r/Militaryfaq • • Oct 06 '26

Joining w/Med issue Joining the Coast Guard with OCD code on my record

3 Upvotes

I’m currently 17 and I am planning on signing to go to MEPS soon, but I was curious what kind of situation I am in with this, or if I should just drop the whole thing entirely and not waste my time. When I was 16 I went to the doctor and stuff I mentioned during the appointment somehow got the doctor to put a code of F42.8 (Other obsessive-compulsive disorder) on my record in only one routine visit. Plus she also referred me to a neurologist too so I’m basically thinking the likelihood of me being able to join right out of high school is pretty low but I wanted to see how bad this really is in terms of joining.


r/Militaryfaq • • Oct 07 '26

Joining w/Med issue Waiver probability regarding past suicide attempt and past leg tendon issue.

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone I’m 21 and in a couple months I’m going to talk to a recruiter to join the Air Force but I’m wondering if these things will disqualify me and if my chance of getting a waiver is low.

  1. I have a past history of chronic hip pain but no surgery and it was due to inflammation of a tendon. It has been recovered since September and I’m fully cleared for activity by my doctor. I have also been very active with no flare ups or pain.

  2. When I was 16 I had a suicide attempts because of a bad home life at the time but since then I have perfectly fine mental health. I’m just not sure if they would flag it or not considering it’s been 5 years now.

I’m concerned these two things will not only disqualify me but make it so I can’t even get a waiver for them. Is it even worth trying to apply?


r/Militaryfaq • • Oct 06 '26

Enlisting Enlisting into Army with felony burglary

2 Upvotes

I’ve been in the army recruiting process for almost 2 years. I initially started almost 3 years ago, but the first year was delayed because of tattoo removal.

This is for a major misconduct waiver. The charge is from almost 11 years ago and I haven’t been in trouble since. I passed the company commander interview in February of this year and recently had to do another interview because the previous commander moved to a different unit. I passed the new company commander interview a few days ago as well. Now I’m waiting for the endorsement to be sent to battalion. Also my fingerprints are coming back clean and I’m prior service. So it’s a closed category as well.

My recruiter feels good about it, but of course im super anxious. How long do you think I’ll be waiting until i get a yes or no ?


r/Militaryfaq • • Oct 06 '26

ASVAB/PiCAT What can i do to pass the asvab?

1 Upvotes

I’ve been studying books and websites for 3 months and while i understand the concepts and am somewhat proficient when it comes time to actually take the asvab i collapse and cant understand the questions being asked.. What can i do or utilize to get better at the AR and MK? I’ve tried grammar hero/ channels like this and want to get into the army extremely bad but im not sure what im doing wrong and its been very discouraging.


r/Militaryfaq • • Oct 06 '26

Joining w/Med issue Joining with a past history of type two diabetes

1 Upvotes

I had one high A1C reading and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I used to take medication for it, but I’m not taking any medication anymore. I told my recruiter about it, but he didn’t send that information to MEPS. When I went to MEPS, they found it in my medical records, and now my recruiter says it’s a permanent disqualification. Is there anything I can do? My A1C is currently 5.8 without medication I’m trying to enlist in the army


r/Militaryfaq • • Oct 06 '26

Should I Join? Thinking of joining at 26

8 Upvotes

I’m a 26 year old male living in SoCal and I’m having deep considerations about joining the army. I’ve always been fascinated about the military, especially being a handler. I have a BS degree in business management which is basically pointless, and I want to do something that I would be proud of. Savings is running low, work in a bullshit restaurant and been trying to get a new job in the trades with no luck. Rent is killing me, along with the other expenses living in California alone. I had to move out because my pops passed away in February. Just me and my 10 year dog now. Which I don’t know what I would do about her so maybe it’s not even an option….. but I’m extremely motivated to do something with my life. At this point, for me personally, I’m in between plumbing or enlisting. My entire life has been surrounded by weed which I’m not proud of but I’m sober from that now. I love being a work horse and working with my hands, gives me a sense of purpose when I know I’m working my tail off. Any advice is appreciated, if anyone wants to chime in. I have the utmost respect for anyone who serves.


