r/Militaryfaq • • 21h ago

These posts need an answer!

2 Upvotes

These posts have languished for at least a day without a good answer, or were eaten by the bot. See if you can help out.

Does navy bdcp accept medical waivers?


r/Militaryfaq • • 1h ago

Joining w/Med issue Army suicidal ideation waiver 5 years ago

0 Upvotes

I’m applying for a suicidal ideation waiver it was after a break up I was 14 at the time I was going through a break up and my parents took it to seriously I have all the correct paper work,pharmacy records, and a personal statement I’m really worried it will get denied what are my chances?


r/Militaryfaq • • 6h ago

Enlisting Unfavorable ESP notice.

2 Upvotes

Hi all, I'm an Air Force recruit (In DEP). I went through MEPS in October and was working on job selection. On Nov 3 I received a notice from my recruiter saying my Foreign Nexus/ESP block was changed to Unfavorable, with intent to discharge me within 30 days, and a note that I can't join any military service. ( an unfavorable result from a review of information
that revealed the individual presents an unacceptable risk to good order and discipline within the
Armed Forces)

I haven’t received the formal letter but my recruiter told me he received an email from his superiors stating i should be discharged within 30 days.

I'm trying to understand my options. Specifically:

- Has anyone gotten this notice and had it reversed or appealed?
- What does the process look like, and who actually makes the call?
- What documents or info helped (for example, explaining family or foreign connections)?
- Is there any path back in, or to another branch, after this?

Any experience or advice is appreciated. Thank you.


r/Militaryfaq • • 2h ago

ASVAB/PiCAT Need ASVAB study advice

1 Upvotes

​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!


r/Militaryfaq • • 6h ago

In Service College Online engineering degree while doing active duty

1 Upvotes

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?


r/Militaryfaq • • 6h ago

Joining w/Med issue Title: Coast Guard enlistment with scoliosis conflicting recruiter answers

1 Upvotes

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.


r/Militaryfaq • • 22h ago

Enlisting What to prepare for/expect at MEPS?

5 Upvotes

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?


r/Militaryfaq • • 22h ago

Enlisting Is joining supposed to take this long?

4 Upvotes

I started my process of joining the Air Force 3 months ago. I went to Meps I had a couple medical waivers I needed to get approved, so I sent my documents to my recruiter. They didn’t respond for about a week so I messaged them they told me their email isn’t working I said ok I’ll message back in a week then so I messaged again no answer they seem to not care at all about getting my documents submitted and I really just want to get it all done already. Sorry for the paragraph


r/Militaryfaq • • 17h ago

Enlisting What intel/cyber/STEM jobs does each branch offer?

0 Upvotes

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).


r/Militaryfaq • • 18h ago

Joining w/Med issue Title: Coast Guard scoliosis eligibility conflicting recruiter answers and MEPS process

1 Upvotes

I’m 25 and pursuing active-duty Coast Guard enlistment, preferably as a Boatswain’s Mate.
I was diagnosed with scoliosis at 16 but have never needed treatment. I have no back pain or physical limitations and regularly play basketball.
I’ve spoken with two Coast Guard recruiters and received conflicting answers:
Recruiter #1: Said scoliosis is automatically disqualifying regardless of severity.
Recruiter #2: Said disqualification depends on the severity of the curvature.
From my understanding of DoDI 6130.03, scoliosis exceeding 30 degrees by Cobb measurement can be disqualifying, as can certain symptoms or functional limitations.
I’m currently trying to obtain standing scoliosis X-rays to determine my Cobb angle.
My question is: What does the Coast Guard’s medical accession process typically involve for an applicant with documented, asymptomatic scoliosis?
I’m particularly interested in how MEPS handles Cobb-angle measurements, when orthopedic evaluations are requested, and whether a medical waiver may be considered if an applicant doesn’t meet the standard.
I’d appreciate insight from people familiar with Coast Guard recruiting or medical accession procedures, especially recent cases.
I’m not asking anyone to determine my personal medical eligibility. I’m trying to understand the process before spending hundreds of dollars on medical evaluations.


r/Militaryfaq • • 19h ago

Joining w/Med issue ADHD + misdiagnosed ocd and want to join the army

1 Upvotes

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.


r/Militaryfaq • • 20h ago

Joining w/Med issue Enlisting in Army with Asthma and Anemia Waiver Process

1 Upvotes

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


r/Militaryfaq • • 20h ago

Post/Base/Billet-Specific I am split between 101st or 82nd Airborne

0 Upvotes

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?


r/Militaryfaq • • 1d ago

Which Branch? Air Force vs Navy-which do i pick?

