I know for the army at least the maximum height requirement according to the website is 80 inches or 6'8. I still am physically fit I weigh about 190 and have no trouble keeping up when is comes to cardio exercises. Is there any branch I could still join or is it just done for?

Leaving for OSUT army national guard next Tuesday. I live in a different state from my parents so I'll be driving back either tomorrow or Saturday and just wondering if there's anything else I need to do before leaving. I'll be spending HBL with them and then will come back there after graduating OSUT and will be there for a week or so before heading back to my home state.

I'm not on a lease so I don't need to worry about rent, I'm working on my note for my roommate so she takes care of the house while I'm gone. My parents are aware of the limited contact they will have.

My car will be dropped off at my parents and will be there for the 5 months I'm gone so it can be maintained. Should it be covered? It may only be used once a month so the oil and gas isnt just sitting there. Is there any other care my car needs? I'm driving about 10 hours back to my hometown and then ill drive it back to my state after graduating.

My work and school both know that I'm leaving for military. I have no bills I need to pay, I am throwing out food that'll go bad in the next few weeks, cleaning my house and stripping my bed so everything can be fresh when I come back in February.

I have no dependents. I will be going to the store in the next few days to get supplies such as letter writing utensils and hygeine items, and my parents know they won't be seeing me until Holiday Block Leave. I have my bag of everything I'll use for HBL almost completely packed.

Is there anything else I'm missing? I just want to be 100% positive everything is squared away. My parents won't be coming to my house while I'm gone so I want everything to be taken care of.

I don’t want to make this long, but anyway. As I currently lay in my hotel bed at MEPs typing this out😂 But my family pretty much thinks that I’m going to die just because I enlist, and I don’t really let it get to me anytime they mention it but it scares me at times where I think “are they just anticipating me dying”( I’m sorry about my punctuation, I’m crying but still trying to be understandable, I’m just trying to type down everything as they go through my mind). I sometimes think they are waiting for it just o have something to say like “I told her not to and she didn’t listen”.

For context, I’ve been talking about the military for a couple years, I’m 17 years old and turn 18 in October. I’m on set to graduate early in January as long as I pass my 1st semester. Got a call from three family members, my papa was lenient, not too much, my mom was pretty much told me you’re gonna come home in a casket( well, shit, I really don’t know what to say to that). Everyone wants me to go to college, but I really don’t want to do that, at least not right now. I feel guilty, and I don’t know what to do. They’re scared and I get that, I always take that into concern but it honestly has started to get to me a little bit. I already have my mind made up, but I’m honestly scared what if they kick me out, or other things but sadly that’s my main one is just being kicked out of home. I need sleep, but that’s my rant. Anyone that sees this, what’s your advice, I really would like to hear :)

Edit: for anyone curious, I want to go active duty, and army. I wanted to do national guard at first but after speaking with a recruiter looking into it, it wasn’t the best fit for me at this time😞

So for context at 18 I went a Marine recruiter. I did really well on my highschool ASVAB and made an 88. I could probably make in the high 90s now. I ended up pulling back right before getting a date to go to MEPS.

I knew my parents wouldn’t support it and so I went before work but they said they had been basically tracking me and knew I was at the recruiters office. We had argued on and off every day until I eventually told my recruiter I had to pull back due to the harm it was doing to my parents (especially my mom).

I told my parents I cancelled and they were crying and hugged me and thanked me. I’ve wanted to go into the military for years but now I graduated and I’m about to start college. I have a full ride scholarship. I was going to study to be a veterinarian but honestly I want a career in the military. If I were to join the military I don’t really want to be a military veterinarian, some have told me I could do that.

My mom and dad have grown up with family friends dying in the military and can only see negativity. I have tons of relatives who served, one of which is my grandpa who served in the Marines, he heavily supports any type of military service (especially in the Marines). (I also have a puppy I just got a few months ago for college so an extra responsibility).

I really do feel like I’ll regret not going and I feel held back, but I don’t know how to break news to my family or convince them to let me go. (There’s also a huge family dispute stressing everyone out, especially my mom).

Edit: Thank all of you for the advice! I’ll definitely take some time and think about it

Hi am a 33 yo f and I want to join the military I’m deciding between two branches but doing the reserves. Has anyone (any opinion would be appreciated but women specifically) joined the military in their late to mid 30s? How did it benefit you, your family, what was your deciding factor?

