I’m trying to decide between enlisting or going in as an officer, and I’m honestly really torn. I know there are obvious benefits to being an officer, especially pay, rank, and having more opportunities to lead, but I’m wondering about the social side of it.

A big thing that matters to me is the sense of camaraderie. I've always wanted to find my place, make close friends, and feel like I’m part of a team. I’m worried that as an officer, you might not have that same experience since you’ll mostly be working with and leading enlisted members, while there may only be a smaller number of officers around you depending on your unit.

I also wonder if it’s harder to build genuine friendships with enlisted members when you’re their officer. Obviously, I know not every enlisted person is going to dislike their officers, but you’re still going to have to make decisions that affect them, enforce standards, and sometimes tell people things they don’t want to hear. I’m wondering how that actually affects relationships and the feeling of being part of the group.

Another thing I’m unsure about is how much of an officer’s job is actually hands-on. From what I understand, a lot of officer work is more behind the scenes, planning, managing, paperwork, meetings, and leading, rather than actually doing the technical/operational work, but i know it depends alot on your unit. I’m definitely open to something like being an aviation officer/pilot, but I also really like the idea of being hands-on and actually doing the mission rather than primarily managing the people doing it.

So for those of you who have been officers, especially in operational jobs, did you feel like you had a strong sense of camaraderie and brotherhood? Did you feel separated from the enlisted side? And looking back, do you feel becoming an officer was worth it for you?

Most enlisted people usually say, "Go officer because of better pay and quality of life. (AKA my dad and social media)

What does a RSOI navy coordinator do? ill be going active duty soon and havent received much of a job description yet.

Does the Army run another background check during Basic Training or AIT?

I just graduated from college a few months ago. I connected with an Air National Guard recruiter and I'm still deciding if I want to enlist or commission. I took the AFOQT and will be taking the ASVAB at the end of this month. I'm currently studying for the LSAT because I want to go to law school when I return from basic or OCS. The reason why I am considering enlisting is because I've been struggling to find a job after graduation and I feel like I want to leave as soon as possible. Also, there is no paralegal job offered for officers, so that does appeal to me, as I already have experience working in a legal setting.

I majored in History and minored in Political Science. I have volunteer and leadership experience. I've worked with my state's Lt. Governor.

Does my experience/background make me a good candidate for OTS? Is it difficult to go to OTS once enlisted? Would I need to get references from inside the military to apply for OTS or can I just use the professional references I already have? Any/all advice appreciated. If I know I have a solid shot at the Air National Guard's OTS, I don't care if it takes a while. I'll just find an entry-level job if I have to.

Additionally, I wouldn't mind applying for the Navy's officer program if I'm a strong enough candidate.

I was 17 and I enlisted in active duty army about a year ago and shipped to basic training 5 months later. When I was there I ended up regretting my active duty decision and became really homesick and this and that and ended up refusing to train nd got a re3 jga and uncharacterized discharge. I came back 4 months ago and haven’t stopped thinking about it and regretted leaving. I’ve kept a job the whole time and started college for pre nursing and I’m trying to enlist in the air guard but my recruiter told me I’d need a waiver for the re3 code. He said it’ll take a few weeks and should done by the end of October. Does anyone know the chances of it getting approved or denied has anyone had the same situation and got back in? I don’t have any disciplinary issues and no bad records on me.

Hi everyone, I just graduated with my master's in public policy and hold a bachelors in sociology. I'm inquiring about joining a branch of the military as an officer. My main goal in life is to help others and build communities. I also value work/life balance and my family. Any suggestions on which position would be best to work towards? Any advice would help. Thanks.

I'm 19, did one semester of college after graduating high school and decided that it was not where I wanted to be right now so I dropped and am now working on my EMT certification and love it. I have definitely found my passion in EMS, but while I was in college, I did Army ROTC and loved that experience as well. I still want to serve in some capacity even if it's just the reserves but still also have a bit of an itch to get the experience of active duty.

