Weekly Question Thread (05/18/2026 to 05/24/2026)

[u/AutoModerator]

This is a safe place to ask any question related to joining the Army. It is focused on joining, Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT), and follow on schools, such as Airborne, Air Assault, Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP), and any other Additional Skill Identifiers (ASI).

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[u/CraftParking31]

Hi,

I’m currently trying to join the U.S. Army, and I wanted to see if anyone has gone through a similar situation.

I was disqualified earlier because of the low hemoglobin. So I had a blood test done today after following a dietary plan for a month, but my results still show slightly low hemoglobin (13 g/dL) and platelets (127,000/µL).

According to my doctor, these levels may be related to inherited factors and have remained relatively stable for most of my life. I also inherited beta thalassemia minor (beta thalassemia trait) from my parents, which may explain my slightly low hemoglobin. I’m asymptomatic, feel completely normal, and have no issues with my daily activities.

My doctor believes these findings shouldn’t necessarily prevent me from joining the Army and is willing to provide a medical letter explaining my condition, medical history, and stable blood counts.

I’ve discussed this with my recruiter, but I’m wondering how strict the Army is regarding these blood test results and whether a medical waiver might be possible.

I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has experienced something similar:

• Did you have slightly low hemoglobin or platelet counts during your MEPS medical examination?
• If you have beta thalassemia minor, were you able to obtain a medical waiver and join the Army?
• Did a letter from your doctor help, or were you required to undergo additional tests or evaluations?
• Were you required to get your hemoglobin or platelet count above a specific threshold before proceeding?
• Did MEPS or the Army medical waiver authority consider your condition differently because it was inherited, stable, and asymptomatic?
• If I’m unable to qualify for the Army because of these blood test results or beta thalassemia minor, can I apply to other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, such as the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard? Do the other branches have different medical standards or waiver policies for these conditions?

I understand that every case is different and that medical decisions depend on the applicable accession standards and individual medical evaluations. I’m hoping to learn from people who have gone through this process and better understand my options.

Thanks in advance to anyone willing to share their experience. I really appreciate it!

[u/Missing_Faster → u/CraftParking31]

Below are the current medical standards for enlistment to all military branches. If you trip any of them you need a waiver. However, each branch has their own board that meets to look at your waiver request file and can decide whether to waive your condition or not (outside the short list of totally disqualifying conditions, none of which you have not mentioned having). So the Army might decide no and the navy might say yes, or vice versa. I can't tell you anything about how your condition might be seen by any service, just don't know. The basic thing to keep in mind is that waivers are issued when the service board reviewing your waiver request decides your serving is in the interest of the service, not if it is in your interest.

https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/613003_vol1.PDF?ver=GBbsZzmzwVr95tWZU-vmOA%3D%3D

[u/Creative-Peach-1103]

Has there been any official update to the PT test, or is it all still rumors?

[u/murazar → u/Creative-Peach-1103]

As soon as it is official. You'll probably hear about it at your unit; the mods will post it, and a bunch of people will post about it right away.

Nothing official yet.

[u/iydx_7737]

Just got back from MEPS. During my personal interview, I disclosed to my MEPS doctor that I was diagnosed with lattice degeneration. But because it wasn’t in my medical records that he pulled up and because I passed the eye exam, he said that he would put that disqualifying diagnosis into my notes
but wouldn’t use it to DQ me for anything related to my vision and gave me a green light for entry.

So my question is this: Would the notes he put down in my profile actually be used to DQ me for anything further down the line like in reception at boot camp? Or is it just something that no one is going to care enough about to check?

[u/murazar → u/iydx_7737]

You're not going to get checked out unless your lattice degeneration suddenly worsens to the point that it becomes a barrier to completing BCT. I have no idea whether he actually put something in your record as a note, but he's trying to help you out. The US Army doesn't recheck medical waivers/history/etc. for recruits unless there's a reason for it.

So don't give anyone a reason.

[u/iydx_7737 → u/murazar]

Thank you for the response! So essentially, no one is going to care that there’s a disqualifying condition in my record (if there is at all) as long as I can meet the criteria at boot camp? That’s a relief.

[u/murazar → u/iydx_7737]

Sort of.

All disqualifying conditions need to be waivered to enlist.

All your conditions that required a waiver, had their waivers approved. You require no further waivers.

Hopefully that makes sense.

[u/iydx_7737 → u/murazar]

I seem to be a little bit confused. I know for a fact that I do not have a waiver for lattice. I know this because I specifically asked my recruiter if I could send a waiver for lattice once I got back from MEPS and he said I couldn’t because MEPS didn’t flag me for it.

I disclosed my condition to the MEPS doctor and he said that a waiver was not needed for the condition even after I informed him of that fact that it was disqualifying.

Yet…I had it waivered? This is just me being a dumbass. Any insight from you or anyone else with knowledge on the matter is greatly appreciated and welcomed.

[u/murazar → u/iydx_7737]

I dont believe you understand the process is all.

When you go to MEPs they determine after seeing, whatever they exactly see, what medical condition disqualify you. Not all conditions do. They make a list of them.

Your recruiter works with you to get paperwork and medical records to make a packet. In order to get a waiver for that list of disqualifying conditions. If you're approved. Good to go.

You cant ask for a waiver for a condition MEPs basically doesn't disqualify you over, because there is no need for a waiver.

Like if someone had cancer and are over 7 years cancer-free. No waiver needed. MEPs wouldnt even list it as a problem. Etc etc

[u/iydx_7737 → u/murazar]

So because I disclosed the condition at MEPS and MEPS didn’t determine it was an issue, I’m good to go? Provided of course, I don’t happen to go blind or anything at boot camp. Thank you again for your patience.

[u/murazar → u/iydx_7737]

Correct.

[u/Few_Cartographer8703]

I'm an E-4/SPC, currently in the National Guard as an 11C. I served 3.5 years on Active Duty and want to return to Active Duty as a 35F (Intelligence Analyst). My GT is 105 and my ST is 101. My DD Form 368 is still being processed, but my recruiter says I have to sign an 11C contract first and wait for BSEP before I can reclass. Is this true? Can I get a 35F contract as a prior-service Soldier, or do I have to return as an 11C first? Also, if my 368 gets approved but I don't sign a contract, can I stay in the Guard? I'd appreciate any advice or regulations I can reference.

[u/murazar → u/Few_Cartographer8703]

I believe with the 368, it's only to switch to active duty as your 'current' MOS/Rank. Not to reclass. You'll have to either get out entirely and go to a recruiter for active duty OR 368 over as an 11C (which you are) and then re-enlist while active for 35F (if it's available at your rank and whatnot).

BSEP only applies if you don't meet the minimum line scores for any relevant MOS you're trying to pick. So if you have the line scores for an MOS, then no, you don't have to do BSEP. If the 368 is approved, well, that depends on whether it's approved and then you get orders. Once you have orders, nope. It's a done deal.

[u/Slow-Industry1025]

Haven’t come across a 68W airborne contract in a while… do I keep waiting? If I sign a 68W contract without airborne guaranteed what’s the likelihood I’ll go to airborne at some point in my 4 years?

[u/murazar → u/Slow-Industry1025]

Airborne is far, far, far rarer these days, in the last couple of years, for 68Ws in initial contracts. You can either keep waiting (for months and months if need be) OR get an Option 40 and go to RASP. Upon completing RASP, you'll attend airborne school.

Volunteering in AIT is iffy; 68Ws wanting Airborne is pretty common and popular. Like with 11Xs. So everyone is snagging slots, and there are far fewer Airborne slots since the Army was restructured to downsize Airborne over the last couple of years. Well. Probably not many opportunities at AIT for your specific MOS to volunteer at this time.

Honestly, if you want Airborne. Just do option 40 and be an Airborne Ranger 68W; best schools like SOCM and opportunities.

[u/Missing_Faster → u/murazar]

SOCM is reputed to be an amazing course. Not an easy course, but it will teach you an enormous amount and get you to paramedic. But you need to pass RASP first.

[u/Meatloaf19113]

So at my local recruiting office they do an in house drug test so you don’t get fucked over before going to Meps and I passed for everything but thc. I haven’t smoked anything in at least two months or more but they said that I failed my test even though there was a faint second line. I went out and got my own test later that day to make 100% sure and the result was a faint second line. Now I do live in a home where weed is present and smoked inside and my girlfriend also smokes however I haven’t actively smoked flower or pens since the beginning of the year. My concern is that my parents don’t believe me when I say that I have not smoked anything whatsoever and I’m trying to get out of my house asap. Would the results from a test with even a faint second line be considered a positive or negative as I’d like to know for sure where I stand.

