Military Questions

Minx

Minx

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jul 1, 2010
328
0
32
Orlando, FL
#1
<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #CC0000">Obviously I'm not expecting every question to be answered, I just thought I'd throw these out there and see what feedback I can get. I don't trust recruiters and I would rather get information from people other than them.</span></span>

The more and more I think about it, the more I feel like the military would be a good choice for me. There are, however, a few concerns I have. I figure that since there are so many military and former military members here, this is a good place to talk about it.

First of all, I don't know what branch is right for me. My first instinct would be to join the Army. Everyone I've talked to says I should join the Air Force, because I'm a girl and women get treated the best there. Plus, the AF gets paid the most. I, personally, have no clue. I think the Marine Corps might be out of the question. It would be really rewarding, but I just don't think I'm Marine material. I'm sort of a bum, haha.

Second of all, I have no problem with admitting it: I am high maintenance. I like to wake up in the morning and do my hair and make up. I know that after boot I'd be able to do that depending on my job, but I feel like there are so many regulations, I might not be able to go with it. I know the rules for girls with long hair, but I have short hair and I really like my hair short. It WILL <span style="font-weight: bold">NOT</span> stay in a bun and it's naturally curly. Even if I wanted to put it up, I couldn't. The back of my hair, at the bottom, is cut so short that if they wanted to cut it any shorter, they'd have to use a buzzer. Obviously I can't put THAT into a bun. Am I allowed to wear it down as long as it's not below my collar and my bangs aren't in my face?
<span style="font-style: italic">Edit:</span> And for the record because some people don't seem to understand, I'm NOT saying "Oh my god, my hair what ever am I going to do because I'm a priss and I need to have it perfect everyday!" I'm saying, "Can I wear it down, because I can't wear it up?"

A few other questions some of you may be able to shed some light on are...

- How shitty is boot?

- I have asthma. It's pretty well regulated most of the year, but in the spring time, I really have to fight with both my allergies and my asthma. During physical activity, I do need to have my inhaler on hand. Will this cause issues for me or even prevent me from being able to join?

- I'm really into science, mostly biology and psychology, are there any interesting careers that you know of that would fit that subject?

-What's the deal with ROTC? I know that's a vague question, but if I'm going to have to spend like 10 years in the military afterward, I think that's a no-go.

-Lastly, do most women you know in the military enjoy being in the military or are they more than eager to get out?

Thanks, guys.
 
#2
Re: Military Questions

Go to College, Look into ROTC first two years no commitment, its like trying the military on. Besides, go in as an officer, life is better. I agree, the Airforce seems like they are better to the chicks.


Just my 2 pennys.
 
#3
Re: Military Questions

My mom is always telling me I won't like the commitment (and sometimes I think she's right) so if I can "try the military on" that sounds like a good idea.
 
#5
Re: Military Questions

My cousin does ROTC and the last time I saw him he was trying to convince his sister and I to get involved with it. I like the idea, so I'm definately going to look into it.

On top of that, within the past 2 days I've had 3 different people say "Why don't you just join the military?" to me lol.
 
#6
Re: Military Questions

As to the regulations regarding your hair and makeup and all that, look up AR 670-1. That will give you the official stance. As far as the Asthma goes, thats something that they will have to evaluate at MEPS.

If you can get in, and do decide its something you want to do, go air force and pick a skill set that will be marketable in the civilian sector when you get out.
 
