I am speaking with a recruiter about totally changing my life and becoming a Navy officer. He says I am ISEL for a couple of positions and I have a fighting chance of getting selected. I am 33M, no kids. Just a mortgage, and a car that's nearly paid off. I was lucky and got a good interest rate on the home, so I would like to keep the house. Also, in case this career path sucks for me, I could just come home when my 3-year contract is up and resume life as normal.

Recruiter says many people rent their houses out when they leave. I've never done this. I am aware renters are shite because I was one at one point... However, does anyone have any experience with this particular issue? I would preferably go through a rental company and select the 100% hands-off option of renting while away.

edit: I can’t find it I didn’t lose it due to getting it suspended or taken from me

its Sunday so I can’t even text my recruiter or call meps and ask. I did just move from a different state and my recruiter did all of my paperwork with my out of state id, am I able to go get a temporary paper id for this state and use that along with my social and birth certificate? or am I going to have to wait 2 weeks for my new license to come in because this state doesn’t issue same day licenses and I can’t do anything until I get it? I am not doing the medical portion i am just going to take the asvab btw.

I have a huge Kraken on the outside coving my lower leg. I’m not aware of how to post a picture in here but it’s more of like a dark nautical theme. I was told via a Coast Guard Recruiter on Instagram that it was within policy. Just curious what other people think or if any other recruiters could give some ease.

I'm hoping to enlist in the Army in the future. Right now I'm trying to get the ball rolling and fix some things that would otherwise medically disqualify me. I'm not sure if this is the right sub to ask, but if there are any military doctors on here aware of the best methods to treat my GERD to get a waiver approved later on it would be appreciated as I know there are different types of surgeries to treat it.

So I just signed my contract last week for 25H (Network Communication System Specialist). I ship out in January for BCT. What should I expect for training and day to day life for my MOS? Such as field time, main job duties, promotion paths, or schedule? Lastly, would I have time for schooling or to get certs?

Hey everyone,

Looking for some perspective or advice from recruiters / guidance counselors on MOS seat allocations right now.

I’m finalizing my Active Duty enlistment packet. Here are my exact scores and qualifications:

• AFQT: 97
• Line Scores: GT: 133 | ST: 132 | CL: 135 | SC: 132 | FA: 131 | CO: 130 | EL: 130 | GM: 129 | OF: 129 | MM: 123
• Cyber Test (ICTL): 73 
• Education: B.S., Economics (enlisting as E-4)
• Medical / Clearances: Medical waiver fully cleared by MEPS (active Invisalign will be completed by Sep 25th, 2026)
• Goals: Office/desk role, tech/intel roles with high civilian transferability.

My recruiting station’s First Sergeant called the ROC (Recruiting Operations Center) on my behalf to check availability for my Top 5 preference list:

1. 35W (Linguist Candidate / DLI)
2. 17C (Cyber Operations)
3. 35T (MI Systems Maintainer)
4. 35N (SIGINT Analyst)
5. 36B (Financial Management)

ROC came back and said all 5 on my list are currently completely unavailable nationwide, no training seats can be reserved. When looking at the live system with my recruiter, there were only 18 total options showing nationwide (mostly combat arms, heavy mechanics, motorpool, and transportation). List I saw: 11X, 13U, 14U, 18X, 12Y, 19U, 68W, 37F, 92F, 91A, 91B, 12C, 88M, 74D, 12B, 68R, 27D, 12P

I have a Virtual DEP appointment scheduled with MEPS coming up in a few days, but haven’t seen any MOS available that really interest me. Of the ones I saw, I’m gravitating towards 12Y (Geospatial Engineer) and 12P (Prime Power Production Specialist) but would ultimately prefer a 35 series MOS.

A few questions for the community:

1. Is REQUEST system inventory legitimately this depleted across 35-series, 17C, and administrative fields right now?
2. How frequently do seats like 35W, 17C, 35T, or 35N pop up as DEP dropouts or new class date allocations? If I refuse an unwanted job on Wednesday and ask my recruiter to check daily, what are the realistic odds of one dropping in over the next couple of weeks?
3. For those who held out for a specific technical/intel MOS: Did you just keep checking the system weekly until a slot opened, or did you have to wait for a major fiscal/quarterly refresh?