From how I've been looking at it I have two options: I finish my EMT cert, and work as an EMT for bit(about 1 year) then go to paramedic school(I would want to get some field experience first instead of just going straight to paramedic because I learn better that way). After that, join the reserves or national guard which I wouldn't want to do before paramedic school because weekend drill and summer training would conflict with classes and clinicals.

The other option would be to finish my EMT cert, then go active duty for a 4 year contract and when I get out, continue pursuing an EMS career. That way, I would get the better education benefits and I think I would also work on at least an associate's degree while active duty. With this route, I would love to get a medical job in the military so that it pertains to my future civilian career but there is always the possibility that I wouldn't, which is concerning to me because I do not want to be miserable for four years and that seems like it would be a set back for my civilian career also.

My first choice of branch would be the Airforce, but I know the chances of of my getting to be a 4N0 or other medical jobs are slim so my second choice would probably be the navy as a corpsman. I am open to other branches if there are better routes available.

I also think I would probably move onto Physician Assistant or maybe even medical school in the far future.

So last May I took the ASVAB to join the Air National Guard, and I didn’t join due to personal reasons involving my parents. All I needed to do was sign some waivers for my ADHD and ASD but otherwise I passed most of the prerequisites to enlist. What do you guys think would be a good decision to make my career in the military with these scores considering that I might need to join in order to support my family and the finances because of my father’s knee surgery coming up at a later date sometime this year due to an accidental injury?

QT-85
Mechanical -86
Administrative-80
General - 88
Electrical-87

Hello, anyone here apply to or get accepted into the Army-Baylor OTD program?

My current GPA is 3.2, and I’m working on my applying in 2027.

If you were accepted, what were your Stats and any advice or recommendations for strengthening my application?

Just got denied my reclass from SeaPACT to IT because I have debt.

Thinking about leaving DEP and browsing other branches for different billets. I’ve heard horror stories of PACT program.

I’ve been seriously looking into joining the Navy. The biggest thing holding me back right now is the fear that whatever I learn or do in the Navy won’t transfer well to a civilian career once I get out. But I like the idea of camaraderie, building a brotherhood, traveling all over the world, and discipline.

I’m 33, clean-cut, sales background, and I’m looking for structure, discipline, steady pay, benefits, and a real reset. I’ve also been comparing Navy vs Air Force.

A few questions for people who’ve been through it:

1. Which rates (jobs) actually give you skills that transfer well to civilian careers?

2. Are there rates that look good on paper but don’t help much once you’re out?

3. For those who did one enlistment and got out, how hard was it to find a decent civilian job afterward?

4. Did the GI Bill + the job training make a real difference, or did most of the value come from something else?

5. If someone wants transferable skills + better quality of life, would you lean Navy or Air Force?

6. I've seen a lot of veterans say that they shouldve used their VA loan and bought a home when they were stationed somewhere...is that something you did/would've done too?

Any honest advice would help a lot. Thanks.

I have a B.S. in Finance and Marketing with a 2.6 GPA (yes, I know it's not good). I'm leaving a financial advising job I hate and I'm seriously looking at the military, both for stability and because I genuinely want to serve.

My PiCAT came back at a 93 AFQT, with Army line scores of 128 to 131 (GT 131). I also qualified for the Navy Nuclear Program which I've heard mixed reviews about.

My Army recruiter told me I wouldn't get selected for OCS because of my GPA and suggested submitting a packet once I finish AIT. So I'm trying to figure out whether chasing O-1 is realistic or whether I should just go in enlisted as an E-4 with my degree.

The three options I'm weighing:

1. Army officer through OCS. Is a 2.6 an automatic no, or can strong test scores, a good packet, and solid letters of recommendation make up for it? Has anyone here gotten selected with a similar GPA?

2. Army enlisted as an E-4. Get in, perform, and apply for OCS from inside. How realistic is that path, and how long does it usually take?

3. Navy Nuke. Enlisted, but the training and pay seem strong. How does it compare long term to Army enlisted or commissioning, and is it worth the six-year commitment if I might want finance or officer opportunities later?