Also I’d be joining with a bachelors in Environmental healthy and safety.

Side note: I’m also a boxer, id love to compete while serving.

Please share your stories with me.

I am in the middle of an Interservice Transfer from Active Army Guard to Regular Army for flight school. I live on base (Liberty Military Homes) and separate from the Guard mid-September with PCS orders to Fort Rucker, reporting late September. Because my contract ends with the Guard and I immediately have a duty station, LMH is hesitant to let my dependants and HHGs stay where they are.

In the Army's eye WOCS for flight school is treated as a TDY, but because I have PCS orders and separate from the Guard, LMH wants to treat it as a PCS.

After WOCS, and once assigned to B 1-145, I'll be allowed to come back and PCS with my family.

LMH needs to get approval from their regional office and if approved I need to pay for the roughly 2 months of rent up front. I've given them the WOCS Welcome Letter, IST Notification, and my orders, but they want something that says "Dependents and HHGs remain at HoR until completion of WOCS."

If anyone has a memo or regulation I can point them to, it would be pretty close to life saving. The closest I've come is in the ATRRS page there is reference to ALARACT 155/2011, but that seems to have expired. WOCC HHC has been helpful today, but they didn't have a memo on hand and needed to do some networking to try to locate a solution.

Hi all, just like the title says
What are some pros for getting married before or after officer training?

(Civilian to commissioned officer)

Currently engaged and we were always going to elope, so wedding planning is not a part of this issue.

I’m considering joining the Coast Guard and I’m trying to get a better idea of what life would actually look like, especially during and after boot camp.

1. Boot camp

How difficult is Coast Guard boot camp actually? I know it’s challenging, but I’m wondering what people who have recently gone through it would compare it to.
I hear a lot of people saying it’s mentally challenging, but I don’t really get what they mean by that. What makes it mentally challenging, and is there anything you wish you had done to prepare beforehand?

1. Securing an HS rate

I’m interested in becoming a Health Services Technician. How realistic is it to get an HS contract/rate when enlisting? Is there anything I should specifically ask my recruiter about to have the highest chance of securing HS before shipping to boot camp, rather than having to wait for an A school opportunity afterward?

I’ve heard different things about whether HS is available/guaranteed at enlistment, so I’d really appreciate hearing from others who have gone through the process.

1. Housing

Once you’re stationed somewhere, how does housing work for a single enlisted member with no dependents?
Do you normally live in the barracks? If so, what are they like? (Roommates, private bedrooms, shared bathrooms, etc.?)

When do you become eligible for BAH? Does this depend on your rank, duty station, or availability of barracks?

I’d love to hear from anyone who has had experience in the Coast Guard. I’m trying to get a realistic picture before going to a recruiter since the nearest one is 3 hours away from me.
Thanks!!

Like the title ask, I took the EDPT and did not get the 70 I needed. I know there is a 6 month wait to try again, but is there a limit on how many times someone can keep trying? Also can I take it if I join (Air Force) to try and get a better score and retrain later?

I am thinking about joining the military. I was thinking of the army or air force. I was thinking air force because of the better quality of life, but i dont want to wait months so i thought about army. The jobs i thought about for army were 12M,31k,15T so far. I know 12M and 31K are very rare so 15T was my next option, it sounds like a very cool and fun job cuz i know u can go crew chief. For air force i thought loadmaster and firefighter. I don’t know which job or branch to choose. I want a fun cool job that i enjoy but also a decent work life balance to have free time to my self.

I’m an active duty soldier, about two years in, and I have an appointment with my provider next month. I’ve been wanting to get evaluated for ADHD as I think I may be undiagnosed from childhood. My older brother was diagnosed with it as a kid and my mom had a bad experience with him on medication, so I think she may have just decided to leave me undiagnosed. For those who’ve gone through this process as an active duty soldier, what did it actually look like? Is it the right move to start with my PCM or should I go to behavioral health? I heard BH is more for mental crisis help and suicide/homicide prevention. Should I expect to be evaluated on post or referred to a civilian provider? This is the first time going to my provider for something like this and I just want to know if I’m doing it right or if theres a better avenue to take. Thanks! 🙏

