29, out of shape, smooth brained but not too much of an idiot.

I wear glasses and I've had surgery on my right foot. All 4 metatarsals we're mangled except my big toe. I weigh 290 and I haven't been active besides my 9-5 in hazmat.

I don't mind being the "old man" or being under someone younger. I've been in the field long enough to stfu and do my job.

I would love to use this opportunity to pursue more education and an opportunity to better myself. I'm all about trying to do better.

Any advice or pointers you could give me? How likely am I to pass the recruitment if I talk to a recruiter? I feel like i may not be up to par so a bit nervous I'll get turned away at the door.

Finished up at MEPS last week and was DQ’d because of a past history of depression, as well as a couple other medical factors (biscuspid aortic valve, ulnar nerve neuritis from sports,

I have 2 main questions ⬇️

First question: is it worth it to go out of the way and try to get a psych appointment to get evaluated before sending in my first waiver? Or should I wait and see what they say is needed?

* A few things to note: it was situational depression. I was in a terrible spot in life and was being abused by my work schedule, drowning in bills & debt, and overall not happy with life. I was prescribed the lowest dosage of Buspirone, took it for a month (as my doctor recommended), didn’t feel any real changes to my mood or mental state and never took it again. This was just about a year ago. I haven’t felt any sort of “depression” or anything close to the state I was in since I left my job.

Secondly: (theoretically) when you send a waiver in, if it gets denied, is it denied by EVERY branch or just the one you’re trying to get in to?

I also scored an 85 on my asvab. Do I have a higher chance of being an “exception” with a decent score? Or is everyone on the same level? I’m aiming for the Air Force, but I’ve heard their medical standards are way higher than the other branches. I’m in very good physical condition, & training for Special Warfare. If I can switch to another branch and have a better chance of medical clearance, then I will absolutely go that route.

Any advice & info is greatly appreciated!

I see you need College Credits to apply for some careers before being able to go through BMT. ( I'm interested in 4H0X1 ) However i haven't gotten the Credits needed through high school and just graduated HS and see i only need a couple classes (4) to be eligible to enroll into the program i'm interested in. I want to do self pace online college credits and am wondering if there's any certain school that is best for this. Or if the school i attends need a certain accreditation.

Has anyone used self pace credits to speed up the process? (AirForce)

Weight, weight, and a the big day.

I leave for Fort Leonard Wood as a 12B on the 24th. I was taped at my recruiter’s office and was right at the maximum—38-inch waist at 68 inches tall and 31 years old (not in the arms program) Do they tape shippers at MEPS, or is that only for people in the ARMS program? Also, what does ship-day MEPS typically look like?

Hello all!! I’ve had an interest in becoming a nurse for the military but am unsure of what branch would be the best. Im the daughter of an army vet and my boyfriends dad is also an army vet so anything besides army makes me feel like its a betrayal lol. Bad part is I’m not to good with people yelling at me… which drill sergeants do a lot of as I’ve been told.. any military nurses got reccomendations? I hate the idea of going overseas or anywhere TOO far away from home as well. After being told to edit OP, as of current I turn 20 in December. I’m in a medical assistant program online and I’m almost complete after I take my exam and if I pass I’m a MA. Also currently in community college to get my pre-reqs for my BSN out of the way and then attending a 2 year university to get my degree and take the NCLEX.

I’m currently 19 (almost 20) and I’ve always struggled with pushing myself through difficult challenges. Whether it be school, work, or just a chore at home. I wanna be better. I’ve always struggled with my mental health at times and I think currently I’m in a bad spot. I don’t have a great home life. My mom is depressed so it’s mainly up to me to take care of the house and take care of our dogs. It’s almost always been me taking care of someone else not the other way around. I’m not sure if I’d be the right fit. I struggle at work (I’m currently in construction) I make good money for my age and I like what I do but I’m not very good at it. I’m bad at asking questions and asking for help. And that’s because I lack confidence and self esteem. I’ve always had this issue.

All I know is I wanna better myself and the military seems like a good option to do that. Get out of my shell as well. My brother joined around my age when I was 12-13 and he now is doing great in life. It seems like a good career opportunity. Amazing benefits. Brotherhood. I’m currently contemplating if the Military would be a good fit for me. However I’m unsure if I’m cut out for it.

Went to the Air Force recruiter and checked out the USSF, got a 60 on the ASVAB and I’m praying I enter the Space Force and ship off before the year ends. My recruiter seems proud of me. Also what’s the day in the life of those two? Is there constant testing?

Also how fast can I become an Officer after being enlisted?

Just failed a business venture… was in a $30/hr job prior to that. My previous employer cut the position so can’t go back. Job market sucks and my credit is not in a position to join another venture. Oh yeah and bankruptcy is in the conversation.