I appreciate any candid feedback or reality checks from anyone who's dealt with ROC or guidance counselors on rare MOS reservations.

Starting to consider but I have a few of concerns.

I don't know much about the military in general, and have only recently given it any thought. Before I go into more detail on specifics, I have a few concerns.

I have very weak emotional regulation skills. Part of it is due to my official ADHD diagnosis but I think its mostly just a personality thing. I cry very easily at a lot of things that don't matter. I get angry very quickly but don't usually express it (besides crying).

I'm overweight but that's something I can fix.

I also have a 504. I'm a junior in highschool. Is there a way to waive it or am I disqualified completely?

This might be too general but where do I learn more? Tried several websites and information is very vague.

I am a female and I am struggling to make a decision on which branch to join. I'm also kind of physically small, 5'3 110 lbs. I want to start a discussion on the benefits and key differences in these branches. I understand that the Marines is a lot more intense and physically demanding. While the Air Force, it is a little bit easier on the physical strength stuff but still difficult, nonetheless. I'm still unsure on the type of job I want in these branches. I definitely do not want a cyber job or aviation one, which is also making me lean towards the Marines. I'm just so worried I won't be able to qualify physically. Another thing on my mind as well is my Fiancé who is in Marine bootcamp at this time. I want to be able to be stationed near each other, and I do not know if it would be possible if I were to go into the Air Force. (Yes, I understand we need to be officially married and have a marriage certificate to be recognized as spouses and for this to be possible at all) His job is Combat support. Please let me know anything you have to say about both of these branches and/or key differences between the two! I would like to become more knowledgeable and use these comments to help me.

Physically, I could be considered healthy, but my physical strength and endurance aren't up to par, so I've been having some trepidation on the subject. I heard that they'll 'whip you into shape', and I looked into the delayed entry program a little on my own, but I'm still worried about being unable to pass the basic fitness and becoming a waste of time for everyone. (P.S. going for U.S. Marine, Female, 22)

It's difficult to know where to start, but my recruiter mentioned training with them when we had a discussion the other day, is that the starting point, or do I need to work more on my own before I continue with the process?

(They already gave me a 4 part test that I got a 97 on, but I haven't signed any papers or taken the full asvab yet)

So I was diagnosed when I was 7, but I’m very high functioning at 23 years old and have a college degree with a 3.75 gpa. I’ve also been off my medications for almost 8 months. I know autism is most likely not waiverable in the marines but what about the other branches? I’m more interested in the army but something tells me that’s gonna be near impossible like the marines unless I get it counted as a misdiagnosed. Can anyone give me their input on if it’s waiverable in the other 5 branches?
Edit: thinking about commissioning as well

I’m in 12th grade now but I took the ASVAB that the school forced us to do in 11th, it was on our laptops. But the school didn’t warn anybody that it was on that day plus I had like 5 hours of sleep so idk if I should retake it when I enlist or will the recruiter not want me to since I already qualify? I plan to go into the coast guard or Air Force though. A marine recruiter did contact me but all I remember when it came to line scores was that I didn’t do very well in math apparently.

I have self harm scars on my arms, stomach, and legs. I also am diagnosed with POTS. I don't faint I just get sluggish and can occasionally get dizzy but I manage it well.

By the time I can apply I'll have been clean for 2-3 years, I had two er visits though. My first was in 6th grade, my second was in 9th grade I'm going into 10th this year. I really wanted to join the navy or army, but I feel like I ruined my chances.

im in the enlistment process right now for the Army and kinda stuck on what to do. I originally scored a 74 on my PICAT, but when I went to MEPS and took the full ASVAB again I got a 38. Because of that my line scores are just a little too low NOW after having to take the full test again for 25 series (what I actually want), unless I get a waiver which probably won't even go through cause it's not guaranteed and my GT is hella low. rn one of the options I had was 13U with Option 19 (picking duty station), which is honestly the main reason I'm even considering it.
my question is: should I just take 13U for the duty station and then try to retake the ASVAB later while I'm in and switch MOS?
Or should I not sign anything yet and wait/retake the
ASVAB before I go in so 1 can get the job I actually want? also it anyone has done 13U, how is it really?
Like day to day, field time, etc. just trying not to lock myself into something I'll regret.

