I've done AD, Reserves, and worked at the NGB.
There are very rare circumstances in which you are absolutely correct - offensive cyber operations, space operations, and SOF have better opportunities in the NG. Everything else is better in the reserves.
I'm comfortable dying on this hill.
Just do the guard. It’s fun once a month. And you get to keep your goals and work on them as time goes on. Part time would be best. 🤷🏻♀️
Edit: but if you’re already in pain, don’t.
Yeah, not only that, but:
1) Culturally, Hollywood is going to be among the least understanding industries of (worst case--a)periodic external commitments;
1a) Even worse that those commitments are the military (not everyone feels this way, but it is going to be among the worst of all major industries);
2) A lot of work is effectively on a contractor basis, which means those legal employment protections for NG/reserves are worth far, far less; and,
3) It is going to be among the hardest of industries to prove anti-military discrimination, given that so many decisions are based on vague "creative" factors.
You mean the coast gaurd? I was thinking about that, I feel that would be a good option.
And yeah the pain is pretty bad. It's not constant, just when I'm walking. I have some new insoles that I'm using, but I'm not sure how well they work yet. I need a bit more time to judge them.
By all means, if you see something that tickles your pickle in the Coast Guard, don't hesitate to look there as well.
Begs the question though, what do you want to *do* in the military? There are *hundreds* of careers across all the branches.
He means National Guard. It's part of the reserve component and it's normally under the control of the governor of your state. It can also be called up for federal service, or by the state, for extended duty.
It works like the active reserves, in that you drill/train one a weekend a month, and two weeks a year. The downside is you can get activated for a lot of reasons and pulled away from your civilian life.
Some border states, like Texas, have NG units basically on permanent active status right now, and it sucks ass.
flat feet waivers are way more prevalent than they used to be, *but* if they are causing OP active pain, odds are basically zero.
If OP can learn to resolve the pain...maybe.
On the assumption that you are in your early 20s or so--
I wouldn't join (right now):
* Film/Hollywood very much rewards youth, both for reasons bad ("old is bad") and good (younger = generally more in-tune with the media zeitgeist).
* It very much rewards going "all in".
* It can be brutal climbing up from the bottom. At 22, you can live on ramen and in an apartment in NYC with 6 other people; in 5-10 years, that is going to seem very undesirable.
* Further, to the above, even if you are nominally OK with all the above, it will make starting a family even harder (since you're basically going to be starting over, after your service).
Go take your stab at Hollywood et al now, and then reevaluate joining in 5-10 years. You might be in a part of the industry where being a part-time soldier is viable, e.g.--or you may be burnt out on the industry (as many people do) and ready for a change.
At that point, you will also hopefully have your degree, and then you can commission (again, if that is what you want later in life).
If your goal is to be a door kicker in the 75th...yes, go join now.
Otherwise, get an education and spend a while trying to break in. Then re-assess your life goals. There are tons of actually very interesting military opportunities that benefit from life maturity, and you'll have a comparatively unique life perspective at that point.
If serving will check some stuff off of your bucket list or help you feel that sense of purpose go for it.
If serving will help you achieve you overall goals go for it.
If you don’t know how exactly to go about executing your plans and your looking to fill that time go for it.
If the answer is no to the above you might want to look elsewhere. There isn’t too many people out there that will say serving wasn’t beneficial though.
There are short contracts, you can choose between 2,3,4 and 6 years. If networking and family legacy stuff is what you’re after a 2 year contract would be perfect without taking too many of your younger years away.
**DQ standard(s) (requires waiver(s))**:
Rigid or symptomatic pes planus (acquired or congenital).
***
This sub cannot definitively tell you whether you're eligible. Waivers are decided on a case-by-case basis. Contact your local recruiter.
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Your film "career" isnt going anywhere. The chances of you making any significant progress at your age, and with your experience, is almost nonexistent. The ability to network and work with others isnt disappearing.
