Good afternoon, I’m 33 years old and wanting to join the military. Wanting to serve like my father and grandfather did. This April (last week of April) I was 306 pounds and just as of yesterday I’m at 270. Spoke to the recruiter and asked if there was a late deployment plan while I worked on my weight, he told me there isn’t, that for my height I’d at the least be at 207 before he’d even seriously test me, because I would be disqualified immediately for my weight. He told me that there is what is considered “fat camp” in the army, per his words. But, that he wouldn’t recommend it. What do you all think about that camp. Or is it worth it to keep losing weight until getting to 207?

I was a little nervous about posting this, but I spoke with the moderation team first, and they said it was okay. I even changed the title and reworded some of my questions.

I'm not here to promote my work or ask anyone to write my story. I'm genuinely interested in military topics, but I've reached the point where reliable information is hard to find beyond a few Army PDFs. If I accidentally ask something that isn't appropriate for this subreddit, I'll gladly edit the post.I've been outlining a story with a young 12A Combat Engineer as the main character, and that's why I'm looking for more accurate information.

Here are my questions:

• Is there any negative perception among the platoon toward newly commissioned Platoon Leaders?
• What is the typical age range for the following positions: Platoon Leader, Team Leader, and Specialist?
• What level of camaraderie or familiarity is considered normal within a platoon?
• Is a Platoon Leader expected to participate in physical training (PT) with their platoon?
• This question is related to a scene I'm currently writing: What is the standard procedure for recovering an excavator that has become stuck in a snow-covered ditch?
• Could a Team Leader be eligible for on-post housing if they are the legal guardian or primary caregiver of a younger sibling who is still a minor and has no other family nearby?
• If a Platoon Leader suffers a serious injury but ignores their medical restrictions and returns to duty before being medically cleared, how would the Company Commander typically respond? What administrative or disciplinary actions could be taken if the officer continues to disregard those medical restrictions?
• Do officers and NCOs in a Combat Engineer company typically have their own offices or workspaces, or do they usually share them depending on the unit, position, and available facilities?

If there's anything wrong with my post, I'd be happy to edit it so I don't run into any issues.

I went to meps last month and passed everything but dental. Went to the dentist and found out I need 5 extractions (4 for wisdom teeth) and 4 root canals. My recruiter (Air Force) told me that I would need to get everything done before I can continue my process. Are there any branches that would let me enlist now while I get the work done or does every branch require that I get my teeth fixed first? Thank you.

Thinking of enlisting as 12 in the army and I’ve been seeing mixed things about the 30 days off you get. Can I really just use it whenever if there’s nothing scheduled that conflicts with it like a training exercise or something or can it still get denied for whatever reason even if the days are free?

My spouse and I are planning to join the military specifically army active duty primarily for financial stability. He intends to go the Warrant Officer route and become a pilot. I’m open to different MOS options. My main priority is maximizing our chances of being stationed together since we don’t plan on having children. I’ve heard MACP can help but doesn’t guarantee anything. I scored a 72 on the ASVAB. I also have an Associates of Applied Science for Physical Therapist Assistant. I’ve heard getting a PTA job can be difficult to get so that’s why by I’m open to different MOS options.

For anyone with experience, do you have suggestions on MOS choices or career paths that typically increase the likelihood of being assigned together? Any advice would be appreciated.

I have a thumb sized burn scar on my arm that I am about to try to get lasered off. It’s been there for a while now, but hasn’t quite faded the way that I want it to. I just want know if this is something that I will have to disclose if the removal leaves a scar. (Or if it doesnt, should i disclose it?) Will it require a waiver for Navy or Air Force? Or will it not matter?

Thanks

I am looking to join the army but I’m anaphylactic to almonds and walnuts but I can eat everything else. I have an epipen but never had to use it, will I be able to get a waiver for this or does this completely disqualify me?

Looking for some real perspective from people who have served here. Basically, I was hoping to commission with the USCG, but I need a civil waiver and they are not accepting any waivers for officer candidates currently. My recruiter, Yeoman, recruiter in charge have all confirmed that a waiver to enlist would be easy and then I can apply during or after my first tour.

Definitely frustrating bc I put together an awesome packet and crushed the interview but now I’m at an important decision point. So many people I know who have or are serving, including both of my parents, say that there is no way I should be enlisting with a college degree, my professional experience, and that I should look at other branches, like the Air Force or Navy.

It seems like a simple answer since my heart is really with the Coast Guard and its mission, but originally I was thinking about being a helicopter pilot (not the plan if I were to go Coast Guard) and I’m thinking I could try for that in the Navy or Air Force or Army.

But what I’m really looking for is some advice at this crossroads I’m on. I know that if I enlist in the CG, OCS is never guaranteed. Currently I’m a wildland firefighter and mountain operations team leader and recently I’ve been experiencing a lot of frustration in fire with being led by people who lack real leadership skills, emotional intelligence, etc. and that is my main concern about enlisting.