[u/murazar → u/Meatloaf19113]

Just wait until that second line isn't around anymore. THC can stay in your body up to 6 months or so depending on how much/often you smoke. Try to get your girlfriend to not smoke near you. It shouldn't add anything to your system, but if she's hotboxing you. Well. THAT can affect the results.

[u/Missing_Faster → u/Meatloaf19113]

You probably need to pay for an actual test at a lab where they provide numbers. Not super expensive, like $100 or $200.

Not sure this is the actual current set of numbers.
https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Support/Culture%20Resilience/DDD/Update_DOD_Drug_Testing_Panel_Change_Cutoff_Codeine.pdf?ver=td6-Zx4aZaW7MDs5vQOzNw%3D%3D

[u/Professional-Hat-562]

Waiver Approval Possible?

I’m about to go to MEPS and I know that I’ll be disqualified for previously having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea, all diagnosed in January 2026 because I was overweight. I’ve been off my blood pressure medication since July 2026 and I’ve had normal numbers since. And I’ve been off of my CPAP (sleep apnea) since August 2026. I’ve lost 30lbs to get to this point and I do have clearance letters from both doctors stating that I’m good to go and fit for the military. Only thing left is I’m still on Atorvastatin Calcium for my cholesterol, all number are normal beside my ldl was at 121 recently. I also went ahead and saw a cardiologist to get a heart echo, an ekg, and to make sure my kidneys are functioning properly. All of those test came back clean as well.

I really just want to know if I can get my waiver approved for my active Atorvastatin Calcium prescription, because my PCP is trying to say I still need it. But my recruiter says I can not be on any active prescriptions, but I keep seeing that if I have no side effects and get a doctors clearance letter that I’ll be able to get approved and go to basic.

[u/murazar → u/Professional-Hat-562]

DOWI 6130.03 Volume 1 (Change 6, effective February 2026) DQ is condition-specific. Not the meds themselves per se. Meds are attached to conditions.

For cholesterol specifically, Section 6.24.n states:

“Dyslipidemia with low-density lipoprotein greater than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or triglycerides greater than 400 mg/dL. Dyslipidemia requiring more than one medication or low-density lipoprotein greater than 190 mg/dL on therapy. All those on medical management must have demonstrated no medication side effects (e.g., myositis, myalgias, or transaminitis) for a period of 6 months.”

Theoretically, you should be fine. There are 'some' people who go to basic training on medication. Not many. Drill sergeants usually manage your meds in that case. It IS best to completely get off the medication if its SAFE to do so because that will give your waiver a better chance of being granted. As well not having as many issues in basic to deal with.

[u/Professional-Hat-562 → u/murazar]

Thank you for your response!

So you’re saying there’s a small chance that I can get my waiver approved for my cholesterol medication. I just don’t want to have to wait 6mo to get off the meds, and wait to retest since my dr is already trying not to take me off of them.

Do you know anything when it comes to the sleep apnea? I already got a 2nd sleep study done and my dr said I don’t have it anymore (it was weight related and I dropped 35lbs) I also have a “clearance letter” from that dr as well. Also scored an 87 on my ASVAB and planning on being an MOS 25H.

FYI: I went to MEPS med this past Thursday and now I’m waiting for the 507 to see what I need to do.

[u/murazar → u/Professional-Hat-562]

Wait for MEPS to say if you're good or not, and then hit me back up here with whatever else is left to do. Otherwise, guessing won't help. MEPs will likely be specific about whether you're approved, or they'll specify exactly what they want if denied.

[u/Competitive_War6000]

Anybody been to MEPS at Ft Meade Baltimore? Is the blood draw done with multiple chairs in the same room? Can I ask for a recliner to get blood drawn? I have a faint problem with blood draws

[u/Alarming-Tap-2561]

Is infantry worth joining in 2026?

[u/murazar → u/Alarming-Tap-2561]

Define "Worth it". That's going to massively vary from person to person on why they specifically want to join.

[u/Alarming-Tap-2561 → u/murazar]

I know the quality of life could be pretty bad for the most part. But I’m someone that’s looking for a unique experience to build myself and we’ll get a sense of brotherhood.

[u/murazar → u/Alarming-Tap-2561]

No one picks infantry for QOL. That's kind of the opposite of what you have to love honestly.

The closer to the infantry you get, the more the sense of brotherhood is. Brotherhood is where the suck is. Unless you go special forces you aren't going to find a better brotherhood.

Just do 11X option 40 and try out for the ranger regiment. Might as well shoot for the stars on that one.

[u/Alarming-Tap-2561 → u/murazar]

That’s exactly what I’m looking for! Thank you

[u/Lost_Mousse6629]

opinions on 94 series? (specifically FOX)

i just got my asvab results and i have a 88 afqt i think a 124 gt and a 134 el so i think i can try for most if not all electrical jobs i want to use it as a gate way to EE after with the gi bill im just a little divided between options like 94 F, H, Y i really like the way f sounds on paper but i hear a lot they dont actually do there job (idk how true or if its just a result of ppl who dont like there job speak up more) i like the sound of H too i love soldering and diagnostics but the sound of getting to work on cool nvg sounds well very cool lol! (hopefully this is where mods want this)

[u/Lost_Mousse6629 → u/Lost_Mousse6629]

• How much of your actual day-to-day work was your MOS vs random Army tasking?
• How much actual troubleshooting/diagnostics did you do?
• Did you work at the component/board level, or was it mostly replacing modules
• How much did you actually use DMMs, oscilloscopes, test equipment, etc.?
• If you had to choose again between 94F and 94H, would you make the same choice?

[u/Missing_Faster → u/Lost_Mousse6629]

I have seen comments by people that 94F mostly repair NVGs. I don't know much about the others. 94S seem to actually do their work a lot, but that's probably because patriot units spend a lot of time deployed, so things break.

https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/STP.aspx
If you go here some of the MOS have the solder manual and training guide available. 94H is available, 94F requires a CAC. It's possible you might get your recruiter to let you look at it on his computer. But look at 94H and see if what they are doing is what you want to do.

[u/Lost_Mousse6629 → u/Missing_Faster]

ill take a look i was getting pushed into a 94e contract but i didn't want to just swap out stuff i wanted to get down to the little bits you know so i held out and got a temp reservation for 35T its not what i wanted from the beginning (granted i had no idea about it) but i could see myself enjoying some new stuff to learn, looking into it yeah 94H sounds a lot more like what i wanted to do ig we will see where it takes me from here lol honestly 35t sounds like it should if not for nothing be a good learning experience. that's if i can pass the clearances and such

[u/Missing_Faster → u/Lost_Mousse6629]

From what I understand, 35T is more software and hardware integration and troubleshooting, not a lot of actual board/component repair these days. Also also been described as sort of a 25H for Top Secret intel. People who make make out of Ft Huachuca seem to be reasonably happy, but I've seen more bitching about AIT than you'd expect for a fairly small MOS. But it's all classified so don't really know.

But there are some threads on the MOS out there. https://old.reddit.com/r/army/comments/1qgodzz/what_exactly_do_people_in_35t_do/

[u/HomeworkPurple6012]

Hi, I'm shipping this Monday the 5th and am wondering what I need the pack. I'm following the Army NG's website, since they have a packing list template, but it has things like prepaid calling cards, wash cloths, ONLY white underwear, laundry detergent, etc. My shipper's brief, my Sergeant said they weren't giving us a packing list and basically all we needed was our ID and maybe an extra set of civilian clothing when traveling to AIT.

[u/swedishfishmong]

Hello. I had a question regarding requesting medical docoments related to medical visits during basic training.

I was medically seperated from basic training at Fort Jackson in 2021. I wanted to request the medical documents from that seperation. I did a request through the national archives, but the only document I received was a DD214 that had the seperation reason and reenlistment code ("failed medical / physical / procurement standards" EPTS, RE3).

I was more interested in medical examination documents from when I visited the hospital on base. Are these documents available? Is the fact that I did not receive these documents indicitive that these are not available for request/on file?

Is there any more detailed description of discharge reasons rather than the "failed medical / physical / procurement standards" that I see on the DD214? Thank you!

[u/murazar → u/swedishfishmong]

NPRC will only receive the said documents years and years after it occurred. The exact hospital needs a request of records from the privacy officer. There is also a chance a copy of those records (also known as an STR or Service Treatment Record) were sent to the VA.

Do a request on the VA website for STRs and do a request to the privacy officer at the hospital/clinic for your treatments on that post.

As to your discharge. You won't see anything further on the DD-214. You'd need to request your full iperms records from the NPRC or milconnect to see any documentation that elaborates further on your discharge.

