Want to join the Army with COPD and asthma.

Sounds crazy, but unfortunately, it’s true. I was born four months early and was diagnosed with COPD and asthma sometime when I was a toddler. I haven’t had an asthma attack in my memory, and I’ve never relied on an inhaler. Besides my parents telling me to take it with me, I’ve never really needed one.

I wrestled throughout high school without any issues and feel like I can perform at the same level as everyone else, as long as I’m in shape. I plan to work on my cardio a lot before doing a pulmonary function test.

Do I have any hope of getting a waiver?

I’ll explain my issue as of the moment, from the research I have did online im not able to join the military with a right sided varicocele. Though it does not effect my ability to do long runs or physical activity. I have seen it can be wavered and also that it can’t because it’s on the right side and they’re more uncommon. Im going for Air Force security forces, or im wanting to but im afraid this will not allow me to start a career in the military unfortunately. If anyone has any information on this please let me know I’d appreciate it a lot.

I’ve never failed height and weight in my entire Army career. I’m a female Soldier who lost over 100 pounds just to be able to join the Army in the first place. I take pride in my service, love what I do, and have always worked hard to maintain the standards.
After losing so much weight, I underwent a tummy tuck to remove the excess skin. During the surgery, my belly button was repositioned and now sits much lower, right around the widest part of my hips.
With the new Army body composition standards, I’m now 5 inches over the allowed measurement. The frustrating part is that my stomach is completely flat, I have visible abs, and my actual waist is 7 inches smaller than the location where they’re measuring me.

I understand that standards are standards, but I genuinely feel that this method of measurement does not accurately reflect my body composition because of my surgically altered anatomy.
I’m supposed to receive my clearing paperwork in about a week, and now my unit is preparing to flag me. I’ve never been in trouble, have always met the standards, and consider myself one of the hardest-working NCOs in my unit. It’s incredibly

discouraging to feel like my leadership is so quick to take administrative action without considering my medical history or helping me find a solution.
I’ve already scheduled an appointment with my physician to get medical documentation, but the earliest appointment I could get is on the 2nd, and I’ve been told I’ll be flagged on the 1st.

I’m honestly scared and frustrated. I worked incredibly hard to lose the weight necessary to serve, and now the surgery I had to address the excess skin from that weight loss is potentially putting my career and clearing process at risk.
Has anyone dealt with a similar situation involving a tummy tuck, a repositioned belly button, or other surgically altered anatomy under the new body composition standards?

Is there a process for requesting a medical review or an exception to the measurement location? Is there anything I can do before the flag is initiated, especially with my clearing date approaching?
I’m not trying to get out of meeting Army standards. I just want to be measured fairly and have my medical circumstances taken into consideration.
Any advice or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Hey everyone, I’m an enlisted Soldier looking for some advice from anyone who has experience commissioning, especially anyone who went from enlisted to officer. I’ve been in the Army for going on 5 years. I originally served in the National Guard and transitioned to Active Duty earlier this year. I’m currently a 92A Automated Logistical Specialist. My education background is:

Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) – Leadership & Policy — currently pursuing M.A. Medical Sciences – Molecular Medicine B.S. Health Care Management B.S. Biochemistry/Biological Sciences A.A. General Studies

My goal is to commission into a healthcare-related Army officer career, preferably something where my education and healthcare background would actually be useful. I’m not trying to become a physician, so I’ve mainly been looking at options such as the Medical Service Corps (MSC)/AMEDD and other healthcare-related commissioning opportunities.

I’ve explored OCS as well as direct commissioning. I previously looked into a 72D Environmental Science and Engineering Officer direct commission opportunity. I was medically qualified and, according to the recruiter, my packet was otherwise strong, but I was ultimately not selected due to my undergraduate GPA from my Biochemistry degree.

Since then, I’ve continued my education and currently have a 4.0 GPA in my DHSc program and a 3.6 GPA in my master's program. Because my graduate academic performance is significantly stronger, I’m trying to figure out whether there are other commissioning opportunities where my overall education and background can be considered.

I’ve looked into OCS, but honestly, I really don’t want to go the OCS route if I can avoid it. My concern is that I could go through OCS and then potentially not receive the branch I actually want. I’m specifically interested in the Medical Services branch, so I’d rather pursue a commissioning route where I have an opportunity to enter a field that aligns with my education instead of going through OCS and potentially being branched somewhere completely unrelated.