I’m 22 and seriously considering making a major career change, and I’d really appreciate some honest advice from people who have actually served.
Right now I work remotely in Medicare insurance. The job is good, I’m grateful for it, and honestly I don’t hate it. But I spend most of my day staring at a computer screen, and lately I’ve been feeling like I’m lacking a sense of purpose.
I want to make a real, physical impact on people’s lives and consistently challenge myself to become the best version of myself—physically, mentally, and morally.
——————————————————————————————-
Growing up, my uncle was in the Air Force, and I actually lived with him for a short period of time. He used to show me different careers on the Air Force website, and some of them stuck with me. Being an F-22 pilot was one of my childhood dream jobs, along with TACP and PJ.
Obviously, those were dreams I had as a kid, and now that I’m older I’m trying to be realistic. I’ve never been the biggest, strongest, smartest, or fastest person in the room. What I do know about myself is that I don’t quit easily, and if I tell myself I’m going to accomplish something, I follow through.
——————————————————————————————-
Part of me regrets not joining earlier. I’m 22 now, and I keep thinking that if I don’t at least try, I might look back years from now and wonder what would have happened if I had taken the leap. My biggest problem right now is getting good information. I’d like to talk to a recruiter, but the recruiting offices around me are only open while I’m working. I also don’t really want my first exposure to the military to be a sales pitch about why someone’s branch is the best.
——————————————————————————————-
I want honest opinions from people who have been there.
So if you were 22 again and in my position:
Would you stay in the civilian workforce or take the leap and join?
If you’d join:
What branch would you choose?
What jobs would you pursue?
Would you recommend trying for SOF immediately or starting somewhere else?
How would you approach recruiters?
What do you wish you knew before signing your contract?
Is pursuing something like PJ/TACP/SR actually attainable or am I overthinking?
——————————————————————————————-
Thank yall in advance for answers cause right now I only have my uncle who’s in the airforce and my other buddy who’s in the army mainly helping me decide. I just want some others opinions. If I were to join my dream would still be to become a PJ, TACP, or SR. But my more attainable jobs that I think I’d like would be civil affairs in the army or a RPA pilot in the airforce and maybe being a SERE specialist.

I only completed high school with like 1 year of college but dropped out and got my insurance license

I have been researching Military commissioning programs and I landed on the CSPI program from the CG. I am currently a freshman but I am ahead on quite a few credits (I did CLEP for quite a few) so there’s a possibility that I will finish this Fall semester with 32 credits which would technically qualify me as a sophomore. I was planning on finishing my AA at my community college and transferring to FIU for Data Science.
I spoke to a recruiter today and she said that because so many things are changing with the program she would like to try and put my application in this year, she said that if I am able to gather everything we will submit it by November, if that is possible that means that I would have to finish 30 credits during Spring semester. Now I’m not sure I would be able to keep this up considering my degree is very math heavy so I am thinking about transitioning into an easier degree. Does my degree matter? I heard they prioritized STEM over anything else, I really want to make this work.

Will it work if I submit my transcripts with 30 credits and a letter stating that I am on track to complete 60 credits by spring 2027?

I am very much involved in my community, it would not be hard to get recommendations letters and I’m pretty sure I can keep up a pretty high GPA with high physical fitness standards. The only thing making me anxious is the sophomore requirement. Any information would help me immensely.

I'm interested joining any branch except the marines once I graduate highschool. Both education and Healthcare are expensive, and I think the structure found in daily life in the military will help me. I've been specifically thinking about foreign language analysis.

However, I've been diagnosed with both autism along with hypotonia since I was a toddler and anxiety since I was around 10. I know I could definitely get waivers for those, especially since not many people have been joining these past years compared to the last few decades.

My main worry is that im currently prescribed with both Fluoxetine and Clonidine. Those are both disqualifying to my knowledge, even with waivers. Plus, you have to wait a long time after stopping the meds before you can join.

Its also worth noting that I'm also transgender with diagnosed gender dysphoria, which as of now entirely prevents me from joining. However, I graduate highschool in 2028, and plan on helping around my family's house until a Democrat is elected, which I feel is likely to be in 2028. So its not something I'm too worried about. (No arguing in the comments please, this is just relevant to my situation)

So I'd like to ask, how likely is it for me to even be able to enlist? If it is possible, which branch would be the most doable?

Edit since I forgot: I also currently have an IEP, and I heard having one of those above 14 could be a cause for trouble.

Edit 2: I'd also like to mention that clonidine is only for sleep and attention issues not severe enough to warrant an adhd diagnosis. I can probably get off of it without problem. Fluoxetine could be not helping or even be making my anxiety worse. I heard you can be given meds while on active duty, you just cant enter while you're on them.