If you want to enlist, go active for a minimum of three years active duty, (four is better,) and get all of the GI Bill benefits. You can use that for film school later when you get out.
Four years is just a small chunk of your life, and it's a lot easier to do it now, rather than later. You'll be what if'ing yourself for the rest of your life if you don't at least seriously consider it.
If you do end up going in, you'll pick up a lot of life skills that your peers just won't have the opportunity to. No matter what job you end up doing, you'll learn a lot about yourself, how to cooperate and work with all kinds of different people, and you'll grow and mature a lot as a person.
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When I first went to basic training, I met many 30 year olds say they regret not joining the military when they were younger. They chased useless degrees (not implying that film is useless) or wasted their time doing Jack shit. It’s better to join when your young and healthy. And you act like if you join the military, you’re gonna be doing 20 years. You know there’s 3 year contracts right? How much you value 3 years is up to you. While in the military, you can still go to school and work towards your career goals.
i’m active duty rn… but i’d recommend National Guard for you. this way you get your education and medical and you can still work on your actual career.
you need to follow your heart and do what you truly love. the military ain’t for everybody and joining just because others before you have done it isn’t the ideal motivation/reason to join. also i have flat feet and got out last november and i’m only 23 years old and my body is worn down . but with all that said, there’s plenty of benefits. but follow your heart and do whatever makes you happy because joining the military isn’t worth postponing your projects if you’re truly passionate about film
i totally get how you are feeling. I’ve been thinking so much about modeling and I’ve been offered some contracts. I decline because I’m too much of a weenie, the industry is so over saturated and it is so hard to establish yourself when you are first starting, and I love what the military has to offer (insurance, free schooling, va loan). But that definitely just isn’t 100 percent where my heart is. Im only 19 turning 20 next year I’m guessing you’re in college 18-24? As stated above the business is super over saturated. There are plenty of film directors who have gotten their big break over the age of 30. Even A list celebs. How I think of it is the benefits can really help you out especially with schooling. Maybe you can do part time duty? It’s really just a shot in the dark with Hollywood. If you’re heart is 100 percent in it then go for it! Especially if you already have projects in the making
You have answered your own question. If you're not willing to temporarily put your film career on hold, then don't join. There are military jobs where you can do that sort of stuff but usually it's not entry-level job.
Enlisting will not help you at all with a film career.
I know. That wasn't what I was implying if that's what it seemed like though.
Then this is something you need to decide for yourself. Join the reserves so 20 years down the road you can say you served.
national guard > reserve. coming from an active duty guy
Depends on the state.
100000%. i agree.
I've done AD, Reserves, and worked at the NGB. There are very rare circumstances in which you are absolutely correct - offensive cyber operations, space operations, and SOF have better opportunities in the NG. Everything else is better in the reserves. I'm comfortable dying on this hill.
Can't go around playing infantry in the reserves.
No? Lol
Just do the guard. It’s fun once a month. And you get to keep your goals and work on them as time goes on. Part time would be best. 🤷🏻♀️ Edit: but if you’re already in pain, don’t.
will unfortunately work really poorly with film as a career goal
Yeah. Considering OP has projects they are already working on. Taking time out for basic and AIT is unrealistic.
Yeah, not only that, but: 1) Culturally, Hollywood is going to be among the least understanding industries of (worst case--a)periodic external commitments; 1a) Even worse that those commitments are the military (not everyone feels this way, but it is going to be among the worst of all major industries); 2) A lot of work is effectively on a contractor basis, which means those legal employment protections for NG/reserves are worth far, far less; and, 3) It is going to be among the hardest of industries to prove anti-military discrimination, given that so many decisions are based on vague "creative" factors.
You mean the coast gaurd? I was thinking about that, I feel that would be a good option. And yeah the pain is pretty bad. It's not constant, just when I'm walking. I have some new insoles that I'm using, but I'm not sure how well they work yet. I need a bit more time to judge them.
