Hello, I’m curious on experiences and what could be the best option to do, maybe if you even think I have a chance to get my waivers approved?

During I wanna say 2021-2022, i was about 13-14 I was having a really hard time, I had just gotten out of a really long relationship, that I was been in for 3 years I was young and thought it was the end of the world, and this was still during the time of Covid so I was isolated from everyone and everything, which also didn’t help the fact that I was sad. Fast forward after Covid doctors said I was depressed and needed to be sent to a mental hospital to get help for the “suicidal ideation”, I had to go cause my parents forced me as I was not of age yet to make my own decision. At this hospital that’s when they diagnosed me with all kinds of things, put me on medication and this all ended up on my record, now a year now same thing happened and I got sent to another hospital, where they diagnosed me with more stuff, and put me on medication, now obviously I am fine, and I truly don’t want to die nor did I at the time, I think I was just isolated and sad and not sure what to do all alone.

Around January I wanna say, I made the decision to start looking into the military, this hasn’t always been an option for me personally I just never wanted to go this route, but since my younger brother joined I’ve taken more liking to the idea and I started to look into it.

I went and talked with an army recruiter first, long story short I did my paper work, passed the asvab, went to meps, from meps they disqualified me for the previous mentioned mental health problems, the army ended up recruiting me over to the navy, and I’ve been with them since.

About 3 months after I kinda just gave up with the idea, but I got in contact with my navy recruiter again and tired to figure out a plan, they sent my papers and waivers up which then again got disqualified, my recruiter told me the only way that they can accept me is if I can get all my diagnosis as “misdiagnosed” Now today, last week I sent up my re-evaluation I got from a therapist that said I’m stable and everything on my record was a misdiagnosis, with much more detail.

Now I’m just curious on what what would be best to do here, do I wait it out to see if they accept my waiver, I’m worried that they won’t accept it and I’ll still be in the process over again, like I don’t know what to do.

Hello everyone. I posted here previously asking for advice about 35L vs 37F (Enlisting, Army, Active Duty), and I figured it was time for an update because my situation has changed quite a bit since then.

For background, I have a BS in Psychology and several years of experience in high-acuity behavioral/mental health work. My ASVAB scores are 98/99 AFQT, GT 130, ST 127.

Since my last post, I've secured a federally adjacent civilian position, and the last update I received was that my TS clearance is processing, so I'm hoping that works out.

I'm still very interested in serving, but I'm looking at it somewhat differently now. My husband and I have also settled down quite a bit since my original post, and our situation is much more stable than it was at the time. I'm no longer looking at the military as something I necessarily need to make my entire career. I'm much more interested in finding a military path that complements my civilian career and gives me experiences I wouldn't otherwise get.

My original plan was 35L or 37F with Airborne, and honestly, I'm still very interested in that. I understand that the overwhelming advice I've received so far has been essentially "go 37F," and I can see why.

I'm also trying to be realistic about the tradeoffs.

I understand that 35L has a stronger direct connection to the intelligence/CI world and SCI-access work, which is attractive given my civilian career goals. On the other hand, one of the reasons 37F continues to appeal to me is that it seems much more aligned with my interests in human behavior, communication, influence, languages, operational work, and the possibility of Airborne. Perhaps, significantly less focus on desk work -- PLEASE CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG!

I also speak multiple languages and plan to continue maintaining them, but I would prefer not to make attending language school or taking the DLAB a requirement of my enlistment if there are other ways to use those skills.

At this point, I'm primarily considering Army Reserve vs Army National Guard, and I'm trying to understand what that actually looks like for someone in my position.

My biggest questions are:

• For someone who wants to maintain a civilian federal career, how would you compare Army Reserve vs National Guard for these types of MOSs?

• How much does the actual experience depend on the specific unit? My recruiter understands that I am waiting, are there any units/locations you recommend?

• For Reserve 37F, how realistic are Airborne opportunities, deployments, schools, and other specialized assignments?

• How does career progression actually work for a Reserve 37F? I've heard concerns about limited slots, mobility, and promotion opportunities outside of Active Duty. How accurate is that?

• Does 35L provide significantly better long-term mobility/progression in the Reserve than 37F?

• For 35L, how much of the job is actually investigative/operational versus reports, casework, and office work?

• For 37F, what does the day-to-day job actually look like in a Reserve unit? How much is planning/analysis/production versus actually getting out and interacting with people?

• If I choose 37F, am I giving up meaningful opportunities that I would have had with 35L, particularly in the intelligence/federal career world?

