r/Militaryfaq

I am currently enlisted in the army national guard and I will be an ROTC cadet this fall and I would like to know what my best path to becoming a JAG officer would be. I will have the option of going active or potentially switching branches if there is a better path somewhere else. Should I stay in the guard or try to get an ed delay or try to do the active FLEP program. I am not in a hurry and wouldn’t mind spending a couple of years in a more traditional military role as a lieutenant and I would love any insight or advice that you all have

I've always wanted to be a military pilot, and now that I'm going into my junior year of high school next year I should start thinking about how I'm going to do that. I've heard that the US Navy would be easier to be accepted into the aviation program than it is for the US Air Force since I have no prior flight experience, is this true? Is joining the National Guard or Reserve a better way to be a pilot than active duty? I live in Idaho and there's no Navy National Guard here but there is for Air Force. I'm planning on going to college for a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.

Is there a lot of fights that happen? I’m just curious because my grandfather said he got into a fight when he was in the navy.

I’m 27 F , based in Illinois and currently working as a security officer and I go to college full time for Criminal Justice and Cyber Security. I want to go active duty, get the best out of the benefits after or during my contract. (Especially college) during my contract I plan on stacking firefighting, EMT, or police certifications and hopefully go into the police force after my contract as well. End Goal is joining SWAT/ special police forces, Firefighting or Cyber crime defense/Forensics.

Im currently a Full time Security Officer which qualifies me for the application for my cities police department so as of recently and I did put in an application but the process takes about a year or two. The money isn’t bad and my employer is completely supportive of me leaving for training/Drills since it’s a veteran owned company.

I’m almost done with my Associates degree and I’d like to finish it and pursue more education. I’ve always wanted to enlist in the military but I don’t want to put a stop on the college side. I want to be able to live a good combination of both Civilian/College and Military. I don’t mind volunteering for deployments so I can have some military experiences. I’m even open to becoming an officer in the military if I have the degree and qualifications to do so in the future.

As far as MOS’ choices, I’ve heard that Local PDs don’t have a lot of interest in hiring MPs due to them being more military focused and the Local PDs wanting someone they can train their way. So I’m not sure if being an MP will look good on record? That job does sound ideal for my situation, but I’m also open to Combat jobs.

Overall, I’m looking for the best way to go to school for free while continuing my degree, go on deployments for the experiences and focus on building my career to become a police officer/SWAT/Investigations.

So long story short, I passed MEPs, got a good 89 on my ASVAB, and swore into the DEP for AF without a problem on Tuesday.

I got my job list from my recruiter a day later and I was at first excited about it. My job options looked alright. But I feel like I’m having a huge change of heart now, out of nowhere.

I want to do some type of electrical job, and 3E0X1 was on my job list, but it finally hit me that no matter where I list a job in my line of 8 needed, ANY of those 8 could be picked. And there aren’t 8 strong qualifiers for me. It’s starting to worry me. Some other 3E jobs(HVAC, structural, pavements+construction) looked promising, but again that’d still leave me with 4/8 filled with jobs I wouldn’t hypothetically make it in.

I don’t know if I should I just swear out of the DEP and try for a branch that can guarantee a job. It would be stupid, but would it be as stupid as giving away 4 years of my life to something I’m miserable doing? But then what if the electrical job I’d be searching for in another branch isn’t available? What if they see my DEP discharge and deny me? What if my line scores don’t transfer to the new branch in a way that’d qualify me for the job I want?

I’m not really sure what I’m doing anymore. I’m 20, finally made the decision to do something with my life, my older brothers are military and I just thought I’d throw myself in like they did. But it’s dawning on me that I do have interests in certain jobs. And I want to pursue that. I’m realizing that a bit late now.

Could I talk to other branches while in this DEP to see where my chances lay without fully dropping out? Or is that a cheap cheat? I know I did this to myself. And I’ll accept if there’s no way out of my decisions.

I’m sorry if this post didn’t make much sense, in short I’m asking if it would be a good option to leave AF DEP to scout my options in other branches, since I’m second guessing giving the power of job selection to someone else. But it isn’t that straight forward. I don’t know. I do see how douchie it sounds.

Hey all,

I am graduating with a computer science degree next year (haven't done any ROTC), and I was thinking of the two options like the title says. I have a clean background, however I have no letters of recommendations to go through with the officer process in the Army and I am wondering which is the best path for me.

I dont like the idea of waiting 1-2 years for acceptance for officer, but I am kind of unsure of which path to take.

Also, how competitive would I be for enlistment in Space force considering I will have a computer science degree, but the branch is very selective?