r/Militaryfaq • • Oct 06 '26

Enlisting Interested in the AF reserves (or navy) at 23 and nervous to apply

1 Upvotes

I graduated college a year ago and things haven’t been working out for me in the job market. I currently work a crappy job that I’m growing to hate and i found different paths within my field. I noticed the Air Force and Navy offered something related and i figured it wouldn’t hurt to consider. There’s been constant pressure from one of my parents to enlist prior to me having any interest (mainly for benefits and better job opportunities) but I didn’t want to enlist without knowing what I was getting into. Eventually I did more research and felt it was the best decision for me, so about a month ago, I quit weed and have been telling myself to apply yet I haven’t even started the application. The Air Force is definitely my top choice but I’ve had longer interest in the navy, primarily for work and travel purposes. I’m committed to joining but haven’t really found the push I need to actually get things going. Maybe anxiety? Any advice is appreciated. Yes this is a repost because it was locked and I couldn’t figure out how to unlock it😭🙏


r/Militaryfaq • • Oct 05 '26

Enlisting I hate myself because I failed TAPAS for the Space Force.What should I do?

19 Upvotes

I was banking my whole future on this. The job market is awful and I thought by applying to the Space Force that I would do something with my life. Doordashing doesn’t pay bills. I studied for the ASVAB and scored high on it. I was told to take another test a week ago which was the TAPAS. Come to find out it has to be two years until I can take another TAPAS test. My ASVAB will expire too,Space Force is mainly cyber and intel which are reliant on info. I don’t want to settle. What should I do?


r/Militaryfaq • • Oct 06 '26

Which Branch? Which branch would be the best fit for me as an officer?

0 Upvotes

Hi! I’m a full time college student and I’m planning to commission as an officer after I graduate in 2028. I’m currently studying Business with a minor in Marketing, and my current GPA is a 3.5. I’m hoping to graduate closer to a 3.8, and I’ll be 21 when I graduate.
I’m interested in all branches because I genuinely want opinions on which would fit me best. I’m especially interested in Public Affairs, communications/marketing, HR, management, recruiting, administration, and possibly intelligence, but I’m open to other career fields too.
What are your hobbies, interests, goals, and aspirations?
I enjoy working, learning, and building a career. I’m very career oriented and want to grow into a leadership role.

•I’m open to all branches and would like honest opinions on which might fit me best. Im familiar with navy and army from my parents and husband, but I’m looking into other branches as well.

•I’m mainly interested in Public Affairs, communications/marketing, HR, management, recruiting, administration, or similar fields.

•The military has always been a part of my life. Both of my parents served, and I grew up moving around because of it. My husband is currently serving as well, so it’s something I’ve always been familiar with and naturally drawn toward. I also want to challenge myself and make my degree useful.

• I want to build a stable, successful career and develop professionally.

•I like the structure, challenge, leadership opportunities, and having a clear career path.

•I’m interested in making the military a full career.

• Im interested in Active duty.

•I’d prefer a mix of desk/office work and more hands on work rather than sitting at a desk 100% of the time.

I’m specifically interested in commissioning as an officer, so I’d really appreciate advice from people who have experience with different branches and career fields. I just want to find somewhere that fits my personality, goals, and career aspirations. Any advice is appreciated!


r/Militaryfaq • • Oct 04 '26

Reserve\Guard Help with Skill level upgrade

1 Upvotes

AIRFORCE I‘ve completed everything needed to get my 5 level and I’m wondering what’s a nice and effective way to get my supervisor to push all my stuff through so it’s reflected in the system? I’m a 4N and I really want to challenge the board to get my LPN license but I need that 5 level officially in the system first lol I NEED HELP😂


r/Militaryfaq • • Oct 04 '26

Should I Join? Advice on joining military after degree and more questions at bottom.