#7
Re: Military Questions

Well Minx, Ive been in the AF for about 7 years now, and Im a SSgt, and deff. not a recruiter. It sounds like your in the same situation a lot of the new guys, and gals are in right now. A lot of people are in a spot where they don't know what they are going to do with there lives, even the ones that have been out of school for some time. The thing you have to sit down and tell yourself is that your joining the military...... a bunch of people go thru basic just fine abiding by the rules and the such and when they get to tech school and their base and start there job the only thing they look forward to is getting out. Your life, and this is from a "wing nut" point of view for the first year your in is going to be do what your told when to do it. The common technical school lasts about 2 months, and the only difference between that and basic is your not yelled at by TI's. It sounds like you are kind of high maint. so yeah I would say the Marines are deff. out for you as for being treated better, yes from my view its greener in the blue. However the way things are in the Air Force right now there are major cut backs in may departments, while others are hurting HARD for people to join them. You may enlist under a "general" Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC), and be placed in mechanical career, or security forces. Not saying these are bad but if you don't have an interest in what your doing chances are your going to be right back in the same predicament as you are now, but with 4 years of your life gone and you saying "I could have done so much more." The best thing right now to set yourself up for success is to go and take the ASVAB and see how you do, this will tell the recruiter what AFSC would fit you into the best based off of common knowlege questions. Then go talk to them and ask what AFSC's are critically manned, and look them up for yourself, you may find something that interests you, and the plus side is you can get a sign up bonus usually about 10'000, now who dosnt like that, I only got 3,500
frown.gif
. The thing to remember about recruiters is dont sign anything without researching it and its what you can bring to the Air Force not just what they can do for you.

As for the asthma, like I said they are cutting people back HARD these days, so any medical problems are going to be hard to get around now a days. Youll have to find out if it is a waiverable problem or get a doc to sign off on it. AF PT has changed ALOT.......dont let them fool you, I went and did a little time as a stand in TI and its no joke anymore. They reviewed all of the AF staff, and mostly the higher ranks and came to the conclusion that we are too FAT so our standards have been updated as of this month. For more info just do a little googling and youll find it. Normally for men about a 11min mile and a half, 50 push ups and 50 sit ups put you in the high 80's low 90's, depending on your waist measurements, yeah they measure it. Many people are being told they cannot re-enlist because they have failed the new standards for PT and its taken into account. We are now tested 2 times a year and it is tracked on our personal reports.


Sorry for the long message please feel free to ask more questions I would love to answer them as best I can. I will say just go talk to the recruiters <--- plural even for the same branch, go to different guys if you can and see what they say and how they differ. Hope this helps
 
#8
Re: Military Questions

The Air Force is paid the same as the rest of us, we are all DOD. You should serve for the love of country it's not a fucking pass time event and you are hung up on a bunch of stupid ass Bullshit. Listen to those telling you to go to the air force, the Marine Corps will not put up with all the Bullshit you are whining about. The Navy is not for you either, plus I do not want another lazy ass waste of a money shot in my Canoe Club. I do not know shit about the Army but I am sure that someone else will chime in for them. So the Air Force it is or maybe Coast guard, are you 6 foot or taller? If so when the boat goes down you can always walk back to the beach. HAHA.......
 
#9
Re: Military Questions

For yor information, if I was going to join, I would do it mostly for the love of my country. Right now, because I'm not apart of the military I do as much as I can to help out with charity work, etc. I go way out of my way to give back, and I enjoy doing so. Ask anyone who knows me, I'm one of the most unapollogetically American girls around, which is becoming especially rare for kids my age since they're all into "be a rebel, be anti-government, it makes you look cool" thing. And consider the fact that you're male, natrually we're going to see things differently. So before you try to tell me that I'm concerned with useless bullshit and I'd just be another "lazy ass" joining up for cash, I'd check yourself.
 
#10
Re: Military Questions

^^^ you don't have to join the Air Force either...

Google AFI 36-2903 for the official stance on your appearance and also check out AFI 36-2905 for the official PT standards also. Good luck.
 
#11
Re: Military Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: N2DADARK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">*SNIP!*</div></div>

Thanks!
laugh.gif
I read it all, and if I have any more questions on specifics, I'll PM you for sure.
 
#12
Re: Military Questions

NO. You asked and now you don't like the answer. How long do you think I have been doing this? I have seen 100s yes 100s come threw and am FUCKING tired of whiny youngins. Listen I have my opinions and No I do not know you so I can only go off what you post but You Said "I'm sort of a bum". Also your worried about you hair, that is so small compared to your actual service yet you are basing a life altering choice off of hair and prep time in the morning. My point is proven by the point you NOT ME used your sex as a point and then used mine to argue.
 