[u/Brett_Sharp08]

I am shipping out to OSUT on January 12th with option 40 on my contract, I plan on doing that for 4-10years depending on how I’m doing physically and mentally. After I’m done with that would consider switching my MOS to 17c to finish off the rest of the 20yrs. What I was wondering is, what’s the likelihood I would actually be able to swap MOSs to get that 17c cybersecurity job?

[u/murazar → u/Brett_Sharp08]

No one will know that far down the line about reclassing. It will heavily depend on your MOS/Rank at the time and if its overstrength or at-strength and 17C being under-strength. It could be under strength one month and over strength the next. Same for your MOS/rank being under, at, over strength.

Even then its a process to go through.

[u/Missing_Faster → u/Brett_Sharp08]

Last I saw, 17c was one of the dozen or so MOS anyone can apply for regardless of reenlistment window or your MOS.  So, build the skills they are looking for.  Certs etc.  If you make it i to the Rangers, the Ranger MI Bn has slots and they might be able to set you up if you have done well and pass the test etc.

[u/mattparkerequality]

Anyone successfully enlist with an SSRI history or medical waivers? Also curious about joining around 40.

I know the medical requirements, I know I’ll need waivers, and I’m not looking for anyone to tell me whether I’m guaranteed to get in.

I’m mainly looking for real-world experiences from people who were in a similar situation.

• I currently take a low-dose SSRI for anxiety. I’ve been stable and highly functional for years, and I’m willing to taper off with my doctor if that ends up being required.
• I have some back/neck history, including a recent car accident, but no surgeries or major current physical limitations. I should be able to get a doctor to document that I currently have no physical restrictions.
• I’m also 40 and turning 41 soon, so timing is a concern.

1. Has anyone here gone through the enlistment process while taking an SSRI or with a recent history of taking one?
2. If you had to stop taking it, how long were you off the medication before you were able to enlist or receive a waiver?
3. I’d also be interested in hearing from anyone who had to navigate multiple medical waivers, especially those who enlisted at an older age.

And separately, if anyone happens to know a recruiter who is especially knowledgeable about complicated medical waiver cases, I’d appreciate the recommendation.

P.S. One of the things I used to be weirdly nervous about was having to use communal showers with a bunch of guys, especially when I’d probably be close to twice the age of the average recruit. But from everything I’ve read online, it sounds like most Army basic training locations now have individual shower stalls, people generally aren’t just walking around the barracks naked while changing, and apparently the old-school shower drills aren’t really a thing anymore. So somehow that has become one of the least concerning parts of this whole process.

[u/murazar → u/mattparkerequality]

You need to be off of SSRIs and any mental health medication for 36 consecutive months, as well as no therapy, treatment, etc etc. Thats in order to get the waiver.

Theoretically, if you stopped right now and were 43ish by the time you tried to enlist, you would just need an age waiver. Those aren't hard to get if you're 1-2 years over the limit.

I would recommend getting into the best shape of your life during that period if you're planning on it. Otherwise, it's going to be rough.

On your PS. You'll be dead exhausted and sleep deprived, you don't care at all. In the Infantry particularly everyone shits in a hole in the ground surrounded be 40ish people on field exercises. You just stop caring because you have a job to do and you're exhausted.

[u/SNSDave → u/mattparkerequality]

You cannot join while on SSRI's.

[u/RecognitionVisual206]

I am a 21M with a bachelors in business management, looking to possibly join as a 42A human resource specialist for the job experience and benefits.
I want to know if it would make sense for someone in my shoes to join, and what 42A actually looks like + how the skills could be transferrable to civilian careers?

[u/murazar → u/RecognitionVisual206]

If your GPA is good and you're looking for desk work, just become an officer and go through OCS.

Otherwise, you haven't given enough details to have any idea if it makes sense for you or not. 42A typically sits at a desk 5 days a week processing paperwork, physical and electronically, not a lot else except in different niche cases.

Sort of. It won't directly transfer to being human resources on the civilian side at all. It's totally different, but you can give it a shot anyway.

[u/Brett_Sharp08]

I ship out to basic in January and I started stressing about the drug test because I take pptides. Will p**ptides like ghk-CU, kpv, bpc-157, or tb-500 show up on the tests?

[u/murazar → u/Brett_Sharp08]

No. Those are all 'recovery' peptides, as far as I can tell, that don't mess with testosterone or anything actually testable.

Please stop taking them regardless, as they don't have enough research out to determine if they will cause serious health issues later. Like how everyone was using Cardarine to improve cardio, and now we know it can cause cancer. You have zero idea if any of those three, let alone all of them, do the same.

Plus, all three of those are for literal injuries. Like broken bones, kind of a thing. Not for recovering from exercise.

You really don't want to be the guy with cancer at basic training. You'll be kept there for like 1-2 years until the cancer takes you out or its gone.

Missing_Faster covers the it being illegal well enough as well. Another reason to not do it.

[u/Missing_Faster → u/Brett_Sharp08]

I’m not familiar with this in particular. Generally, if you are taking prescription medications without a prescription or drugs that are on the DoD prohibited list you should stop.  You won’t be taking anything in BCT that isn’t on your records and approved for enlistment via a waiver.

[u/number1dhgateuser]

Should I not join the army?  I’m a 20M turning 21 in a month and Im thinking about joining the army. My only thing is will i regret it or should not need to do it. As of right now i live with my mother I pay no bills other than a credit card that I got for myself. I have an okay life i just live in a rural area. No kids too. I want to join the army with the intent of becoming a military police officer. Ive tried to become a Civilian LE officer and failed an interview and got an eligibility list for another. I have no prior experience nor knowledge of the military. I just feel like this is something i can do to get ahead in life. My reasonings are I can become a police officer, travel & get a different experience of life. If i don’t join my plan is to get my CDL.

[u/murazar → u/number1dhgateuser]

Pick an MOS you'll enjoy. Being an MP is either a neutral or net-negative on a resume to be a civilian LEO.

As for regrets. People almost always regret NOT trying to soar to greater heights. People who actually try to do great things, never regret the attempt.

Like you failed to become a cop, but you still want to try. You don't regret failing, you regret not preparing better. Same thing for enlisting.

[u/Missing_Faster → u/number1dhgateuser]

Generally it isn’t useful to become an MP if you are going towards civilian LE.  Per current LEOs at best it is the same as any other MOS and at worst is is negative, as they have to train you out of certain behaviors.  So my suggestion is to find an MOS that will train you in some skill that you can use to get a job, and then try to go LE after you are out.  LE jobs are hard and you might find they are not for you and having another skill you can use to make money might be very helpful of you realize LE isn’t for you.

[u/AdStunning503]

Should i go 12B or 91E? Im a 17yo Male whos been having some troubles with my parents for the last 4 months and I see no way out of this unless I join the army. I dont have a car, I dont think my parents will ever give my my phone as theyve thrown it in my face that theyre gonna sell it which im 80 percent sure they already did. Ive been stuck in my room doing online school (which i just dropped out of) and I just want to enlist. I was little I knew I wanted to join the army, Just recently it came a real thing Im actively looking into and im very interested in joining as soon as I get my GED, I have experience in a shop with both small engine mechanics and about a year or two of Welding. I like the idea of 12B Combat engineer but I know theres really no switch to civilian life from that but as a 91E theres a ton of welding jobs. One of the things thats pulling me towards 12B is I want to go and try as hard as i can to be a 75th ranger. I dont know how realistic that truly is but I just need some advice from someone whos been in either of those MOS.

[u/Missing_Faster → u/AdStunning503]

There are 91Es in the Rangers.  91Es do machining and welding, as well as whatever else the motor sergeant needs you to do when there isn’t any important welding or machining to do.  And what you will do varies by unit and what is going on.  

[u/AdStunning503 → u/Missing_Faster]

Is joining rangers from 91E the same as joining as a 12B?

[u/Missing_Faster → u/AdStunning503]

I'm not sure what you are asking, so I'll answer the question I think you are asking. Both MOS are MOS that the 75th has on the MTOE. I do not know where formally they are or whether in practice the engineer platoon or company (not sure which) is actually sliced up and physically with the line Bns all the time or if they are attached when deployed. In a comparable sized Infantry brigade there are 9 91E slots in, is the service/recovery platoon. So I'd assume they are going to be in the support element at Regiment, but they might have one or two assigned to each Bn to make whatever stuff the line units need for a mission. I do not know.

Getting it should be the same. There will normally be a Ranger recruiter who will show up at your AIT, give some sort of presentation on why Rangers, then ask for people. If you have the PT scores and your AIT instructors think you are good you'll go to pre-rasp after AIT when everyone else is going to their first unit. IF there are a lot of people wanting to go Ive heard they rank who they take by PT score, top ones get a slot. If there is some sort of Ranger PT at AIT you should do that. The ranger recruiter is typically assigned to the AIT base and I think you can go see them if they don't show up, but don't wait to the last week.