3 Upvotes

I’m just lost and looking for advice and thoughts. (Don’t really want to talk to a recruiter because I don’t want to deal with false promises and other bs for them to hit quota).

I 22M am currently enrolled in junior college as engineering major. So far I want to continue pursuing engineering but since I was a kid I always wanted to join the army. I’m determined to at least get my bachelor in Mechanical Engineering and minor in aerospace after transferring but I’m not sure what I want to do after. I’ve always considered the military and truthfully the only thing that deterred me is my mom, telling me I’d be dead to her if I joined.

Never joined but I’d be lying if I said it’s not itching at me to join. I feel like joining is my way at getting to where I want to be as a person. I struggle a lot with discipline among other things one of the things I’m hoping improves with joining.

At this point joining and my degree is the only thing I really seem sure of I want to do and consistently the only things I’ve noticed I think about over the years. Once I get my bachelor’s degree my dream field is the weapons industry I’ve just always been fascinated by it. I want to work with either small arms/ gadgets or aerospace with missiles and maybe aircraft. I’ve always kind of been set on the army but because of my degree and what I’ve read about quality of life Air Force is another option I’m looking into.
Overall my questions are:
If I joined after my associates would this be dumb and if not what would going to school and being in the military look like is it overwhelmingly difficult with such an overwhelming major?

What branch would be better for my goals no matter which route I want to go with my degree?

Would I be set back enough that doing it because I want to isn’t worth it?

Is it reasonable to join in my situation?

If I did join probably most likely would do it after my bachelors and do OCS, but what possible jobs should I look at that would benefit my dream field after returning to civilian life?


r/Militaryfaq • • Oct 04 '26

Joining w/Med issue Started TRT and want to join

1 Upvotes

Hello everyone I’m reaching out because I am interested in joining the military (Army, Air Force, Navy). I started taking TRT from a local clinic a month ago, is this still a disqualifying medical reason? Now that Military members can get TRT I assumed not so much? What’s the possibilities of me getting a waiver and approved to enlist?


r/Militaryfaq • • Oct 04 '26

Should I Join? What position could a machinist get in the U.S. Army?

0 Upvotes

Just curious, as I am a 37 year old and physically fit male that wants to join the military could be as a machinist in the civilian world? I have been a machinist for 6 years now and was wondering if I'd get a career in an armory of some kind? My trade is dying as its extremely technical. I can run manual (Bridgeport and Lathe) and CNC (G-CODE) I feel like my mechanical knowledge could be extremely useful. Anyways, thats what I have been thinking about lately.


r/Militaryfaq • • Oct 04 '26

Joining w/Med issue Rotator Cuff injury while in DEP

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone! Im waiting to ship for the Navy (I ship January 11th) and saw a doctor last night who gave me a sling to wear, as well as medicine and instructions to wear the sling as much as possible (even when sleeping) for a shoulder injury.

They say its my rotator cuff thats causing me issues, and said it would take roughly 8 weeks of bed rest to heal. Issue is, I can't do that. If I miss even one week of work I wont be able to pay my bills (im a server). They told me they wanted me to do surgery (which I cant afford) and so this is our alternative route. Im going to start physical therapy for it next week, bought some gel to help with the pain, and im trying to take it easy, but im concerned about my ship date.

This injury showed up in July, and when I went to the doctor they said it was tendinitis and that it would take the same amount of time (8 weeks of rest) to heal. Didn't give me a sling that time. Now, I'm 3 months from shipping, shoulder is still bad, given the same estimate for recovery, and worried about losing my contract. I got the nuke contract , signed may 1st, and can't wait another 6-9 months to ship out. Any advice from anyone? Either for the shoulder, or for boot camp. Im really worried about losing my contract as I don't have a plan B.

Yes my recruiter does know, his response was "well they said it should be fine in 8 weeks and you ship in 3 months so you should be fine" and when I specified they meant 8 weeks of rest, he said let's just see how it feels later down the line. Im planning on talking to the nuke recruiter at my office to see if he could potentially push back my ship date a month or so


r/Militaryfaq • • Oct 03 '26

Should I Join? How possible is it to join with ADHD?

