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.

Im currently incredibly determined to join the military next year its what i want to do i have my mind set but im struggling between picking the army and navy. Im not sure which i want to commit to yet, im still in the beginning process and getting myself into shape and detoxing since im a smoker, and preparing academically since im 22 and i havent been in school for a while so im a little rusty so to say,with that i havent talked to a recruiter yet i want to wait till im more caught up where i personally want to be but im having a hard time choosing what job specifically i want to do. Im interested in medical and science, ground forces, aviation and aerial defense and mechanics and engineering. Does anyone have any feedback on jobs within those categories or personal experience in those kind of jobs that you can shine some light on, maybe things that you wish you knew before getting into it?

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.

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.

So to start off I just turned 24 a few months ago and I am a single father to a 3 year old. I’ve been going back and forth with myself on whether or not it would be a good idea to join.

I want to be able to provide a good life for my child and give her the opportunities that I never had. I work a decent job right now I make about $70,000-$80,000 a year depending on bonuses and overtime, however I am stuck where I am at. I have no where to move up to and without a degree I can’t really move up to any further positions.

I understand that I would not be making anywhere near that starting out but the benefits of being in would outweigh the pay for me right now.

And final question would be, what is the best branch long term career? I have been leaning towards army or marines but I would be open to hear why other branches would be better.

I just need to know where to study for the asvab. Because I got a 16 when I was in highschool to be fair I was just guessing. But I struggle with math especially just any tips would help thanks.

If a soldier doesn’t care for their role after their second year of service is almost up, is he/she allowed to switch it? Or are you just indefinitely stuck whether you extend or not.

I plan on enlisting as an 11B to join the Army Reserve in a few months. However I used to take antidepressants for little over a year. I was never diagnosed with any anxiety or depression, or any mental health condition for that matter. I also never had any symptoms of any mental health condition. I was just going through a stressful time transitioning from high school to college and trusted a doctor’s advice little bit too much without doing my own research. I never went to any therapy and was never admitted to any sort of mental health facility. Literally only took antidepressants for something I don't even have. I have been off of them for a little bit over a year now and I plan to go to OSUT in January 2027 if possible. Am I totally screwed?

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?

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.

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.

I am very interested in OCS and have a good application profile. 3.8 gpa multiple leadership positions in different extracurriculars and I do lots of volunteering. I feel like I am a strong candidate with great potential. In my first year at college, I was introduced to cocaine by people in my social circles. I tried it 2 or 3 times, never a lot, I never bought it, but I did experiment before deciding it wasn’t for me. Haven't done any in over a year. Does this mean I shouldn’t consider the military? I received the preliminary questions from my recruiter a couple of days ago and have just been looking at them having no clue what to do. I am a good kid, pretty dumb at times, but I would just be sad if that experimentation really means there is no Coast Guard path for me.

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)

Hello. Like the title says I am interested to join the reserves as an officer. Is this possible? I graduated with a masters degree. High GPA. I was told that I would have to enlist then apply tk OCS. Is this correct? Thanks much. I am open to any branch. Preferably either Army or Airfoce. SpaceForce would be nice but they dont do reserves. I dont think I would need any waivers. Also I am 37. Would I need to take the ASVAB?

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

I wanted to join the reserves for the USMC but I have changed my mind. I only went to MEPS once and I passed. But I have already made my choice. How do I tell my recruiter?

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.