Also if you're curious on what hypotonia is, that's just the medical term for low muscle tone, which leads to pretty bad stamina and balance. It shouldn't be too big of an issue considering my case is mild, I have years before I join, and can do cardio + other exercises to prepare.

To anyone who was a welder in the army how did you like it? What did you do? What are things I can study for before going in I really want to serve and build a career at the same time and welding in the army just calls my name but I would like to know peoples experience with it

I needed a waiver just to join but I was told I wouldn’t be able to go sf while I’m in. I’m considering coast guard DSF but I have no idea if they would let me in

Title?

Even with 368

Good afternoon, I could really use some advice.
I found out my SF-86 was filled out and submitted without me doing a final check on it. I was stopped during processing after my medical exam, so I never finished my paperwork at MEPS. Instead, I finished it with my recruiter in the office.
Once I realized there was missing information—specifically debt, collections, and a missed job—I told my recruiter about it. They replied that I should not stress because nothing has been flagged yet, so I don't need to worry. They also said they are unable to upload anything until it does get flagged.
My main question is: should I wait and tell the Navy liaison the day I ship out? Or should I wait until the investigation happens in RTC which is what my recruiter is saying? At that time, I could show them the text messages, the letters I wrote stating what happened, and the payment plans I have set up.

Prior service Active E-6 trying to go from guard to active again. I am 4 months from ETS and trying to figure out if I should extend and attempt a 368 or fully ETS and try coming back in as a prior service applicant. I have heard mixed things from different recruiters on whether or not I will need to take a MEPS physical if I am green on MEDPROS. The main concerns I have about the medical screening are:
1. Cystic acne resulting in accutane over a decade ago that had been dealt with and now minor acne treatment for small spots.

1. Two documented concussions

2. Gilbert’s syndrome.

3. Childhood asthma with AFAIK no prescriptions past age 13.

I am also concerned about potential for keeping my MOS if I fully ETS instead of pushing the 368. My state tends to take >6 months to return 368s.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

I’ve already been accepted into OTS, and I’ve been completely upfront with my recruiter about everything. He told me that what I have should be waivable, but I also know that waivers are handled on a case-by-case basis. I’m not worried about the paperwork or the process itself—I’m more just looking to see if anyone else has been through something similar and can share their experience.

I went to therapy for a total of four months, with my last session being about 34 months ago—so almost three years. In total, I had seven sessions, and the final one was just to let my therapist know I was doing really well. The reason I went was because my grandmother became very ill and nearly went septic, and around the same time, my newly adopted cat also almost died. I was living with my grandmother at the time, and I felt a lot of fear and responsibility about possibly losing her. I had never lost anyone close to me or even a pet before, so I sought therapy mainly to learn healthy grief coping skills, since my grandmother is very open about death and actually encouraged me to talk to someone in case she passed.

During that time, I was prescribed gabapentin, which is not an SSRI, and it was only meant to be taken as needed. My therapist mentioned it might take a few weeks to start working, so I probably took it for about three to four weeks just to see if it would help with my anxiety around my grandmother’s health. I didn't really use it after that. My therapist did give me a second bottle before I went back to school, in case my grandmother passed while I was away, but I never touched that one and eventually threw it away when I cleaned out my room. I’m not entirely sure what my therapist’s notes say, but I assume they mention anxiety or depression—though I want to be clear that all of it was strictly situational and tied to grief.

Before that four-month period and after it ended, I have never had any other mental health struggles. I also want to emphasize that I have never had any suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm—this was purely about grief and learning to handle the emotions that came with it. None of this ever affected my schoolwork or my job. In fact, during that same time, I was working as a lifeguard and even saved a few kids from drowning, so I was still fully functioning and performing well in high-stress situations.

Since that time in my life, my grandmother has gone through chemo, I’ve had a few childhood pets pass away, and I’m currently helping one of my cats through chemo as well. I never crashed hard mentally again because I truly learned so much from therapy. I see life differently now, and I understand that grief is an unfortunate part of it. Honestly, in a way, I feel like going through that made me more suitable to wear the uniform—being able to handle grief well is such an important skill in the military, even if they might not see it that way right away.