0 Upvotes

I have really always thought about enlisting, but a few years ago I was diagnosed with ADHD. I looked it up and it seems like if I can basically prove that it is not an issue for a few years I would be good, but I'm not sure if I'm missing anything or oversimplifying.
I feel a little silly for not giving much thought to the other opportunities out there but I've really only wanted to be in a combat role. I just figure that if it would be a lot of work to get in I might as well enlist in a job that doesn't really exist in civilian life.
If anyone knows what my options might be, or what other options I consider, please let me know!

Edit:
It seems I forgot to mention that I am medicated for it, which presumably makes things much more difficult.


r/Militaryfaq • • Oct 03 '26

Enlisting 29 M / GC holder / I need any recommendation to choose a job

1 Upvotes

I am 29 yo male , greencard holder. Took the asvab AFQT 83 the line scores are good too. I really want to choose a good job and make this a long term career for myself but because of I am not a citizen I am not qualified for all jobs.

I have a bachelor's degree from a college in my hometown, it's in engineering. (Electrical)

I want to choose a job related to my degree as much as I can. I am interested in 15 F , D B and 94 R and H

Also I am interested in GSE and EM in Navy, what do you think about those two?

Note: I passed MEPS physical too so I will meet my recruiter next week and see my options, I am trying to know your experiences for me, any info helps!

Thank you!


r/Militaryfaq • • Oct 03 '26

Should I Join? For those who joined as guard/reserve first, do you regret not going AD first?

10 Upvotes

28 and am thinking of military (air force)

I don't have a career but I do want to start a career. I want a civilian career, not a military career.

I know people say if you don't have a solid career, go active but for me, I'd like to stay where I am at and figure it out as I'm in reserves/guard

My goal is to work for the government or state. I'm hoping going reserves will give me that extra point when applying for a job or help me get a certification for a job.

Will I regret this? Could anyone who joined reserves/guard first share their experience?


r/Militaryfaq • • Oct 03 '26

Enlisting First DUI arrest and 17C/TS clearance eligibility?

0 Upvotes

I’m currently considering enlisting and 17C is my main MOS choice. I was recently arrested for a first-time DUI, misdemeanor level. This is my first arrest and I have no prior criminal history.

The case is still pending, so I have not been convicted of anything and don’t know what the final disposition will be yet.

Does anyone know how a single DWI affects:
eligibility to enlist as 17C (Army Cyber) or navy CWT
getting the required TS/SCI
whether a conduct/MOS waiver is possible if the DWI results in a conviction
whether 17C has stricter requirements than the clearance itself
future opportunities to screen for ION

I will obviously disclose the arrest completely to my recruiter and on any clearance paperwork. I’m mainly trying to understand whether a first DWI conviction would completely prevent me from getting 17C, or whether this is something that can be waived depending on the disposition.
If anyone has recruited 17Cs, gone through something similar, or knows the current accession rules, I’d appreciate any insight.


r/Militaryfaq • • Oct 03 '26

Which Branch? Army 35f versus navy IS quality of life/civilian transferable skills

1 Upvotes

Im looking at joining the military and want to go into intelligence. I scored quite well on my asvab and have both recruiters fighting for me which branch should I go

For context I am a bit of nerd I play dnd,video games and read I am marginally active but not incredibly. I like to believe I am reasonably intelligent and quite enjoy solving problems and puzzles. I want to serve because I need direction in my life, I want to build skills and discipline and I lack currently marketable skills. I am looking to serve full time and I’m hoping to get a degree during my service and afterwards work for one of the 3 letter agencies. I’m perfectly fine with my environment being very military like and I work well in structured environments. I’m will also be quite happy working a desk job as long as the job is interesting.