#14
Re: Military Questions

If you can't be polite, that's not my problem. I'm positive that no where in my post I said my hair and make up were a <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">big</span></span> deal. You can say I'm whining about little things; you can say whatever you'd like, but DON'T try to tell me I'd join the military for the WRONG reasons. In fact, one of the reasons the military keeps seeming like a good choice for me is because I can't imagine a career that would be more fulfulling than serving the country I love. So back off, I asked for answers, not attitude.
 
#17
Re: Military Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: swarrick</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just my view but I am not wrong often. </div></div>
Yeah you and everyone else with an opinion.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CavScout1983</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Minx,

I think the real question isn't if you will be in the military, but, will the military be in you?

Double entendres make me smile. </div></div>
lol. Witty, I smiled.
 
#20
Re: Military Questions

All of this is pointless anyway. If her Asthma is that dang bad, she won't be approved to join. If she lies, and has an attack and they request her medical history with her release forms she signed to join- they'll nail her for fraudulent enlistment.

in short- no joining.
 
#21
Re: Military Questions

Other people read it, and didn't take it as you did, swarrick. Looks like you're the only one. Either way, I'm done discussing it with you.

And Cav, I'm not sure if my asthma would be a problem. Most of the time, I'm fine. I don't have to use my inhaler most the time, but I DO keep it on me during physical activity, just in case. When I'm around oak and elm pollen during my allergy season, however, my asthma is total crap. So, I'm not positive.
 
#22
Re: Military Questions

If oak pollen makes your asthma act up, what do you think CS gas will do? or if you joined a military police mos and had to do pepper spray qualification?

What about the fact that virtually every major Army post is in a place with shitty allergy seasons. Most other Branches' bases are too. a few exceptions here and there, but not much.

Or overseas, constant dust, vehicle exhaust, more dust, generator exhaust, wearing 40-70 pounds of gear.

Even the non-intense jobs require a modicum of physical activity if only at brief periods and for not very long.

If you feel it's bad enough to need an inhaler WITH you, then it's bad.

Asthma can kill you very quickly if you have an attack and don't have an inhaler on you. Whatcha gonna do when you find yourself in a chemical environment and can't take off your gas mask to use the inhaler? break the seal? expose your face and lungs to chem agents that burn you on contact, sear shut the alveoli shut and you are instantly experiencing COPD on top of being asthmatic. Oh, and if you keel over dead- there will be an autopsy. Which will include your medical records prior to joining, which will indicate that you lied to get in, which means your family can pay for the funeral out of pocket. They'll never get a single red cent. Because you enlisted fraudulently.

You will not get past MEPS. They don't need you. Many people without serious medical conditions are scrambling to join any branch they can in this economy. You are an expensive risk. You are a safety risk. They risk enough with people who pass basic qualifications. Much less someone who needs an inhaler.

continue with the care packages, when ya turn 18 date a few military guys ( but do so with a grain of salt- they're young and dumb, they'll promise the world and go off somewhere, or decide life's short and their tour is approaching quick, best to play the field), maybe marry a good one and be the one solid thing in his life- but I warn you, if you ever marry a military man, be prepared to be strong and faithful. Weakness and infidelity will destroy him for a while. That while may be when he is in a place that anything less than 100% gets men killed.

You're not joining if you're honest, and you're not honest if you join.
 
#23
Re: Military Questions

Well, I don't know, on a count of I'm not allergic to dust, etc. lol It's the allergies that trigger the asthma. So if I'm allergic to all that junk, then yeah, you're right!

I talked to a friend of mine in the Navy about it once and he said they have a guy with pretty bad asthma, and he passes out after every PT test, lol. Even worse though, he mentioned they have a guy with AUTISM. I don't want to believe him, but I know he wouldn't shit me about that, haha. But I just don't see how an autistic guy would make it in the military.
 
