 points higher on the actual test. (warning: recruiting stations really do use pirated Windows on early 2000 laptops lol)
• They have a new testing method people enlisting can choose to do instead of the ASVAB. I can't remember the exact name, but he said it was called something "PIE". All the recruiters talked at once at that point and I forgot to ask for the name again, but they said this test could be taken once (and forever I think) and would only need to be "validated" with 5 questions drawn from your test at MEPs.
• Female integration into combat roles will take at least 3 years and despite common belief, combat roles will not have lower standard tests to allow women in. Each branch will have to set a separate standard for combat roles or roles that require high levels of endurance and strength. Women who can pass it get in, women and men who can't, don't get in.
• Weight is only an issue if you can't pass the tape test. Height is an issue overall though.
• You need 3 people unrelated to you and not living with you that you have known for 10+ years to basically validate what you say, who you are and if you aren't a scumbag. I don't know if this is new, but the recruiters all made an effort to point this out several times, so I doubt you can get away with having no one written down.

 

Also they asked me if I got any tattoos, if did any drugs, got any tickets or into trouble/had debts, was on any medications and I said no to it all. I said, "I don't even own a car. I biked here." They were beyond surprised and started laughing (at me?) and said I could just skip the entire section in the paperwork about criminal background. I guess most if not all people who walk in have criminal histories. Oh, and as for that dude I mentioned I'd talk about...well, that was the first recruiter I saw and he didn't even recognize me. And he was the only one of five that stayed quiet and unhelpful, with his face glued to his phone.

 

Overall the experience was really nice, and I found it a lot easier to talk to them than the last man. The recruiter I talked to gave me his card with his email and phone number on it, my paperwork to fill in and explained what everything was, handed me pamphlets on various things for the Active Army which the last wouldn't even give me, and even joked/talked to me about a whole lot of stuff (like his love for Dr. Pepper lol). I've only met six recruiters but I have to say I really hope most are like the four I met on Friday. They got me very excited to join the Army and start a better life for myself and for my family.

 

So once I lose the last of my weight to get the best results (as I was told meeting the best requirement possible can help me be promoted later on if I do well in BCT) and finish studying math in my free time, I'm heading back there to give MEPS my medical records and paperwork to hopefully get signed in after they go through my history. Hopefully when it reaches that time the recruiter I talked to will be there.

 

 

If there is anything you guys wanna know, perhaps I was told or read it while in their office. Just drop a comment or PM me and I'll be glad to help (or ask them when I go back). I'll keep this thread updated as I go through the rest of my process.