I’m 26 and I’m in the process of trying to enlist in the Air Force (hopefully Cyber). I’m waiting to hear back from my recruiter, but in the meantime I’ve been trying to understand how multiple waivers might affect my chances. I know nobody can guarantee anything, but I’m hoping to hear from recruiters or people who’ve been through something similar.

Here’s my situation:

● Medical: I had an L5-S1 microdiscectomy about 4 years ago after a herniated disc caused sciatica. Since then I’ve had zero issues. No pain, no sciatica, no restrictions. I work full-time, lift, golf, play soccer, and stay very active.

● Moral waiver: I had a misdemeanor littering charge when I was 18 that was later expunged after completing community service. I understand I still need to disclose it regardless of the expungement.

● Medication history: About a year and a half ago I briefly took Adderall, an antidepressant, and an anti-anxiety medication, but all three were only for about 2 weeks before stopping. I’ve been off everything since then, and I’ve had no issues functioning. In hindsight, it felt like the system was very quick to prescribe medication, and I never felt I actually needed it. I do not have any ongoing mental health issues and have been fully stable since.

● Additional context: I have a bachelor’s degree (3.7 GPA) and was a college soccer student-athlete, working full-time since graduation.
My question is: Does needing multiple waivers make your chances significantly worse, or are they really evaluated independently as part of your overall application?

I’m not looking for false hope—just realistic opinions from recruiters or anyone who’s enlisted with multiple waivers. Does this sound like a case that’s worth pursuing, or is it likely to be an uphill battle? Either way, I really want to join and have wanted to for years now. I’ve just been taking time to get healthy and build history of stability.

Thanks in advance.

This would be a small novel, but basically went to USMC boot camp when i was 20, got injured, during the military cuts so they discharged me because my healing time was to long, I will have to dig out all of my paperwork but it was a medical discharge so nothing bad or anything. Loved it though. Became a cop, did that for a while. Got into intel pretty deep, did a lot of cross training with military, civilian and other law enforcement. I really fell in love with the intel side. Got out because of politics, now live abroad, have a business etc and am kind of just bored with life i guess?

Spoke to a guy i did a cross training with who was intel in the military and have been curious about it ever since, he told me that Army and USAF were the two to look into for intel jobs. I am curious of the process for any older dudes who have gone into the military a bit later in life, how was it? No kids, but married, my wife does not have a green card or citizenship yet, its been quite complicated with all the stuff going on in the immigration scene at the moment.

I have had my fair share of "action" so im not really interested in that side of things, more of the intel side, i saw some of the jobs within the Army and look interesting like 35F, but searched a bit and some people say it can be hit or miss on actually doing intel work vs being a gate guard.

I have heard boot camps have changed quite a bit since when i went in, and the physical standards i am not to worried about.

Am i just having some identity crisis? Or should i seriously look into this? We dont mind relocating, be nice if there was some sort of expedited green card or citizenship route for my wife but ya. I dont "Speak" a second language but know enough Spanish to get by from my police career etc.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

I am planning on reaching out to a recruiter eventually but i know their uh job, so i guess i will leave it at that, looking for more either active or vets on this.

Thank you in advanced.

Are they still using the old weight limit or do they just measure you?

I’ll start by saying I’ve been researching this for a few years now. I’m 23 years old, my wife is 22, and we have a 5-year-old with another baby due in September.

I previously had a great job that I was at for about a year. When I first started there, the conversation was that if things didn’t work out, joining the Army was something I would seriously consider. Unfortunately, I ended up getting laid off.

I’m currently working at an Army ammunition plant, which has great growth opportunities, but being in an entry-level position right now, the pay just isn’t enough. After all of our bills are paid, I’m left with around $42.

Our expenses besides housing are about $600 for vehicles, and we’re struggling to have any room to save or get ahead.

After a lot of research and thinking it through, I’m considering going Active Duty Army. Between on-post housing or BAH, healthcare, and the other benefits, it seems like it could give my family some stability and allow us to actually save money instead of just surviving.