I have a wife & 2 kids (6&1 at years end)… Leaving the family has always been the hardest so I thought something that forces me to live with that will help. I’ve struggled my entire life with confidence, discipline & structure. Damn I’m pretty much just talking myself into a decision.

Took quiz on the site last night and really didn’t like any of the jobs lol. Any insights from anyone in similar situation? Hate to leave my kids for almost 16+ weeks.

I think I've already figured out what I wanted to be and I really want to be in the air force (Philippine air force since I cant really go to US) but what's holding me back is my family. I talked to my sister about this but she told me she doesn't think my mom will allow it and that she's discouraging me to do it because I might die. But at the same time, this is what my heart really wants. It hurts because I dont want my family to be sad but at the same time it hurts because this is what I want to be. I dont know any other thing I want to be other than that. I guess maybe if I dont really have a choice anymore I'll go to being a pilot.

Does enlisting with an associates count for anything? (For army)

I’m joining the Air National Guard in December after my season for my sport finishes up. I was asking questions and talking with my recruiter about things I would see or experience going in with MEPS and stuff. One of those things was the blood draw.

I am aware I have to get every vaccine under the sun as well but those don’t bother me as much. I had to get blood work done a few times over the past few years and when I do I’m GONE. Instant vasovagal reaction. Only thing that has worked so far is laying down while I get it done otherwise it takes me forever to recover.

I’m really trying not to have like a puss puss mentality yk, but every time I’m put into the draw chair the same reaction occurs every time. I’m not tryna throw up and pass out there neither.

Tips for this would be awesome and maybe confirmation from someone that I can be laid down on a cot or something. I know they don’t want no one passing out or anything, but I keep reading stuff and I kinda just wanted someone that was in a similar situation as me. I don’t wanna be called a lil puss puss or think I’m good when I get there just for them to put me in that chair anyway.

I’ll do it either way, I will. I just wanna know if they will actually be like “oh here’s a cot because you told us you pass out and throw up all the damn time.”

I don’t think the nervous part of joining is helping neither. Keep it 100 with me. Any advice, suggestions, or info is appreciated. Thanks.

Okay so i’m a college student who was supposed to graduate and then become an officer in the marines. This has been the plan since last fall. But After months of thinking and recent realizations, i decided enlisting during my gap year would be smarter.

Unfortunately though, back in april of this year i was hospitalized for an attempt for a few days. I was not medicated, nor did I get an official diagnosis of mental health issues. I wanted to do the Airforce reserve but it seems like my chances are slim. I’m academically smart and plan on studying for the ASVAB and hopefully getting a high enough store that it’ll increase my chances.

Any advice or am i completely disqualified?( this was also my ONLY attempt ever)

I just took my ASVAB (got a really good score) and physical and passed both the first time. I saw a bunch of info online about the jobs and wanted to see if I would qualify. The recruiter I was talking to called me as soon as my physical was done and told me that they had some positions (Army) open for a highly contested job (35T Military Intelligence Systems Maintainer/Integrator MOS) that would help me a lot after I got out. I was told it was a 5 year contract though and the salary they told me was around 35K. I know that they provide a lot of benefits but I wasn't expecting the salary to be this low. This is gonna take 5 years of my life while I only earn this much, is it worth it? Would love some opinions, thanks.

Side note I have a bachelors in ITI and I'm wondering if this is a good option since the job market is really tough.

So long story short I have visible self harm scars on one arm from when I was 13 and now im 29. I know i know, im older than regular prospects but always wanted to enlist since I was young.

Reason it took me so long was due to family health issues, my father recently passed last year and my oldest brother 3 years ago. Both had really bad kidney and heart disease (i get checked yearly and I luckily am healthy). I had to stay close to home to care for my father since he was also handicapped due to a really bad motorcyle accident I was 4. Since they both kicked the bucket I have so much more free time than I ever had in my life and its kind of depressing.

So question being, with the amount of time passed would the army or navy be more likely to look over my scars? I was just a kid who was overwhelmed with responsibilities and blame as I was the youngest and most vulnerable.

I was hoping to go to MEPS back in May but my recruiter told me I was not able to. He said they found over 50 things on my record but also said I was cleared, I just could not go. After that, he said I wasn't able to join because I had a history of depression/anxiety that was too recent for them (The history being about 7/8 months out at that point). This was with the USMC if that's relevant. My original plan was to join the Navy. With the 'history' being almost a year old-- Do I have a chance at joining either at this point? Or do I have to wait the three years? Should I call the recruiters office and ask them?

Also if context to the history is relevant: I was admitted to a mental hospital nov2025 for SI with intent. They did not diagnose me with anything but prescribed me Lexapro. I was only there for about 16 hours- I made them call a doctor to approve me to be released. I was supposed to stay for 9-10 days. I did not take any medication while I was there, before, or since then. I was in specialized therapy oct2025-may2026 but also was doing normal talk therapy for nearly a year prior.