#24
Re: Military Questions

Look Minx, something that will make or break you in the military is your ability to analyze a situation, come up with a solution, and then stick to that decision. It doesn't matter what anyone here says. It's all up to you, and the joining up process is intentionally designed that way.

You need to sit down with a recruiter and talk about your options. You need to take the ASVAB. Officers have a much better life than enlisted, and even though I'm proud to be an NCO, we need sharp, educated officers. An ROTC contract will net you at least 4 years of active duty after graduation, but college will be paid for and you'll get excellent experience for the real world.

The military is what you make it. No more, no less. If you try hard, do as your told, and don't break the rules, you'll most likely be a success. If you try to sham the system, disregard orders or rules, or work poorly with others, you'll have an absolutely miserable time.

A friend told me before I joined the Army that for me to commit at least five years of my life to the military, I have to want to be a good soldier more than anything else. With that as my litmus test, I trained up and kept asking myself that question ("is this what I want more than anything else?"). The day I could answer it without hesitation, I enlisted. Here I am, five years later, absolutely satisfied with the experience. However, tomorrow is my last day in the military because while the military was absolutely what I hoped it would be, I have other career goals now. You get out of the military what you put into it.
 
#25
Re: Military Questions

Medical problems in the military are treated somewhat differently for pre-existing vs. onset during service. If it's onset during service, regardless of the initial ruling, the case may be appealed and decided on an individual basis. It will probably be more difficult to get any kind of medical board evaluation for pre-existing condition trying to enlist, but it can't hurt to ask. The worst they can say is no. You need to show that you would be more valuable being part of the service than you would be a hindrance due to your condition.
 
#26
Re: Military Questions

I think that women in the Service do not get equal treatment. I think that some of that is good and some of it is bad.

I say this after standing behind my Daughter in her investigation of the same questions you ask. In the end, she found that the goals she had were impossible to meet, but that was more about her goals than about the services. She never joined, and this was a good thing in the long run.

I don't think the Navy's the better choice, mainly because of the isolation afloat and how it affects the mental issues of all sailers. Ashore, maybe better; but nothing's guaranteed regarding afloat/ashore.

I think the Army and the Marines will suit the sort of woman who seeks to confront challenge. If that's you, go for it.

If a more conventional experience involving work ethic and accomplishment/satisfaction is your goal, I think the Air Force and maybe the Coast Guard are better suited.

Physical issues are not a plus, for either you or the service. The determining factor in my Daughter's decision was the incompatibility of her less-than-perfect vision and the requirements of her desired goals.

Greg
 
#27
Re: Military Questions

Go to College.
ROTC is easy, it will give you a taste of what's to come in the future. Get your Psyc degree and look hard at becoming a Psychologist. Ask a Navy recruiter and an Army recruiter about the college ROTC, and Medical Department programs that are offered. You will then be able to see if your medical issues can be waived. If so, then you can lay out a program to first, get your degree, then secondly, serve your country. There is a high need for people who understand human psychology and who will be able to deal with the PTSD issues so many are coming home with.

Four years of college is not that long of a commitment. It's the same as a basic military contract. It is also long enough to do your best to become physically fit by participating in morning Body Conditioning classes, evening Karate classes, and mid day weight lifting classes(20 hours a week). This will build strength, endurance, and focus to stay the course and make a solid decision.
 