91Es are also in the 160th SOAR.

[u/trezzy01]

I’m a 25U shipping February 2 and will be doing BCT at Fort Benning(Fort Moore). I’m in pretty good shape and wanted to hear from people who have actually gone through BCT there. What should I expect, and what advice would you give someone going there?

[u/Used-Discussion4361]

I have red green color deficiency and a mild allergy to tree nuts, y'all got ideas on how the hell I can enlist for a combat role.

[u/murazar → u/Used-Discussion4361]

Show up to a recruiters office. Go from there. IF MEPs DQ's you over something. Then go figure out what you need to get a waiver. Just have all your medical records already in hand and study for the ASVAB. Don't self-select yourself from enlisting before even showing up.

[u/Dull-Cup9690]

I have a re-enlistment code of RE-3

Am I able to go to MEPS and that’s where I get a waiver or do I need a waiver before MEPS? Going Option 40

[u/murazar → u/Dull-Cup9690]

There are several relevant details missing for context here. If you have a RE-3 there is a reason for it and a narrative statement in your DD-214. IF it was medical, you need a medical waiver; if it's legal or just something like a failed AFT or something, then you'd need a waiver for that. Etcetera etcetera. You didn't state WHY you have an RE-3, and what is the narrative on your DD214 (should be a very concise statement and a 3-letter code like JBC or something)

Next off. Prior service (depending on specific circumstances, with exceptions) doesn't get options at all. You can volunteer for RASP while in OSUT or AIT, depending on MOS. If your MOS isn't needed by the 75th, you have to volunteer for a reclass.

[u/Dull-Cup9690 → u/murazar]

I was med separated in reception because I failed hearing test. Just wondering if that will be a MEPS retest and waiver able

[u/murazar → u/Dull-Cup9690]

That's going to be an exceptionally hard waiver, most likely. You should have at least one hearing test that clears you, a letter from the Audiologist, or a note stating you are eligible for military service. Even then. That's a maybe. Worth a shot though.

[u/DowntownJellyfish258]

I am currently working as an ICU RN and will have about one year of critical care experience when I take my CCRN in December. I am planning to take the 66H boards in October.
If I commission as a 66H, what would be the earliest point I could reclassify to 66S in the Army Reserve? Would my civilian ICU experience and CCRN allow me to request a waiver or reclassify to 66S before the end of 2027?
Also, if I initially commission as a 66H and later reclassify to 66S, would I still qualify for the 66S retention bonus? I saw that there is currently a $35,000 retention bonus for Critical Care nurses.

[u/Missing_Faster → u/DowntownJellyfish258]

This is an old thread, not sure why it is still open. You need to talk to an AMEDD recruiter to get good answers to those kind of questions. If you click on the recruiter thread there are three AMEDD recruiters listed. I think you should contact them.

[u/JaggedJason]

Went to MEPS MONTHS ago in November of last year, and reserved my training for BCT and AIT back in May. Obviously, a lot can happen in that time, and just last week, I got numbing discomfort in my lower jaw, pretty sure my back molar needs a root canal.
However, it is too soon to ship out time to start the process with my civilian dentist (they need two weeks just for the crown appointments)
I'm not concerned with being stuck at reception for a bit while I get fixed, I want to tackle BCT the best I can. But I'm wondering IF this would DQ me, or if this is something that they will send me to train with and fix during the BCT time?
Feedback or experience is much appreciated.

[u/Missing_Faster → u/JaggedJason]

Root canals are normally done by specialists, so if you can get a dentist to determine that you need one it might take less time than you think. I don't know what happens if you show up at reception needing urgent dental care, but I think they will do it rather then leaving you suffer. But don't know how long it will take, etc. But I'd suggest talking to your recruiter too.

[u/ApprehensiveFan8922]

Are there anyone who can tell me about 88m at the army?

[u/murazar → u/ApprehensiveFan8922]

You drive trucks. Heavily depends on your unit, what else you will do, like maintenance and the like.

[u/Mundane_Command_1392]

Hello! I’m currently 17 years old and a senior in high school. I’m graduating early in December and I’ve done Army JROTC for all my years of high school. I’m really interested in computers, IT, and cybersecurity stuff. I was planning on doing dual enrollment this year and I was supposed to start applied cybersecurity at my technical college in January but they stopped doing dual enrollment this year at the last minute. :( but i thought maybe this was my sign to join the Army because I’ve always wanted to and my cousins and JROTC have really inspired me. When I was doing my research, 25b and 17c really caught my eye. I was wondering if I could start as 25b and then later switch to 17c but I don’t know exactly how that works and if that’s even possible. I plan to stay in the Army for awhile, maybe around 10 years and go from there. I was wondering if anyone could give tips on boot camp and the job training. If anyone could give the day to day timeframe of everything that would be great too! I have plans to meet with an Army Recruiter this Friday so any tips on that would also be nice. Thanks in advance!

[u/Missing_Faster → u/Mundane_Command_1392]

Army plans that involve MOS changes are always questionable. If you want to do cybersec stuff the only enlisted entry path is 17C. AIT is designed to train someone who knows nothing about a subject to be useful to their first unit. It won't turn you into an expert, working in you unit and leaning from your NCOs and WOs will do that part if you want to learn.

If you are good enough at the army stuff to make SGT there are options that open up. If you are a 17C the 170A warrant job become possible, In signal the 255 warrant jobs are possible (and you wight be able to get those from 17C). There are also the 25D cyber defense NCO position from any MOS.

In terms of what these do day to day, can't say. Most of the 17C stuff is classified, but it appears to me (based on looking from the outside) that there is a lot of offensive focus. I've read they do do defensive work, but that isn't really what the majority are focused on.

BCT is pretty easy. You do what the tell you to do. Some of it will suck, just do it. Showing up in good shape is helpful, but not essential to success. It will make it suck less. If you are in great shape, able to run fast and long and do pullups etc, the Rangers are an option, there are 25B slots and the MI battalion has slots for 17C etc. But RASP is very hard.

[u/Mundane_Command_1392 → u/Missing_Faster]

Thank you for the information! I was looking into 17C, and I found out that I don't have a high enough score for it.

[u/NeatComprehensive129]

I took the ASVAB with the Army and got a good score. I’m going to MEPS for my medical exam next, but my Army recruiter told me I also need to take the ECLT because I’ve only been in the U.S. for one month.

A Navy recruiter told me that with my ASVAB score, I wouldn’t need any additional English test. I have no problem communicating in English.

Are there any Army recruiters who think the ECLT may not be required in my situation?

[u/mattparkerequality → u/NeatComprehensive129]

Was the test super hard? I worry about the math

[u/Missing_Faster → u/[deleted]]

ADHD + comorbid needs a waiver, don't know easy or difficult it is to get these days. More then 2 years since taking medicine is also what they want.

RASP is very hard, I understand that the majority of people who get to RASP don't pass, and a lot of people who sign up to get into the Rangers don't even get that far. But you can't make it if you don't try.

Most of the Ranger/airborne stuff in AR 40-501 for initial selection are "accession standards" (so if you got into the army you are fine), there is this: "Abnormal emotional response to situations of stress, when in the opinion of the medical examiner such reactions will interfere with the efficient and safe performance of duty." So don't know your history or what the examiner is looking for.
For vision you need to be correctable to 20/20 in one eye and not worse than 20/100 when corrected in the other for Ranger or airborne training. Waivers for AR 40-501 issues come via Special Operations Forces Recruiting.

[u/mcleod4188]

Hey all - looking to start a Masters in Nursing. I'm interested in exploring the possibility of serving as a Nurse officer after graduation, and ideally have the Army help pay for my degree too. Other than ROTC, and other than actually enlisting and then going to nursing school, are there ways to simultaneously enlist or otherwise register my interest while working towards my degree? I want to go ahead and both get/guarantee a scholarship/loan repayment of some kind, as well as connect with the Army and be a part of it somehow while in college, if that is possible. Thanks for any input.

[u/Missing_Faster → u/mcleod4188]

The Army incentivizes nurses with more advanced credentials, but not so much for nurses with basic medical-surgical credentials. You can see the published incentives here: https://recruiting.army.mil/MRB_Nurses/
But AMEDD is complex and probably has programs not advertised. So I would urge you to contact an AMEDD recruiter (not a typical army recruiter) before doing anything here.

[u/Missing_Faster → u/[deleted]]

I don’t know. The details are important. Typically you have to go to MEPS, the doctor will see something “interesting” in your records and ask you about it. Then he’ll likely not pass you and you will get some instructions on how you and your recruiter can go about getting you A waiver for that issue. If it is medical it apparently goes to a board who say yes, no or ‘we want something more’.

