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Army guys, need advice. enlisting soon.

Discussion in 'Questions and Answers' started by RAS25, May 26, 2009.

  1. RAS25

    RAS25 Junior Member

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    Dec 17, 2007
    Los Angeles
    So i know we have a ton of people here who have served and i am going to be enlisting and wondering if i can get some advice.

    I have talked to a couple recruiters and am going to the meps place to take the asvab next week.

    I almost joined about 4 years ago, but it just wasnt the right time in my life and i needed to be around with my family, but its something ive always wanted to do and im in a good place to do it and i feel if i dont do it now i never will. The recruiter had me take a asvab practice test just to see if i needed to brush up on things and i got a 68/70 so the recruiter said i will be fine so im not worried about that.

    As far as getting into shape is there any certain things i should focus on? im 6' 5" about 240 but i am in fairly good shape. I dont really run regularly but i am stepping that up as we speak.

    Just looking for some tips since i probably have a couple months before i ship to basic. is there anything you guys wouldve done to prepare better that wouldve made life easier?

    Thanks in advance guys :up:
     
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  2. anlgp

    anlgp ↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A

    not in any branch of service so i can't give advice but stay safe.
     
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  3. USArmyFinFan

    USArmyFinFan Maximum Effort

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    OK, you know the big three more then likely, push-ups, sit-ups, and running. I suggest you get good at running before basic training; it will make your life easier. Others you might want to work on because you WILL do them often, flutter kicks, jumping jacks (don't think those are hard? do 100 4 counts, then come back). Just in general, exercise.
     
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  4. Uncle Rico

    Uncle Rico New Member

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    Air Force is easier and you get treated better.
     
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  5. TokyoFishFan

    TokyoFishFan New Member

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    Tokyo!
    Any service you choose is an honorable profession. If your ASVAB scores are good, your physical conditioning is good, and you've generally stayed out of trouble, any service will take you.

    Each has it's role.

    Something to think about:

    What career field are you interested in? What do you want to do AFTER the military?

    Shoot for a job in the service that interests you. There's no guarantee that you will get that job, BUT, if you don't try, you could get stuck doing anything.

    Computers? Law Enforcement? Management? Logisitics (Supply)? Fuels? Mechanic? There are many jobs out there in each service, some in more demand than others.

    Check out all the services and see what each has to offer you. Until you sign the paperwork, you are free to check out each service. Ask about educational benefits, how often you can be expected to deploy, etc, etc. The Army has been notorious for its STOP-LOSS program over the past few years. What does that mean? When its time for you to get out, they can hold you in. Each service has its rules about this, but the Army has been more active in this arena, even bringing back retirees.

    That said, all services have very good benfit programs. There's always a roof over your head and food on the table and a check coming in if you manage your finances wisely.

    If you stay for 20 years, you win the lottery. That's the way I look at my retirement check. If I manage to stay alive for 30 years from the day I retire, I will collect almost $1M in retirement money over that time.

    Are there risks? Sure, there are in any job. But you already know this.

    With all services, be ready to be yelled at during basic training. You will get yelled at and yelled at and yelled at. Don't let it phase you. Don't let them get under your skin. Count on your buddies. Service life is about teamwork. Teamwork within the lowest levels of your unit all the way up to Joint Service Operations at the highest levels.

    Volunteer. People always say "Don't ever volunteer for anything!" That's hogwash. Pick your poison.

    OK, I can babble forever and ever and ever because I'm an old retired guy.

    Here's some links on the PT issue. Staying fit is important in every service. Build your fitness habits now and it will be easier.

    Army PT Test info:
    http://usmilitary.about.com/od/army/a/afpt.htm
    Better source:
    http://www.army.com/enlist/APFT.html

    AF PT Test Info:
    http://usmilitary.about.com/od/airforce/a/affitness.htm

    Research. Don't go into it blind!
     
  6. RAS25

    RAS25 Junior Member

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    Los Angeles

    thank you so much everyone! also extra thanks to tokyo for those links.

    i dont know quite yet if i am wanting to make a carreer out of the military or not, if i dont i would like to pursue a law enforcement.
     
  7. finattic79

    finattic79 Season Ticket Holder

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    Whatever branch you choose, make sure as hell you have the job you want guaranteed before you come in, and it is in your enlistment contract. To many people I know came in as open general (basically they can give you any job, usually the ones that are critically manned and need people). Other than that, just remember at basic, your TI is just doing his job, and you are doing a job.
     

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