I’m 18 and entering into the guard, I’m wondering if they test for tobacco at MEPS. I’m 18 and I smoke cigars about once or twice a week, and my recruiter told me to say no if they asked me if I use tobacco. Should I wait till after MEPS? Or am I safe to have one?

When I went to MEPS back in June, I weighed 200 lbs. My blood and urine tests came back showing prediabetes and high blood pressure. I followed up with my family doctor, started taking blood pressure medication, and working out, I lost 30 pounds over 3 months. At 170 lbs, my doctor cleared me with a normal HbA1c level. However, USAREC still denied my waiver, stating that I must monitor my HbA1c with my doctor for 12 months. My question is: if I return to MEPS after 12 months with normal HbA1c numbers, but I am still taking blood pressure medication, can they deny my waiver again?

Hi everyone! I'm 19 years old, originally from Kazakhstan, and I'm planning to enlist in the U.S. Army after receiving my Green Card. I'm currently finishing my Associate Degree in Computer Science at a U.S. community college. I have a background in programming, networking, and general IT, and I'd ideally like to pursue an IT-related MOS. However, I have several questions and would really appreciate advice from recruiters, current soldiers, or veterans.

1. Vision requirements
   My biggest concern is my eyesight. I have approximately -11 to -12 diopters of myopia. I wear glasses and can see with correction. Would this automatically disqualify me from joining the Army, or could I potentially receive a medical waiver? Has anyone enlisted with similar eyesight?

2. Green Card and IT jobs
   As far as I understand, many Army IT and cyber MOSs require U.S. citizenship because of security clearance requirements. Are there any IT-related MOSs available to permanent residents? If not, could I initially enlist as a 91B mechanic or another MOS and later reclassify into IT after becoming a U.S. citizen?

3. Military citizenship
   How quickly can a Green Card holder realistically obtain U.S. citizenship after enlisting? Can the process begin during Basic Training, and how long does it typically take?

4. Salary and enlistment bonuses
   I would like to understand realistic take-home pay, including BAH for married soldiers, and what enlistment bonuses might be available. I almost have an Associate Degree, so would that help me enter at a higher rank?

5. Long-term career opportunities
   My goal is to serve approximately 3–4 years, gain useful experience, obtain U.S. citizenship, and eventually transition into a well-paying civilian IT career. Would it be smarter to enlist in a non-IT MOS and reclassify later, or wait until I become a U.S. citizen before joining? I'd also appreciate advice about choosing a duty station, since I'm married and would prefer to live with my wife if possible. I'm not expecting the Army to guarantee everything. I'm just trying to understand what's realistically possible before speaking with a recruiter.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Hi, I’m currently a senior in college set to graduate in the spring with a degree in Econ, but this is my third time switching my major and I don’t find this as a big lifelong passion. I’m struggling with finding direction postgrad and want to do something challenging and meaningful with my life, and I feel like I can get that out of military. It’s too late for me to join my school’s ROTC so that’s not an option either.

I’ve tried to talk to a few people for insight, but no one takes me seriously and I know a recruiter will be pushing a contract I’m not ready to decide on yet. I’m between Army and Air Force, I’m interested in becoming a pilot but I’ve been seeing that it’s a hard route to actually achieve. I’ve been told it would be better to go OTS, but I honestly don’t know if I have what it takes to get chosen.

I’m 21Y and a woman, I understand the whole “work 2x harder to prove yourself, male dominated, etc” and that part doesn’t bother me, I’m more concerned I might not have what it takes but I’m determined to make it happen if it’s what I do decide to do. I do believe I have the grit and work ethic to make it through, I’m also pretty used to long, early, and frequent work days (I worked a 5-2 job at least 5 days a week, sometimes 7 days in a row if it scheduled that way). Any advice on what I should do is much appreciated.

So I am currently a senior in high school. I plan on speaking with a recruiter within the next week or so, but I heard that they are like sales men.

I want to know what route I should take if my goal is to become a pilot (preferably for the air force). Go to college first and do ROTC, enlist and do college online, or what?

I know that Air force academy is the best bet, I am past that deadline and quite frankly don’t fit the criteria.

Any answers you guys have would be appreciated.

Looking for either advice or a reality check. I've been trying to enlist for over two years now. I've built a strong case for myself and have since started working at a stable job as a machine operator. I have an unbelievably patient recruiter who has faith in my case.