The other thing to know is that prior service get the short menu of MOS options. Exactly what they will offer, particularly as an NCO, varies by what the Army needs. I know that previously, at one point, PS people were not being offered CMF 11 MOS. But you have to talk to a recruiter to see what are willing to offer you.

[u/OriginalAccording995]

I am currently looking to get an airborne option 4 contract for a combat arms job in hope of going to attend special operations selection eventually, but the problem at hand is that my eyes are only correctable with glasses to 20/25 so my recruiter says airborne might be difficult to get a waiver for, so my question is if I can’t get a waiver for the option 4, can I just sign an infantry contract with option 19 and chose fort Bragg and go to airborne through the 82nd? Or how should I circumvent this issue if I can’t get an option 4 contract

[u/Missing_Faster → u/OriginalAccording995]

You need to have a waiver if you can not get 20/20 in one eye and 20/100 in the other. No idea how easy-hard this is to get. This is for airborne, SF and ranger training. AR 40-501 says you should contact Special Operations Recruiting to submit a waiver.

[u/ControlPristine5730]

I recently signed my Army Reserve contract for 12M firefighter, and swore in. I currently have a Texas driver’s license with a B restriction meaning I need a fully licensed driver with me. I don’t know how to drive independently yet, and I planned to attend driving school after I return from military training. My recruiter saw my license and never mentioned an issue.
When I signed my contract, someone looked at my license and said, “ you might wanna go take your road test “Does 12M require an unrestricted driver’s license before I ship or go to AIT, or was he just recommending that I get one? Since I’ve already signed and sworn in, I’m trying to figure out if I need to get my full license before training.

[u/Missing_Faster → u/ControlPristine5730]

There is a requirement to have a valid drivers license to ship from MEPS to BCT or AIT. Does your license qualify? Don’t know. So I would suggest that minimizing the chance that they send you home would be a good idea.

I would contact your unit and ask them.

[u/Fabulous_Debt_8031 → u/Missing_Faster]

Since fucking when? I knew like 10 guys in my platoon with no licenses and some never drove before

[u/Rabidawg56]

Im enlisting in the Army and have MEPS tomorrow and Tuesday. A little nervous, as I’ve seen some horror stories. I don’t have anything (that I know of) that would currently disqualify me. Any advice to ease the anxiety?

[u/Outrageous_Ice9757]

My recruiter told me not to bring a sharpie to basic training, since it may be mistaken for a vape pen. Will I be able to get one in reception to mark things with my name?

[u/Electrical-Economy78]

What’s the best option to go with?
1. 11X, 2. 91B, 3. 12N, 4. 68R, 5. 12B, 6. 94T, 7. 92R, 8. 88M, 9. 91A, 10. 19U, 11. 92F, 12. 91P, 13. 13U, 14. 12C
Also if I signed a contract is it possible to renegotiate if I’m still in DEP?

[u/OPFOR_S2 → u/Electrical-Economy78]

Are you looking for a career or a one term contract? What are your goals after the Army?

Also, yes you can renegotiate before you ship.

[u/Electrical-Economy78 → u/OPFOR_S2]

Honestly thinking of making it a career!
I signed for 11x but totally spaced out on asking for airborne and if there were any bonuses etc for 11x or any MOS available to me smh

[u/OPFOR_S2 → u/Electrical-Economy78]

One more question, are you looking for something more combat focused or combat support?

[u/Significant_Half3486]

Signed 11x contract initially wanted combat engineer but changed my mind now in DEP and I think I wanna change my mos. Any thoughts is it worth the change to tell my recruiter need genuine advice thanks

[u/rix-davids]

What is the weather like at FtLW in the winter? I’m from Central NY so used to cold and snow but I have no clue what the weather looks like in Missouri. Also I’m going for 37F and was told something abt a qual course for being an MP but I don’t know when that occurs. Also for schools like airborne or for 37F selection process do we get phones or is it still writing letters? Trying to get an idea so I can inform my wife better of how we will be communicating for the next year or so.

[u/Derpyduck56743]

I’m 18, male, currently. When I graduate high school I’ll be 19. I scored an 83 and 110s or higher on all my line scores. I was misdiagnosed when I was 16 with asthma. I wanted an 11x option 40 contract, but from everything I’ve been reading, that would be impossible for me to get. What should I do?

[u/DZ3306 → u/Derpyduck56743]

You don't have to go 11B to be in Ranger Battalion, there's plenty of MOSs to pick from. If you really want 11B, try getting an Option 4. If that doesn't work, Ranger recruiters often swing by OSUT. Just make sure your PT scores at squared away.

The other route is if you choose another MOS, there are Ranger liasions at each AIT location where you'll be briefed once you arrive. Throw your name in there. After that you'll attend RASP and if you pass, Airborne School after.

Godspeed, future troop.

[u/Derpyduck56743 → u/DZ3306]

The current problem is that I have a current diagnosis of asthma which prevents me from getting any airborne contract, even with a waiver.

[u/mattparkerequality → u/Derpyduck56743]

But you said it was a misdiagnosis? A doctor can document that and say you dont' have it?

[u/DZ3306 → u/Derpyduck56743]

Have you spoken with a recruiter? Find out if you can join the Army first.

[u/Medical-Revenue-8059]

I want to join the army after highschool. Infantry to be specific. I know it is very hard and there is lots of training and physical and mental exhaustion. Not saying sports are anywhere near this but I played sports at 5:30 am every morning before class and hit the gym. I don’t think even now I’m ready for how hard it will really be. But that’s because I don’t know anything about it. Is it really that miserable? Not even just work. The whole life

[u/ThatKidInTheBack115]

Hey everyone, I will be shipping out to basic on 08/03/2026 and my MOS will be 68K. I was wondering if anyone knew anybody who had this specific MOS and what the day to day is like. Thanks in advance

[u/Several_Fig_784]

For current army 17C with multiple assignments, have your assignments been consistent on mission sets or are you changing between dco and oco. Can you also speak to CAIP from your experience. Currently looking at Army 17C and Navy CWT for enlistment. Ive been processed and approved through Navy, just need to sign. Looking to make informed decision. 29M with a family. 99 Asvab. Any information is appreciated.

[u/Candid-Specialist-86]

No liberty weekend after graduating bootcamp at Ft. Jackson?

Google Gemini was saying that there's the family day event prior to graduation. Then the day of graduation there's off base liberty, but with a curfew. Then the weekend is back to work and spent transferring to the next duty station.

I was surprised to learn that there's no liberty weekend, so I just wanted to confirm if that's true or not with the experts here?

I finished Navy bootcamp almost 20 years ago, and it was pretty simple; graduation on a Friday, weekend liberty with an expiration early Monday morning as you begin your transfer to your next duty station.

[u/SNSDave → u/Candid-Specialist-86]

Very normal. I graduated, had a town pass, then had to be back by a certain time. At the time, family was able to drive folks within a certain radius so they were able to leave the same day as graduation. For others, we spent the night cleaning the barracks and shipped out the next day. Nobody was there over the weekend. The gaining duty station/AIT might give a weekend pass, but they don't have to. Mine didn't.

[u/Fabulous_Debt_8031 → u/[deleted]]

Did you forget to include your charges for shipping vape carts? Your fat as fuck. Old and short so your weight needs to be well below 200. You cant get rid of medical records bud, they stick with you forever in the eyes of the military.

[u/ClarkMyWords]

I'm seeking an ADHD Waiver with good civilian work record, no meds… but prior AdSep. Trying to figure out what any rec letters (boss, karate teacher, and a friend/mentor who is a CA Officer) should say, and what else I can stack in my favor to reenlist.

In Aug 2024 I was booted from the Army with an RE-3 code, meaning I can reenlist after two years (soon). It was “minor infractions” that piled up: most often 1-3 min late to formation (9-7min early), leaving my CAC in its slot, etc. Even my CO at the time said there was nothing egregious; he just wasn’t seeing enough improvement. I’d joined in Jul 2022 and about six months in got diagnosed for the first time with ADHD. I went on light meds, then when I changed duty stations and the pressure increased, I asked for a higher dosage and frankly, that made things worse.

The meth - because that’s pretty much what Adderall is - wrecked my already-poorly-managed sleep and I kept making dumb, avoidable mistakes. Occasional disciplinary actions (every month or two) became almost weekly. It got to the point of suicidal thoughts, which I did willingly get help with in Spring 2024 and went off all meds permanently. But by then most of the damage was done and then was a final straw – lying to an NCO – where I brought UCMJ and AdSep upon myself.

I’ll eligible to reenlist soon and am aiming more towards Dec once I graduate, but MEPS of course flagged the ADHD and suicidal thoughts.