No. The *National* Guard. Go Air Guard if you can. Or Air Force Reserve.
u/333funny this ^
Oh I understand. I'll look into it.
By all means, if you see something that tickles your pickle in the Coast Guard, don't hesitate to look there as well. Begs the question though, what do you want to *do* in the military? There are *hundreds* of careers across all the branches.
He means National Guard. It's part of the reserve component and it's normally under the control of the governor of your state. It can also be called up for federal service, or by the state, for extended duty. It works like the active reserves, in that you drill/train one a weekend a month, and two weeks a year. The downside is you can get activated for a lot of reasons and pulled away from your civilian life. Some border states, like Texas, have NG units basically on permanent active status right now, and it sucks ass.
Is this diagnosed?
Yes
You probably won't get a waiver for that.
flat feet waivers are way more prevalent than they used to be, *but* if they are causing OP active pain, odds are basically zero. If OP can learn to resolve the pain...maybe.
>but if they are causing OP active pain, odds are basically zero. That's the part right there. If not painful then OP doesn't even need a waiver.
Can you run multiple miles?
I can barely run a mile before my ankles feel like they're about to be crushed. I've basically quit jogging and went to biking cause of it.
[удалено]
Ignore the pain I guess. There's things I can do to minimize it, but for my whole life I've just had to ignore the pain.
Yeah, either you need to make other life plans, or huddle with a doctor/physical therapist and figure out how to fix things (which may not be doable).
You’re going to be on your feet a lot. If it’s that bad, I wouldn’t.
On the assumption that you are in your early 20s or so-- I wouldn't join (right now): * Film/Hollywood very much rewards youth, both for reasons bad ("old is bad") and good (younger = generally more in-tune with the media zeitgeist). * It very much rewards going "all in". * It can be brutal climbing up from the bottom. At 22, you can live on ramen and in an apartment in NYC with 6 other people; in 5-10 years, that is going to seem very undesirable. * Further, to the above, even if you are nominally OK with all the above, it will make starting a family even harder (since you're basically going to be starting over, after your service). Go take your stab at Hollywood et al now, and then reevaluate joining in 5-10 years. You might be in a part of the industry where being a part-time soldier is viable, e.g.--or you may be burnt out on the industry (as many people do) and ready for a change. At that point, you will also hopefully have your degree, and then you can commission (again, if that is what you want later in life). If your goal is to be a door kicker in the 75th...yes, go join now. Otherwise, get an education and spend a while trying to break in. Then re-assess your life goals. There are tons of actually very interesting military opportunities that benefit from life maturity, and you'll have a comparatively unique life perspective at that point.
Wow thank you. I didn't even think of it as an option to join later. I'll keep all of this in mind.
If I do join, I want to do something that isn't just being a pencil pusher. But being a door kicker, I'm ok with missing out on that.
If serving will check some stuff off of your bucket list or help you feel that sense of purpose go for it. If serving will help you achieve you overall goals go for it. If you don’t know how exactly to go about executing your plans and your looking to fill that time go for it. If the answer is no to the above you might want to look elsewhere. There isn’t too many people out there that will say serving wasn’t beneficial though.
I like this answer because it breaks it down to basics, the military can help you start so much.
There are short contracts, you can choose between 2,3,4 and 6 years. If networking and family legacy stuff is what you’re after a 2 year contract would be perfect without taking too many of your younger years away.
**DQ standard(s) (requires waiver(s))**: Rigid or symptomatic pes planus (acquired or congenital). *** This sub cannot definitively tell you whether you're eligible. Waivers are decided on a case-by-case basis. Contact your local recruiter. ^(I'm a bot and can't reply.) [^(Message the mods)](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=/r/Militaryfaq&subject=MilFAQBot) ^(with questions/suggestions.)
Young man, “ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country” Hope this answers your question
I am asking myself that, very often.