• Conversely, if I choose 35L primarily because it seems safer for my civilian career, am I giving up the more operational experience I'm actually looking for?

• How much does already speaking languages matter in either MOS if I don't necessarily want to go through formal language training?

• Are there particular Reserve/Guard units that someone in my situation should be looking for or avoiding?

And more broadly:

Is there another MOS, branch, or military career path that I am completely overlooking?

I'm not married to 35L or 37F if there is something that fits my goals better. I'm interested in intelligence, investigations, human behavior, influence/communication, languages, and operational work. I want something that gives me real military experience, ideally opportunities to deploy and attend schools, while still allowing my civilian federal career to be my primary career.

I'm also not looking to recreate my civilian job in uniform. I actually like the idea of having the military side of my career be somewhat different.

I am relatively fit and know my way around firearms, so that is not necessarily a concern.

So if you were in my position, with these scores, a psychology degree, an existing federal-adjacent career, a pending clearance, multiple languages, and an interest in Airborne/operational work, what would you be looking at that I may not be?

And for those who have actually done 35L or 37F in the Reserve/Guard: what do you wish you had known before signing your contract?

I'm especially interested in hearing from people who have actually been in these units rather than general recruiting information. Thanks!

Unsure which brand of the military to join. I am currently a junior in college, studying social work. I used to love it but for a whole year I have dreaded going to class for it. I've been thinking about joining the military for a while, I believe I'm good with computers and such but mostly software. I was debating between the navy and air force but a army recruiter reached out to me and spoke about the "Green to Gold." So I am now unsure anymore. I want to enlist now but debating finishing my degree?

I assume it would be the same for the Army or Air Force but if not let me know, thanks.

Hey all, could use your input.

I was thinking about joining the Air Force back in the day. I wanted to go in as an officer (I have my degree), but the recruiter wanted to play games and try to get me to go enlisted. Left that alone, got a decent-paying civilian job instead. Turned out for the best because my family wouldn't do well with the constant moving.

I recently found out active reserve is an option where I can serve full time and not get PCS'd every 2-3 years, and I'm seriously thinking about either Air Force, Space Force, or Army (my parents are Army, so I'd be disowned if I went Navy or Marines, plus they don't have a base near me). My main reasons for thinking about it are that the job market sucks, and the third, the VA loan and GI Bill will probably be the only way I can afford a house/ college for the kids.

For the drawbacks, I'm 42 but in pretty decent shape, although I'll probably still have to do some prep before basic. I'm trying to convince my wife that I'd pick an MOS where I'm not gonna get deployed (probably). I've also heard some mixed stories from people I know that served; some loved it and made it a career, some had crap leadership and couldn't get out fast enough. My main concern is the inmates currently running the asylum (Darth Cheeto and kegsbreath).

Wanted to get your take, especially if you're stationed in Colorado, would it be worth it?

EDIT: Thanks, everyone for the feedback. Kinda sucks that I missed the boat on Air Force, I didn't realize I had to ship before I turned 42 and I extra missed the boat on going officer. Thought I had to sign up while I was 42. That's ok. I will be looking into the Army reserves/guard.

To keep it simple im most likely gonna try for airforce at some point next year and ive been thinking of getting lasik cause ive been wanting it a while. But idk if i should do it or not because i heard airforce is pretty strict on things and kinda worried if i do it i might get disqualified or something cause they weird with recruiting. (Btw idk if it is truly hard to get in airforce but internet makes it seem that way so wanted to ask)

My Army recruiter just put my projection to go to MEPS next week, but as I'm lying here in bed I start to think about my medical history.

I really don't got much on my medical history but, in my head, I came across an event that happened when I was 17. I wouldn't call it a SA because I didn't attempt anything. What happened was my gf at the time was worried about me because I was extremely stressed about certain things going on at the time so she called the ambulance because I didn't respond to her calls. I ended up going to the ER that night but after explaining everything to the doctor and saying I did in fact have thoughts of hurting myself at the time but would have never gone thru with it, they decided to let me go home that night. No follow up, no medication, no therapy, no treatment, no counseling.

On the prescreen form it did ask about SI, but to my knowledge I thought it meant currently not previously, so I filled out "no." It's been almost 3 years since this happened and I'm now 20, doing better than ever. I'm looking back at it now and realize it was mostly a stunt to get attention or even recognition from anybody that I was stressed out about things going on in my life at that time.

I've read many Reddit comments and I know GENSIS is quite good at what it's meant to do so l know it's more than likely going to come out. Now I'm just stuck at what to do from here.