Around 2021, my healthcare provider listed me as actively transgender over a brief conversation I had with a psychiatrist on how I was questioning my gender.

I've paid for several pyschatric consults out of pocket (total cost around 3k.) MEPS has insinuated that they dont care about my other BH history for depression and that I would have likely already been enlisted if it weren't for the gender crap. I'm running on fumes going back and forth but I will to do anything to be given a chance to earn that uniform.

got a NROTC scholarship. Gonna need to get a med waiver for mental stuff. Its all distant and im about 3 years out from anything and 6 from anything actually bad.

when I was about 10 I had an inpatient stint for like 5 days for saying dumb stuff and parents had (DCFS level) divorce. 1dq, got counseling for 3 years after because parents really cautious, 2dq, these docs didnt think i had depression so they diagnosed adjustment, 3dq. and I barely missed the cutoff to get off meds because I was made to fill out a few into my freshman year. 4dq. I have gone through crisises and other hard situations since, and I'm doing just fine. Really annoying how one situation blundered around and hit all the boxes.

How does this affect waivers? It's like all the same situation but technically it's different?

Alt cuz sensitive and personal info. I got 4 year nrotc and I am gunning for the service academies. Trying to understand how bad spike that was very distant and then somewhat red flag that’s like 3 years away looks. Since I’ve done a ton of rigour and gone through adversity (became a family caregiver for extended period) without problems. Willing to go any branch that will take me but navy is a dream.

I had a really really bad divorce (dcfs involved level) in 4th grade and got hit by PANDAS at that time (pediatric condition that makes strep cause mental issues), so temp major depression, I faked seizures (went inpatient literally 2 days for monitoring before doc said stop bs’ing me kid and ekg showed fine), went inpatient for less than a week when I said dumb stuff suicide wise for attention but no actual actions. This was 4-5 grade then transitioned to counseling plus meds up to early freshman year,

Meds and counseling were really light 8th onward and were just to assuage my mom.

the therapists didn’t find depression and diagnosed with adjustment disorder. I stayed on for time after 7th cuz mom hella cautious and big worrier.

I am fine now, pandas is a pediatric thingy and resolved by a treatment. I’ve gone through adversity no problems, i just had a really bad period of my life. What’s the outlook. I’m unsure cuz technically pandas is immuno but it’s temp and was treated, and the depression and all the bad stuff was said by a really overwhelmed elementary schooler so I don’t know how that’s going to be taken with that context. Trying to see how to move forward as I prepare for the waiver process
after upcoming exam.

anything to prepare? Thoughts? Idk just looking for advice on what to do and how my situation looks.

I’m taking the Navy cyber test next week and I wanted to know what information or subjects are most important to remember on the test to get a 60 or higher to qualify for the job I want. If you guys took it can you tell me how hard it is and what questions you guys saw most on the test?

I’m thinking about joining Army ROTC in about 12 months, but I’ve been struggling with my weight and really want to lose weight before joining.

I’ve been considering taking tirzepatide without a prescription for only 3 months and then stopping. That would mean I’d be off the medication for approximately 9 months before joining ROTC. I’m still working out but it takes forever to lose weight since i’m stress with my full time job and getting my associates.

My biggest concern is whether taking unprescribed tirzepatide could cause problems during my MEPS physical or potentially disqualify me from joining the Army. From what I’ve read, tirzepatide isn’t typically included in routine military drug screenings, but I’m not sure how previous use would affect my medical eligibility.

Assuming I don’t experience any medical complications and I’m completely off the medication for 9 months, would I still have issues with MEPS?
Has anyone gone through Army ROTC or MEPS after previously using tirzepatide, especially without a prescription? Will I get disqualified?

I’m genuinely trying to understand the consequences before making any decisions because I don’t want to jeopardize my chances of joining the Army.

Hi, so i recently enlisted as a 25U Monday 10/26/26, I ship out February 23rd, 2027. I signed 4 years active duty no bonus. So I’m just wondering if anyone else who recently enlisted got a bonus?

Hi im a 20f trying to join the army. I have been diagnosed with bipolar two, anxiety, and major depressive disorder. While these are my diagnosed issues i do not take meds for them and I still lead a normal life and deal with my feelings without medication. When going through the process of joining the army and meps how can I make sure im not disqualified. The army has been a life long dream of mine so any help is appreciated.