I’m going to special forces and will be starting a cycle to get in the best shape possible before going. I want to get blood work done before hand and while I’m on the cycle, however I’m worried my chain of command can see my medical records and I’ll get caught using gear. Is blood work a necessity and what are your thoughts/tips for my first cycle

I tried to enlist in the Air Force, got past MEPS, but had to get a waiver for my chest. I have pectus Excavatum. After a few months, I got a letter from the them stating that I would have to get surgery and have proof from a medical professional that I have improved, and then I could try enlisting with them again. Does that mean I'm off of enlistment for all branches? Or is it still possible for the army?

I scored a 59 on the ASVAB, and am still somewhat fit. Granted I'm 21, Male, 127, lbs 5'9" -10"+, below 6ft. I work in manual labor and work out, not as much as I should, but still a bit. Last time I ran was a few months ago with about 2 miles in 30-40 mins. Not impressive, but i dont run a lot. In my job we do epoxy floors. So we rip up the floor, mix material and put it out. Depending on the material the pales can weigh 50lbs at least, while having to walk it out quite a distance. Or, carry 60lbs+ bags if powder or sand lifting to chest and up, or pouring into a pale. As well as a bunch of other stuff you'd see in the more physical manual labor jobs.

I was trying to go in for either a flight mechanic, or other form of mechanic, no experience, but I like to take things apart and pit em together or just use my hands, or MP. However, I didn't actually get to the job selection part. Again, the main question is if I'm unable to enlist in any branch at all, or if I do still have a chance with the army. The Internet isn't exactly entirely clear or helpful.

I’m about to turn 25 and just feel lost in life, I have and incredible fiancée but I hate my job it has no great benefits I’m almost finished with my bachelors degree but honestly hate it too and have absolutely no interest in it anymore. I’m just wondering how practical it would be to become a helicopter pilot at my age and would joining the military and going active duty be unfair to my partner.

I’m currently dead-set on enlisting, and I am looking to take the test to A) get it out of the way, and B) see what rates I am qualified for.

Trouble is, the medical screening portion that comes along with taking the ASVAB at MEPS may be a problem for the next month or so. How do I make it clear to my recruiter that I am both not just a flake wasting their time, and that I must take this test as soon as possible even though I am not enlisting right away?

Presuming that I should not go into detail as to why I don’t want to take the MEPS medical immediately with the recruiter. (Does it matter?)

Long story short, I’m 26m about to be evicted/homeless. Spoke with a navy recruiter who would send me open contract but if I’m joining a branch open contract I’d rather join my preferred branch if it fits my situation. If any of you are usmc recruits I’d appreciate a few minutes of your time.

When I was 8 years old I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called juvenile dermatomyositis. I was doing treatment for several years and stopped taking medications around 3 1/2 years ago. I am now 18 and have been completely discharged from my rheumatologists care for over 2 years.

The disease is known to attack the muscles but I really didn't have any muscular issues which is shown through my labs and an MRI. The only issue I've really had from it was a rash. Right now I have been completely off of medications for 3 1/2 years with zero issues or flare ups at all. I weight lift 6 times a week and have been extremely active.

I started talking to an army recruiter around 2 months ago and he seems fairly confident I could get a waiver approved for it but I don't really know. In a couple of days I am seeing my rheumatologist to get a clearance letter and I will go to meps shortly afterwards.

Has anyone seen resolved childhood autoimmune conditions get waivered before? I am just kind of wondering if it's even worth my time. I'm willing to wait and do the extensive paperwork and has always been my dream to join.

I’m 27 F , based in Illinois and currently working as a security officer and I go to college full time for Criminal Justice and Cyber Security. I want to go active duty, get the best out of the benefits after or during my contract. (Especially college) during my contract I plan on stacking firefighting, EMT, or police certifications and hopefully go into the police force after my contract as well. End Goal is joining SWAT/ special police forces, Firefighting or Cyber crime defense/Forensics.

Im currently a Full time Security Officer which qualifies me for the application for my cities police department so as of recently and I did put in an application but the process takes about a year or two. The money isn’t bad and my employer is completely supportive of me leaving for training/Drills since it’s a veteran owned company.

I’m almost done with my Associates degree and I’d like to finish it and pursue more education. I’ve always wanted to enlist in the military but I don’t want to put a stop on the college side. I want to be able to live a good combination of both Civilian/College and Military. I don’t mind volunteering for deployments so I can have some military experiences. I’m even open to becoming an officer in the military if I have the degree and qualifications to do so in the future.

As far as MOS’ choices, I’ve heard that Local PDs don’t have a lot of interest in hiring MPs due to them being more military focused and the Local PDs wanting someone they can train their way. So I’m not sure if being an MP will look good on record? That job does sound ideal for my situation, but I’m also open to Combat jobs.

Overall, I’m looking for the best way to go to school for free while continuing my degree, go on deployments for the experiences and focus on building my career to become a police officer/SWAT/Investigations.

All we have are his graduation pic from US Navy bomb disposal school and what appear to be dress blues - and some family lore.