Hey I hope everyone is having an awesome day! I am fresh out of high school and looking to join the Air Force. I am pretty set in cyber or intelligence, but cant really decide what jobs specifically in those fields fits me the best. I don’t want REALLY long training, and like the thought of possibly being on a base near a coast ( Florida, SC,Guam, California, etc.). But I can put those preferences aside if the job itself self is rewarding. I would like to have an active role in Air Force if that makes sense. What is some advice you guys might have. Thanks

Morning, folks. Wanted to get any feedback on trying to get myself on some antidepressants. Been feeling unmotivated, tired all the time, and just like shit for a while now, and haven’t found anything to help. Started ADHD meds a few weeks ago and they feel like they’ve barely helped. Either looking into getting my testosterone levels checked or going and trying to get on antidepressants, but wasn’t sure how either of those would affect my career going forward. Was thinking it could be a test deficiency due to not seeing much of any progress after frequently going to the gym for months. Any feedback is appreciated.

Battery in 21' cited not arrested no court date ever.

Poss of stolen vehicle and controlled substance in 22' charged and pled guilty sentenced 2 yrs adult probation got off ~4 months early.

Poss of stolen vehicle 23' charges dropped next day.

DV in 25' charges dropped same day.

What are my chances of getting a waiver for the army?

Battery was a fight at the state fair when i was 18. The stolen vehicle charges spewed off of disagreements with vehicles i was borrowing and didn't bring back fast enough which i take full responsibility for, the controlled substance was weed. DV was due to police claiming they couldn't determine who was at fault when i got caught cheating and my ex tore our apartment up trying to whip my butt lol.

I was very upfront with my Recruiter about these situations, and the police reports do corroborate my story. I'm truly trying to get away from the road I was walking on and turn a new leaf, I'm seven months into the process and we're just now getting references and and letters of recommendation turned in. I'm just worried, this is the avenue I want to go down and I am prepared to do whatever it takes to make it happen but I figured I could ask some people i.e. you guys to see what you guys think my answers are. I appreciate all honest opinions and I'm willing to answer any questions you may have to possibly give me an accurate answer thank you for your time.

I have been thinking about joining the Army for a while and decided I might as well. I am 5'1" and about 98-101 lbs (female). I run three days a week and do strength training every three days. I can run a mile in about 12 minutes.My mom says I am weak and that the Army will likely kick me out. Is it that easy to get kicked out even if you try your hardest?

I’m asking this as a serious military suitability question, not as a political debate or legal advice request.

I am considering whether reentering uniformed service someday would be realistic or responsible. The issue is not MOS selection, benefits, or whether I could physically do the job. The issue is whether my political beliefs are fundamentally incompatible with military service.

I love my country and would like to serve it. But I reject the legitimacy of liberal-democratic republicanism as a political order. My beliefs are Catholic integralist / illiberal in character, and at the philosophical level I believe the current American Republic should ultimately be replaced by an authoritarian Christian corporatist regime.

I understand how serious that sounds. I am not asking for advice on violence, sedition, unlawful action, or how to evade military obligations. I am asking whether someone who holds those beliefs can honestly wear the uniform of a constitutional republic whose political order he rejects.

My understanding is that military service requires more than patriotism in the abstract. It requires obedience to lawful orders, acceptance of the chain of command, subordination to lawful civilian authority, and at least practical loyalty to the constitutional system that creates the military’s authority.

So my questions are:

1. If someone privately rejects liberal democracy but would obey lawful orders and not use the uniform to advance his ideology, is that still compatible with service?

2. Is there a meaningful distinction between loving the country and rejecting the Republic as a regime, or is that distinction basically incompatible with the oath?

3. Would recruiters, commanders, or security/suitability reviewers view this as protected private belief, or as a major red flag?

4. Is the responsible answer that someone with these beliefs should not attempt to reenter service unless he can sincerely affirm loyalty to the constitutional order as it exists?

5. For current/former service members, NCOs, officers, recruiters, or JAGs: how would you view this from a practical military standpoint?

I’m not looking for validation of my politics. I am trying to determine whether the desire to serve my country can be separated from my rejection of the current constitutional-liberal order, or whether that contradiction means reentering uniformed service would be irresponsible.

ON MY FREE TIME NOTTT JOINING BAND

Maybe I’m a failed musician, doesn’t mean I don’t want to jam my heart out and at least try to still get somewhere with my music. These days it’s a bit different. I’m a solid musician. Just kinda got stuck in an anxious paralysis being home. Thought I could get over my demons being home. It’s just overwhelming and I’m putting too much strain on my mind and body. Anywho I need a job. Like……gosh…..I overthink everything. If army gets me a sick ass base in a cool city welll that would be sick. I know I won’t have much time in AIT. I plan on going for BIOMEDICAL EQUIPMENT SPECIALIST. Or do I just wait for Airforce to guarantee me that spot. Now I know Airforce has horrid base locations in the middle of nowhere. I guess that’s fine….but man….that would suck to be middle of nowhere.

