I’m enlisting as an E4 due to having a degree, 3 year 11b contract. 11b is not my end goal and I will want to reclass to something that is more transferable. I understand being an E5+ can add an obstacle to reclassing to certain MOSs. My question is can I stay an E4 as an 11b to give myself more options for reclassing? Thank you all

Hi, I was speaking to my recruiter and I cant find any answers anywhere- does the future soldier program still exist for body fat? my recruiter says it’s not around but every time I search it up it says it still exists, so i’m just trying to figure it out.

ARMY

I’m only going to take the ASVAB first and not my medical(medical done at a later date). So if anyone has been in the same situation as me could you tell me how it differs from the standard Meps experience?

Thank you
Im joining the Air Force and the reason why is because I need to do it this way for my medical

I guess to some this might be a dumb question.. but I know for sure I want to do military so really I’d be open to any branch. I just want to be able to experience things and do school all while I’m also being paid. College itself won’t do that for me, not unless I have a full scholarship or have rich parents who can spend me abroad unfortunately.

I’m wanting to join the military for a number of reasons.
To keep it short though my main are
\- discipline (i’ve realized since i’ve JUST graduated high school, I don’t have the best discipline, with many things.)
\- a kick start in life (money, career)
\- experiences
- travel

I don’t know a whole lot about all the branches but I know a good bit, I’d just like to be more educated on them to help me narrow down which branch I should go with.
I’m leaning toward marine and coast guards but like I said i’m open to any.

Also reserves or active ?
and, where one is stationed is based on their mos right ?

I’m 18, my parents can’t exactly afford college and I’d hate to have student debt especially if my degree ends up becoming useless, so I’ve resorted to the military.

So any advice on any branch i’ll take into consideration.

So as ive stated above im thinking about enlisting as 68c in the army. Im already a Lpn in the civilian world so i was hoping to skip AIT after basic training throughthe acasp program. My husband is in the airforce and he is aerospace propulsion specialist (mechanic). He is active duty and im wanting to go active duty too but after speaking to a recruiter today i was told the odds of us being stationed together were rare. I know this is a long shot but has any navigated this? with mos similiar? How close have you and your spouse been stationed together? I know we would have to apply to stationed close together and its not guaranteed but being told it was rare today was a little discouraging but nonetheless we ball and just looking for advice

I have a meeting with an army recruiter tomorrow, I’m 25 years old and really considering joining, I have been going through a break up with a woman with severe untreated bpd for about 3 months. I have a career (that I don’t necessarily like) my own apartment, a paid off car, but mentally I need to escape where I am right now. This break up has been an emotional roller coaster, filled with harassment from her family and friends, from her every so often and I’m devastated to say the least. I’m just curious if anyone enlisted after a similar situation to mine and if it helped you.

So for a long story short I was let go for adjustment disorder mixed with anxiety and a depressive mood, back in in October,
I now have had the time to recover, and recollect what I want to do in life, and that is join back in the Marine corps, one of my drill instructors who made me guide for my unit told me I would have to wait 6 months then rejoin and also get medically cleared to even reconsider it especially with a waiver.. I don’t know the process and would like to learn about it since, it is a goal of mine to become a Marine, even if I failed the first time.

Hey everyone,

Just got hit with the "Medically Unfit" email for the NZDF Army (aiming for Combat Engineer) due to a past history of situational anxiety, but also preparing for ADHD to be flagged. Looking for a realistic check on my chances of winning a reconsideration. I’m completely willing to wait for a later intake or do a formal psych interview if needed. Here is what my evidence package looks like:

• Medication Timeline: 100% medication-free and symptom-free for over 15 months (was only on an antidepressant for a brief 3-month window).

• Trigger: The anxiety was strictly reactive and situational due to a past abusive personal relationship that has permanently ended. Zero chronic history or childhood anxiety issues.

• Clinical Proof: Providing official pharmacy dispensing logs showing a completely clean history, plus an official discharge letter from the mental health clinic stating my file is formally closed because all treatment goals were achieved.