It seems he was in the pacific theater early in the war, then somehow made an intelligence pivot and ended up in North Africa either with Naval Intelligence or with the OSS. We are proud of his service and want to understand the record of where and how he served. Are there resources that can provide us this information?

Thank you.

Dealt with F32.9 Unspecified depressive disorder 40 months ago for honestly a one time, stupid thing but the doctor put reason as visit as “depression” and to be honest, I didn’t even know that he did that until recently.

No inpatient treatment

Is this an automatic DQ if it was so long ago, outpatient treatment only lasted 2 months, and never had an issue again?

I applied originally to the Air Force active duty OTS for 2026. However circumstances have changed. I got a new tech job with a raise and will be moving states. I realized I originally wanted to join the airforce to leave my old job behind because my boss is toxic. I rather join the reserves now instead of doing active duty. Results will come out in August but I think I rather do reserves instead of active duty no matter the results.

Would rejecting active duty OTS make it difficult to join the reserves instead in the future?

I want to join the airforce reserves instead of Airforce active duty OTS.

If it affects joining Airforce reserves, could I join the army or navy reserves for other branches?

New Army Ht/Wt question...

In 2012 I was very close to joining the National guard at 22 years old and 5 feet 10 inches tall and 200 pounds. I didn't quite cut it at MEPS for my allowed body fat percentage. They said come back after losing more weight. I then met my wife and decided to stay a civilian.

So fast forward to today and I'm happily married for 14 years with children and looking to join the Army full time. But now I'm 240 pounds/ 40in waist and the current measurements say I'm within the allowance at 24 percent body fat.

I am baffled by this. Are there bigger people in the military now? More so than before? Can anyone give me their opinions or thoughts on this matter please? I'm just trying to make sure I'm going to be alright for real.

Side note, I have lost over 100 pounds this last year to join the Army specifically from 354 pounds high (cushy retail career). I'm committed to doing whatever it takes to see this dream come true. Just thought I'd have to do more first. I have always regretted not joining.

Hey everyone,

I've been looking into OCS/OTS to various different branches in the past couple of months. I am 23M with a bachelors degrees in Information Technology and Supply Chain Management. I graduate in a month with the IT degree with a 3.2 GPA. My most recent work experience mainly revolves around Amazon warehouse management and I am looking to pivot to tech. I am intrigued by the idea of military service for the tuition assistance (I hope to do a masters degree one day) but especially the possibility of getting some level of security clearance, particularly TS/SCI so I can apply it to the civilian market job search at the end of my tenure.

At first the Coast Guard was of interest to me as I have always seen their operations in my city and have wanted to join all throughout high school. However, it seems like tech roles are more limited and the OCS program is highly selective. This leads to Navy being my close second choice, as it seems that there are many opportunities for tech/engineer types. Does anyone have any advice for approaching the Navy OCS process? Also if anyone knows what the process of attaining a level of security clearance is like I would also like to know.

Thank you all

Hello,

I am aware my situation is a little different, and I am not here to get clowned, but I want guidance on life.

Ok, I am 23F in grad school right now in, like, the social sciences/analytics, but I'm thinking about going into the military. I still want to finish out my degree. I looked into OCS. It seems like something I could do if I take half a year off. Is that how it would work? Should I go to basic training?

My dream job is either being a professor or working in government agencies. I am aware I can be a civilian and work these jobs. I think my “ why” for wanting to join right now and why I have been thinking about it for the last couple of months is like, yes, I am in school, but I do not have much sense of direction.

Money is also a big thing. I am in grad school and earn a small stipend. I did some research; I think Guard/Reserve is part-time (~$8–10K/yr) and keeps me in school, and active duty is full-time (~$80K/yr) but would derail my degree. I’m leaning toward Guard so I can finish my degree.

Has anyone done Guard/Reserve OCS while in a PhD program? How did the timing actually work?

I am not sure if 'serving' is the right word here; correct me if I am wrong.

For someone whose real goal is professor/government research, does serving actually help that, or is it separate?

Greetings all, as a preface I’d like to mention I am about to go into my Junior year of college (3.62 GPA). I’m majoring in Political Science with a minor in Economics, and a certificate in National Security & Intelligence.

I am currently thinking about enlisting after graduation in May 28’ with aspirations to eventually become a federal law enforcement agent (with any agency honestly, idc.). This is all banking on the fact that I don’t get a job offer relatively soon post graduation, and I know it will be a huge leg up having prior military experience as well. Hell, I could even try to achieve a masters while in the service.

With that being said, and with in mind my goals of eventual FLEO service, I am wondering what job would look good for this career. Thinking about SF/MP/Master-at-arms kinda route, depending on what branch I settle on.

If anyone has taken a similar route or are in the situation as me, I would love to hear opinions from others. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.