I’ve done a LOT to overhaul my life and fix the 20% of my faults that cause 80% of my problems. Frankly, that means:

a)      Being on time
b)     Getting good sleep
c)      Keeping track of my items
d)     Shutting up. Unless you were trained/told on how to fix something and someone else is having that specific problem, just… shut the hell up. Your good ideas on “how to do it better” do. not. matter. Not in a group setting, and not on the fly.

I’ve turned my life around in a lot of ways but I need to show that and maybe point to any mitigating factors given that I already got bounced out of the Army for some pretty ADHD things. Here’s what I have going for me:

1)      Current job has lasted a year and my boss’s boss, the chief economist is happy to write me a glowing letter. He has been a White House economic advisor and I’ve literally prepped charts for him to show at the White House.

2)      The work requires a lot of organizational focus: managing his schedule, his trips/travel, his inbox, prepping data and charts, helping produce his radio show, editing/proofreading his work, etc.

3)      In December I’ll finish my grad degree in data analytics with, I hope, a 3.7+ GPA.

4)      Still in good health, still can get good ACFT scores – wondering if I could re-run it with a recruiter and MEPS would factor it in as proof of personal discipline or "whole person concept".

5)      I went back to my old dojo and been consistently inching towards black belt the past year – the Sensei/teacher I see most can totally vouch that I am focused, calm, courteous in class.

6)      Finally learned to drive, haven’t yet crashed my car. Yeah, shouldn’t be that big a deal, but it was for me at the time.

7)      For the year of 2024-5 I wasn't being a total bum either, I just got ousted from my federal job in Feb 2025 when certain politicians made drastic job cuts.

8)      Steady girlfriend, also for a year (plainly not suicidal).

9)     In 2024 I moped at the time that I’d kill myself if I got booted from the Army… and then I was, but I didn’t. Looking back I was clearly being immature/dramatic.

10) The psychiatrist I’m seeing to get reevaluated for ADHD says, so far, he thinks it’s “light”.

So yeah, in a lot of ways, my biggest problem wasn’t ADHD – it’s that I was a manchild. I thought joining the Army would fix my problems when it turned out only I can do that. And it’s the main thing I’m think about whenever I use my time, my mind, or my mouth. A few people who know about my situation have questioned why I want to rejoin when I have a solid civilian job now anyway and the blunt fact is that I still can’t accept or respect myself until I do. But I need to know what else I can do do in my life and say (or have others speak to) that will help. Thanks for hearing out my ramble.

[u/Odd-Tadpole-7901]

I went to meps in November of last year and didnt end up signing my contract until March couple days after my meps I had a grade 1 mcl sprain I had to go to doctor I was out for couple weeks then returned to wrestling and finished my season then signed after wrestling was over. I also got mono after I signed my contract and had to go to the ER I have told my Recuiter about both of these and he said I didn’t need to disclose it because it’s not a broken bone or anything serious and I’m fully healed Im wondering what my odds are of it coming up at meps when I ship or reception he said I just sign a paper at meps saying no medical changes occurred but he didn’t say what would happen at reception. I have an 11x opt 40 contract and would hope to not lose it and if god forbid I did lose it would I be able to volenteer for airborne or rasp at osut if it was just taken out of my contract? I have been running/rucking 30-45 miles a week for about two months and I don’t ship for another 10 weeks so I am totally fine now but I understand that the old injury might cause issues if medical history comes up.

[u/viscount_1]

I need to raise my GT score from 110 to 118. Any tips?

[u/Same-Cauliflower-283]

Hello, I’m off to army bootcamp in about 4-5 days and I still have really really bad cardio (my 2 miles is 25 minutes 😬) even with my slow time, will the army still allow me to improve enough in bootcamp so I can graduate? I’m nervous about it

[u/Relative-Height-8670 → u/Same-Cauliflower-283]

If you cannot pass they will put you in remedial training where they get you in a good spot to pass.

[u/Beautiful-Paper911]

I’ve already found a lot of packing advice, physical preparation advice, but I haven’t seen any other advice for civilian reserve side. Should I automate accounts, should I put my car insurance on hold, should I put my credit cards on hold etc. What should I do on the civilian side in that sense?

What should I do on the civilian to make sure I’m good for BCT?

[u/Relative-Height-8670 → u/Beautiful-Paper911]

Call your insurance agency and let them know your vehicle will be parked and not driven while your in training see if they will work with you on keeping insurance but not paying the full amount while your at training. If you owe on your credit cards have the auto pay set if it works for you. I wouldn't put your cards on any hold thats not necessary. Keep them in your wallet and take them with you. If you have an employer let them know when your leaving and if you plan on coming back.

[u/No-Offer-2377]

I leave in one month for Basic Training at Fort Jackson and I am really excited because this is a part of my life that I really want to get started, as I love fitness and many benefits the lifestyle from the military brings, especially getting a job I am satisfied with, which I heard could be quite difficult to do.

My current problem is that two months ago, I dislocated my patella in my left leg and have had a brutal recovery with PT, and just about two weeks ago was able to run again, where my times over distance have suffered not just due to my knee but also because my weight gain was pretty exponential over a small time.

Even though I have been eating well and losing weight, my biggest worry with basic comes in that now my right knee is also exhibiting signs of weakness. I am confident in my health in any other factor, as even though I am a little heavier, I've been told by my recruiter that I am doing basically everything I need to with the running, rucking, and army fitness test, except with that slow 2-mile. I can run on both my knees but with a knee brace, kind of looking like an older guy while only being 20 years old.

I would like to know what people currently in the military would think about this and how to potentially proceed, answering questions for contects or curiosity of course, as I am not very familiar with writing to people and have probably left out some details. Would there also potentially be some tips y'all would have for basic in general?

[u/Avian_Aces]

Thinking about joining. Navy wants me to do Spec War and I'm eh about it.

33, Male, No Kids, No Dependents.

Physically Fit 5'9 160lbs

I like Electronics mainly building and repairing. Quite capable mechanically. I've custom built my own water cooled PC with learning how to CNC water blocked parts and reservoirs.

What would be a decent job for me? I was looking at 94F, 25S, 12B "Kinda Different" or 68L because that seems a bit rewarding. Any insight?

[u/Illustrious-Face-626]

Tips for BCT - FT Jackson

Shipping out in a bit. Just looking for some final advice or hacks from anyone who has been there recently.

1. Besides the standard recruiter packing list, are there any specific things I should absolutely bring from home, or specific items I should buy at the PX the first chance I get to make life easier?

2. I have eczema (waived). For anyone else who dealt with sensitive skin or eczema, what did you do to keep it under control out there? Are we allowed to keep small travel lotions in our OCP pockets?

3. Going to AIT for 42A (Ft Jackson). Should I have my parents bring my MacBook and some civilian clothes to BCT Graduation Day so I can have it available for AIT immediately? I read that some people had restricted access to devices during AIT.

Appreciate any other tips or insight you guys have!

[u/IVXXRoja]

So I’m 34, about to swear in I shop for basic in October
My first thing I’m looking for advice/guidance on is how can I best prepare myself for basic? I’m in decent shape for my age, pretty active but I don’t want to be left in the dust by 18-20 year olds, what should I expect? What workouts should I do(side note I’m not very experienced in a gym and don’t want to hurt myself without proper form, I mainly hike play basketball ball and do non equipment exercise at home)?
The next thing I’m looking for some insight on is how I can make the most of my time, I preferably want to complete 20 years, my MOS is 17C, is there a way to finish a college degree(I have some credits already) after AIT and re enlist as an officer down the line, or what programs should I seek out to better myself? Last thing is what is the best coarse of action to get promotions quickly and efficiently? Thank you all!

[u/Relative-Height-8670 → u/IVXXRoja]

Best thing to do is start a workout plan so that you are physically at your peak. There are going to be some people that are naturally faster and slower. If you search online there are many bodyweight or minimal equipment workouts that will get you ready for the military.

As far as enlisting as an officer there is always ROTC but there are age limits so check how much schooling you have verse how old you will be. There are other routes to become an officer but that may require an age waiver.

Promotions will be graded based on your performance and open slots. This can vary depending on your location.