#29
Re: Military Questions

Wow, where to start. I am x-Army and met my wife when I was serving. I was enlisted, and she was an Officer (prior enlisted though, so she was/is cool). We both came off active duty in the mid 90’s, and she stayed in the Army Reserves. She has struggled through the “Old-Boy’s-Club” for damn near 20 years, has two combat tours, and is a Lt. Col. Now. She is moving into a Full Bird slot, and is expected to pick-up Col. She went the ROTC route while in college. She has nothing but positive comments about her service, and is ARMY through, and through. That said, the Army is less conducive to a high maintenance personality type, but will remediate that ASAP.
My father was Air Force, and I watched how the Air Force lived both stateside, and while I was deployed in the Gulf. USAF is a cushy-creature comfort style job, much more like a civilian based job environment (I know, I know…gross overstatement).
“Am I allowed to wear it down as long as it's not below my collar and my bangs aren't in my face?”---YES keep it off the collar, and out of your eyes.
“I'm really into science, mostly biology and psychology, are there any interesting careers that you know of that would fit that subject”--------I would suggest go to college and undergrad in Biology, figure out what you like, and move on to a graduate degree. Stay in ROTC to accrue time in service. Then, if you go reserves, it is easy to go Medical Specialty Corp, and transition into the Regular Army in that same MOS (Military Occupational Specialty…..area of interest).
“I have asthma. It's pretty well regulated most of the year, but in the spring time, I really have to fight with both my allergies and my asthma. During physical activity, I do need to have my inhaler on hand. Will this cause issues for me or even prevent me from being able to join”-----I served with many people that had asthma in the ARMY, you many need a Waiver.
“How shitty is boot”-----As an Officer, it is a cake walk.
 
#30
Re: Military Questions

It might be hard with the asthma. That is something you need to check into first before anything else. I was in the Navy, I do not recommend it for most women. That is just my own personal opinion. You can take it with a grain of salt if you would like.

People are now becoming p3's profiles for asthma who can not do the run and have to have an alternate event. Which makes you non deployable. They are cracking down a lot on that and joing and being non deployable is not something they are letting people do.

Now if you can with the asthma then I would suggest ROTC and the reserves to try it on for size.

Good Luck in whatever you choose
 
#33
Re: Military Questions

If you are as devoted as you say you are, then none of these mindless "negitive Ned's" are going to effect you Minx. This is one thing youll have to deal with when joining. People telling you that you cant do something just from what they hear or read in a post, even some of the people may be put in a higher position than you. If your really as hard up as you say you are than youll abide by the regs and just deal with some of the nonsense that gets throwen your way.
 
#34
Re: Military Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: N2DADARK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you are as devoted as you say you are, then none of these mindless "negitive Ned's" are going to effect you Minx. This is one thing youll have to deal with when joining. People telling you that you cant do something just from what they hear or read in a post, even some of the people may be put in a higher position than you. If your really as hard up as you say you are than youll abide by the regs and just deal with some of the nonsense that gets throwen your way. </div></div>

HAHA...... negitive Ned's. Your right I don't know HAHA......
 
#35
Re: Military Questions

Yeah, I have no idea what I'm talking about. Not like I was a recruiter or anything.

Asthma coming in?- no go, especially since they aren't hurting. Maybe AF would be different but the Army will likely not take you. If it "develops" while in that's a different story and will allow a profile.

This will go 1 of 3 ways

1)- recruiter throws her down to meps to see if she will stick even admitting asthma. She will need to provide medical records and also be cleared by a MEPS approved doc.

2) recruiter tells you to lie at meps, you do, get in and get found out when you're at fort Jackson in basic or somewhere along the line.

3) same as above but you fucking die from an asthma attack and upon autopsy they tell your parents thanks but your daughter lied and as such, no dice on bennies.
If your asthma-is that bad-you will be caught-if you lied.
 
#36
Re: Military Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: N2DADARK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you are as devoted as you say you are, then none of these mindless "negitive Ned's" are going to effect you Minx. This is one thing youll have to deal with when joining. People telling you that you cant do something just from what they hear or read in a post, even some of the people may be put in a higher position than you. If your really as hard up as you say you are than youll abide by the regs and just deal with some of the nonsense that gets throwen your way.</div></div>

I agree. I've read all this, but I'm not too worried about these guys. I mean, if I got in and my asthma wasn't a big issue, than really my hair is the least of my problems. It was just something I was curious about. Either way, I know I'd be really valuable to the military. I've got a lot to offer. If I decide that I want to join up and I'm accepted, there's absolutely nothing that would stop me from serving with the best of my ability. I can step up and meet any challenge or any hardship that I have to for my country without complaining.
 
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