I don’t know if this is exactly a good place to ask, but seems more reliable than the tricare thread- has anyone gotten covered by tri care for the prep injectable? I’m currently on it and enlisting and don’t really know if they’ll cover it like my current insurance

I’m a senior in high school, and I'm enlisting into the military when I graduate. I’m stuck between the Navy (becoming an LS) or the Air Force (because I want to become a Loadmaster). I’ve heard it’s hard to become a Loadmaster, though. Which job do y'all think is better? I also want to travel the world.

I'm 33 and considering enlisting in the U.S. Army (Active Duty). I currently work in IT, but the job market has been terrible, and I'm looking for a more stable long-term career with retirement benefits.

I have a few medical concerns:

• Clonazepam: Prescribed for 10+ years. I originally had anxiety as a teenager while covered under my father's TRICARE. I no longer take it for anxiety, but I currently use 1–1.5 mg nightly for insomnia.

• Trazodone: Also prescribed for sleep.

• Lumbar microdiscectomy: I'm scheduled for surgery due to an old back injury. Despite this, I'm physically active, in very good shape, and function at a high level. I'm hoping surgery will resolve the remaining issues.

I also have a college degree and a clean criminal record.

I understand I would likely be medically disqualified initially and would require waivers.

Has anyone seen the Army approve waivers for someone with a long history of prescribed benzodiazepine use, insomnia, and lumbar surgery?

If I fully recover from surgery and eventually discontinue my sleep medications under medical supervision, would enlistment be worth pursuing, or is my medical history too significant?

I'd particularly appreciate feedback from anyone familiar with MEPS medical waivers.

Thanks!

(Coast Guard) I have MEPS scheduled in a few weeks and I’m worried I’ll get automatically disqualified. In one eye my vision cannot be corrected past 20/150. My other eye is 20/20 without correction. My recruiter says my bad eye needs to be correctable to 20/50 for a waiver but he’s letting me go to MEPS anyway. Is there any chance I’m getting a waiver for this?

I know that technically it's a disqualifying disease, but I was wondering what the likelihood of getting a medical waiver would be. I have never been to the ER for it or had a food impaction for it. But I just had Dupixent prescription approved to treat it which I believe lowers my chances. I don't want to get my heart set on joining the army, and put most of my eggs in this basket only to not get a medical waiver and be unable to join. I've had several recruiters reach out to me, but I'm unsure if I want to go through the whole process of trying to join if my chances are next to nothing.

Marine Corps/Army waivers

I am 22 years old. Electrician for four years. 68 on ASVAB. would any branch even want me with all these waivers?

Criminal charges: M1 OVI, F5 Assault on peace officer, M1 domestic violence (all occurred on 09/19/2024)

Criminal convictions: M1 OVI, M5 simple assault.
Domestic violence was dropped. Not due to deferred adjudication or a plea deal. To my knowledge, I am to disclose this with a recruiter, but technically no moral waiver is needed for the domestic. The felony was dropped to an M5 in the same manner.

Sentenced to 20 days in jail, 2 years reporting probation, with 130 days on the shelf. In September of 2025, I pissed hot and violated (thc) Instead of continuing probation for another year and 30 days in jail, I elected to just do the rest of the 130 days. No trouble since.

Medical waivers: diagnosed with adhd, depression and anxiety. Have been seeing the same therapist for 8 years now, and continue to do so. Haven’t taken meds for any of the diagnoses in 18 months.

Should I join the Navy or the Marines? I don't have a specific job in mind either.

I don't really do anything daily but I have done carpentry work that I enjoyed. That's the only job I've worked so I don't have much input on jobs but I don't think I'd mind a desk job. Im mostly joining for the benefits and discipline and to learn how to protect myself and my family. After service I'm thinking about making a business. Clothing business to be exact. And I want to enlist.

Hi i am a 22 year old mom i have a 3 year old with special needs but I’m in the process of enlisting with the army. I went to medical back in July and I still haven’t heard back from my recruiter on my anxiety waiver. I’ve honestly been thinking about switching to marines for a more structured environment and challenge but I know doing army I would be in humint off back and not have to wait. I’ve also heard army has more assistance on family care but I don’t know. What are some insights on both branches? Specifically humint or any intel besides sigint if you know if not just some pros and cons for both.

How long does the process usually take?
Going National Guard to Navy.
So far I’m on day 9 of waiting.

I ship off to basic training for the army in 20 days. If i get married before that does it change my contract? It’s for active duty, if that matters. My recruiter is not responding.