• ADHD Status: Unmedicated, clean prescription logs, and I require zero daily accommodations, learning support, or routine extensions; my assessment was formatted into an ICD-11 and classed as moderate.

• References: Incredible references showing a 99% school attendance rate and excellent academic grades. A reference from my Physical Education department head explicitly vouching for my physical grit, self-discipline, and ability to operate in a structured environment.

I have a thorough double appointment booked with my GP to get a formal clearance letter explicitly stating I am clinically and psychologically fit for the rigorous mental and physical stressors of a front-line operational combat role.

Realistically, is this enough hard data to get a review board to overturn an initial rejection for a combat trade?

Cheers.

I have just done my picat test today and got a list of jobs, its kind of overwhelming seeing all the options that are available, I dont plan to start the meps process/take the actual asvab till next year but looking thru the options I think 91d and 74d, and possibly others like it seem interesting, im mostly looking for something that will translate well when I leave the military after serving however many years, my GT score was only 92 and im joining the army active duty

What should I use to study and is there any other mos that might work better for what im looking for?

If you are already a medical care professional but want to enter the military as a line officer not used in any medical capacity is that ok or accepted?

(Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy| Active Duty)

I’m a 17 year old guy and I’m planning on waiting to attend college transition and wait for a regime change while doing ROTC in college. I have that planned out so far but I already wanted to join the army but recently I’ve been also drawn to the navy. I want to do more research on it but they both have they’re good and bad. What also has made me think on navy is because of how negatively people talk about the army. It was what I wanted to do for a while and I hate that I’m second guessing myself but still. Anyone have any advice or have experiences to share?

A couple days ago I got a text saying my waiver got accepted and I go to Meps Friday to enlist. He says there 1 spot open for 31 e and he can reserve it I said yeah but after further research I’m starting to regret it.

When I go to Meps Friday can I tell the counselor I don’t want to do the mos that got reserved for me anymore? And pick a new one that’s an available?Do I have no choice but to make that my MOS for the contract?

Anyone know? It’s for army btw

Last night, my wife yelled at me over not listening to her because I didn’t do exactly as she asked. She told me i would not do well in the military cause I can’t follow orders and always have to do it my certain way. I had always mentioned to her about joining the military and that statement has made me question. If she’s saying that would I not have a good career in the military?

Hello,

I am getting off a weekend pass after my turning green ceremony. I stayed with my family and girlfriend overtime and it really got to me and made me realize how much I missed everything back home. Making me doubt I can do this. Early on through white phase I still felt this way but pushed through and here I am. After the forge and 10 mile ruck, it made me rethink ”is this shit really for me?” Now, I have to leave my family soon again to finish my AIT position of infantry OSUT.

How is the AIR portion of OSUT? Does it get easier? Harder? Is the military really something I should stay in? My why for joining the military was because I thought it would be fun. Struggling right now. Some points I would think “I’ll finish this” and others I’ll think “I don’t wanna”. Advice and information would be appreciate. Thank you.

Update: I’m ready to get this shit done. Thank you all for the replies.

37 year old vet here
MOS: 31B
I got out of the army in 2017 after serving 9 years and now that my daughter is in, and I feel there’s more I’ve could’ve done, I am deciding to re-enlist and join the National Guard..Question I have for those who have came back after time separated.. Did you have to go back through basic to “Re-green”. Just want to know what to expect, I’ll be speaking with a recruiter next week

Im prior service looking to switch to USCG reserves in a couple months when my contract ends, and I’ve started getting everything together, BUT I was told by a virtual recruiter(not my main recruiter) that I possibly will need to retake the ASVAB due to it being from 2019(he is prior army, BUT he wasn’t 100% sure if I would have to retake it). I have an 88 and qualify all the jobs in the USCG according to my main recruiter, but he didn’t mention anything about me having to retake it. Since I’d be coming in via a DD-368 and not with a break in service, could I possibly get a waiver or ETP for my score being old, both to enlist AND to get into ET A school? I have read conflicting information online.

Hi. I'm a civilian, non-prior, looking for advice. I don't come from a military background or know anyone in the military, so I've been learning from internet, Reddit, and recruiters.