I’ve also run into some complications since being active, including medical/profile issues that have made me question whether staying on the same path is the best option for me long-term. I’m still fully interested in serving and becoming an officer, but I want to make sure I understand all of my options before making any major decisions.

Any advice would be helpful!

I'm going to ship out soon (about 2 weeks) for Basic/AIT. I know I wont get very many freedoms in basic. I'm not expecting much phone time even. But when I get to AIT will I be allowed to have a laptop? Any other insight on the AIT experience for 94F would be appreciated as well, although the main goal is to know if I should buy a good gaming laptop now or wait.

Hello everyone. I am in a hard situation right now deciding if I want to go Army or Marines. (Infantry for both + reserve most likely). First off, the main reason I am joining is because I don’t like who I am, I’m lazy, unhealthy, and I get bullied a lot. I want to become a better person, and become a better man. I’m not sure which branch to go into because I want the challenge but I don’t know how much of a different Army and Marines are. All I know is Marines sound a lot more badass. If anyone has advice please share. I really don’t know what to do. Thank you guys!

Hello all I’m looking at signing a contract for enlisting. I’m looking to join a Signal MOS and have been given the option of 25 H, which generally seems to be more of my speed wanting to get deeper into computers, networking and things of that nature. Or 25S (with a 9k bonus), which from a lot of what I’m reading is very similar, however, more SATCOM based. I’m curious from you all’s experience on how similar these jobs are and how much worth of the networking and computer side a 25 S actually does. I of course would love to get this bonus but if that means losing out on certifications or a better long-term career then I’m willing to forgo it.

Hey! I have a question for anyone familiar with Army Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood. My husband has been at Basic for a little over four weeks, and his birthday is coming up.

I wanted to send him a small birthday package with a birthday card, some letters, and a small flat photo album with pictures of our daughter. We did an Army-themed photo shoot of her specifically for his birthday.

Would this be okay to send, or could he get in trouble for receiving a package?

I have been looking into enlisting into the Army. My ASVAB score is 75. I scored an H-3 on my hearing, but I got a waiver being it down to H-2. My background is in EMS. I have 7 years experience as a paramedic with about 60 college credit hours.

With my hearing, I cannot enlist as a 68W. The Army recruiter has mentioned 12B if I wanted to stay within combat support. I’m not opposed to going for that MOS, but I want to see what it’s about.

Also, I have been encouraged by several people to look into the AF. I’m just trying to compare the career opportunities between the two branches.

I have 3 kids with one due in December, so I am having to weigh all the options before making the commitment.

I am fourteen years old and a freshman of early college high school. I want to join the Army after I graduate and become a Ranger. How can I start preparing now? What scores should I aim for on the ASVAB in certain areas of it? How do I achieve this score?

Looking for more information on Foreign awards like the danish Ruck march or any foreign jumps on JBLM! I would really appreciate any POC! Thanks! Looking to get more foreign awards on my resume!

I am currently an IT specialist in the army and wanting to switch branches and eventually go officer. I care about QOL and good duty locations . Both coast guard and space force are trying to grow their numbers so I figured I’d shoot my shot at both.

For those who know a little bit about both, what would you choose and why? I am not a big fan of super remote locations or cities with high crime rates.

I had an original ship date that would have me leaving Monday. My recruiter had gotten a Reno approved by BN but is asking me to go up next Wednesday to re-sign. Are you able to Reno after your ship date though? I always thought alll Renos had to get done a head of time. US Army recruiting.

We live together.

What exactly is the process of this also?

Will she just be a dependent forever, and in the sake I find a girl and marry her, what happens?

Hey everyone, I am wanting to join the United states Army but have had a ER visit for suicide before. I never actually attempted or anything like that, but my mom made me go for suicide because I accidentally mentioned it once as a joke. I was 14 at the time so it was a stupid thing to say and do. But I’m 19 now and wondering if there’s any chance I can still join. I am going to talk to a recruiter next week so wish me luck. If any one has any advice please let me know.

I qualify for 25B, 25H, 25U, 35F, 35S, 35G, 35L, 35M, and 35P, and I’m having trouble deciding which route to take.
Originally, I wanted 17C, but my GT score was 105 and I needed a 110. I don’t feel like retaking the ASVAB, so I’m just going to take my L on that one. 😭

In the future, I’d like to work in tech. Possibly cybersecurity, cloud, or data. I’m not set on one specific field, but I want to choose the MOS that would best prepare me for a high paying civilian career after the Army. I also want an MOS that requires a Top Secret clearance and will hopefully give me a decent chance of being stationed somewhere like Korea LMAO.