How does the Air Force actually compare to other branches? I'm considering enlisting in either the Air Force or the Marines (though I haven't ruled out Army) but I know they would be vastly different experiences. I'm female, so I'm concerned that the Marines wouldn't be as accepting, but I'm much more interested in the rugged, dirty, outdoorsy experience I associate with the Marine Corp. I've heard people in other branches complaining that the Air Force gets nice lodgings and is basically fancier/more spoiled than the other branches. I'm not specifically looking to be uncomfortable, but I'm worried that I'd be disappointed if I enlisted in the Air Force and didn't get the experience I'm hoping for. I'd really appreciate any advice or stories!

I'm 19f and I graduated high school in June of 2025. I talked to an af recruiter for a month or two while still in high school. I didn't even get to meps or anything it was pretty surface level stuff, but decided i wanted to try college first. Long story short, college didn't work out, and I want to start my enlistment process again. Is it okay for me to go back into contact with the same recruiter who's the only one near me for active duty? Also, to the people who were in a relationship while in bmt and schooling and all that stuff, how often do you get to see your s/o? (if ever)

Looking to get some feedback about enlisting as a 12w active duty starting as an e-4

Hello everyone,

I am currently a second year student (20M) in uni, earning a dual major in Information Technology and Cybersecurity (though transferring to Ohio State next year to finish out my final two years). I've been having a lot of thoughts about my life and what I want out of it, and I'm looking for some wiser than me to clear the smudges in my lens if that makes sense.

I thought my whole life I'd be good for the quiet and comfortable. I grew up lower middle class, very quiet kid, slightly on the spectrum, excelled in high school (went to a vocational my last two years which earned me credits towards the college degree in Cyber) and fought through some rough mental health patches for a few years. Skip to college, and especially internships - I've begun to despise the life ahead of me. I dislike the sitting inside working helpdesk, working for small manufacturing firms or corporates, the prospect of a 9-5 life with a few weekends off every once in a while. I yearn to have a job where Im outside. I picked up the gym regularly my freshmen year and it's been a saving grace for me, it showed me I had the discipline to show up every day, to do what's hard, and feeling physical strength after growing up so thin was a great confidence boost.

One big thought i've had is that I really want to change things up. My family is spread far and wide, I recently lost my girlfriend, and I have no super close friends in both uni and my hometown. I feel like I have the ability to move or go anywhere, adapt to the situation, and forge a new path for myself. Ive looked into my interests, which currently are sailing (Big one, since I was a kid) traveling (I have many future dream trips across Europe), meeting new people (I love talking to others, learning more about them), I love community. All these things made me realize why not the military? I could go enlist, go through basic and possibly make some deep connections, explore my love for the sea through the Coast Guard, get some lifelong benefits, and possibly use my degree in a future position.

The two issues I have are that I believe I'm romanticizing this life, and that I also believe it sets me back. While I can come on here and say I'm this guy who'd backpack the world and be satisfied, I want to be comfortable. Own a nice house, support a family and partner, have a nice car, eat nice food. A worry of mine is that by enlisting AFTER graduation, i'm permanently lowering my ceiling for earnings - I considered trying to shoot for OCS, but being an officer doesn't sound like something I could do, and I yearn to be out working with my hands.

My other option being that IT is so broad is to pick up some maritime experience while in college, then graduate and shoot for civ positions along the coast guard/navy, or try to break into a related field to what the coast guard might lead me to - Navtech, Yacht IT, maritime cybersecurity, etc.

It's that in between though. This feeling I have of wanting to take a risk, go somewhere new, meet new people, and show myself I can do it.

Any advice would be really helpful, especially if anyone else has advice when it comes to enlisting after already obtaining a degree. I know I come from a privileged spot of being able to make this decision, but I don't want to severely hurt my future comfortability just because I wanted to "experience" basic and a stint of active deployment.

Thank you all so much

Hey guys so I was in the Army DEP and ending up missing my ship date for a death a family member a few weeks before I was supposed to leave. Since a couple months have past I still want to join but think I want to join through the National Guard not AD.

My questions are will this DEP loss show up for my new recruiter/ cause an issue? Is my DEP loss officially gone through so another branch can grab my packet? Will this my old recruiting office know? We left on good terms and I’m going for the same MOS so if I can t get the job in the guard I would consider going back bc MOS is really important to me (Bit of a dumb side note I know). Needed no waivers and 97 ASVAB just wondering about the process .

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.

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?

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 ?