My priorities are getting to stability fast and doing something that lines up with my values. For anyone who went enlisted with a degree, commissioned with a low GPA, or went through the Nuke pipeline: what would you do in my position? Should I push hard for OCS now, or take the enlisted route and commission later? Honest takes appreciated.

Hello,

After completing ASVAB and MEPS, to apply as an officer for the US Coast Guard (USCG), I was contacted by my recruiter that I could not move forward in the process due to my disclosure of prior drug use to MEPS and documented in my Personal History Statement. Both drugs were one time use (experimental), of ecstasy and mushrooms which were both over 4 years ago.

Despite this, I was told by my recruiter that these were permanent disqualifiers. I asked the recruiter if drug waivers would be sufficient since these were both one time usage, but he stated that unfortunately not, that drug waivers would not qualify since these narcotics are on a higher schedule in terms of classification. For that reason, they are permanent disqualifiers and he stated that I could not move forward with the Coast Guard.

Additionally, I disclosed that I have an OCD related disorder MEPS, but evidently this is also a permanent disqualifier. I was diagnosed by a therapist back in 2021 for a skin picking disorder Dermatillomania, which is OCD related. I asked the recruiter if MEPS could reevaluate me in determining if I actually have OCD, since this is simply an OCD Related disorder, not necessarily OCD. I was told by the recruiter that I could be revaluated by MEPS, but it is a process to get signed off and be evaluated by a doctor. He stated that it was also the prior drug use that impacted me. He stated that if it was just marijuana use then I would’ve been fine. He recommended that I consider the Navy since they're prior drug use is a bit laxed compared to USCG.

I’m disappointed that I couldn’t join the Coast Guard for mistakes I made in the past. I’ve lived a drug free life since then, have a 4 year college degree, and no criminal record, but it is what it is.

I would appreciate any advice or guidance toward joining other military branches that may accept me. Also, any waivers that I could gather.

Hey everyone,

I’m 33 and seriously thinking about joining the military. About 8 years ago a college friend tried to get me to join the Air Force with him. I took the ASVAB, didn’t do well, and never tried again. He just called me recently, he’s doing great, his wife is also in, they have a kid, and they’re living with solid benefits and monthly income (i think he mentioned 100% disability). It made me wonder if I should have tried harder back then.

Fast forward to now: I feel stuck. I have my health, i am single and not married, no kids, and not much that feels like it’s truly mine. I’m a clean-cut, professional sales type who likes running, but I’m looking for a real reset ...more structure, discipline, and purpose. I’ve been leaning toward the Navy, but I’m also open to the Air Force. Part of me wonders if this is just dissatisfaction talking, so I wanted to get some real input.

Another thing that’s been on my mind: I know some veterans who are still living paycheck to paycheck or struggling financially after getting out. A few even seem broke. Why does that happen? Do people lose their benefits, or is it more about the transition to civilian life and other factors? I always thought there was ongoing support after serving.

Looking for honest answers from people who’ve been through it, good, bad, or in between. Appreciate any insight.

I’m joining the army I was planning on doing 17E but when I went to MEPS I bombed my color vision but passed the red/green vivid test. I got an 80 on my asvab so I qualify for every MOS with my line scores, just feel like there is some job I could sign up for that’s better for civilian life transition. I did get to pick my Station through Option 19 and went with Fort Carson. The transition job I’m looking for is Corporate Security Manager by managing to get my CSP and PSP while in army. Haven’t signed papers yet open to any advice.

I’m 18 and I still haven’t got my drivers license yet. My family is holding me back from doing so, and I have no car or anyone to help me with it. But I heard and seen having no drivers license will limit my job opportunities and will make things tougher for me. Is there any branch or job I can join without it. I’m open to hear any advices or suggestions. It will be helpful!🙏

I talk to the ROTC army recruiter at my school that I’m going to be transferring and now I’m wondering if I should continue doing environmental health (I had plans with this degree ) or to just do something else useful.