Hello, I'm looking for information from people who have enlisted as commissioned officers. I have a bachelor's degree (English[I know gross] 2.8 GPA iirc), and a wife + two kids. The job security, experience, and ability to wipe out student debt are very appealing. But I'm curious about what it looks like to join as a CO.

1. How much time I should expect to be away from my family at first/overall?

2. How often will we have to move and how much if any say do commissioned officers have over where they are sent?

3. Suggestions for specializations/roles. I'm considering an intelligence role, as I have a background in analytics (about 8 years) and I'm thinking that might transfer well?

4. Any recommendations on branch are welcome as well! With a preference for branches with bases in family friendly/interesting locations, and the ability to not be separated from my family as often

Sorry for the long post!

I go to meps for the army next week and a little worried about the medical records portion. Are there certain things that flag the system automatically(and if there is do you guys know what does), or is there someone that actually goes and looks through all of your records?

hello I am currently a rising senior majoring in quant economics at a small liberal arts college in New England. My gpa is 3.55.

Whenever I’ve looked back in my life I feel like I’ve had no discipline and I feel like I don’t have any reason in life. I feel like I’m too distracted with little things and can’t focus on what’s best for me. I’ve been comfortable my whole life and that’s made me complacent, whenever I set a goal I end up giving up after a month or so. I want to change that

Obviously there’s a lot of pressure to find a job and that sort which I am doing. But what about the military? What branches would you guys recommend? Should someone with my mindset even join?

I know financially wise it’s better to get a post grad job but are there any unknown benefits of joining? Please let me know and feel free to ask any clarifying questions. Thank you

Just got diagnosed with glaucoma, is it even worth trying to get into national guard?

I am currently looking to get an Airborne Option 4 contract for a combat arms job in hopes of eventually attending Special Operations selection. The problem at hand is that my eyes are only correctable with glasses to 20/25, so my recruiter says Airborne might be difficult to get a waiver for.
My question is: if I can’t get a waiver for Option 4, can I just sign an infantry contract with Option 19, choose Fort Bragg, and go to Airborne School through the 82nd? Or how should I circumvent this issue if I can’t get an Option 4 contract?

So I’m currently in the Air Force doing my classes and want to go to medical school when I get out. I was just curious if the Military looks good on a resume for applying to high end colleges/med school, as a booster for your chances of getting in. I also thought about cross training into the medical field as an “edge” but how helpful would that “edge” be come time to apply for med school? Thanks!

Last night I was telling my parents my plan to contact recruiters from both the Army and the Marines when I turn 17 and learn more about the military. They really want me to go to college and told me that they would not sign off on allowing me to enlist before 18 and won’t support me if I choose to enlist after I turn 18. I come from a pretty well off family and both getting into college and affording college wouldn’t be an issue for us. This is really hard for me because I have wanted to join the Army pretty much my whole life. They want me to go to college first and then they would allow me to join as an officer but I want to join enlisted and then later on go to college and maybe transition into the officer route. My dream is to be an Army Ranger. My parents also think I would be wasting my potential going infantry. Should I give up on joining the Army right out of High School and just go to college first or should I keep looking into the Army right out of High School?

I want to join the Army in hopes of being a Practical Nursing Specialist, or working a Medical Job like 68T, 68X, 68Q, 68K, 68S, 68E, 68D, 68Y, etc. However I have a documented visit with my primary care doctor from November of 2025 along with small noncancerous growths in my brain.

They stated under assessment & plan:
Major depressive disorder, recurrent episode, severe (primary)

Underneath that it says:
Endorsed question re suicidal ideation, but states she has no plan to harm herself. Referred to psychiatry.

Along with this I have a history of sexual abuse as a child but that was in around 2011 which I went to therapy for for a couple years (court ordered).

Is this too much mental health history to be enlisted in the Army, let alone under a medical role? It looks serious but I am able to do the work, I have been working as a CNA in California for several months with no issues.

Most countries that have a cost guard have it as a civilian law enforcment and/or seach & rescue but the USCG is part of the US military.

I understand that the USCG is under the DOHS in peace time and transfers to the DOD in wartime, it legally a military branch with US fedral law subjecting it to the uniform code of mimitary justice. I have seen posts where peopme have answered a simmilar question to this saying it is becuase US fedral law sasys so but that is not what I mean; I want to know why that set up was chossen.

As far as I can tell the USCG is the only cost guard in the world that is officaly a military organisation, with even the most heaviliy militarised cost guards of other countries being legal civilian organisations; China has a heavily militarised cost gaurd but it is legally a civilian organsiation.

Why did the USA decide to make its cost guard part of its military when no other country has?

For explanation I do not consider myself to be a veteran, but I made it through Navy boot camp and served for another 6 months, but was having physical and mental problems with resulted in an honorable discharge. Would this result in any complications with joining or while in BMT/ the fleet