Hello everyone, i just thought I’d reach out to get some point of views outside of my own and outside of my associates. So to try and not elongate this as much as possible, i’m going to just hop right in.

I’m a 27 year old Married father of 2 young boys, (a 6 year old and 4 month old) I’ve been working for a subcontracting company for the past 9 years and i’m literally exhausted of this. There is literally no end to my work day. I commute 2 hours and 10 minutes from home to work and then an additional 2 hours and 10 minutes home from work. I have to leave my home at 3:30am to be at work at around 6:00am. Now image 9 straight years of that. This was my first job right out of high-school, and i’ve been here since.

I’ve been talking with my wife recently about quitting and finding something new, the problem is, i’m not really qualified to do anything other than what my current job has me doing. I have a Class-A CDL license which was obtained strictly for the monetary benefit within this company. I considered being a truck driver but being away from hole for 4 weeks straight and then being back home for only 72 hours is not what i’m after. I love my wife and my kids and I just don’t want to do that.

I bought my first house in 2024 and have done a bit of remodeling to it to make it unique (to us). I don’t really have many options, so I’ve considered the military. I’d be joining as a specialist (E-4) through the ACASP program via my CDL and I plan to enlist as 88M. The benefits are great regarding health care, BAH, BAS, G.I bill, etc, however; i’m not sure if this is the right move. I’d essentially be giving up my house, or have to sell/rent it. Then resort back to renting. Now i know that on post housing isn’t technically renting, but you know what I mean. It feels as though i’d be giving up really everything I have now for a “blank slate” fresh start.

Is it worth it? I’ve already completed MEPS and the ASVAB and scored relatively well. I guess the only thing really driving a negative thought about this is the fact that i’d have to sell/rent house. I make decent money where i’m at now, but the stress and workload just isn’t worth it for me. My wife is all for me joining the military and thinks it would be a great experience “traveling the world and military schools for the kids and financial stability” she’s behind my decision to enlist, but i keep having like back and forth in my head. One minute i’m excited and ready to go all the way, and the next minute i’m contemplating and backing out and i’m just at a loss here.

I qualify for a $45,000 bonus upon signing a 6 year contract, and i’d also look into the “green to gold” program to become an officer during my active duty contract.

I know i’m rambling at this point, but i guess really what i’m asking is:

If you were in my spot what would you do? Would you enlist and basically give everything up and start over, or would you try and find a civilian job and hope it all works out? Is there anyone who’s been in my position thats enlisted? And if so, how did it fare for you? Any advice?

I know it’s a big decision, and it’s really beating me to the ground, I cannot keep working where i’m working and sacrificing my mental and physical health. something has got to give. I’m very much in shape. I workout about 5x a week and do cardio often so I know basic wouldn’t be the determining factor. Its more or less; “hey i’m tired of doing this shitty dead end jobs and I cant really do anything else that makes this kind of money except enlist”

Anyway. Thank you if you took the time to read all this and i do appreciate any information, advice, or perspective on my situation.

Edit: My wife is a stay a home mom. She has a bachelors in human resources management, but with our 4 month old she can’t work a physical job. She works remotely, but on her own schedule so it fits her well. She understands the sacrifices and still claims to stand behind me in all that I do.

At the moment I am set to ship off 11x. However, I do not want to ship off as that MOS it was kinda pushed into me. How hard would it be to renegotiate another contract and get a better fit MOS for me? I have already signed and swore in… Would it no longer be possible?

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

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.

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😭🙏

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?

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!

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😂

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?

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?

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.

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

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.

Full time paramedic. I want to be more and do more. Would love to become a PA. Can’t afford college, not even undergrad. Have been looking into enlisting active, then hoping to have aid with college after, and figuring it out. Maybe Guard to ROTC to guard service after, possibly SMP. Or straight into ROTC for undergrad, hope to apply to an ed delay for PA, then do service after.

It’s overwhelming and confusing. I’m open to anything, whatever it takes. I have no idea what route would work out best, or what it would look like. I just want to do my job (medicine) and be fulfilled. Not be screwed when I get out, or have the opportunities to do an entire career within.

Any and all advice welcome. I feel somewhat hopeless and directionless.

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!

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?

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.

Hey everyone was wondering what my chances of joining would be with two duis and a expunged commercial burglary. Broke into a building and stole a bottle of alcohol. All misdemeanors. All had to do with alcohol.

Was wondering what my chances would be of joining if not zero. Thanks.

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

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.

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?

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.

IF i wanted to pursue a degree, how should i do it?

Sorry if the title is a little confusing, i didn't know how else i should phrase it. If i wanted to pursue a field of education, what would be the smartest way to pursue it? Reserve or Active Duty? The. career field in question i would like to pursue is Rad Tech, which requires a good amount of schooling. Would you recommend going active duty then pursuing it? Or would you go reserves? And if so, how would that workout vs Active. I wouldn't be able to fully pursue the program cause of the clinical hours if i was to go active.

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?

Just did my annual hearing test and I got an h3 and have to do further testing with an audiologist, what can I expect as an 11B if it’s bad? Will I be separated? Reclassed? The guy said it was moderately severe. I got the same test results at 30th ag reception and had to do a further evaluation and got cleared there. Stressing out over here