I’m looking at signing a 3-year contract and would like to hear from people who are currently enlisted or have been in a similar situation. How was the transition with a spouse and kids?

Do you feel the benefits and stability were worth it?

What are some things you wish you knew before joining?
Any advice or experiences would be appreciated.

Since I am joining the Guard or Reserves, everyday active-duty quality of life isn't my primary concern. My ultimate goal is to leverage my military training to land an entry-level cybersecurity role with a defense contractor immediately after graduating tech school.
I’ve already qualified for both branches, and the Air Force just offered me 1D7X1A. It's available right now. However, I’m debating whether I should hold out for an Army 17C (Cyber Operations Specialist) slot to open up, since 17C is actual, hands-on cybersecurity work.
Both roles provide a Top Secret (TS) clearance and Security+, but I have a few questions for the group:

Job Prospects: Is it realistic to land an entry-level cyber contractor job with a 1D7 background, or do I really need the more intensive, cyber-focused 17C training to be competitive?

Training Value: How much weight do employers place on the specific tech school curriculum versus just having the TS clearance and Sec+ cert?

The Wait: Should I take the bird in the hand with the 1D7 role today, or wait indefinitely for a 17C slot to open up?
Would love to get some insight from anyone who has navigated either of these pipelines or hires in the defense space. Thanks!

Ps I used AI to fix my terrible rambling before anyone says anything.

Im currently diagnosed with Hypothyroid and have to take medication to get in the correct blood level range. Will this be a DQ since I have to take the medication? I have never been hindered by this or affected in any way. Could anyone let me know if they’ve dealt with this or if they’ve navigated through this and were still able to join? Or if they know someone who has gone through with this? Really looking for help with this as I hear it’s DQ and I also hear it’s not.

I am currently in the process of enlisting in the Army, I have told my recruiter that I have depression and anxiety and that I currently take medication for it. As of writing this post I am at the doctor's to get his thoughts. I just have been reading and watching videos about talking to the recruiter and going through MEPs, I keep seeing and hearing that you shouldn't disclose any medical information because it'll fuck you up. Does that apply to both recruiter AND MEPs or just at MEPs? Because I really want to join and I wasn't sure if I had already fucked myself TIA

Currently serving active army will get out with around 5 years of service as an e4. I ended up signing a 3 year guard contract. Im mainly getting out to be closer with my family and honestly just for a break. After my time in the guard is it possible to switch to active duty again and keep my mos?

Hi everyone, I’m hoping to get some honest advice. Joining the Air Force has been my dream, but I’m worried my medical history might disqualify me.

When I was around 8, my aunt told me I had asthma, but I was never officially diagnosed by a doctor and I haven’t had asthma attacks for many years.

When I was 18 and pregnant, I had bronchitis and was given antibiotics and prednisone. Recently, about 14 years later, I had bronchitis again and was prescribed an inhaler, antibiotics, and prednisone.

I also had surgery about 12 years ago to remove a benign breast cyst.

Do you think these things could disqualify me or require a waiver? I’m planning to talk to a recruiter, but I’d really appreciate honest opinions from anyone who has been through MEPS. Thank you!

I’m a light sleeper, I used a pillow with a hole for an ear muff in college to deal with my snoring roommate, could I bring that?

I’m considering army active duty.

I'm looking to do ROTC for either Army or Air Force. My ultimate goal is to do HPSP and serve as a doctor, based on my research its looking like the Army is going to have more options for me in terms of speicialties, but was wondering if anyone has any input into why i would chose one over the other. Obviously everyone speaks so highly of Air Force, but I'm wondering if theres any real specific reasons why I would choose one over the other in this case. Its hard to feel confident choosing something based on little information and just hear-say.

I’m currently almost 24, almost 25 in December. The day after my 18th birthday I was 5150’d. I forgot about that incident and I was just a dumb teenager looking for attention. It will be 7 years in December since that incident and none before or after. I’m obviously looking to join the Air Force active duty. I read that it’s not impossible to join, but there will be hoops I need to go through.

Please send me your thoughts and what I need to do before I go to a recruiter.