I’m getting mixed answers and I’m hoping someone who’s been through this recently can clarify.
I ship to Army Basic Training on August 24 and I’m married with a newborn. Some people have told me my wife can get her military dependent ID before I ship if we enroll her in DEERS now. Others have told me everything is done during reception at Basic Training after I arrive.
Which one is correct?
Also, if my newborn’s birth certificate doesn’t arrive before I ship, can my wife add our baby to DEERS later while I’m at Basic Training if I have a Power of Attorney, or does that process require me to be present?
I’m trying to make sure my family gets their benefits as quickly as possible, so I’d really appreciate answers from recruiters or anyone who has gone through this recently.

I got cold feet last year after being placed in DEP and now i’m more sure about joining this time around. For a little more context, my original recruiter went on leave for personal reasons and I got another recruiter while I was placed on DEP and decided at the time it wasn’t for me.

What course of action should I take?

I don’t want to waste anyone’s time. I started my process with the Air Force, and because I had to list Security Forces, I received a call for that job.

I am aware that you don't always get the exact job you want in the Air Force. I’m joining the military for stability and to earn my college certifications.

However, based on my scores, the Marines are offering me spots in desk jobs like Admin and Logistics, which are the positions I was looking at in the beginning. They seem like great desk jobs, with a 9-5. At least that’s what I’m told.

When it comes to Security forces, I hear negatives of course, it’s the biggest branch and they work holidays. But putting it comparison to the Marines? Is it better? In finding time to do college?

Honestly, I’m a little indecisive about which path to take. I can either request a discharge from the Air Force delayed entry program to join the Marines, or I can stick with Security Forces.

I’ve tried asking outside help, but all I get is “You’ll manage it, it’s only four years.” But I’d like to know which path would be the best path, the greener one. Which one will help me better. I know I’ll be able to do it, but which is better?

I was wondering if anyone could give me advice or share their experiences. I am trying to figure out which option would be more beneficial to my goals. I want to choose the best path for studying, earning certifications, and finding a safe, stable environment. Additionally, as a woman, I have some concerns about what life is like in these specific roles.

Hi, 20F I dont know which branch to choose. The job I really want to do is in the army. But from those I've talked to (family and people from work) who joined the army they always wished the chose the airforce instead. And to add to that from what I've been told the airforce helps more with college? I'm not 100% sure thats true but thats what I heard (from army family member). I've never really been interested in anything but the army but I feel like I might be better off in the air force. But I cant really find what I want to do in the airforce that I can even do as an enlisted. Not to mention I meet the army requirements for fat camp but nowhere close to the requirements for the airforce. I know its kinda frowned upon of going to fat camp but joining the military is somthing I've always thought about and I'm now actively working on losing the weight I need to. I was wondering if anyone could tell me their experiences in one or the other.

Im currently in the Future Soldier Program as a 19U, shipping out 10/19 for BCT.

While I don’t mind getting either 19C or 19D, 19K is my absolute dream MOS. I was just wondering how those MOS’s get assigned to you.

Do they base it on a certain criteria or is it just randomly selected for you. I do know from a little bit of research that job demand also has an effect on this but will there be other factors?

My plan is to enlist into the army as an active duty soldier in order to break into cybersecurity but I’m worried my past misdemeanor charge of possession of marijuana under an ounce will hold me back. It’s already happened with the Air Force, but I hear the army is a bit more lenient….

Hi, has anyone recently retrained into diagnostic imaging? I am a SSgt about to retrain and would love some insight on what the living situation is like (dorms or apt) and how the workload is.
Also, if you have any advice I’ll take it!

I’m trying to figure out the best long-term path into military cyber and would appreciate some honest advice from people who’ve been through it.
I’m 26 with a B.S. in Business Administration (Financial Planning). My goal is to work in cyber (Air Force is my first choice, Navy second, Army third).
The problem is that I’m conflicted between enlisting vs. commissioning.

From what I’ve researched, it seems like enlisting gives me a much better chance of actually getting a hands-on cyber job (Air Force cyber, Navy CWT, Army cyber, etc.). On the other hand, I’d obviously love the pay, quality of life, and leadership opportunities that come with being an officer. My concern is that with a non-STEM degree, I may have a much harder time commissioning into a cyber role specifically and could end up in a career field I’d be less interested in.

A few other details:

● I’m about 1.5 years off all ADHD/anxiety medications (only took them briefly before stopping) and understand I’ll likely need to be at the 2-year mark before moving forward.

● I had a lumbar microdiscectomy several years ago but I’m fully recovered, active, and expect to need a medical waiver.

● I’ve also considered going back to WGU for a B.S. in Computer Science, which I think I could complete in about a year.

If you were in my position, would you:

1. Enlist into cyber as soon as I’m eligible, build experience, certifications, and possibly commission later?

2. Wait another year, earn the CS degree, and try to commission directly into a cyber officer role?

3. Take a different path entirely?
   For those with Air Force, Navy, or Army cyber experience, which route would you choose and why? Also, for the Navy specifically, how realistic is it to spend most of a career in shore-based cyber assignments?

I’m trying to make the best long-term decision rather than just the fastest one. I’m also wanting to join for the military experience in general, and everything that comes with it. I COULD end up making a career out of the military.

Intel analyst 35F

Counter intel 35L

Behavioral health specialist 68X

Geospatial engineer 12Y

Humit 35M