Thinking about joining the Army.

J

JahRo225

Joined
Jul 6, 2011
Messages
107
Are there any active duty soldiers or veterans that can share their experiences or advice with me? I'm 19, about to turn 20, and I'm having trouble paying for college. My dad's disabled and my mom is about to retire within the next year... I understand that there are prices to pay with enlisting, but the benefits and aid they offer you seem too good to pass up right now. So is there any advice you guys can lend a young buck?

Also, please keep any negative comments out of the thread, please?
 
I have a lot of friends who are in the military, and when I was in the police academy half the people in my class were veterans. They all seemed to say the same thing, "it's not for everyone, think long and hard, because if you don't like it, it'll feel like prison for the next 4 years".

Every person I know have enjoyed being in the military, but they said they knew a lot of people who regretted joining because it's not what they thought it would be. You can sign up for reserves if you're not sure, unlike law enforcement I believe military reserves get paid.
 
You really should take the time and think it through. It's a huge commitment with life-changing results. In your situation, you may have plenty of opportunities for financial aid and grants as well. Take the time to research every avenue before signing any documents. Have the recruiter come and go through things with you, take the practice ASVAB and learn what your options are. For me, when I was looking into the military after highschool, I scored very high on the ASVAB and was told that the person two weeks prior had scored similarly and was being sent to Russia to learn several languages before becoming counter-intelligence and an interpreter. There are many different things to do in the military and you may be able to find something you really enjoy. Who knows, you may go first cav. and become a lifer which is acceptable to many people. They make fairly decent money, probably not as much as they deserve, as a base and then special duties pay, hazard pay, etc. Just make sure you do a lot of research and make the choice that you think best fits you, that's the most important thing. There are always ways of getting cash for school, you just have to figure out the right outlet.
 
This is my advise as a vet...... Think long and hard first..... and you had better come up with more reasons why you want to serve than "I joined to help pay for school!" This quote was one of the most irritating things for me to hear from soldiers whining about deployments, or other unpleasant duties, and was usually stated with another tag line of "my recruiter lied to me about (insert subject here)! Please don't think this post is negative... I'm all for young adults joining the military and firmly believe that the experience will leave them a stronger, more disciplined, individual. Will it assist with paying for school? Yes..... but at a cost that you might not be willing to pay! Every soldier, sailor, airman, and marine needs to make that choice for themselves. Ask yourself this question.... and be honest with yourself... exactly why are you joining and are you willing to die to achieve that goal? In my case the answer to this question was to serve my country like my father and grandfathers had before me, to protect my way of life and that of my loved ones, and to provide financially for my family.....and yes I was willing to die, if need be, to accomplish these things. Thankfully, that sacrifice has yet to be demanded of me! Murdamook has given some good advise about the ASVAB and dealing with recruiters..... I would add that while dealing with them you should try to take a friend or family member that was or is in the military with you who can wave the BS flag if the recruiter tries to spin a tall tale for you. Get things in writing... don't take a recruiters word for it! Good luck with your choice, whatever you decide to do!


Jason
 
I understand why you'd say all that, but it's not just for school, I assure you. I've always thought about it. My pawpaw was a WWII vet and my dad always talked so highly of him, like he was a true hero. That's another reason why I've wanted to join: not only for the discipline, but for the respect and knowing I'm another person protecting the people back home. But man it's hard in this spot...

Edit: Thanks for the help you guys, I really appreciate it
 
So, being in Iraq right now kind of has my view skewed, but I'm here to answer any questions. I am a 25 year old Specialist in the Army. I have been in since 2007 and I must say, joining the Army under active duty status does mean that you sacrifice alot. You will get treated like you are in pre-school, thats just the way it is until you get into an NCO position. How often you deploy, the general moral, comradery and how you move up in rank has alot to do with your MOS or your job. Now, don't get me wrong. I love serving my country, and I feel honored that I am able to do so and carry on my family tradition. The Army has taken alot from me, yes, but they have also given me alot. Not just the skills that I now have drilled into my head, but also the leader mindset and a financial advantage I didn't have before. I joined because of a.) a girl - dumbest idea ever, and b.) I was dirt poor and had $7000 in credit card debt. I needed a way out and the Army provided that for me. It honestly has been the best thing for me.

If you have trouble with weight or exercise, get that well under control before you attempt to join and keep it under control. The combined forces are cutting down their ranks and it is getting increasingly difficult to get in and stay in. If you are borderline or overweight, you may not get in. You will have trouble your entire career if you do not keep your weight and exercise under control. They will make your life hell.

You will deploy. Don't join hoping you wont. You will, and it may be at the worst possible time. My little boy will turn 7 months old on the 4th. I was lucky enough to see him born before I deployed, but mobilized four weeks after his birth. I won't get back home until a month after his first birthday. You will miss alot, but this is a sacrifice that many have made before you and many will make after you. It's not alot to ask for the freedoms we enjoy back home on blessed soil.

Any more question you have just let me know.
 
I'm not a vet and know very little about the military. I have the utmost respect for anyone who is and would like to thank all of you for your courage and sacrifice. The one question that always perplexed me is am I going to be able to take some ones life and live with it? For me this may be harder than asking myself if I am willing to die for others and my country. It's a self defense situation your in but it would still be tough. If you feel in your heart that it's right for you go for it. Just take some time and don't rush yourself.
 