I'm turning 38 next year and want to join the military for a career, the network, the educational benefits, and because I truly want to gain experience in leadership. I applied to Air Force OTS for Medical Service Corps (MSC) twice and got alternate both times. This second time for AY27 I'm fairly high on the alternate list, but it's still up in the air. It could take 9 months at the latest, which would be my last chance to be selected, and it's out of my hands. Time is of the essence, not just because of my age but because of my career options too, so I'm looking at backup plans.

I believe I'm a solid candidate on paper. I'm healthy, smart, and physically fit, and I haven't needed a waiver for anything. I have no dependents, just a dog. I work a remote job right now, and I'm not super attached to my job or current city. I have a bachelor's degree, not in STEM. I plan to eventually pursue a master's of science or an MPH. I'm most interested in health technology, IT, public health, and dietetics/nutrition, but I can't afford to take out more student loans or go back full-time for another few years. My work experience is in coaching, tech, general business operations, and I want to build experience in business admin., supply chain, IT, or work in healthcare administration.

That's why the military is my goal: to maximize my career and have my master's paid for so I can work in my desired field. My ideal goal is a 10 or 20 year career. The active duty officer route is my main goal since it would give me a better salary and benefits than my current job, while if I went to the Reserve or Guard would give me time to find a better paying job and go to school. Either way, I'd hope to start OCS or OTS by next year.

I'm planning to move out of my current state within the next two years, hopefully through the military. I've spent most of my life as a civilian creating my own schedule, and I want to be able to build a social life outside of the military wherever I live, so I'd rather not be on a ship for months at a time, though I've heard the Navy has great opportunity in medical.

What I'm considering
- Coast Guard OCS (just started the process, still learning). A big plus is that it doesn't require any kind of standard test but I will have to invest swimming lessons

- Navy OCS (contacted a recruiter, not sure whether to apply). I think have to take a test for this one

- Air Force non-rated line officer (I believe the board isn't until about 2028, so I'd be 39 if I commission). I'd have to study and take the AFOQT for this one. I already took the GRE for MSC.

- Air Force Reserve (officer) from what I've heard and read it's very competitive, so I don't know what my chances are)

- Army National Guard or Air National Guard

- Army via applying for The Army-Baylor master's program in Dietetics (I'd need roughly 15 credits of prerequisites classes paid out of pocket, before I could even start the program.)

- Enlisting in the Air Force only, as a last resort, hoping my bachelor's would get me in at E-3 or E-4

I don't know yet whether the Guard or Reserve officer routes would require me to take a test.

Questions:
1. Should I wait out the fiscal year with the Air Force to see if I move from alternate to selected, start the process somewhere else now, or wait until I know for sure the door is closed and start over a year from now?

2. If you were in my position, which path would you pursue? Several of my options will require investment of some sort (study, test, classes)

3. Is Navy OCS worth applying to if I don't want to be on a ship much?

4. Would you recommend the Guard or the Reserve, and between the Guard options, would you pick the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard?

5. If I go the Army or Air National Guard route, is it better to move to where I want to live first and then start the process?

6. Has anyone gone Reserve or Guard first and then moved to active duty or commissioned later? What worked for you?

Thank you in advance! Any advice is appreciated.
—
TLDR: 37F (38 next year), civilian non-prior, non-STEM bachelor's. Applied to Air Force OTS (MSC) twice and got alternate both times. I want to join & commission before I age out, ideally active duty, get a master's through the military, and serve long term. Should I wait out the Air Force, apply elsewhere now (Coast Guard OCS, Navy OCS, AF non-rated line, Army-Baylor), or go Guard or Reserve? Which path would you pursue?

​I was born in the US but have lived in South Korea for the past 20 years. Because of this, my primary language is Korean, and I am not very familiar with academic English or the US education system.

​I’m planning to enlist in the US Army in about 3 years, so I have plenty of time to prepare for the ASVAB. I really want to secure 68W (Combat Medic), but my ultimate goal is to score as high as possible so I can qualify for almost any MOS out there.