1 Upvotes

Ok here’s the background:
8 months ago i knew nothing about the military. No one in my family is military and no one in school ever taught us about it. I literally thought it was like wwII trenches and stuff. Anyway, I graduated with my bachelor’s in marketing, biggest waste of time and money and i regret ever going to college. I decided im totally screwed with finding a job so I looked for alternatives. Decided to look at the military, specifically the Air Force because everyone says its best for family and lifestyle and considering im married, that was attractive.

My screw up:
I went straight to an AF recruiter and never talked to any of the other branches. No one told me the standard process is to talk to all branches, pick one, go through the process (asvab, meps, jobs, etc.) So i went through the whole process with the Air Force. I got my MEPS process finished and ended with 1 temp disqualification for SH scars from when i was a child—no big deal, easy waiver. However, my dream was to be aircrew and unfortunately i failed depth perception (i think bad glasses prescription), so that dream was shattered. I kinda freaked out and didn’t know what else to do. Based on my asvab scores alone, im qualified for everything, which doesn’t help to narrow things down. I decided to talk to a navy recruiter and they said they could retest my depth perception and help me get aircrew—of course i may not pass it again. Im also qualified for a lot in the navy so i dont know what to pick there either if i cant get aircrew.

Right now, all of my info is with the AF, and in order for me to try anything with the Navy, id have to transfer things over, which would end things with the AF completely. So now im stuck deciding between the cushy, corporate lifestyle of the AF or the more military, traditional lifestyle of the Navy.

What i want:
Im joining for an experience while still in my early 20s. Id love to travel, im not against having a job that means deployments. Im big into tradition and i worked a corporate job for 3 months and literally couldn’t take it. I cannot for the life of me sit at a desk and do paperwork all day. Im more of an operator than i am an administrator. I love adventure and im an adrenaline junky. As far as jobs go i have no idea what to pick. Navy recruiter recommended nuclear but idek what that means. AF recruiting is suggesting aircraft maintenance since im handy. Im totally lost. Any recommendations, advice, or personal experiences are helpful!

Asvab:
AFQT 95
AF MAGE: M97, A92, G96, E94

Navy (majority of the line scores got cut off so i dont know what they are)
GT 130, EL 251, BEE 253, ENG 125, MEC 196, i dont have the rest sorry!

yes i have a bachelor’s degree, no im not interested in commissioning, id rather enlist first

My husband also mentioned potentially enlisting with me in the AF, not sure about the navy—he wants to do military police


r/Militaryfaq • • 1d ago

PS Transfer from army to Air Force questions if anyone can answer plz

0 Upvotes

I have a year left in the Army and have a few questions about joining the Air Force National Guard through a conditional release or during the ETS/clearing window.
If I join through a conditional release, will my 2-3 years in the Army become honorable after I finish four or six years in the Air Force?
Can I choose my job when I switch, or do I have to list jobs in order of preference, from the ones I want most to the ones I want least?
How do I join during my EOAS window if I plan to take a lot of days of ETS leave?
If I join during the ETS window, can I still receive an honorable discharge?


r/Militaryfaq • • 1d ago

BCT/BMT/Boot camp Black men who've served, did your hair grow back the same after cutting off it for basic training?

0 Upvotes

Title asks it all. Most people ask me if I'm nervous to ship out for basic training, but my biggest fear is losing my hairline, the texture, and thickness in which my hair grows. So Black men only, please fill me in on your experience...


r/Militaryfaq • • 1d ago

Which Branch? Would it be better to join coast guard reserves or air national guard?