Thinking about taking someone, anyone's life if necessary becomes an easy decision when you think of it this way, when faced with an enemy while you are with your squad, you have a choice, you either take them down and defend your brothers beside you, or you can't and not only you die, but your brothers that you are fighting beside everyday, don't get to go home to their wives, or to their babies. That thought is what makes me know if the situation comes, I will have no hesitation. When we are over here, it's not necessarily our country we are fighting for. We fight for each other.
 
My perspective is a little different. I am a vet, but I was in during the Clinton administration. We knew there was a chance that we would be deployed and knew that it was part of the job. If you join now, you know that unless something changes quickly, you WILL be deployed. That being said, I feel that everyone should serve in the military. Americans should have to earn the rights that we are alleged to have. It would be a lot harder to take those rights from a population who all earned them as well. A governing body who all had served would be a lot less anxious to send their sons and daughters away and put their lives on the line. A lot of the problems that we face as a country now would be alleviated if everyone was a little mentally and physically stronger, and had to swallow their pride from time to time. It would also reduce the racism that is an underlying problem here. You find that it's hard to hate your fellow soldier (or neighbor) when at some point he may be the one saving your life. The friends that I made in the Army are lifelong friends and I wouldn't trade them for anything. If you can p.t. and keep your head low you will be fine and rise through the enlisted ranks quickly. If you are a loud-mouth fat body, then you will be in for an ass kicking. Do your best on your ASVAB as there are career opportunities after military service (especially in technical fields). Think seriously about it as it could be a life or death choice that you make. Oh, and don't believe the recruiter.
 
I served for 8 years and I found it to be both the most rewarding and most frustrating period of my life. Here are some things to know:

- Usually until you attain E-5 you will be assigned to tasks that are as random as they are pointless. There are reasons for this; a busy soldier is a happy (?!) soldier! It also teaches self discipline, but can be irritatingly monotonous.

- You will get up early and go to bed late...until you reach your duty station. The Army typically starts it's day at about 0500 for PT, but once you have your job it will be like any other 9-5...except don't expect it! There are always extra details that need completing "before you go home". And weekends? Sometimes you will spend them on "Army Time".

- As stated before, if you have weight issues, they may lead to a quick end to your career. Use that PT time!

- You will deploy in this environment. Expect it and embrace the suck.

- If you haven't started a family before enlisting, WAIT! There's an old saying; "If the Army wanted you to have a family, they would have issued you one." Take heed; the Army will do with you what they want, regardless of your family situation. You will sacrifice and miss a lot of things. It is truly a single persons job.

- Lastly; don't spend your money! Pay your bills, stay away from the bars and town women and sock your money away. When your deployed it won't be hard, but in garrison there are many enticements to separate you from your $. Be frugal, it will pay off in the future.

I loved my time in the service and wish I could do it over, I'd do it very differently this time. Think hard, get all information attainable, be flexible and thank you for considering serving our great country!
 
Don't forget, there are other branches. Each with their own ups and downs. I'm about to hit my 10 year mark in the USAF, and I'm currently at my third tech school. I joined to travel/see the world, be part of something bigger than myself, and assistance with college if I ever needed it. I chose the USAF because of the higher quality of life standards, more money for college (while you're in), shorter deployments and the types of jobs offered compared to other branches.

I'm not saying any branch is better than the other, just that you should weigh your options. I'm in a school now where I'm in class with all 4 branches, no coast guard, and ranks from E-1 to E-6, O-1 to O-3. I constantly get crap because of how much funding the USAF has. A good example is - if I get stationed at an Army installation, deployed or anywhere else, I will receive a "sub-standard living" allowance.

Just stuff to think about.
 
I served three years in the army and hated it. I later joined the Coast Guard and did a total of twenty years service. I liked the CG much better although it wasn't always fun. I did get excellent training in electronics and was able to get a degree in computer network management before retiring. Take some time to look at all the branches and see what they have to offer before you sign up. best of luck!!
 
What type of job (MOS) are you considering? If it is a combat job such as Artillery, Armor, Combat Engineer, or Infantry you can't go wrong. Very tough, enduring jobs. I was Airborne Infantry for about 5 years. These are what I call "Government Pawn" jobs. They'll make you suffer at times which teaches you how to bring out the best in yourself. I hear the bonuses are quite good now-a-days. If you deside to take up a more civilian transferable occupation like linguist, clerk, electrician, etc. you might want to consider the Air Force. My neighbor is an officer recruiter and the benefits for officer and enlisted are outstanding. Either way I'm sure that you'll make the right choice at the right time. :thumbup:
 
Nothing much to add except, 3-6 years is not that big of a deal in the long run. If you like it re-up, if you hate it, get out. Not like being a Vet hurts your resume.
 
Take a good look at all branches and figure out which is the best fit for you. Are you looking for a career? Or just willing to give a few years for college money?

Recruiters can be a great source of information but, as has been posted, never believe anything they promise to do for you.

I spent 17 years in the Navy and loved most of it. Like anything it is what you make of it.

I think military service should be compulsory. One thing is for certain, love it or hate it you will be better for having served.
 
You are right on the money about the recruiters and some branches are worse than others.
 
I was also Air Force. The only difference I would have made is that I would have gone Dental or Medical instead. Those are skills more valued on the outside.
 
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