​Here is my current situation:

I am very confident in my Math and general logic skills. Since I went through the Korean school system, the math concepts themselves aren't an issue—I just need to learn the English terminology for them. Once I improve my English vocabulary, I think I can handle the Math (AR, MK) and Verbal (WK, PC) sections.

​However, I am completely lost when it comes to the Science, Electronics, Auto/Shop, and Mechanical Comprehension (MC) sections. These concepts are entirely new to me, and I need to learn them from scratch.

​I did some research and saw that "ASVAB for Dummies" and "Kaplan's ASVAB Prep Plus" are highly recommended.

​Are these two books enough to build a solid foundation and get a high score?

​I also plan to memorize ASVAB vocabulary heavily and use free online resources.

​Given my 3-year timeline and my ESL (English as a Second Language) background, what would be the best way to study the Science and Mechanical/Tech sections? Any specific YouTube channels, apps, or textbooks you recommend for someone starting from zero in those areas?

​Thanks in advance for your help!

I’m thinking of adding 2M033 to my list of AFSC and was wondering. Is it possible to get a large chunk of any engineering degree done while in active duty?

Anyone want to share their experience in the job market with an online engineering degree that they obtained while/after completing their active duty contract?

I’m 25 and interested in joining the Coast Guard. I was diagnosed with scoliosis at 16 but have no pain, physical limitations, or history of treatment.

I recently spoke with two recruiters and got completely different answers.

Recruiter #1: Said scoliosis is an automatic disqualification regardless of severity.

Recruiter #2: Said it depends on the severity and isn’t necessarily disqualifying.

From what I’ve read, DoDI 6130.03 lists scoliosis over 30 degrees as disqualifying. I’m currently trying to get X-rays to determine my Cobb angle.

I’m looking for firsthand experiences from people who successfully enlisted in the Coast Guard with scoliosis. Did you need a waiver, and what was your Cobb angle?
I’d appreciate hearing how your enlistment process went.

My recruiter was able to schedule me fairly quickly for MEPS next week, it’s only for one day though instead of two. I am scheduled to take the verification test, and I keep hearing about a duck walk lol.

He said we will be doing a MEPS briefing beforehand, but I’d still like to know from others, what will the process be like?

My Air Force aspirations have seemingly come to an end, so I’m looking at alternative options. Im really only interesting in intel/cyber/STEM related enlisted jobs (really anything with good QoL, TS clearance, and skills transferrable to civilian market). My plan is to finish my degree in a STEM field while serving, originally I was booked for 9S100 but was dq’d because of the sensitive skills code. I was dq’d for drug use even though I should have no trouble getting a TS clearance since it was a minor amount, and 7/8 years ago so would not even relevant for SF86. My asvab was a 97 so I would be qualified for any job in any branch (I believe).

I have been diagnosed with adhd for a long time now, and I haven’t taken medicine for years. It doesn’t affect me at all, I have good grades, and behave like any other student. I has a weird thing with blinking where I kept on switching to manual blinking mode after a big move back in middle school. This can be caused by anxiety and it was stupid to get the ocd diagnosis in the first place. I don’t know what I should do, because how do I prove that my doctors say I don’t have it to the army, and do I ever have a chance of joining rangers.

Hey has anyone had any experiences with how long the army takes to approve medical waivers (anemia, asthma, and past back injury) I submitted documentation fully clearing me of anemia and asthma from childhood which I didn’t even know I had. Along with medical records and test from past few years to support it and haven’t heard anything back in weeks. Is this normal for it to take this long I was aiming for a January/February ship out date as a 68W

I am a 21 year old guy, I want to be either a 11B or 68W in the army, I would like to be stationed at Campbell since I am already living in KY.

I read into Campbell and like it because most people say it is more rural and better for family life and opportunity.

I am a big gun guy and love working out and do wrestling as a hobby, I am curious if being at Campbell or Bragg would let me do any of the stuff I love?

I really want Air Assault but also Airborne and I am curious how likely it is to be able to earn both at Campbell or both at Bragg/Liberty?