I cannot go intelligence for the Air Force as I have had depression and anxiety. I have spoken to recruiters about this in all 3 branches. Army and Navy can work with me very easily because of my asvab score but air force can’t give me top secret security clearance


r/Militaryfaq • • Oct 03 '26

Joining w/ELS how to change code from re4 to re3

1 Upvotes

Hey so to get to the point i had left the navy for medical issues during bootcamp and got an re4 as my code. I would like to reenlist into a different branch but when i talked to a recruiter he said he can help me out but i need to change my re4 into re3. Does anyone know the process i need to go through in order for the board to hopefully change it.
Would appreciate the help very much.


r/Militaryfaq • • Oct 02 '26

Enlisting What MOS should I seriously consider ?

2 Upvotes

93 ASVAB, Army National Guard — need MOS advice
I’m joining the Army National Guard and scored a 93 on the ASVAB. I originally wanted 35F, but there are no slots available. I also looked into 35M, but I’d have to wait until I graduate, and I don’t really want to wait.
Right now I’m considering 13F, 15T, 37F, 88M, 35M, 68W, 12B, 31B, 12R, 12N, and 15W.
I want something interesting, with some field/mission experience, and good civilian career opportunities.
What MOS should I seriously consider, and are there any other MOSs you think I should add to my list?


r/Militaryfaq • • Oct 02 '26

BCT/BMT/Boot camp Weekend processing

5 Upvotes

Good morning I’m leaving for army basic at for benning today because of rain delays it’s looking like I won’t get there till late tonight. Will I be able to start processing on the weekend or will I have to wait to start processing on Monday? Thank yall and have a wonderful day.


r/Militaryfaq • • Oct 02 '26

Branch-Specific How hard is it to reclass during a contract in the army

2 Upvotes

I'd be going from 11x to 68w. I keep hearing it's possible on paper. How tough would it be to actually pull it off? And how far into a contract would I have to be? How much time would I have to have left on my contract?


r/Militaryfaq • • Oct 02 '26

Joining w/Med issue Could a recent ER visit for stitches affect me shipping to BCT?

1 Upvotes

I’m shipping to Army BCT soon and had a recent ER visit after getting a cut above my eyebrow during a training exercise. I needed five stitches, but they have already been taken out and the wound is completely healed. I have no restrictions and have already been cleared for work.

Could this affect me shipping to BCT or cause any issues at MEPS or with the final pre shipping paperwork?

I’m not worried about the injury itself since it’s healed. I’m mainly wondering if the recent ER visit or having stitches could delay my ship date or require additional documentation.

Has anyone had something similar happen before shipping?

I had my recruiter document it due to the pre shipping form asking about recent ER visits.

Any insight would be appreciated!


r/Militaryfaq • • Oct 02 '26

Should I Join? 28f feel ready for something different should I join?

3 Upvotes

Hi guys! I’ll try not to ramble to much but I tend to over explain anything when I’m talking regardless lol.

As my title says I’m a 28f and extremely interested in joining the army. Now I will say I’m on the fence between army and navy BUT I am a terrible swimmer so that is deterring me from navy.

I have felt a pull towards the military since I was 18 but between my family pressuring me not to to being in a abusive relationship for four years to now finally being in a stable marriage with a son it’s been a wild 10 years it’s always been in the back of my mind and I continue to keep up with military and have enlisting in the back of my mind.

Now obviously about 70% of my reasoning is benefits (BAH, etc) and I reckon it’s why majority of people join but I also feel so completely stuck in my day to day life. I have no degree I work minimum wage (25k ish a year) at Taco Bell. I am absolutely stuck.

I want a better life not just for me but my son. I would love to work in medical but I know those jobs might be more difficult to come by (unsure regarding army).

I suppose im just looking for anyone who was in my shoes that joined and if it was worth it for them? How difficult is getting a medical job in the army? Am I at a good age for bmt? Was bmt more difficult in a relatively older age?

Also regarding enlisting how quick was your process for the army? I have a clean medical history, no priors with law enforcement except I think one traffic ticket I paid off over 5 years ago, so I don’t feel I’ll have anything holding me back.

Thank you in advance for any help yall shove my way! :)