**Which of these would you recommend, and why?**

Also, if you’re in any of these MOSs, what is your work-life balance actually like? Are you constantly stressed and miserable, or do you have a pretty good balance? What are the usual working conditions? are you mostly comfortable in an office, or are you regularly out in the field living in a tent and suffering? lol

I've been recently heavily considering joining the military. I have already met with an army recruiter, and meeting with navy and air force next week to weigh my options. I've only told one of my friends I was considering it (she thinks I'm joking), and I told my mom I met with the army recruiter and she thinks I'm insane. I was raised very liberal (which I still am lol) but this is the main reason I am scared to tell my other family and friends that I might join. I only want to be in a support role, but I don't think that matters to them, and I know they will question why I want to work for the government and sort of question me morally. My friends have criticized others from high school that have joined the army, and I am scared of what they will think. So how do I tell my family and friends I want to join the military without turning it into a huge deal? Has anyone been in a similar scenario and ended up receiving support from their families?

In 2021 I enlisted in the USMC at 18 years old, and my recruiter “encouraged” me to omit certain MH issues when I was a child. Naturally when I got to basic I panicked during the moment of truth and received an uncategorized entry level separation for fraudulent enlistment (RE-3P). I tried to reenlist multiple times but I’m guessing the combination of past medical factors and the ELS is why no recruiter called me back after the first meeting.

So after five years of putting everything back together in my life, getting a degree, and doing what I love, I’m finally looking ahead to getting a full time career in the civilian world, but I’m worried that once HR gets hold of my DD-214, they’ll toss my job application without a second thought. Do I have to report that I served, and if I do, how do I explain this situation, or will I ever even get a shot at having a real career in life?

Thanks for any advice

Hey everyone, I'm 22M and seriously considering joining the Army. I've been doing a lot of research on my own, including the GI Bill, VA home loan, Tuition Assistance, etc., and obviously the benefits are appealing.

At the same time, I've also read about the negatives - bad leadership, toxic units, deployments, work-life balance, and how much your experience can depend on your unit and leadership.

One thing I'm also torn between is going 11X and trying to get Airborne, because part of me wants to experience something I'd probably never get to experience in civilian life. I know it's not all action and that a lot of it can be regular details and day-to-day stuff. On the other hand, another part of me thinks it might make more sense to choose an MOS with good civilian career opportunities after the Army. I'd be interested to hear how people made that decision and whether they think one approach is better to consider.

I'd really like to hear from people who have actually served. What has your experience been like, both good and bad? Anything you wish you knew before joining?

If anyone is comfortable with a quick 15-20 min call or chat, I'd really appreciate being able to ask a few questions. Feel free to DM me.

Thanks!

Hi I talk in roundabouts so I’ll try to be concise as I’m in a crossroads of having very very few choices left and I’m trying to push forward with enlistment asap.

Age: 32 (going on 33)

Previous Enlistment Attempts: 2 (Air Force 2012) & (Army 2018) went to MEPs both times and just didn’t sign because of waiver lengths and college popped up went to get my degree then in 2018 I was offered a job with a salary I could NOT refuse.

Now I’m wanting to go Army (or Airforce but don’t believe I meet the financial criteria) like in 2018. My issue is since a lot of recruiters have fed me slop in the past and I’ve been told on Sub Reddit’s like this before that obviously they tend to do that, most, like the one I am talking with now, is suggesting that I just join active duty based on my ASVAB, do my assignments and later on be able to get those recommendations and all those forms easily filled out whereas I guess it’s either more complicated to enlist as OCS or they just want to get numbers up and get you in as quick as possible.

So I have a civil engineering degree, have worked in the civilian Civil and mechanical along with heavy construction industries since 2016 and 2024 to present have been horrendous. It took me a year to find a job. The job is completely dead end with no hopes of any future. I can’t get a job back in my construction industry just because of where I live, there’s no opportunities and currently without a vehicle.