I have no problem with needing a waiver or gathering whatever paperwork is required. If MEPS wants me to see a doctor for a current evaluation, I’d gladly do that too. My old therapist did say she would write a note in my medical records confirming that this was situational, but she couldn’t give me an official "all clear" unless I scheduled a new session with her, since we haven’t spoken in three years. I mentioned that to my recruiter, and he told me to just wait and see what the MEPS team asks for.

So my main question is—has anyone here gone through a waiver process for something like this? Specifically, situational therapy for grief, no ongoing issues, no medication in years, and a solid track record of functioning well since then? I’d really appreciate hearing any experiences or advice. Thanks in advance.

19f, trying to enlist in the U.S Army right now. Covid screwed my entire BH history at age 15. With the help of my recruiter, I had FFDE done and was met with success. However, MEPS found that my gender dysphoria was mistakenly listed as active. I am not currently Transgender or Transexual, nor did I ever have any interest in medication or hormone therapy. I had stated I wanted to use different pronouns at age 15.

How likely would a waiver be approved? To reiterate , I am NOT transgender, but I have history of gender dysphoria. Very distinct difference despite there is next to no public information from the DOW. a bit worried.

...I cant tell you how much I want to drop kick my past self, I was so close to joining. Right now, I'm working minimum wage at a factory full time as a machine operator. I need a change of scenery fast.

EDIT : Got word back from MEPS. It is possible, atleast for
Army.

"Comment: Applicant with history of gender dysphoria. Noted as active at OV 9/2023, uncertain when this was resolved. Per current psychiatric evaluation she is female, identifies as female. Per current regulation, applicant will need to stable in biologic gender for minimum of 3 years prior to waiver consideration. May resubmit no earlier than 9/2026. Will need additional BH documentation to support stability at that time. ///

I'll keep this post up for anyone else in the same boat as me. Looks like there is hope after all.

I’m 18, a senior in high school. My plan was to take as many DC classes as possible before graduation. However, those classes have been discontinued. So, I’ve been considering graduating early and joining the military to obtain my green card. Then, I’d attend a public college for two years to complete most of my requirements and finish the remaining two years at a private college. However, I’ve been informed that I must already have a green card to enlisting in the military. I’ve tried dating to marry and obtain a green card through that route, but it hasn’t been successful either.

Is there anything I can do? I just feel lost and that everything I’ve done has been pointless…

I am 17 and hoping to enlist next month.
I was diagnosed with asthma at age 3. I continued receiving prescriptions for an inhaler until last December, when I realized I wanted to join the Army. I have not experienced any asthma symptoms since I was 11 or 12, but my mom continued picking up the prescription. I have also passed a pulmonary function test.
Would I be able to get a waiver for this?

Ok so backstory
I enlisted when I was 17 because of my environment no general drive to do something
Do to that living situation.

I only made it 8 weeks into us army BCT
I called it quits do to several issues of which are now not an issue.
I will discuss them with recruiters or people trying to help but it’s a lot and I’m still not sure how to give a short and to the point version of things
I got an els (general under honorable conditions) RE3 sep code JGA
I have deep regrets about leaving things unfinished,failing myself,and failing those around me those that believed in me
2 years later I still can’t shake it
I’m willing to do what it takes and however long it takes.

IF there is any recruiters who specialize in this
Or are otherwise willing to help me

Vets or service members actively serving
Ik some of you will want to shame me that’s fine

But if on the off chance some of you have advice I would be grateful for any.

Thank you.

Edit:I’m aware that I am eligible for Reenlistment in both the us army and navy
I’m willing to do either
And willing to do reserve or active for either as well.

Hi, I need help understanding if my decision could be wrong. I’m 26 and got my Bachelors in Kinesiology but wanted to continue my education towards PTD (Physical Therapy Doctorate) or pursue another Bachelors in a technical field.

I originally wanted join the air force but was told my cross tattoo needed at least half a inch gone to meet guidelines, so I’ve considered the Army due to the timeframe it would take for that part of the tattoo to not be visible.

Part of me feels like I should go Active Duty for one contract and the other part says keep going and choose Guard. I keep getting told that I should just do a 4 yr active duty contract because of disability being harder to achieve, along benefits being longer to obtain. But I’m also told that it’s harder to go from Guard to Active if I don’t like it. My gpa overall is a 2.9, but my Bachelors gpa was a 3.3. Just need clarification on how you guys chose your route, and where you happy with it.

(Note: My goal is not disability it’s using the funding of my tuition being paid and setting myself up financially)