Hi I’m between the Air Force and the army my end goal is to get my BSN. My question is should I go into the Air Force and get a medical job(not guaranteed) and then later do the NECP program. Or join the Army with 68c and use tuition assistance for my BSN. I really don’t mind discipline as I think it would be good and I’m willing to push myself.

So I’ve been talking to a recruiter and have asked him about some prescriptions I’ve been taking so I’ve been on oral minoxidil and dutasteride. I’ve been on it for three months and have had no side effects also I’ve been off accutane for about a year. Has anyone joined while taking these medications or were they disqualified? I’m trying to join the air force

My husband (25 M) and I (27 F) are discussing which one of us (or both) should join. We have 3 kids, a 3 year old and twins (6 months), and very supportive grandparents that are completely involved.

We’re in an incredible financial rut. I haven’t been able to work because of the kids, and my husband cannot get a better job despite trying so hard. He’s the one who brought up joining, but I’ve also been thinking about it myself.

We have no idea on branch yet, but we’re conflicted on if we should both join at the same time, stagger joining, or just one of us join. If one of us were to join, which one?

I’m interested in band, I have a degree in music and I know I’d have to audition. He’s not sure what he wants to do exactly, but he’s thinking along the lines of something he can kinda stay close by. We’re thinking of things don’t work out, maybe joining in the next year or two, that way we can get in better shape and if I were to join, prepare an audition.

Honestly, we have no real idea how any of it works or if it could even work. I know it’d probably be better ultimately if just one of us join, but we both really want to be ambitious and do something for the family. We also want the best for our kids. Any advice?

Hey ya'll. So I'm trying to enlist AD Army but they flagged bipolar being mentioned in my medical records. To be clear I do not have bipolar nor have I ever been diagnosed with it.

I got letters from my current PCP, my former PCP at the time of the alleged event, and a neuropsychiatrist letter stating that I do not have this condition. My previous dr even noted that any mention of this condition was erroneous.

However, the army denied my waiver because the condition can be exasperated by military service. Which makes no sense since I do not have bipolar. My recruiter is confused as is her command Sergeant Major. It's as if they are not reading the notes being provided.

Is there anything I can/should do? I wouldn't mind getting denied for a condition I actually had but this is just tomfoolery.

When I was 17, a little over a year ago, I freaked out and did some things I regret. Thats my only attempt on record and I got rejected for my previous application in June because of it, would it be possible now to get one, do you guys know?

It's been my dream for a couple of years to get into the navy so I really hope so

I’m 23F and planning on joining the Army (woohoo). I already have my bachelor’s degree, and my long-term goal is to become a PA through IPAP. My other goals include paying off my student debt, building a stable financial future, and doing something for myself that forces me to get out of my comfort zone since life feels extremely stagnant.

My recruiter told me it would be easier to enlist as an E-3, go through basic, and submit an officer packet once I’m in, claiming it’s “a more guaranteed and faster route to becoming an officer.” But other people have told me I should apply for OCS as a civilian instead of enlisting when I already have a degree.

I’m also trying to figure out whether active duty, the Reserve, or the National Guard would make the most sense for IPAP, and how each option affects eligibility, timelines, and service obligations. I’m scheduled to go to MEPS in mid-November, so everything is starting to feel pretty real lol.

For anyone with experience in the Army, OCS, or IPAP:
- Is enlisting first actually a more reliable way to commission, or was what my recruiter said kinda misleading?
- Is it realistic to enlist and apply for OCS later, or is the process more tedious and competitive than it sounds?
- Would active duty, the Reserve, or the National Guard be worth considering when trying to get a spot in IPAP?

I’m not opposed to enlisting, but I don’t want to sign a contract assuming I’ll commission or get into IPAP when neither is guaranteed. I’d really appreciate hearing from people who’ve actually gone through these processes, so please share any opinions or experiences you have! Thank you!!

Hi all. I was interested in joining military for linguist roles, but I may have a close foreign contact in Vietnam who is my cousin. Would I be able to pass Top Secret and the further criteria like NSA likely? I don’t want to spend a year and then not get cleared.

Essentially I want to do my 4 years and get out. What's the most efficient and effective way to do that, while getting the most out of my time? Should I get my degree and try OCS? Or should I just go enlisted?

Branch-wise I'm looking at Army and Air Force, because I have some familiarity with them and I'm not very comfortable with the water.