[u/Original-List2096]

I’m 24M and seriously considering enlisting in the military; Army or Air Force. I recently took a picat and scored a 79 with a 117GT. This was done with 0 study, so I’m confident I can increase my score, or at least maintain it.
Education- I have about 15-20 college credits towards an A.S. , with hopes of going to PA school. However, I have also wanted to work for any 3-letter agency since a child.
Physicality- Grew up playing sports; baseball, basketball, a bit of football, and I love being physical. I find movement to be the best medicine for humans and would like to continue being active.
What I want- I plan on using the military as a career stepping stone— I want to go to as many schools, get as many credentials and qualifications for a career outside the military; real skills.
Insight I’m looking for- Since I enjoy being active, I’ve learned about the Army Ranger Regiment: seems like PT everyday, which aligns with my lifestyle goals. However, I’m 24 so I’m more open to starting a career that is transferable to the civilian side. I don’t want to be basic infantry, so what are some other MOS that can help me reach my career goals?
Question(s): what should I consider when making my decision?
Anybody in these positions that can share their experiences and thoughts?
I understand experience is relative and enjoyment is subjective, but any insight would greatly help.
So far, I’ve stumbled upon Intel jobs with one being 35P- this attracts me the most from all military careers, as I think these skills can benefit me greatly outside of the military.
A concern of mine is that I am a former marijuana smoker for a bit of college— will this affect my chances of becoming a 35P?

What else should I add to this?
What should I be asking myself when making a decision?
I appreciate everyone’s time!

[u/SNSDave → u/Original-List2096]

You cannot enlist as a 35P. You have to enlist as a 35W and then the army decides if you end up as a 35m or 35p. You also don't pick what language you'll study and DLI(the school) is not easy.

[u/EnvironmentFrosty594]

Did 5 years in the Marine Corps, got out and went and got my degree in IT. Made it to E-5 in the corps, was an infantry assaultman. Not sure if its relevant now (got out in 21). If I went back in as an IT MOS does anyone have insight on how that would go? The thought of being an officer would be cool but I don't wanna go back to infantry things, so I figure enlisted might be the route for IT based things.

[u/SNSDave → u/EnvironmentFrosty594]

You'll need to see what the prior service business rules are. There may or may not be IT Mos available. If there are, it's pretty much the same as if you came off the street except you aren't eligible for any bonuses or incentives and you're treated like a regular soldier at AIT instead of a trainee for the most part.

[u/Relative-Height-8670 → u/SNSDave]

That's not entirely accurate depending on the branch there are prior service reenlistment bonuses. They vary depending on your MOS and contract length. At least that's how it is for the Army.

[u/Lucky_Alps_8885]

I just enlisted a couple weeks ago and I ship off August 24th, I got 92f as my job. From everyone’s experience and word of mouth, is it a good job? Did I make the right decision?

[u/OPFOR_S2 → u/Lucky_Alps_8885]

Not really, what’s your ASVAB score and specifically what’s your GT score?

[u/Lucky_Alps_8885 → u/OPFOR_S2]

Not sure I didn’t get a chance to look at my score, nor did they tell me

[u/OPFOR_S2 → u/Lucky_Alps_8885]

What options did you have available to you? Also, please ask your recruiter what your scores are.

[u/Lucky_Alps_8885 → u/OPFOR_S2]

It was either that or artillery

[u/OPFOR_S2 → u/Lucky_Alps_8885]

Personally I would have went with artillery.

I am willing to bet that your GT score was low, the good thing is you can study and retest. If you score higher you can reclass to a different MOS at the end of your contract.

[u/adviceeeee08]

Im currently in the process of reenlisting and speaking with a recruiter, but while she waiting on paperwork to figure out. I'm wanting to ask here. I did 6 years in the guard and 2 years IRR. Honorable discharge. E4. On my NGB22, my date I got out is 2022. My last drill date was in 2020 though. To determine if I go back to basic training, would I go by my last drill in 2020 (I would go back to basic) or do I go by what my NGB22 says (most likely wouldn't go back since its less than 5 years)?

[u/Relative-Height-8670 → u/adviceeeee08]

I am not a recruiter but I believe it goes by your NGB22. A recruiter can always request a waiver to not repeat basic.

[u/Beautiful-Paper911]

Army Recruiters: So I tried to enlist as an E5 for an MOS, but I’m an E4 Specialist, ARMS (A6). What can I do to get in the E5 spot when I go back?

[u/Interesting_Air8702]

68K what to expect? Is it a good job to join? My sister in law has a strong background in science and deciding between 68K or 35N. Thanks.

[u/FxcknLu]

I been thinking on joining the army and go to airborne school ultimate goal maybe get to ranger but baby steps. I am 29 years old, no kids or partner. I have a corporate job work as a Financial Counselor at a hospital for outpatient services, I would say I don't have a bad job good paying job but back when I graduate high-school I wanted to join but decided to go medial school due to family wanting to go to school. Now I been still thinking on I missed on something and want to enlist but I feel is too late or just wont be up to fit for it. Anyone has join later in life and has any advise or insight? I have the doubts if it would be a good choice on quiting my job and start from zero.

[u/Missing_Faster → u/FxcknLu]

The general suggestion I have seen from people who made it to the Ranger Regiment is to go to RASP right after airborne or AIT. You come in knowing basically nothing and hence they expect little out of you day 1 other than you working like hell to meet the expectations of your NCOs. And they are going to be high. If you come in as a SGT they expect a lot more out of you and the regiment has a rep of not liking soldiers who didn’t grow up in the regiment. You can do it and be successful, but it is hard differently than coming in as an E2.

So my suggestion is to get in shape and give it a shot. You may make it, you may decide this is not for you and leave or you might just not make it due to some issue. I understand that you can usually come back and try again later if you didn’t quit. If you quit it is generally harder.

29 is older than average for the rangers and more typical of SFAS, but not excessively - it isn’t like you are 50. But it doesn’t get easier if you delay.

[u/Significant_Half3486]

Need help gentleman, got two options got infantry or I can retake test and try to get another job. TBH I want another mos I’m blessed I got at least in but I wanted MP. That’s just always what I wanted I figured I give myself a month to study than shoot for it again. Recruiter is not advising it but I kinda wanna give it a shot. What should I do?

[u/Missing_Faster → u/Significant_Half3486]

Supposedly more options will open on Tuesday or Wednesday. That is rumor, but don’t sign up until you see. Generally MP is discouraged by members here. So you should look at the various posts on why they suggest you don’t go there.

[u/Significant_Half3486 → u/Missing_Faster]

It always is literally because there cops I don’t even look at those comments

[u/Affectionate-Cap7504]

Hello everyone,

I am a new graduate nurse interested in joining the Army Nurse Corps as Active Duty. I am currently waiting to take the NCLEX and have already spoken with AMEDD recruiters to prepare my paperwork for the upcoming selection board.

I understand that, if selected, I will most likely start on a Med-Surg floor, which I do not mind at all. I wanted to ask any active duty Army nurses here if the Army commonly accepts newly graduated nurses with little to no RN experience, and if so, what advice or pointers you would give someone in my position.

Thank you in advance.

[u/Missing_Faster → u/Affectionate-Cap7504]

Not a nurse. The way I understand it works is you get an AOC of 66H (Medical–Surgical Nurse) upon accession to the army unless you have other qualifications. After a year or so you get an opportunity to try for another specialty. However the army doesn't make the career planning documents that explain this in detail easy to find like non-medical branches do (they may be restricted because reasons). However the formal description of the entire branch and the roles are here but this does not clearly explain how career management works and the various roles and paths to get there.

If you are talking to an AMEDD recruiter you are probably on the right path. Not sure what the army is looking for in new nurses. They do recruit them regularly but not everyone who applies gets in.

[u/7hillsrecruiter → u/[deleted]]

Go to the office on Tues and ask

[u/Practical-Shake3295 → u/[deleted]]

If you're waiting on a waiver, then the timeline is... well.. whenever they get info on the waiver. Or you could reach out to them, since you're not the only person they're dealing with.

[u/Missing_Faster → u/[deleted]]

For normal enlistment (where you never went to BCT) see the height-weight table on page 6 of Army Regulation 40–501. The screening weight for female at 27 years and 5'1" seems to be 137. Maximum body fat is 26%. I think ARMS 2 allowed you to be up to 32%, not sure if this has changed, but I doubt it has changed much.

[u/7hillsrecruiter → u/[deleted]]

If you are prior service you can’t go to that program.

[u/SNSDave → u/[deleted]]

They have a fat camp program, but you have to be within a certain range to be able to go there. Range as in, weight range.

[u/SNSDave → u/[deleted]]

https://www.goarmy.com/how-to-join/requirements#copyblock-114403bf2e

The max weight for someone who is a 27-year old woman at 5'1 is 134 pounds. I would imagine they would want you closer to that to get into the ARM's program.

[u/SickCallWarriors → u/SNSDave]

Ehhh.

Completely depends on circumference for tape test.

[u/SNSDave → u/SickCallWarriors]

At 221?

[u/SickCallWarriors → u/SNSDave]

If circumference measurement was 39 would be good for ARMS 2.1.

Pretty sure ASVAB score is also dependent now. They came out with a new message like 2 weeks ago with updates regarding it.

But ballpark, yes.