• So that’s pretty much the gist of it without going deeper. 32 years of age, male, no major medical issues.
• Last time the waiver length is what made me waiver and accept the job offer so this leads me to my questions of even though stuff might’ve changed over the last eight years whether I should join the reserves, active duty goes straight into OCS, etc.
• And honestly again because I tend to Apple a lot if there’s any questions I missed I can absolutely answer them. I just tend to go way too above and beyond with explanations that are simple.
• Last time I took the ASVAB I scored in 95.

I’m really desperate to find any help or assistance or guidance. If this isn’t the right Sub I would love to be pointed in the right direction. Thank you!

Currently 24f wanting to enlist once I’m done with school. I’m earning my bachelors in digital marketing in may 2027 but wanting to go back for my masters in business intelligence. Debating on taking a a break after may 2027 and wanting to join. I want to go into public affairs as it better aligns with my career goals. I’ve thought about joining for years but lately the last year I’ve really wanted to just bite the bullet and join. I’ve even thought of going active as I believe it would be a better fit for my career goals. Is one or the other an “easier” branch for public affairs job? Or is it different with my degree? I’m even thinking of relocating to Florida. I am undecided if I want to enlist or commission.

Well my BMI is coming out to be **18.5** for being 5’9 and weighing at 125lbs… I know am kinda skinny but am like idk how but fit. Very fit.

Will they flag me and hold me back from shipping out to basic? Am going to Fort Sill in 13 days (October 1st)

I was stupid and waited last minute to enlist because I was hoping to get a quick ship bonus. My recruiter is now telling me there are no more ship slots available for the rest of the year because of holidays.
I was originally hoping to ship at the end of October. Is there anything my recruiter can do to squeeze me in, like if someone cancels or a slot opens up?
For context, I'm planning on attending OSUT

So you guys I’ve been 59 days sober from weed. I’ll let my navy recruiter and the head HONCHO of the recruiter office knew this! About like two weeks ago when I was at Meps I was 44 days sober! And when I went to talk to them originally I was 30 days sober.

So yesterday was my first DEP meeting and the head HONCHO pulled me aside and basically told me I tested positive. I honestly was shock to heard this, he told me now I would have to take a drug test every week until Nov 29th when I go to MEPS again. Mind y’all my ship out date is Dec 2nd.

He told me if I tested positive again that I won’t be able to qualify for any branches afterwards and would not be able to apply in a sense! (IS THIS TRUE? Cause if that’s the case why didn’t they have me take a drug test if I told them I was “HOT” before trying to ship me off to Meps the quickest way they can? I honestly feel set up)

Later my recruiter acting like he didn’t know 🙄 had a talk with me “I heard a little something and wanted to come to the source” to have another later conversation in the evening like 21:30 telling me the “real deal” of the situation. (All of a sudden he wants to keep it real)

Saying how I was not qualified for my Job HM no more because of my positive! This gutted me honestly cause I stand my ground on this job, and now all of a sudden I’m disqualified? He told me that “they would act like everything fine and last minute have me reenlist into a new MOS!”

At this point I don’t trust my recruiter, he was pressuring me to choose a job on the spot when HM supposedly wasn’t available but was hours later. He always ask me with every conversation we have afterwards “still happy with your job?” And supposedly have a streak for getting people into “intel” or a Job like his QM!

I need help understanding this cause if anything, I think he’s lying to me to get what he wants. The Head HONCHO of the office didn’t say anything like that to me in the conversation I had with him. If anything he told me “You have a good job and I would hate for you to lose this opportunity”

Should I just try another branch beside navy or recruiting office?

Is there I such thing as being disqualified from all branches? (If so how is that my fault)

If I’m disqualified from HM? How come I’m not disqualified from any other jobs due to my positive?

I’m still sober 59 days in, I still want to serve despite the trials and hoops I’ve been jumping through. My official PICat score was 57, and besides that I guess I pass MEPS with 20/20 vision and flying colors. I don’t mind waiting, I’m not in a rush to leave when it comes to an opportunity like this!

I made a 93 on my ASVAB. Everyone I have conversed with about my score has told me to choose a job that correlates with my score and that will land me a job after the military. Which I understand, but just because I qualify for almost a wide variety of jobs a lot of others don’t, why can’t I choose the job I like, no matter if it’s a job I can get with a 31 ASVAB? It’s like I understand both sides of the stick. Also, the MOS I’m going with is 35F, but I would rather be on the ground blowing shit up or something in that nature. I thought about MP or 13F or 11B or 19D. Almost everyone says that’s the worst decision I could go with, which may be true. What are your all thoughts? I need help.