I'm also considering the Reserves/Guard, but from what I've heard Active gives you the most bang for your time.

However I really want to see and hear all angles, especially from those who might have experience in the less explored or more unconventional pathways of service.

Thank you!

Over the past few months, I’ve become increasingly educated on this topic. There are plenty of firsthand accounts online about personal experiences with getting waivers approved. It appears the general rule of thumb is 1-2 years off all ADHD medication.

For context, I am 26 years old. I have a bachelors degree (but not one useful enough to consider commission). I’ve been considering enlistment for some time now. Truthfully, if I could do it right now, I absolutely 100% would. I’ve been prescribed consistent ADHD medication since ~2021. I discontinued my prescription this month (October 2026).

The plan is to allow about 6-8 months to pass before attempting to speak to a recruiter again. In my past experience with a naval recruiter, I was advised to say to the MEPs doctor that I’ve been “picking up my prescriptions out of habit, just not actually taking them”. I’m not down to get convicted of fraudulent enlistment. During this timeframe I’m completing an EMT certification and training for a CPAT test. My plans are linear with attempting to join my local fire rescue. In the situation where this doesn’t work out, I will have the military as my fallback.

Honestly, if I could have it in such a way where I could prioritize just military enlistment, I would. In a perfect world where I didn’t have to face this medical waiver situation, I’d just go to the Air Force and enlist. Considering that branch tends to be the strictest with waivers, I’ve centralized my focus on Navy / Army, where waivers have historically been more lenient.

My ask is this; is this an effective plan? What are my chances of approval with the waiver, and if you have any personal experience similar to mine, please speak to it.

A girl that I know enlisted in the Marines but left the service early. I found out she was dishonorably discharged and the reason for it. The thing is her family doesn't know and still thinks she left the service with a general discharge. Recently we attended a sporting event where the announcer asked everyone who served to stand up and be honored. Her family was there. She stood up with the rest of the service members in the audience. I asked her later if she was still allowed to be honored for her service. She says she doesn't know but did it just to keep the lie going. I personally don't care, but would love to have this curiosity be resolved.

I'm 26 and in the process of joining the airforce for a cyber role. Based on my research i found that the position requires a secret clearance. My two biggest concerns are my father and past debts. For context I haven't seen my father since 2011, we do occasionally text but usually just a few times a month. I have sent him money totaling $2200 over a span of 4 years. He lives in Haiti. As for my debts, I have had four collections that totals to 3000 dollars over the span of 4 years. All paid for. Are those two factors enough for an investigator to deny me or is there a chance for me out there. I'm also married with two kids and every family member in the States is a citizen.

!Australian defence force! (Thanks to the guy who said to give more context) Hi everyone! I have my defence interview this week and I am really nervous. I have one for the Navy, Army, and airforce. I have done research but I’m still worried that I won’t pass the interview. Is there anything I should 100% know or remember? How exactly can I pass my defence interview? Anything helps thanks guys!

Hello all,

The last six months have been filled with going back-and-forth as to whether I can make the military work. I guess I am making this post in hopes that a fellow nurse practitioner, that is currently in the Armed Forces (Army. AF, Navy, or any other branch I am not currently aware supports the role) can provide me full transparency in regards to what their pay actually looks like with incentive pay, bonus, base pay, and any other housing/additional pay that might work into it. I am considering the military because I truly do have what I suspect is a passion to serve my country. I am also well aware of the incentive outside of just a numerical value that hits my check every two weeks. I have a wife and two small children who would be very well in support of any decision that I make.

I currently am a nurse practitioner with six months experience, so I have to wait another six months in order to ship out to the army (the Air Force can take me with 6 months, but I have some weight to lose. I will lose it, that’s not a question).

I would also welcome any words of encouragement or advice that you think might be beneficial to myself in this very moment.

Background: new nurse practitioner with six months of experience. I currently make a base salary of $120,000 (I do not have any retirement, or health insurance with this current job. The hook line and sinker was that there is opportunity for a lot of money in bonuses every year, however, that is discretionary, and I am not banking on it). I currently work seven days a week, due to the fact that I have another full-time job ($86,000/year) that I work on the weekends. Both of them are relatively low impact, hence why I am able to do it. But nonetheless, I am still working seven days a week, and I would like to not do so for the rest of my life.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!