[u/StudentofAnubis]

I’m shipping out in 10 days (On June 1st) for Army Basic at Fort Leonardwood any advice or necessities I should bring with me is appreciated. I don’t know what to expect all I can say is I’m ready to do this! My MOS is 68S (Preventive Medicine Specialist).

[u/Missing_Faster → u/StudentofAnubis]

Don't bring anything that isn't on the list your recruiter gave you. Take good pictures of any ID docs, kid birth certificates, marriage licenses etc and have them on your phone. I think your recruiter can load all that stuff for you in his office, but if it says to have a paper copy have a paper copy too. Carry your stuff in a book bag or something you can carry without your hands when you have a duffle bag in each hand getting on and off a bus.

[u/[deleted]]

What does a score of 24 mean? I’m trying to way out my options on what mos to go based on score. Is 24 good or bad. Original have a score of 459

[u/murazar → u/[deleted]]

If thats a 24 on the ASVAB. Nothing. Minimum ASVAB score is 31. Otherwise the 09M for people who have to study to get their ASVAB score is available.

[u/7hillsrecruiter → u/[deleted]]

Means you qualify for 09M

[u/Level_Repeat2391]

Completed meps yesterday. I have to get a waiver for my eyes(blind without glasses) I wear glasses and contacts so I’m not blind, but without I’m 20/200 so how likely is it to be approved if thats my only issue.

[u/Weary-Meat5523]

I'm currently 16F in California and I am considering if I should join the split training program.

I haven't done much research yet but my primary goal of joining the program is to receive its college tuition benefits but I saw a lot of people on other posts recommending not to join it. People were saying that it was a waste of their junior and senior year of summer but I don't see it as that big of a deal as I am able to get my tuition fully covered, right? Other than that, do people not want to join because of the intense Forest Gump military environment or has each generation decreased the strictness of these stereotypical military camps, please let me know

I also have other questions that I am just going to list out in order to save time:

1. Are the tuition benefits limited to certain colleges like communities? If so, would I be able to transfer to a private after 2 years?
2. Does these programs have a set start and end date or does it vary from each area?
3. Would I be able to take online/asynchronous classes during this period of time or are the programs don't allow it?
4. I am interested in the medical field in the future so throughout these summers of training would I be able to train in like medical department?
5. Are the restrooms and showers shared and out in the open...
6. Lastly, this is a really big stretch, could I bring my trumpet to practice? I don't want to fall off lololol

Thank you for taking your time to read and hopefully respond to this post, anything helps. Again, I haven't done much research as I just wanted to get some fast and easy answers on here so pls chill on me if these are some dumb questions

[u/Missing_Faster → u/Weary-Meat5523]

https://calguard.ca.gov/education/ They have a pretty good program, but it has a pretty complex process and there are timelines and a two year obligation after your last use. It seems to be only state schools.

Split option has pretty serious limits on what MOS. Basically you have to be able to complete AIT during summer vacation. I would suggest not doing 68G, 68J, or 68M if those are options. What I would call the higher value medical MOS (68A, 68C, 68P etc) are probably not available.

The other thing to consider is where you unit would be vs your school. Commuting from Davis to a unit in the LA basin will probably get old.

Whether you want to spend your high school summers sweating in South Carolina or not is up to you.

[u/SNSDave → u/Weary-Meat5523]

1. Community, CSU, and UC.
2. Not sure.
3. Yes, but not while you're in BCT or AIT.
4. Up to you and your job.
5. Depends on the location. Open showers and restrooms are not uncommon.
6. During BCT, no. During AIT, maybe, but you'll need to use a mute or they'll hate you.

[u/[deleted]]

Job I got offered that are open 11x, 14u, 13u which do y’all recommend for prior service goal is to promote to E5-E6

[u/7hillsrecruiter → u/[deleted]]

more are supposed to be open next week as we just made Active Duty mission.

[u/SickCallWarriors → u/7hillsrecruiter]

It’s sad that I have to get my information from you on Reddit. Appreciated lmao.

[u/7hillsrecruiter → u/SickCallWarriors]

My CSM text us they are opening up 30 more jobs Tues/Wed so get your applicants on the floor. I wouldn’t know if I wasn’t the field 1SG right now

[u/Missing_Faster → u/[deleted]]

I don't track these regularly, but ADA CMF 14 is currently pretty hard to make SGT and very hard to make SSG. SGT for Artillery CMF 13 is easy, SSG isn't very hard. Infantry CMF 11 is harder than Artillery but significantly easier than ADA. But this changes over time and I'd suggest it not be your main guide as to what MOS.

You can see the numbers here. https://cutoffscores.com/ Low scores are easy, high scores are hard. Lots of eligible NCOs competing for small number of slots is bad if you are one of those NCOs.

[u/murazar → u/[deleted]]

I'd recommend the one you're most interested in, but you'll promote fastest as 11X. If thats all you're interested in is rank and not the MOS.

[u/agastyas_caesar]

I want to become an officer in the army. I had applied to OCS but the board rejected my bachelor's degree because it was only 3 years long (degree is from India). Right now, I can either enroll in an online college program, complete my degree and then apply to OCS again. Or I could enlist, have the army pay for my degree and then apply to become an officer. What do you guys think is the better option?

[u/murazar → u/agastyas_caesar]

Best option for your plan is to figure out a college with an ROTC program that will 'credit' your degree. Then do the remaining year(s) in the program and commission through the ROTC.

Degree is paid for, saves time, and higher odds of commissioning than getting selected for OCS.

[u/Missing_Faster → u/murazar]

ROTC is the best way to get to become an army officer from where you are. You need at least two years and to do it two years requires a summer course that you are probably too late to set up this year. (But maybe not, don't know for sure).

[u/Dominus-Temporis → u/agastyas_caesar]

If you want to be an officer, go be an officer. Once you enlist, the amount of control you have over your life, to include applying to OCS, dramatically decreases.

Not to mention the fact that a year of college, no matter how perfunctory, is hard to balance while on Active Duty.

Unless your financial straits are such that you can't afford a year of school without the Army, you're better off knocking out school and then re-applying to OCS.

[u/Many-Exercise6536]

So my recruiter gave me 2 mos options I haven't signed anything yet but my enlistment paperwork is drafted i dont like either mos so should I wait? My recruiter really sold it as because of my previous expunged record we can take you into the army now but probably not later

[u/FreedomThruAbsurdity → u/Many-Exercise6536]

Wait for what you want. Waiting a few months is not worth living with a bad rash decision.

[u/murazar → u/Many-Exercise6536]

Most slots for this fiscal year are gone. Wait a few months for slots to the next fiscal year. You'll have a better selection then, even with a record.

[u/7hillsrecruiter → u/Many-Exercise6536]

Active Duty that’s all you will have. You want more options you’ll need to go Reserve or wait till the new fiscal year. If you have low line scores you won’t have many options.

[u/Inevitable_Wall8972]

So I'm trying to join the Army but I have hand tattoos. I already went to meps they said im qualified to enlist but I guess after meps my tattoo waiver was denied. Now my recruiter is talking about we'll enlist you say that you don't have hand tattoos then get em removed before my ship date. That shit make no sense right or am I trippin

[u/7hillsrecruiter → u/Inevitable_Wall8972]

Hand tattoos are easy approval where is your recruiter based.

[u/SNSDave → u/Inevitable_Wall8972]

That doesn't make sense. Also, depending on the size, removal may not be that quick.

[u/manmade160]

Wsp guys, considering going 15w option 40, but I couldn’t find a lot on what they do in the 75th. How different are they from uas operators outside the 75th. Yes I know I should be focusing on rasp, but I believe I’m prepared when it comes to the physical aspect.

[u/7hillsrecruiter → u/manmade160]

Not an option

[u/manmade160 → u/7hillsrecruiter]

Like as in there is no 15w/x option 40?

[u/Missing_Faster → u/manmade160]

15W is going away, replaced by 15X starting in October. Maybe the Rangers are keeping them, but maybe not. https://api.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/2026/01/13/fb3bc9a7/15x.pdf

The most common reason people don't pass RASP is they quit. The second most common reason is physical standards. The fitness issue people who have passed these sort of selection courses have brought up is that you have to hit all the physical standards when ever they demand them. Which might be first thing in the morning after a good nights sleep, or might be at the end of a long day when you are tired and hungry.

[u/murazar → u/manmade160]

Anyone that can tell you, won't.

Honestly, if you think you're physically ready, but dont come with metrics. Like mock Army Fitness Test scores, 5 mile time, 12 mile ruck time, etc. No ones going to believe you're physically ready.

Other note is most people fail RASP because they quit or Voluntarily Withdraw (VW). Its a mental game that most fail even if they're super studs.

Focus on BCT -> AIT -> RASP. Thats already so long of a process that you can easily fail along the way and never reach the 75th.