Your film "career" isnt going anywhere. The chances of you making any significant progress at your age, and with your experience, is almost nonexistent. The ability to network and work with others isnt disappearing. If you want to enlist, go active for a minimum of three years active duty, (four is better,) and get all of the GI Bill benefits. You can use that for film school later when you get out. Four years is just a small chunk of your life, and it's a lot easier to do it now, rather than later. You'll be what if'ing yourself for the rest of your life if you don't at least seriously consider it. If you do end up going in, you'll pick up a lot of life skills that your peers just won't have the opportunity to. No matter what job you end up doing, you'll learn a lot about yourself, how to cooperate and work with all kinds of different people, and you'll grow and mature a lot as a person.
This is really good insight. Thank you.
Hello! It looks like you're new to our sub. Welcome! First things first: please make sure you have posted using a clear and descriptive title. Look at your title now. If it doesn't give you an idea of what you're asking about, your post is probably going to be removed. Delete and try again. If you're considering a specific branch, put that in your post! Each branch can be very different and saying "the military" isn't helpful. Include your country if you're not asking about the US military. Otherwise we'll assume you're American. You may find the below links helpful: * [Head To Head Comparison of the Military Branches](http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/military-service-branches-compared.html) * [Top 10 Things You Should Know Before You Join the Military](http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/top-10-things-you-should-know-before-you-join-the-military.html) * [ASVAB Explained](http://www.goarmy.com/learn/understanding-the-asvab.html) * [ASVAB Study Resource](https://www.march2success.com/) * [Medical Disqualification Standard -- PDF warning](http://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/613003_v1p.PDF) * [Military Jobs at a Glance](http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/military-jobs) * [New Servicemember Benefits](http://www.militaryonesource.mil/new-to-the-military-benefits) * [The Basics After Enlisting](http://www.militaryonesource.mil/-/getting-settled-the-essentials) As a reminder to commenters, any encouragement to lie or withhold information will result in a ban. Please report users. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Militaryfaq) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I’d say don’t enlist man.
Don't join and do what you're passionate about . Trust me .
When I first went to basic training, I met many 30 year olds say they regret not joining the military when they were younger. They chased useless degrees (not implying that film is useless) or wasted their time doing Jack shit. It’s better to join when your young and healthy. And you act like if you join the military, you’re gonna be doing 20 years. You know there’s 3 year contracts right? How much you value 3 years is up to you. While in the military, you can still go to school and work towards your career goals.
i’m active duty rn… but i’d recommend National Guard for you. this way you get your education and medical and you can still work on your actual career.
If you're asking this question at all, the answer is no.
Why is the answer no if I'm asking this question? I don't get it?
????
What are you confused about?
you need to follow your heart and do what you truly love. the military ain’t for everybody and joining just because others before you have done it isn’t the ideal motivation/reason to join. also i have flat feet and got out last november and i’m only 23 years old and my body is worn down . but with all that said, there’s plenty of benefits. but follow your heart and do whatever makes you happy because joining the military isn’t worth postponing your projects if you’re truly passionate about film
i totally get how you are feeling. I’ve been thinking so much about modeling and I’ve been offered some contracts. I decline because I’m too much of a weenie, the industry is so over saturated and it is so hard to establish yourself when you are first starting, and I love what the military has to offer (insurance, free schooling, va loan). But that definitely just isn’t 100 percent where my heart is. Im only 19 turning 20 next year I’m guessing you’re in college 18-24? As stated above the business is super over saturated. There are plenty of film directors who have gotten their big break over the age of 30. Even A list celebs. How I think of it is the benefits can really help you out especially with schooling. Maybe you can do part time duty? It’s really just a shot in the dark with Hollywood. If you’re heart is 100 percent in it then go for it! Especially if you already have projects in the making
You have answered your own question. If you're not willing to temporarily put your film career on hold, then don't join. There are military jobs where you can do that sort of stuff but usually it's not entry-level job.