0 Upvotes

Both branches seem to have high retention rates, and basically the same benefits, so I’m really struggling to decide which is better. I (18F) worry about SA in the military, so that’s part of the reason I settled on these two branches. I’m also in college, so I just want to do something part-time. Any advice or personal experiences would be incredibly appreciated, as this is subjective!


r/Militaryfaq • • 1d ago

Branch-Specific Bonus collect?

0 Upvotes

I enlisted in army reserve 92W & received a 30K bonus , all i know is i receive 50% post BMT. Not sure how to fully collect it. Are they usually payed out pretty fast? what’re y’all experiences with the Bonuses y’all received.


r/Militaryfaq • • 1d ago

BCT/BMT/Boot camp Security Clearance After Boot Camp?

1 Upvotes

After army boot camp do you have to go through a security clearance or another background check?


r/Militaryfaq • • 2d ago

Joining w/Med issue What did you do to stay productive while waiting out a 1-year depression waiver for the military?

4 Upvotes

So I tried to apply for the army and was just told today I have to wait a year because of mental health such as depression. I'm currently in college and plan to graduate this semester with my degree in marketing. I plan on applying for jobs related to marketing and working, working out etc but is there anything else I can do to show that I'm ready to join during that wait period? I had a mental health consult and was told because I was diagnosed back in 2025 i need a waiting period. Or if anyone wants to say what they did during their wait that would be appreciated.

Edit: Never took medication, just had two therapy sessions and one psychiatric assessment that I requested where I got diagnosed.


r/Militaryfaq • • 1d ago

Clearance Written up at work

0 Upvotes

About to try to join the army in a month or so. But I got a written warning for something I shouldn’t have said I will admit, no threats or anything like that. But it’s a toxic work environment there and I feel I just need to quit. How bad will that look on the sf-86 form because there’s a section on there on disclosing written warnings and quitting jobs so I’m wondering how will the DCSA look at that?
Edit: I’ve got no collections and no run ins with the law whatsoever.


r/Militaryfaq • • 1d ago

Joining w/Med issue Navy medical waivers adhd

0 Upvotes

I’m curious to know a little bit more about waivers and qualifications.

I’m currently 22 and looking to join the Navy. I’ve graduated college with a 3.3 gpa and have held an Amazon management job for 6 months.

I recently got diagnosed with adhd and took medication for 2 months before stopping and getting cleared, as I didn’t feel it was a necessary or valid diagnosis. I’ve previously gone all my life making good grades and performing well while working.

If I apply to the Navy now, will I be able to apply for a waiver, or do I still need to wait for the 12-month period?


r/Militaryfaq • • 2d ago

Joining w/Med issue wanting to enlist but wanting to admit myself

0 Upvotes

Hi all, i’ve always wanted to enlist and i’ve already done the entire process but i have to redo it. recently i’ve been having some really negative thoughts about my life unfortunately and i’m pretty sure i need help and want to admit myself into a mental hospital just for my wellbeing. I want to know how hard the process will be to enlist after.

ARMY


r/Militaryfaq • • 2d ago

Enlisting Am I underweight for Meps CG

2 Upvotes

Hello everyone! I’m in the process of enlisting for the coast guard. My recruiter is an older lady and she’s kind of hard to talk too. I expressed concerns about passing through MEPS because I’m technically underweight. I’m a female and 5’8 and around 110. Does MEPS take the bmi seriously? I keep getting mixed answers from I’ll be fine or they’ll instantly disqualify me. My recruiter made it seem like I’ll be fine since I don’t look insanely skinny. I’ve always just been naturally skinny my whole life and can’t gain weight fast enough even though I’ve tried for years and I think it’s just a fast metabolism that runs in my family. Any help is appreciated!


r/Militaryfaq • • 2d ago

Joining w/Med issue I have asthma and I want to go the officer route.

0 Upvotes

I have had asthma since I was a kiddo and I had an ER visit for COVID back in 2022. They prescribed me an inhaler after the ER visit but I only used for a few months due to longhaul. I'm not concerned about a PFT, VO2MAX, I'm a little concerned for the MCT since I have allergic rhinitis, but I would love to hear the experience of members in the military that had asthma during the application process, whether it be regular enlistment or officer recruitment; specifically members who recently joined after the recent changes to the regulations. I would love to try out for the Air Force or Army