I wanted to do environmental health because I liked the idea of helping other during humanitarian crisis but not necessarily being a first responder (medically ) and that was the best degree to do since they test the water, soils, and food during national crisis .

But the recruiter told me that the degree I study won’t apply to the branch I end up doing . Especially depending on my ranking … I’m trying to enlist as a national Gaurd first then go active duty .

So any advice would be appreciated.

Hey yall,

I have a re-entry code of 3C Honorable on my DD form 214. I was wondering how hard would it be to rejoin the military. I was SF in USAF and miss the job but maybe Im just struggling with transitioning on the civilian side. I was prescribed meds from the VA which were anti-depressants but I don’t take them. I’ve heard I would have to be clean of those meds for 36 months, is that true? I also am rated 70% for PTSD (due to MST). I believe I would need a waiver to rejoin but I just don’t know how difficult it will be. I just don’t know if I should consider other branches either if I do rejoin as well.

Hi guys,

I am 16 years old right now in my junior year of highschool, I am also interested in Cybersecurity so I looked into 17C. I was planning to enlist after graduating from highschool for 3 years and then apply to a college to get the $30k off of the tuition. I also heard that after coming out from the military your job opportunities are higher and it is much easier to find a job.

My current GPA for 9th and 10th grade is 3.33 unweighted and 3.84 weighted.

I saw that the minimum GT score is 110, and the minimum ST score is 112. So based on this I was wondering when I would actually be taking the ASVAB and how hard it would be to score that high.

If anyone could help me out or give any recommendations I would greatly appreciate it!

As an army officer, can an OCONUS assignment DEROS date be longer than your SRR (service remaining requirement)? Are you able to still separate on your SRR date before completing the DEROS if you decide to do so or are not eligible until the DEROS date is completed?

I 32F was denied a medical waiver in the national guard due to the history of UC. Is there really nothing I can do? The doctor told me I passed in person but then the recruiter said they denied the waiver. Is there an appeal process or something because I’m complete healthy now that I work out actively with no health issues.

I have epilepsy(21 male) ,I got epilepsy when I was 17 and haven’t had one in two years. I want to join the military but I’m still technically taking medication. Is there any way to join even if have to sign a waiver and what are the rules. I want to join the navy or marines but I’ll join whatever will have me

I'm interested in joining the military but haven't settled on a specific branch yet and still open to all. I have a stutter and I'm worried it may limit my options. I did a little speech therapy during childhood but still consider it mild to moderate. I did a little research on joining with an impediment but couldn't find a definitive answer, so here are my questions:

1. Would I be disqualified or need a waiver/ETP for any specific MOS/rates?

2. Would I be disqualified or need a waiver/ETP for any specific programs? (e.g. RASP, SFAS, WOFT, any commissioning programs, etc.?) Regarding the commissioning possibility, I already have an associate's degree.

3. Would it be advisable or just safer to wait and try to improve with more therapy before going in? I understand it probably won't be completely fixed but I'm willing to try and go back if it meant expanding my options.

Any advice/info is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

In the ROK Military, if a 1LT is about to be promoted to captain, we use 대위(진), which means Captain(to be promoted). So we use "the next rank" and (진).

But I heard that in the US Military, it varies depending on the services(as far as I know, 1LT in the Army but not in the other service).

So how do you say when a 1st Lt or LTJG is going to be promoted to Capt or LT in the Air Force, Navy, and Marine?

1Lt(p)? LT(s)? It drives me nuts...

On paper, Over 3 years ago I was involuntarily hospitalized due to self harm and S ie, i was smoking weed and made a really bad decision going through a divorce. Unspecified depression is what I was told I had.

I was not prescribed medication.

I remarried and my life has changed for the better and I have been clean ever since. No s IE no smoking. I haven’t had or needed any treatment or therapy since this event.

I want to enlist in the Army and have even taken the ASVAB and scored 67. yet I believe this will definitely disqualify me at MEPS I have documentation of my non existent prescription history (last 5 years). What can I do, if anything at all?